Kangra Valley
Kangra Valley
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4.5
188 reviews
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BRAHMANAND AGGARWAL
Chandigarh, India5 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Something good for the most travellers. Jwalaji for religious and cultural persons.
Kangra fort a worthwhile spot for archeology interested ones. Masroor rockcut temple is a brilliant example of Hindu temple of making a huge structure by cutting a small hillock from the top and to bottom. A masterpiece is carved out in the process. A mini ellora temple you may assume. Then plenty of jungles and mountains for the trackers are also available.
Kangra fort a worthwhile spot for archeology interested ones. Masroor rockcut temple is a brilliant example of Hindu temple of making a huge structure by cutting a small hillock from the top and to bottom. A masterpiece is carved out in the process. A mini ellora temple you may assume. Then plenty of jungles and mountains for the trackers are also available.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gita Hari
Mumbai, India376 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
One of the most stunning valleys I have visited. So peaceful and serene. Winding roads and spellbinding vistas at every turn. A riverside picnic at Neugal river was so rejuvenating. Our visit to the 12century Baidyanath Temple coincided on a Monday..feel blessed.
A visit to WAH Tea estate saw us splurge on a variety of tea to take back home.
Our stay at Araiya Palampur was a memorable trip indeed!
A visit to WAH Tea estate saw us splurge on a variety of tea to take back home.
Our stay at Araiya Palampur was a memorable trip indeed!
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ramith
Zurich, Switzerland3 contributions
The most well spent Rs.23/-. Writing a review on something so breathtaking and awesome is very difficult, one would hardly find enough words to express that great feeling. The toy train into kangra valley in the himalayas originates at Pathankot railway station in Punjab, the train is good with not much rush especially if you catch early morning train. We took 4.00 am train and we were lucky to be spectators to the morning transcending into the montains and witness the mountains change from black to blue to red to yellow when you are just sitting in the train and moving. The ride can be 8 hour long but one never feels bored with the sights of the mountains, flora, fauna and the people. We took the ride till Baijnath Paprola station for just Rs.23/- and we loved every moment of it, the joy you find when you are looking at the cold, fog and the ever beautiful mountain thats filling you eyes at every moment you look into it is plain awesome. This ride is recommended to everbody fond of mountains and natural beauty and nature's power to play with colors. The ride is long and toilets are not that great in the trains and you won't find any good food either during the journey, so you need to be ready for all that, but barring that you will not detest any moment of this ride no matter what time of the year you are boarding it.
Written 10 February 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
taotzu
Dharamsala, India447 contributions
A not-so-well-know but a must-see site is Masroor Monolith Rock temple - a group of 15 temples carved out of rock in 8th century with a pond in the foreground is a wonderful site hidden in the mountains of Kangra district, 60 kms from Dharmasala and Kangra, merely 30 kms from Kangra (Gaggal) airport.
It's a small site which is badly affected by the earthquake of 1905 but a wonderful place to visit if you can spare half a day while in Dharmasala.
This happens to be one of the three of its kind in India - the other two being very famous Ajanta cave in Maharashtra and Mammallapuran in Tamil Nadu.
It's a small site which is badly affected by the earthquake of 1905 but a wonderful place to visit if you can spare half a day while in Dharmasala.
This happens to be one of the three of its kind in India - the other two being very famous Ajanta cave in Maharashtra and Mammallapuran in Tamil Nadu.
Written 1 September 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
G A
India2,641 contributions
Apr 2011 • Couples
Most visitors to the Kangra valley restrict themselves to Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj. In fact, there is so much more that makes the Kangra District a perfect holiday destination, as we discovered to our delight in April this year.
With an airport at Gaggal, the Pathankot - Jogindernagar railway line and frequent inter city bus services, Kangra is a lot better connected than most places in Himachal.
Decent accommodation to fit all budgets is available at most places. We stayed at Barot, Jogindernagar, Dharamsala, Palampur and Bharwain.
Bound in the north by the snow clad Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, with the fertile riparian valley below, Kangra has abundant natural scenic beauty.
Easily accessible by road from the highway near Joginder Nagar via Jhatingri, are the pretty mountain villages of the Uhl valley - Barot, Multhan, Luhardi - a nature lovers paradise.
Billing is a well known paragliding site. It is also a great place for easy hikes on the mountain ridge and stunning scenery. Longer treks to the Bada Bhangal region are also possible. A road goes all the way up to Billing from Bir, which has a colourful new Tibetan monastery. There are several more monasteries at Tashijong and Sherabling.
Baijnath is a much venerated ancient Shiva temple with exquisite stone carvings. .
Palampur has its "Kangra tea" estates, military establishments and a plethora of educational institutions. Snow capped mountains loom large over the beautiful Neugal Khad [river] here. The temple of Chamunda Devi and the World War II POW camp at Yol are on the way to Dharamsala
Dharamsala is on the tourist map thanks to the Dalai Lama. Upper Dharamsala or McLeod Ganj is a food lovers paradise with a variety of good quality global cuisines available at low prices. It also has a stunning view of the Dhauladhars, especially from Naddi.
Masroor is an ancient rock cut temple complex between Lunj and Nagrota Suriyan. It is the only one of its type in north India. The Kangra Fort and Haripur Fort are also worth a visit.
The temples of Jwalaji, Naina Devi and Chintpurni attract huge numbers of visitors. There are several smaller temples of the antiquity of Baijnath, which make for an interesting stopover.
The Pong reservoir at the southern end of the district is an excellent bird watching site.
This was an introductory visit for us. We look forward to a longer visit for there is so much more waiting to be discovered in beautiful under rated Kangra.
With an airport at Gaggal, the Pathankot - Jogindernagar railway line and frequent inter city bus services, Kangra is a lot better connected than most places in Himachal.
Decent accommodation to fit all budgets is available at most places. We stayed at Barot, Jogindernagar, Dharamsala, Palampur and Bharwain.
Bound in the north by the snow clad Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, with the fertile riparian valley below, Kangra has abundant natural scenic beauty.
Easily accessible by road from the highway near Joginder Nagar via Jhatingri, are the pretty mountain villages of the Uhl valley - Barot, Multhan, Luhardi - a nature lovers paradise.
Billing is a well known paragliding site. It is also a great place for easy hikes on the mountain ridge and stunning scenery. Longer treks to the Bada Bhangal region are also possible. A road goes all the way up to Billing from Bir, which has a colourful new Tibetan monastery. There are several more monasteries at Tashijong and Sherabling.
Baijnath is a much venerated ancient Shiva temple with exquisite stone carvings. .
Palampur has its "Kangra tea" estates, military establishments and a plethora of educational institutions. Snow capped mountains loom large over the beautiful Neugal Khad [river] here. The temple of Chamunda Devi and the World War II POW camp at Yol are on the way to Dharamsala
Dharamsala is on the tourist map thanks to the Dalai Lama. Upper Dharamsala or McLeod Ganj is a food lovers paradise with a variety of good quality global cuisines available at low prices. It also has a stunning view of the Dhauladhars, especially from Naddi.
Masroor is an ancient rock cut temple complex between Lunj and Nagrota Suriyan. It is the only one of its type in north India. The Kangra Fort and Haripur Fort are also worth a visit.
The temples of Jwalaji, Naina Devi and Chintpurni attract huge numbers of visitors. There are several smaller temples of the antiquity of Baijnath, which make for an interesting stopover.
The Pong reservoir at the southern end of the district is an excellent bird watching site.
This was an introductory visit for us. We look forward to a longer visit for there is so much more waiting to be discovered in beautiful under rated Kangra.
Written 3 August 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GlobeDiaries
Bengaluru, India813 contributions
Apr 2012 • Friends
The Journey covers more than seventeen hundred and fifty kilometers of travel and covers your route and expense list for a good 4 nights/ 5 days trip to Dharamshala and Mac Leod Ganj. This fantastic rendezvous with peace and travel covers states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
It dawned on me all of a sudden and of course with the combined dilemma of all business executives that I had not traveled without any reasons and commitments for a long time. It seemed almost impossible to be able to plan a vacation of your own. Try going into Google and typing a harmless line like: ‘Holiday destinations in India’. You my friend, will be in for a surprise!!!
All you get to see is package tours; like the world forgot what is was like to travel by them! I love the tour operators, don’t get me wrong, but sometimes you just have to give people some room. The best part in every travel itinerary is a thought which says:
‘Day at Leisure!!’ This is a simple sentence which means “please do whatever you want to – we have run out of ideas!!!”
My journey began in Udaipur, the cultural capital of Rajasthan also known as the city of lakes. The total distance I had to cover to reach Dharamsala was 1729 km via road, air and then trekking. It just dawned on me that I was still stuck in office till 7 pm in the evening on the day of my departure and I had not really packed. My flight to Delhi was in the early morning from Ahmadabad (this sector is much cheaper comparatively and you might want to book an early morning or midnight flight). I took a taxi from Udaipur and moved quite late at around 12 midnight. The roads are absolutely alive at night and throughout the entire country there are roadside eateries which will dish the most aromatic edibles in a matter of minutes. The taxi cost me about 1800 INR including toll fees and I reached Ahmadabad at 3 am in the morning. The airport was exceptionally quiet apart from a huge group of Patels, evidently sending one of their sons abroad; the whole village had come to see them off!!
Ahmadabad to Delhi Sector is much more frequent and cheaper due to huge volumes of business and merchant travelers. It was not therefore surprising that I got my ticket for around 2500 INR at 7:10 in the morning. Now, the whole idea for me to take the flight was to cut on the travelling time and spend some time in Delhi catching up with some old friends, which is exactly what I did, the minute I landed. My friend was there to pick me up and we zoomed to his place for breakfast and a morning siesta considering I had not slept the whole night!!
I spent a lazy afternoon at one of my favorite hang out spots in Delhi – Café Blues in Connaught Place. This place has so many memories attached that every time I walk in, it feels home. They have an amazing decor and one of the most lavish menu spreads you can find for miles in Delhi. Try the chicken satay, the salads and the yummiest chicken biryani!! This place is ideal for a lazy brunch with some foot tapping retro classics at the background. The uniform is very attractive and you would definitely bump into an old timer who would go gaga about the place.
By the time it was 5:30 in the afternoon, we walked out of Café Blues feeling absolutely stuffed and content. I had to go from Vasant Kunj to ISBT so I decided against all odds and took a cab to ISBT by 6 pm.
ISBT in Delhi is a world in itself. If you wish to witness chaos and unity in diversity, I bet this would be the starting point. I mean there are buses from every conceivable city to this place. I was informed that my Bus was at 8 pm and the terminal was 27. Considering the huge back pack I was carrying I felt the need to move towards the terminal right away and unload. HRTC runs very comfortable buses from ISBT to Manali, Dharamshala, Shimla etc. The ticket cost me 840 INR and very soon I was seated in a comfortable luxury Air conditioned Volvo. You can never miss the buses, they are green……I mean absolutely green!!
I cannot describe the feeling I first had when I woke up in the morning. The bus was climbing its way up in the hills and it was drizzling. The temperature was around 14 degrees Celsius and I took out my jacket as the air was chilly. I reached ISBT Dharamshala at 7 am in the morning. The first glimpse of the clouded hills beyond and the colorful Tibetan flags set the mood for a vacation well chosen. We were four of us and we quickly hired a taxi to take us to Mac Leod Ganj. The trip is a short 9 kms away from Dharamshala and we met an amazing taxi guy who made the 9 kms an absolute delight. His name was Prem and perhaps the best guide as well I have met in a long time.
He dropped us off at the main Mac Leod Ganj square from where we set out on hotel hunting. July is off season as it’s rainy and you can get wonderful rooms for less than half the rate. My brother – in – law and my sister have perhaps entered the Guinness book of world records for maximum travel in the last one year. After they got married, they have undertaken 24 trips all across the country and south east Asia in the last one year. I got a very good deal from my brother-in-law’s agent who booked me into this hotel known as Him Queen. We got a suite room for 1500 INR complete with an attached balcony and bath tub!!!
The room was beautiful and the view breathe taking as we slowly settled into after a hot shower and some pancakes and eggs. I decided against sleeping and we set off towards the main square with some sturdy shoes on.
I had heard a lot about Mc llo which is right in the main market square so we decided to crash in for lunch. The place is really well done and is absolutely lively even in the afternoon. Just as we entered the first heavy showers hit McLeod Ganj. Fried momos, steamed momos, Tibetan noodles and some amazing pizzas….yes that is exactly what we gorged on! Ratings: SUPERB. The price is just about right (although) towards the higher side and from the restaurant you get the full view of the main market square and the hills beyond. They have a lovely collection of beverages and it is quite surprising to find almost all Sula varieties in this part of town. A typical meal for two with two beverages included will cost you around 600 – 800 INR.
Next on our agenda was skirting the nearby environs and following up on the next 4 days on what to do. I picked up a guide on Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj for 60 INR and got busy studying the whole place. It’s not very far, the main places of attraction and if you can plan well, you will be able to cover all these places in 1-2 days. The trekking trips to Dhauladhar, Truind and such places will be more intense and you can plan at least 5 – 7 days for these treks. There are numerous adventure agencies and they can do a fine job for you, be advised, pack light and pack right!! It’s very important and I realized it a bit too late during our trek to Bhagsunag Waterfalls and beyond.
The beauty of this place is definitely its people. Everyone is so helpful and courteous; it seems amazing that they have suffered so much in the past. We were idling in the streets and the bazaars selling Tibetan goods, clothes, artifacts well all so cheerful because these are good people by heart. I found a hair dresser and got in for a hair cut and a lovely head massage. I have to admit, this guy was good!! All my strain and sore muscles at the back was absolutely gone!! He runs a small little place known as Abdesh Hair Dressers and it is on the old temple road.
That evening we spent doing what we do best, watching movies!! It was after a long time that we were all relaxed and caught up with two new movies which had just been released and the whole world was going gaga about.
Next morning after a late breakfast, I called up Prem….our taxiwalla and he said he would take us around Dharamshala and the immediate vicinity. I had looked up the map and wanted to visit, Naddi village, Dal Lake and the Dalai Lama’s exiled government complex. He agreed and said he would meet us at the hotel in an hour’s time. If you plan to visit this place make sure you take up accommodation near market places, this is a small sleepy town and if you take up hotels in the far reaches, make sure you arrange for your own transport.
As we got out of the hotel it was pouring cats and dogs and for the first time after many years I had seen hail. Stones were lashing at us in all shapes and sizes; I have to tell you that this had turned the whole scenic view into grandeur. After a brief half an hour wait in the hotel lobby we set out in Prem’s taxi.
First we reached the Mcleod Ganj Main square and went down on the Dharamshala Road. There is a very old Nowrojee Store, which you cannot miss, take the road which goes adjacent to it if you have to go to Dharamshala. The Revered St. John’s Church was first on our itinerary and it is hardly 1 km from Mcleodganj. This place is on the way to Dharamshala and is one of the oldest churches in North India. The Church is famous for its glass paintings as well as a small cremation ground, which dates back to 1850.
Just a quick walk from the Church will lead you to the war cemetery. Now, this place is really something which will give you Goosebumps. This place has cemeteries that date back to the 1800s!! It’s spread over a huge expanse of green winding its way up and down on the hills and you can just sit back and gaze…wonder what life would have been at that very spot a hundred and fifty years back!
I can just about hear the sound of horses’ hooves in the distant dark. It’s raining heavily and the hills are roaring with winds tearing you apart. The sound of boots marching up the hill as more than a hundred men in uniform, dressed in the Queen’s red army, march their way. This caravan is followed by a man in black dressed heavily in an accentuated collar coat and rain boots. He holds a small baby in his hands and walks up to the cemetery. This is Major John Wilkes, The Officer Commanding of the Gorkha Rifles posted at Simla, His two month old baby has just died in his arms because of pneumonia. FLASHBACK TO 2009.
I RISE AND OFFER A PRAYER in my mind, yet it all seems like yesterday. This is reality and it has just stuck me that we still have to reach the earth to reach for the heavens above…dust to dust.
We then drove straight to The Dal Lake in upper Mcleodganj, towards Naddi. This place offers a magnificent view of the imposing Dhauladhar mountain range. The fog had still not cleared so we decided to stick around this place for some time in the hope of being able to see the lofty peaks. Tibet lies beyond these mountains and one has to undertake an arduous ordeal to reach the land of the first sun. As I lit up my cigarette and looked beyond a sudden gush of adrenaline forced me to undertake the journey….see what lies in the land ahead. Luckily by then the fog had cleared and the view was clearer……..it was the most picturesque site I had seen in a long time. The snow capped peaks and the mountains are a site for sore eyes.
The entire Dhauladhar range can be viewed from here at a distance and the calm of this place is absolutely fantastic. If you look up the map of Macleodganj, this area is to the absolutely north west on top and true to its beckoning this had me mesmerized.
Next on our agenda was the visit to His Holiness The Dalai Lama’s Monastery and Tibetan Government in Exile Offices, Dharamshala. The winding roads down led us to Dharamshala and soon we were approaching the complex. Far away in the distance was a distinct banner with the National Flag of Tibet……it said: TIBET..ONE NATION..ONE PEOPLE…FREE TIBET!!
The call was heart touching and it had a deep sense of pain. The main temple complex is distinct from the residence of His Holiness. The Tibet Museum, the Tibetan Dialectic Institute and the main temple beyond is magnificent. When the Chinese had invaded Tibet they destroyed a majority of the 6000 odd monasteries and destroyed their entire heritage and age old traditions. Whatever remained was stored and is still preserved in this temple complex.
The Museum is a stark reminder of the pain and the struggle that their people have gone through. Every picture and every exhibit speaks a thousand words behind those mesmerizing eyes. I collected loads of Literature on Tibet and their current international perspectives, which I’m still trying to read and understand what we can do to help.
It dawned on me all of a sudden and of course with the combined dilemma of all business executives that I had not traveled without any reasons and commitments for a long time. It seemed almost impossible to be able to plan a vacation of your own. Try going into Google and typing a harmless line like: ‘Holiday destinations in India’. You my friend, will be in for a surprise!!!
All you get to see is package tours; like the world forgot what is was like to travel by them! I love the tour operators, don’t get me wrong, but sometimes you just have to give people some room. The best part in every travel itinerary is a thought which says:
‘Day at Leisure!!’ This is a simple sentence which means “please do whatever you want to – we have run out of ideas!!!”
My journey began in Udaipur, the cultural capital of Rajasthan also known as the city of lakes. The total distance I had to cover to reach Dharamsala was 1729 km via road, air and then trekking. It just dawned on me that I was still stuck in office till 7 pm in the evening on the day of my departure and I had not really packed. My flight to Delhi was in the early morning from Ahmadabad (this sector is much cheaper comparatively and you might want to book an early morning or midnight flight). I took a taxi from Udaipur and moved quite late at around 12 midnight. The roads are absolutely alive at night and throughout the entire country there are roadside eateries which will dish the most aromatic edibles in a matter of minutes. The taxi cost me about 1800 INR including toll fees and I reached Ahmadabad at 3 am in the morning. The airport was exceptionally quiet apart from a huge group of Patels, evidently sending one of their sons abroad; the whole village had come to see them off!!
Ahmadabad to Delhi Sector is much more frequent and cheaper due to huge volumes of business and merchant travelers. It was not therefore surprising that I got my ticket for around 2500 INR at 7:10 in the morning. Now, the whole idea for me to take the flight was to cut on the travelling time and spend some time in Delhi catching up with some old friends, which is exactly what I did, the minute I landed. My friend was there to pick me up and we zoomed to his place for breakfast and a morning siesta considering I had not slept the whole night!!
I spent a lazy afternoon at one of my favorite hang out spots in Delhi – Café Blues in Connaught Place. This place has so many memories attached that every time I walk in, it feels home. They have an amazing decor and one of the most lavish menu spreads you can find for miles in Delhi. Try the chicken satay, the salads and the yummiest chicken biryani!! This place is ideal for a lazy brunch with some foot tapping retro classics at the background. The uniform is very attractive and you would definitely bump into an old timer who would go gaga about the place.
By the time it was 5:30 in the afternoon, we walked out of Café Blues feeling absolutely stuffed and content. I had to go from Vasant Kunj to ISBT so I decided against all odds and took a cab to ISBT by 6 pm.
ISBT in Delhi is a world in itself. If you wish to witness chaos and unity in diversity, I bet this would be the starting point. I mean there are buses from every conceivable city to this place. I was informed that my Bus was at 8 pm and the terminal was 27. Considering the huge back pack I was carrying I felt the need to move towards the terminal right away and unload. HRTC runs very comfortable buses from ISBT to Manali, Dharamshala, Shimla etc. The ticket cost me 840 INR and very soon I was seated in a comfortable luxury Air conditioned Volvo. You can never miss the buses, they are green……I mean absolutely green!!
I cannot describe the feeling I first had when I woke up in the morning. The bus was climbing its way up in the hills and it was drizzling. The temperature was around 14 degrees Celsius and I took out my jacket as the air was chilly. I reached ISBT Dharamshala at 7 am in the morning. The first glimpse of the clouded hills beyond and the colorful Tibetan flags set the mood for a vacation well chosen. We were four of us and we quickly hired a taxi to take us to Mac Leod Ganj. The trip is a short 9 kms away from Dharamshala and we met an amazing taxi guy who made the 9 kms an absolute delight. His name was Prem and perhaps the best guide as well I have met in a long time.
He dropped us off at the main Mac Leod Ganj square from where we set out on hotel hunting. July is off season as it’s rainy and you can get wonderful rooms for less than half the rate. My brother – in – law and my sister have perhaps entered the Guinness book of world records for maximum travel in the last one year. After they got married, they have undertaken 24 trips all across the country and south east Asia in the last one year. I got a very good deal from my brother-in-law’s agent who booked me into this hotel known as Him Queen. We got a suite room for 1500 INR complete with an attached balcony and bath tub!!!
The room was beautiful and the view breathe taking as we slowly settled into after a hot shower and some pancakes and eggs. I decided against sleeping and we set off towards the main square with some sturdy shoes on.
I had heard a lot about Mc llo which is right in the main market square so we decided to crash in for lunch. The place is really well done and is absolutely lively even in the afternoon. Just as we entered the first heavy showers hit McLeod Ganj. Fried momos, steamed momos, Tibetan noodles and some amazing pizzas….yes that is exactly what we gorged on! Ratings: SUPERB. The price is just about right (although) towards the higher side and from the restaurant you get the full view of the main market square and the hills beyond. They have a lovely collection of beverages and it is quite surprising to find almost all Sula varieties in this part of town. A typical meal for two with two beverages included will cost you around 600 – 800 INR.
Next on our agenda was skirting the nearby environs and following up on the next 4 days on what to do. I picked up a guide on Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj for 60 INR and got busy studying the whole place. It’s not very far, the main places of attraction and if you can plan well, you will be able to cover all these places in 1-2 days. The trekking trips to Dhauladhar, Truind and such places will be more intense and you can plan at least 5 – 7 days for these treks. There are numerous adventure agencies and they can do a fine job for you, be advised, pack light and pack right!! It’s very important and I realized it a bit too late during our trek to Bhagsunag Waterfalls and beyond.
The beauty of this place is definitely its people. Everyone is so helpful and courteous; it seems amazing that they have suffered so much in the past. We were idling in the streets and the bazaars selling Tibetan goods, clothes, artifacts well all so cheerful because these are good people by heart. I found a hair dresser and got in for a hair cut and a lovely head massage. I have to admit, this guy was good!! All my strain and sore muscles at the back was absolutely gone!! He runs a small little place known as Abdesh Hair Dressers and it is on the old temple road.
That evening we spent doing what we do best, watching movies!! It was after a long time that we were all relaxed and caught up with two new movies which had just been released and the whole world was going gaga about.
Next morning after a late breakfast, I called up Prem….our taxiwalla and he said he would take us around Dharamshala and the immediate vicinity. I had looked up the map and wanted to visit, Naddi village, Dal Lake and the Dalai Lama’s exiled government complex. He agreed and said he would meet us at the hotel in an hour’s time. If you plan to visit this place make sure you take up accommodation near market places, this is a small sleepy town and if you take up hotels in the far reaches, make sure you arrange for your own transport.
As we got out of the hotel it was pouring cats and dogs and for the first time after many years I had seen hail. Stones were lashing at us in all shapes and sizes; I have to tell you that this had turned the whole scenic view into grandeur. After a brief half an hour wait in the hotel lobby we set out in Prem’s taxi.
First we reached the Mcleod Ganj Main square and went down on the Dharamshala Road. There is a very old Nowrojee Store, which you cannot miss, take the road which goes adjacent to it if you have to go to Dharamshala. The Revered St. John’s Church was first on our itinerary and it is hardly 1 km from Mcleodganj. This place is on the way to Dharamshala and is one of the oldest churches in North India. The Church is famous for its glass paintings as well as a small cremation ground, which dates back to 1850.
Just a quick walk from the Church will lead you to the war cemetery. Now, this place is really something which will give you Goosebumps. This place has cemeteries that date back to the 1800s!! It’s spread over a huge expanse of green winding its way up and down on the hills and you can just sit back and gaze…wonder what life would have been at that very spot a hundred and fifty years back!
I can just about hear the sound of horses’ hooves in the distant dark. It’s raining heavily and the hills are roaring with winds tearing you apart. The sound of boots marching up the hill as more than a hundred men in uniform, dressed in the Queen’s red army, march their way. This caravan is followed by a man in black dressed heavily in an accentuated collar coat and rain boots. He holds a small baby in his hands and walks up to the cemetery. This is Major John Wilkes, The Officer Commanding of the Gorkha Rifles posted at Simla, His two month old baby has just died in his arms because of pneumonia. FLASHBACK TO 2009.
I RISE AND OFFER A PRAYER in my mind, yet it all seems like yesterday. This is reality and it has just stuck me that we still have to reach the earth to reach for the heavens above…dust to dust.
We then drove straight to The Dal Lake in upper Mcleodganj, towards Naddi. This place offers a magnificent view of the imposing Dhauladhar mountain range. The fog had still not cleared so we decided to stick around this place for some time in the hope of being able to see the lofty peaks. Tibet lies beyond these mountains and one has to undertake an arduous ordeal to reach the land of the first sun. As I lit up my cigarette and looked beyond a sudden gush of adrenaline forced me to undertake the journey….see what lies in the land ahead. Luckily by then the fog had cleared and the view was clearer……..it was the most picturesque site I had seen in a long time. The snow capped peaks and the mountains are a site for sore eyes.
The entire Dhauladhar range can be viewed from here at a distance and the calm of this place is absolutely fantastic. If you look up the map of Macleodganj, this area is to the absolutely north west on top and true to its beckoning this had me mesmerized.
Next on our agenda was the visit to His Holiness The Dalai Lama’s Monastery and Tibetan Government in Exile Offices, Dharamshala. The winding roads down led us to Dharamshala and soon we were approaching the complex. Far away in the distance was a distinct banner with the National Flag of Tibet……it said: TIBET..ONE NATION..ONE PEOPLE…FREE TIBET!!
The call was heart touching and it had a deep sense of pain. The main temple complex is distinct from the residence of His Holiness. The Tibet Museum, the Tibetan Dialectic Institute and the main temple beyond is magnificent. When the Chinese had invaded Tibet they destroyed a majority of the 6000 odd monasteries and destroyed their entire heritage and age old traditions. Whatever remained was stored and is still preserved in this temple complex.
The Museum is a stark reminder of the pain and the struggle that their people have gone through. Every picture and every exhibit speaks a thousand words behind those mesmerizing eyes. I collected loads of Literature on Tibet and their current international perspectives, which I’m still trying to read and understand what we can do to help.
Written 16 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Varun1806
Ahmedabad, India38 contributions
Sept 2014 • Friends
kangra valley is a very nice place attached to Dharamshala and palampur. A must visit place in the vicinity especially mata temple.
Written 1 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VIPIN_GOEL_TP_Impex
New Delhi, India8,248 contributions
Jan 2015 • Family
Kangra Valley is situated in Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala is the headquarters of Kangra district. Kangra Valley lies in Dhauladhar ranges of Himalayas.
Important towns in valley are Baijnath, Dharamsala, Kangra, McLeodGanj, Palampur, Joginder Nagar, Chintpurni, and Jwalamukhi are having Hindu and Bodh temples and religious places. Bir & Billing towns are for tracking & adventurous activities like paragliding etc.
Kangra Valley has narrow gauge rail which is 164 km long connecting Joginder Nagar in the valley with Pathankot in Punjab, the nearest town on broad gauge rail network. Valley has an domestic airport for small aircrafts at Gaggal, 14 Kilometres South-West of Dharamshala and around 7km from Kangra Town.
Important towns in valley are Baijnath, Dharamsala, Kangra, McLeodGanj, Palampur, Joginder Nagar, Chintpurni, and Jwalamukhi are having Hindu and Bodh temples and religious places. Bir & Billing towns are for tracking & adventurous activities like paragliding etc.
Kangra Valley has narrow gauge rail which is 164 km long connecting Joginder Nagar in the valley with Pathankot in Punjab, the nearest town on broad gauge rail network. Valley has an domestic airport for small aircrafts at Gaggal, 14 Kilometres South-West of Dharamshala and around 7km from Kangra Town.
Written 10 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
niti1970
New Delhi, India72 contributions
Apr 2012 • Family
For me , the main attraction in kangra was the Kangra fort . a bit difficult of find but not very far from kangra main city , the fort is a must do for the breathtaking view of the dauladhar ranges and the rivers flowing below and the lovely green valley. dont miss the kangra fort if you are on your way to dharamshala via road. its not too much of a detour .
Written 27 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ajit
Ingleburn, Australia321 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
We rented a car from Amritsar from Jeet Travels, excellent driver and excellent rates. Driver was a Ex. Army Personal. He showed around Dharamsala.... Will highly recommend Jeet Travels to rent a car where they didn't asked for advance, we paid after the driver bought us back to Amritsar
Written 18 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the GPS name to reach Kangra Valley. In Google Maps,
'Kangra' is on the south west of Dharamsala,
'Kangra Valley Bhagpur' is on the East of Dharamsala
'Dauladhar Ranges' is on the north of Dharamsala
I also read there is Tea plantation. On searching Tea Plantation it appears on Dharamsala itself.
Please help.
Written 26 October 2018
hii amar its 15km from dharmsala bus stand
Written 9 October 2018
Will it be hot at Kangra valley during daytime in June? Is it possible to stay at Dharamshala and cover the major tourist attractions including Dalai lama temple, Bhagsu, Naddi ( Sunset) and Tea Gardens in one day( Morning to evening)?
Written 22 May 2018
cmaravisharma
Varanasi, India
Hello, plese tell me sone best tour plan with in 2 days in himachal pradesh best places visit with family member of 11 person.we want to start it from katra vaishno devi to himachal pradesh best places visit.plese tell me approx budget also
Written 16 April 2018
How far is it from Dharamshala to Kangra valley by car? Is there a particular spot inthe Valley, for the best views of the mountain ranges?
Written 29 August 2017
Nyra
Warsaw, Poland
We are planning to visit in august first week ? Wil it be raining ? Is it a good time to visit ?
Written 29 May 2017
Hello,
We are 2 girls planning a backpacking trip in Himachal around 1st july for 15 days. its our first trip in the hills.please suggest an itenary and thing s to do .
We prefer to live a local life explore places. would prefer not so commercial places.
TIA
regards
Ashlesha
Written 8 May 2017
Backpack travel to the Hills is a fantastic idea with great courage. We are also planning in October and will be travelling by Charter Bus hence as of now can not comment. All the Best for the thought and Best wishes. I know for sure since I had been to this area 15 years back and had a very good experience dealing with people in remote area. They should be helpful since the entire area is so enlightened with the Power of Godess Durga, and no such incidence of cheating or else has been heard.
Written 29 June 2017
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