As I recently embarked on a journey to Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, the sheer magnificence of these destinations astounded me. The allure of the mountains, a gift from nature, never ceases to amaze me. It doesn’t matter how many times I visit, the mountains always cast a spell, rendering each encounter unique and captivating. My heart finds solace and fascination in the mountains, particularly in Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj.
Dharamshala: Where dreams meet reality
Named after the Hindi term for “house of prosperity,” Dharamshala stands as a year-round gem in Himachal Pradesh. While cricket enthusiasts find their haven here, the city’s charm extends to both local and global travellers. Opting for a road trip from my hometown of Jalandhar, we chose the path via Pathankot. August’s rain-drenched roads posed a challenge, but our return journey via Kangra and Hoshiarpur revealed a smoother passage. Dharamshala enjoys excellent connectivity to major cities across India, making it easily accessible for travellers. Buses, with both AC and non-AC options, serve as the primary mode of transportation. For us, a self-driven adventure from Jalandhar provided an intimate connection with the landscape and surroundings of Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj.
McLeod Ganj: A Glimpse into Mini-Tibet
Mere 7 kilometres from Dharamshala lies the captivating town of McLeod Ganj, affectionately dubbed mini-Tibet. Its historical ties to Tibetan culture, shaped during the British era, create a unique atmosphere. An exciting development is the proposed ropeway connecting Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, promising an even more enchanting journey. Arriving amidst cloudy skies added an extra layer of magic to our drive, making the experience simultaneously challenging and mesmerizing. Exploring both Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj with such immersive atmospheric effects was truly memorable.
Revealing Hidden Gems: Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj Unveiled
McLeod Ganj Main Square: A Vibrant Hub
As we ventured from Dharamshala, the McLeod Ganj main square beckoned with its vibrant energy. This bustling hub is a shopper’s paradise, boasting an array of shops and markets. Immerse yourself in Buddhist culture by browsing clothes and trinkets that celebrate its essence. While in Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, this square undoubtedly stood out as a cultural hotspot.
A Spiritual Haven: The Buddhist Temple
Just steps from the main square live the renowned Buddhist temple of McLeod Ganj. Here, we immersed ourselves in Buddhist practices and teachings. Taking a moment to sit and absorb the panoramic views from this tranquil sanctuary proved deeply rewarding, offering a spiritual respite during our adventures in Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj.
Bhagsunag Waterfall: Majestic Cascade of Nature
A leisurely half-kilometre stroll from the main square led us to the awe-inspiring Bhagsunag waterfall. The Bhagsu Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction near McLeod Ganj in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India. It’s a scenic waterfall that’s reached by a short hike from the Bhagsunag Temple. The waterfall is especially captivating during the monsoon season, when the water flow is at its peak. Many visitors come here to enjoy the natural beauty, take a refreshing dip in the pool beneath the waterfall, and relax in the serene surroundings. It’s a must-visit spot for nature enthusiasts and those looking to experience the beauty of the Himalayan region. Because of the rainy season, the waterfall was in full swing making the view really awesome. We enjoyed it and spent some time in the beautiful nature, cherishing the iconic features of Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj.
Embracing Wisdom: Dalai Lama Temple
The teachings of the esteemed Dalai Lama have woven a tapestry of Tibetan culture that envelopes McLeod Ganj. We visited this place during our last trip and spent some time there. It’s a very peaceful place to sit, meditate, and connect to nature. This experience offered insight, enlightenment, and a sense of connection. Pilgrims walk around the pedestal to pay homage and rotate the prayer wheel. I believe that by rotating the wheel; the merit is multiplied and the devotees are blessed enormously. The large hall adjacent to it accommodates thousands of people to meditate and spends a few moments of quiet. Such spiritual immersions truly enhance the experience of Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj.
Dal Lake: Serenity in Every Ripple
Despite being around 3 kilometers from McLeod Ganj, Dal Lake offered a serene retreat. The mist-shrouded waters, surrounded by Deodar trees, painted a picturesque scene. The lake, veiled in fog during the winter, became a sight of unparalleled beauty. This time in August, clouds fully covered it, but at short intervals, clouds get cleared, making Lake an awesome view. Rajni, my companion, shot a few video clips for her vlogs. The natural beauty of Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj shines through spots like Dal Lake.
St. John’s Wilderness Church: A Fog-Kissed Marvel
The St. John’s Wilderness Church, adorned in fog and soft light, exuded an aura of mystique. Its historical architecture, wrapped in a surreal ambiance, created memories that will forever be etched in my heart. St. John in the Wilderness Church is a historic Anglican church in McLeod Ganj, a suburb of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, India. We know this church for its distinctive neo-Gothic architecture and serene surroundings. It was built in 1852 and is named “In the Wilderness” because of its location in a dense forest area. The church holds significance both architecturally and historically, attracting visitors interested in its unique charm and the tranquility it offers. We spent time there and clicked a few photographs. This spot showcases how Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj excel in offering historic marvels wrapped in natural beauty.
Beyond the Ordinary: Unearth Hidden Jewels
Dharamshala extends its allure with the war memorial, tea gardens, Kunal Pathri Temple, and Kangra Art Museum. Each site, a treasure trove of experiences, beckons the curious traveler to uncover their stories. As our journey concluded, we carried back a treasure trove of memories – misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, and spiritual revelations. Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, with their harmonious blend of nature’s grandeur and cultural richness, have etched themselves as an unforgettable chapter in my travel diary. Will surely plan to go again to this beautiful destination.
If you live somewhere in Punjab, Chandigarh, Jammu, or Delhi, and you plan a trip to a hill station and have just 2 or 3 days off your work, Visiting McLeod Ganj in upper Dharamshala can be your destination. Dharamshala is in the upper reaches of Kangra Valley in the Himachal state of India. It is around 166 Km from Jalandhar, another important city in Punjab state. Distance from Chandigarh is 239 Km. It is approximately a 4-hour drive from Jalandhar if you are having your own car. After Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur is the last city in the Punjab state to touch Himachal. Hills start when you leave Hoshiarpur and enter Himachal Pradesh. The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport, located 15 km. from Dharamshala. Other airports having regular service are Jammu 200 km., Amritsar 210 km. and Chandigarh.
Explore the Scenic beauty all the way
Dharamshala offers a magnificent view of snow-capped Dhauladhar peaks. Living in Jalandhar, I often prefer my brief escapes to this place. Other nearest destinations are Dalhousie, Jammu, and even Shimla, but Dharamshala- McLeod Ganj still has better options. The entire drive from Hoshiarpur passes through Chintpurni, Kangra till Dharamshala. McLeod Ganj is full of natural breathtaking views. Kangra Valley is in the southern part of the Dhauladhar Ranges (White Mountains) of the Himalayas. it is one of the most picturesque valleys in the Himalayas. Another route is via Pathankot, which is also a wonderful drive.
Kangra Fort: An icon of the historical past
While reaching Kangra by road, you can see ‘Remains of Kangra Fort‘ on your left side. Bhuma Chand built this fort. It is located at strategic heights surrounded by Ban Ganga and Manjhi rivers. We can judge the importance of this fort from the common saying that ‘Kangra belongs to those who conquer Kangra Fort‘. Raja of Kashmir made the first attack on this fort in 470 AD. After that, there is a long list of those who made this fort their target. In the second half of the 18th century, following the decline of the Mughal empire, Raja Sansar Chand II recovered the ancient fort of his ancestors in 1789 but in 1809, he was compelled by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab to surrender this fort to him.
It remained in the hands of Sikhs till 1886 when it fell into the hands of British Rule. Kangra Fort is an attraction for tourists. There are two temples inside the fort. One is the Laxmi Narayan temple, and the other is the Adinath temple. Interestingly, this fort is the largest in the Himalayas and probably the oldest dated fort in India. At present, the fort is under the control of the ‘Archaeological Survey of India. It was badly damaged in the 1905 earthquake.
Remains of Kangra Fort. This fort is the oldest recorded fort in India and the largest in the Himalayas. It has the unique distinction of being ruled by great Hindu Kings, Muslim Invaders, Sikh Maharaja, and Christian Rulers of the British empire.
Photo clicked inside the Fort. Photo credit: Rajni Singh
McleodGanj-Land of Monasteries
Also referred to as Little Lhasa, McLeod Ganj is well known worldwide for its scenic beauty and as well for the residence of the Dalai Lama. McLeod Ganj was also known as a ghost town after the British left India in 1947, till it came into prominence after the Tibetan spiritual leader and Noble Peace Prize winner, Dalai Lama settled here with thousands of his followers in 1959.
As Dharamshala became the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in exile, headed by the Dalai Lama, it gained prominence worldwide, and prominent personalities started arriving here. McLeod Ganj emerged as a major Buddhist center. During the last three decades, The Tibetans have built many religious, cultural, and educational institutions in and around McLeod Ganj. Several monasteries and Tibetan schools came up at McLeod Ganj. With all this mix, McLeod Ganj presents a multicultural face. It has now become a sort of hippie town, with visitors and travelers from all walks of life heading to this hill station.
Tourists come from different nations and cultures. International tourists equally affect businesses. Today, this place has become an important tourist destination, with many hotels, restaurants, shops, and cafes leading to growth in tourism and commerce. Several shops are selling Tibetan art and literature stuff. McLeod Ganj is also a shopping hub. It is an excellent place to shop for a few things like shawls, woolen dresses, ornaments, statues, and unique paintings. Tibetan art and craft items are also there to shop.
Yoga and Reiki classes are also available where you can learn to relax your mind and soul. There are many Yoga learning centers and Spa Therapies that offer meditation and peace centers. These centers are some of the popular McLeodGanj tourist attractions for those who seek peace and relaxation of the soul. Relaxing Spa therapies are one of the refreshing things to do around McLeodGanj.
Tibetan Temple in McLeod Ganj
Another view of the Temple at McLeod Ganj
Tsuglag Khang or Dalai Lama Temple
Tsuglag Khang or Dalai Lama’s temple is important to visit while you are in McLeod Ganj. It is the biggest Buddhist temple outside Tibet and is located opposite the Dalai Lama’s residence. The temple is magnificent from the inside, and you rotate the prayer wheels in a monastery. The temple has statues of the bodhisattvas Shakyamuni, Avalokitesvara, and Padmasambhava. The temple is visible from a distance, covered with multi-colored prayer flags. Depending upon the time of your visit and chance, you may meet the Dalai Lama as he often comes out to be with his devotees and followers.
The Golden Buddha at the Tsuglagkhang
Take a short hike to Bhagsu Waterfalls
Bhagsunag Temple is situated around 2 km from McLeod Ganj. You may choose to go there by your vehicle or even on walking. Walking would be a better option if you want to feel a cool climate on the way. Very next to Bhagsunag temple is a waterfall, one of the major tourist attraction spots in Dharamshala, Bhagsu waterfall is an ideal recreation and picnic spot. You can sit near the water stream and enjoy natural surroundings full of amazing views. You can also take a dip in the chilly water of fall.
Waterfall at Bhagshu
McLeod Ganj is a great eating place, and the town has an abundance of restaurants, especially in the mid to upper range, that cater to tourists. You can have various dishes ranging from the local Tibetan to Chinese, Korean, Israeli, and many more. The must-try is the momos available in and around the restaurants, even in tiny carts and stalls. A few years back, during our visit to this place, we stayed in Hotel Jungle Hut on Bhagsu Road. It was a perfect hotel with good accommodations. Recently I stayed at Hotel King Castle, it was a small hotel with a homely stay. While you are in this beautiful place and you want to see all the attractions, it’s advisable to hire a local guide and even a taxi, this will save you time and avoid traffic.
View from my stay at Hotel King Castle
Shopping for Local Crafts and other items
There is a beautiful market where you can spend time if you love shopping. Although people visit McLeod Ganj as an escape from the busy life of big cities still shopping may attract you. Local Tibetan handicrafts and other decorative things can be the best bargain to make your trip a memory for many years. A few items like singing bowls, beautiful silk and satin wall hangings, carved boxes, Buddha statues, jewelry items, beautiful gems, and fabric paintings are available. Yes, the price of things is a matter of concern. You must know the art of bargain. There is an abundance of items that you will love to buy.
Most of these are handmade local creations that incorporate the unique styles and designs of Tibetan and Buddhist cultures.
The shopping experience in McLeod Ganj is worth remembering, provided you know how to bargain
Church of St John in Wilderness
Church of St John is another must-visit place while you are in McLeod Ganj. Being there, you really enjoy green nature. You will feel a beautiful blend of forest, mountains, and snow in winter, and the magic of the sun’s rays filtering through tall and green deodar trees in summer.
Side View of St John Church, McLeod Ganj
Another View of St John Church
The excellent St. John Church McLeod Ganj holds a rich history. They constructed the church using Gothic Stone, in memory of John the Baptist. The churchyard is the last resting place of Lord Elgin, who served as the Governor-General and Viceroy of India in 1861 during the British period. The church is also famous for its Belgian stained-glass windows donated by Lady Elgin, wife of Lord Elgin.
Naddi- A tiny village near the sky
‘Naddi’ is another scenic picnic spot located 5 km northwest of McLeod Ganj. It offers a spectacular view of Kangra Valley. You can trek to Kareri Lake, Triund, and Guna Devi from here. It’s a top-rated destination for nature lovers. Triund is a nice trekking spot in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, and it is around 9 km from Mcleodganj. The route to Triund from Mcleodganj goes through Dharamkot and Galu temple. The road is motorable up to Galu temple from Mcleodganj. Beyond Galu temple, the actual trek path to Triund starts. The trek route is very rocky, and one needs to be careful when walking.
View of Village Naddi. Here the majesty of the mountains was awe-inspiring.
Naddi View
The entire way up to Triund passes through a forest trail and is full of natural beauty. View of mountain peaks and forests has many things to create long-lasting impressions on your mind and soul. Triund is a beautiful mountain ridge portraying astonishing views of the snow-clad Dhauladhar Mountains in Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh.
Must explore another Dal Lake
If you are going toward Naddi, just at a distance of 2 Km from McLeod Ganj, there is an oval-shaped lake called Dal Lake. Although it is not big like the one in Srinagar, is also located beautifully and engulfed by deodar trees. There is also a Shiva shrine nearby. You can enjoy sitting there and if you like boating is also available. You can also enjoy fishing with the permission of concerned authorities. We should avoid swimming because of the possibility of snakes in the lake water.
This lake attracts tourists from all over the world because of its serenity and beautiful panoramic view. In September every year, tribal people living there celebrate a festival, so if you go around that time, you may take part in their activities. If you are staying in nearby hotels, this place is good for an early morning walk and also for spending some time relaxing in the woods near the lake.
The tribal people living in the surrounding regions of Dal Lake come to celebrate the most awaited festival in September, where several food stalls and other attractions are set up.
The roadway from Jalandhar to McLeod Ganj via Pathankot
McLeod Ganj is undoubtedly a beautiful place with natural beauty. It has everything to make your trip really memorable and wonderful. You will certainly love to be there again and again. I like this place so much that I have been there so many times. If still wondering what else lies hidden in the Himalayas around McLeod Ganj and Dharamsala, the only way out is to plan your trip at soon as possible. The other best destination you must plan to visit is Dalhousie & Khajjiar in the Chamba District of Himachal. Another beautiful place near McLeod Ganj is a beautiful and calm village, called Dharamkot. Here read more on this Place. Dharamkot, A hippie village near McLeod Ganj.
It was in the 90s when I visited this hill station for the first time. We planned a brief trip for 2-3 days, which was really wonderful. I along with my few lawyer friends, enjoyed it a lot. This tiny hill station in the Chamba district is a dream come true for any traveller who wants to rediscover what the words nature and peace mean. After so many visits in the past few years, I feel Dalhousie & Khajjiar is a land of pines and deodars and a lot of things are there that make it really a mystical land. In this write-up, I am blending all the impressions I got about this place on different occasions. My last visit to this place was a few months back with my friend. Here I am, sharing all my memories about this dreamland.
Built on and around five hills, Dalhousie is on the west of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. Natural beauty is spread in every corner of this place. At the height of 6,500 feet above sea level, long trees of pines, deodars, oaks, and flowering rhododendron surround this beautiful hill station. Awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks filling an entire horizon can be seen any time whole the year. This place perfectly combines all-natural beauties. Lush green woods, warm sunshine pleasant air, and beautiful landscapes all are here to make your trip memorable. Dalhousie is a famous destination with a pleasant climate for most of the year, making it tourist-friendly. Summers are perfect for nature walks, whereas winters are too chilly. Snowfalls usually occur during winter. Nature-loving tourists visit this hill station every year, as the land is awesomely blessed with natural beauty.
St John Church Dalhosie
St Francis Church in Dalhousie
Dalhousie, back in the British Period
Dalhousie is named after the British Governor-General of the 19th century, Lord Dalhousie. Initially, British people established this hill station in 1854 as a summer retreat for its troops and bureaucrats. This is the reason that there are lots of old building structures of that period. In colonial architecture, Dalhousie is also known for its old churches and other landmarks built in the British period. It preserves some beautiful churches. St. John’s church is the oldest one built in 1863. Among the few other churches are St. Francis, St. Andrew, and St. Patrick.
Tourist Attractions in and around Dalhousie
Panchpula
It means five bridges. It is a beautiful spot covered in a green forest with water flowing under five small bridges, making it amazing. People enjoy themselves there like a picnic spot. This place is so calm that you can have a good time relaxing your mind and soul.
Panchpulla
This place is at approx. 4 km from Dalhousie. It can be within walking distance for those who enjoy walking in the green forest. I love waking up, so I always prefer to go there walking. There is also a memorial of S Ajit Singh, uncle of Shaheed Bhagat Singh (A great freedom fighter), at this place.
It is a pleasant picnic spot, where you can spend some time with your family and friends and enjoy the loveliness of exotic waterfalls and refreshing streams. Some of these streams even contain medicinal properties that are helpful in healing skin diseases.
At a height of 2040 meters, it’s a place with Amazing greenery, a pleasant climate, and natural scenic beauty. All these attractions make this place worth spending time on.
Trekking from Panchpula to DainKund is very popular, and adventure lovers often love to explore unknown paths. The Dainkund Peak is the highest and a popular peak of Dalhousie, at an altitude of 2755 meters. The peak offers a splendid view of the valley that is a treat to watch. Everyone from adventure lovers to trekkers to photographers loves visiting this stunning destination, which is surrounded by beauty. The best time to visit this wonderful spot is in summer and monsoon, as the water gushes with full force during this season
Another view of Panchpulla
The dense forest of Kalatop
One of the major tourist destinations of Dalhousie, the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, is the gateway to Khajjiar’s beauty. Surrounded by a thick forest, Kalatop is situated 10 km from Dalhousie. It is the place near Dalhousie that has snow all year round. Long pines and deodar trees surround the entire way from Dalhousie. The name Kalatop means black cap in Hindi and refers to the thick, black forest cover on the hilltop in the sanctuary.
The other place touching Kalatop is Lakkarmandi. Lying in the depths of River Ravi, the 30.69 km animal sanctuary comprises thick deodar forests, a plethora of wildlife species, snow-capped mountains, lush grasslands, and stunning water streams. It is not only a scenic picnic spot for tourists to enjoy but also a favourite trekking place for adventure lovers. For wild and adventurous people, nerds for wildlife especially, this place is for them indeed.
The blissful solitude here makes this place an ideal choice for honeymooners. Couples can have a wonderful time without disturbance from anybody. Nature is offering all they need to be with each other. I remember my visit a few years back; this place was fully covered with snow. The road was completely covered with snow, and it was challenging to drive rather than perilously on snow-covered roads. It was a hard time, but today I still remember that we enjoyed ourselves a lot. Tourists were playing with snowballs in less risky areas. We took photographs there. I can’t forget those moments in my life ever.
Forest Rest House @ Kalatop, is a nice place to stay and enjoy nature
The wildlife sanctuary at Kalatop
The nearby wildlife sanctuary shelters a variety of wild animals. The sanctuary, spread over an area of 1962 hectares, lies in the path of the Ravi River and is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests. Jungle Safari highlights the sanctuary that almost every visitor opts for, along with families and children. The exotic wildlife sanctuary holds a great diversity of flora and fauna. The sanctuary houses wildlife like Bear, Himalayan Black Marten, Leopard, Deer, Barking Goral, Squirrel, Jackal, Langur, and many more.
You can go for tracking along the dense forest. You can walk here for hours, enjoying stretches of silence, sloping roads, and the singing of birds. While walking, you can have sips of hot tea, as there are many small tea stalls along the way. Forest has black bears, so it is better to take a guide along. The sanctuary lies in the path of the Ravi River and is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests.
View of a typical house in the area
I still remember the soothing sounds of birds. The silence of this place, with the occasional humming of unknown birds, makes this place one of the most romantic places on the earth. It was an amazing jungle walk. This place can set deep impressions on anyone’s mind. I still feel long-back memories like it is a thing of yesterday. Once you visit this place, it always keeps on calling you.
Khajjiar, mini Switzerland
Situated 13 km from Kalatop on the same road as Dalhousie, it is also known as Khajjiar as Mini Switzerland and Gulmarg of Himachal. Khajjiar is full of natural landscapes, as it is at the base of the mountain range. You can see snow-capped mountains at the top of the lush green trees of pines and deodars. Here you can view panorama views of natural beauty. Khajjiar uniquely combines three environments, grassland, and forest, all in one place. Khajjiar and its nearby places are ideal for adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering, para-gliding, and ice skating.
The best way to enjoy Khajjiar is by doing nothing and just gazing at the idyllic pastoral scenery featuring a lake, pine and cedar forests and snowcapped mountains, grazing sheep & horses. Khajji Cottage, run by Himachal Pradesh Tourism, is ideally located just opposite the main ground, where you can book your stay to watch this place at different times of the day. But we preferred a different hotel to stay in, which was in a more dense forest, as I always prefer a less crowded stay on such trips.
Natural Lake with a small wooden Bridge
In the middle of the main ground, there is a natural lake with a small wooden bridge up to the centre of the lake. Tourists stand on this bridge and enjoy watching the landscape and also clicking their photographs. There is also a horse track on the circumference of the ground. You can hire horses for horse riding. We enjoyed horse riding there.
There are different stalls selling eatables and other things. Kids can enjoy different games. Air balloons are a major attraction for kids and even grown-ups. You can also get your photograph clicked in traditional dress, and we can save those in unforgettable memories.
Khajjiar View with a natural lake in the centre
The Temple of ‘Khajji Nag’ is the principal attraction to visit while you are in Khajjiar. This temple belongs to the 12th century AD and is dedicated to snake worship, and there are some snake idols inside.
Kajji Nag Mandir
We spent the entire day in beautiful surroundings on our trip to this place, enjoying all that nature has gifted to this wonderful land, and went back to our hotel, which we preferred near Dalhousie. It was a brief trip of two days, but we enjoyed it a lot. It has the potential for longer holidays if you have more time to spare.
Zorbing in Khajjiar
An adventurous sport which is recently introduced in Khajjiar is Zorbing. It is like they pack you in a plastic ball, which rolls down in slopes. Initially started in Russia in the 1970s and later introduced as a regular sport in New Zealand in 1994 and is now used as a fun game in various places. I have seen Kids feel thrilled while enjoying it.
Other places in India where you may enjoy Zorbing at Pahalgam, Manali, Delhi and Lonawala, near Mumbai. Khajjiar, with its grassy slopes and meadows, is probably the best Zorbing destination. Rolling amidst snow-capped mountains and nature is utterly priceless and amazing.
Zorbing balls in Khajjiar
From Khajjiar, you can further travel on the same route to reach the district headquarters in Chamba. Again, many options are there for tourists. I visited this place many times. I will surely suggest visiting the beautiful Dalhousie & Khajjiar.
Visit Chamba, a beautiful place
My recent trip across Chamba took me across various tourist attractions near Dalhousie, including Kalatop, Khajjiar, and Chamera Dam on the way back from Chamba to Banikhet. Chamba itself has a lot of beautiful things to experience in this town of Himachal.
Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Chamba
Exploring temples and other things about history and spirituality is the best thing while you are in Chamba. The temples in Chamba are not only known for their religious significance but they also take you back in time with their awe-striking, ancient architecture. Laxmi Narayan Temple is a must-visit spot in Chamba.
Spend a few moments at Rang Mahal, Chamba
Rang Mahal, one of the most significant monuments, is in Chamba. You can see this building while you entering the town. It is a building designed with high fort-like walls and the architecture has an unparalleled combination of British and Mughal styles. As the legend goes, Kind Umed Singh made this palace, but later Raj Sri Singh- the king of the same dynasty, repaired the Rang Mahal. One state college partially uses the building of this Mahal. The other part is not well maintained. The government must take care of this historical monument so that we can save it for the coming generations. The old palace currently also houses an emporium, which remains open from 10 am-1 pm and 2-5 pm on all days except Sundays. The emporium sells handmade shawls, kerchiefs, chappals, etc.
One Corner of Rang Mahal, Chamba
Enjoy a boat ride at Chamera Lake
Camera Lake is a beautiful and picturesque destination located near Dalhousie, a popular hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a stunning backdrop of mountains. At a distance of 25 km from Dalhousie, the exquisite Chamera Lake is a reservoir formed by the Chamera Dam, positioned at an altitude of 1700 meters. Built over the Ravi River, the Chamera is an artificial lake, surrounded by beautiful green trees and exquisite valleys. We all had memorable moments spent there. The weather was outstanding, making it more enjoyable. I visited this beautiful spot three or four times and every time experience was wonderful.
Visitors can enjoy boating in the tranquil waters of the lake or simply sit back and relax while taking in the breathtaking views. The serene and peaceful atmosphere of Camera Lake makes it a perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate amidst nature.
The lake is also a popular spot for picnics and family gatherings, making it an ideal destination for a day trip with loved ones. Whether you’re looking to capture some stunning photographs, enjoy a peaceful boat ride, or simply soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings, Camera Lake is sure to leave you with wonderful memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Overall, Camera Lake near Dalhousie is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and tranquillity of nature in the pristine Himalayan region.
