Top Places To Visit In Dharamshala During Summer

This scorching summer was taking a toll on me and my office buddies. So, we decided to head for Dharamshala. It is not that Dharamshala is famous for it is the house of his holiness Dalai Lama but the picturesque mountains, the snow covered pine trees, sparkling waterfalls, temples, monasteries, all make Dharamshala a must visit. The team at Himalaya Cab Dharamshala was our buddy in this journey and we must admit they did a wonderful job coming up with an exciting itinerary which was a perfect combination of fun, adventure and rejuvenation and relaxation. You can hire Dharamshala taxi services at affordable rates by booking online hassle free.



We began our journey from the Tsuglagkhang Complex  

A religious centre that was built when his Holiness the Dalai Lama visited India for the first time in 1959. It has Dalai Lama’s abode and the Namgyal monastery, an in-house bookstore, library. It was the Namgyal monastery where we found solace and peace with ourselves. House to almost 200 monks, this is one of the biggest Tibetan temple outside the periphery of Tibet. The Tibetan style architecture especially the prayer wheels enchants the visitors with its soulful ambience and visual appeal. Taxi service in Dharamshala can be booked online anytime anywhere at affordable rates.

Today, this complex houses Tibetan dance performances and public and private session of Dalai Lama. One can visit the complex from 6 AM in the morning to 7 PM in the evening with free entry for all.

Best Time to visit - all the year through

Kareri Dal Lake 

There is certain calmness all around in Dharamshala. It was the Kareri Dal lake which spell bound us with its beauty which gets further uplift by the plush green deodar trees that surround the lake. It also serves as a base camp for trekkers going for expedition on hills nearby. You can enjoy boating, a gala picnic with friends and family and for some spiritual gains, do visit the Kali- Shiva temple situated on the banks of the lake.

Best time to visit- summer months

Bhagsunag Temple and Waterfalls  

The temple is very ancient and pilgrims from all parts of the country flock the premises all through the year to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. If you plan a tour in September, you can enjoy the annual fair. When we moved upslope from the temple, we were welcomed by the milky waterfalls – the Bhagsunag waterfalls. The beauty of the sparkling cascade waterfalls is the most enchanting during the monsoons. A dip in the water refreshes up your mind and rejuvenates your soul. After a bath, we enjoyed some munchies sitting besides the waterfalls from a nearby restaurant. Himalaya Cab should get full marks for coming up with such an organised itinerary, we felt that as if we belong to Dharamshala and know about every nook and corner of the place. we booked online and got a prompt response. The tempo traveller we travelled by was hygienically maintained and the seats were comfortable with proper leg spacing.

Best time to visit: Monsoon

Gyuto Monastery

 

If you want to learn some Tantric mantras and cast some magic spell on your friends or enemies, head to the Gyuto Monastery. Well jokes’ apart, this monastery is home to Karmapa – the head of Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism and is a famous centre to enhance one’s knowledge on Buddhism, Tantric meditation and tantric rituals. This monastery is an ode to the soldiers who laid their lives fighting for the freedom of Tibet.

Do not miss on the Karmapa’s speech on every Wednesday and Saturday. This monastery is open from 8 AM to 11PM.

Kangra Fort and Museum   

As we were visiting beautiful places in Dharamshala, a curiosity to its rich heritage was but obvious. So, we headed to the Kangra Fort to take a sneak peek into the Himachal culture and tradition. It is one of the oldest forts in India and the largest in the Himalayas; it was home to the rulers of Kangra – the Katoch dynasty. Though it today lies in ruins, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Manjhi and the Banganga river.

Another interesting spot that one cannot and should not miss is the Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch Museum which is a living showcase of Kangra’s history, art and culture. In the Kangra art museum you can find the ethos of Kangra valley preserved delicately through paintings, statues, textile and fabrics, utensils, monuments, weapons and armours. Do not miss on the rare collection of coins, pottery and tribal ornaments.

Best time to visit: All through the year

Masroor Rock Cut Temple 

Well, this is where the history buffs would like to spend most of their time after the monasteries and other Buddhist sculptures. 15 Monolithic temples showcasing amalgamation of Indo Aryan architecture awaits to be explored by the art admirers, historians, painters, solo travellers and nature lovers. Intricate carvings and superb detailing on the temple walls is just awesome. This temple stands a strong testimony to the rich and glorious history of Indian art and architecture.

All through our trip, our driver from Himalaya Cab  Dharamshala was our guide and he made sure that we feel rejuvenated and relaxed all throughout. It was a great trip and well, we are hoping for some more exciting trips with Himalaya Cab Dharamshala in the near future too.