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Introduction: Dharamsala hill station, India is popularly known as the queen of the Himalayas. Some of the enchanting and mesmerizing features is its scenic beauty, calmness and serenity, the high pine tress and the tea gardens. The place has marked its existence in the world map since it has become the seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the aftermath of the Chinese conquest of his country. This has given it the name of little Lhasa of India. The town is in existence since 1852 and is more than 125 years old. Location: Dharamsala is situated in the northern most part of the state of Himachal Pradesh. The town is divided into two parts the upper and the lower separated by a difference of 457 meters between them. The mountains here enfolds three sides of the town and the valley stretches towards the southern direction. The exact location of Dharamsala lies on the spur of the Dauladhar range, the Pir Panjal region of the Outer Himalayas and the Kangra valley below it. The upper part of the country is marked by distinctive features like thick coverings of pine, Himalayan oak, rhododendron, and deodar forests. The total area of the town is spread across 28.81 square kms. The mean altitude of Dharamsala is between 1250 meters and 1982 meters from the mean sea level. How to reach: Since Dharamsala lies in the midst of the Himalayas many will think that accessing this part of the country is not that easier. However this is not exactly the case in practical. The nearest airport to Dharamsala is Gaggal only at a distance of 12 kms. However due to the unpredictable weather the schedule of the flights needs to be confirmed from the tourism office. Pathankot is the convenient rail head 90 kms away from the town and the Kangra railway station with its narrow gauge line is only 17 kms away. Other than this Dharamsala hill station, India is well connected by all weather metalled roads with Pathankot, Mandi, Kangra Palampur and the other major towns of Himachal Pradesh. Places of Interest: The upper part of the town in Dharamsala known as the McLeod Ganj has marked its existence in the tourism map of the world due to the seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Apart from that there is also a Buddhist temple exactly opposite to it along with some beautiful Tibetan Monasteries and Nunnery. This part of the town is more inhabited by the Tibetans. There is also other attractions like the war memorial, triund, Kunnal Pathri, Lord Eligin's Memorial and many other temples and picturesque spots.
Shopping: One can find a glimpse of the colorful Tibetan culture in the upper Dharamsala. There a number of Tibetan restaurants, antics and curio shops that are all worth visiting.
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