W for Weekend tourist destinations in HP

This post is written for A to Z Challenge.

W for Weekend tourist destinations in HP

Himachal is at a very approachable distance from the plains. It is also connected by one of the best roads. So many of its hill station becomes an apt weekend destination when you can just rush away from the city life and spend a day in peace and scenic beauty,  then return for your work fresh and rejuvenated.  

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

Some of these sites are Dharamshala,  Mcleodganj and Dalhousie in Kangra and Chamba region. All these are at a distance of about 110 KM from Pathankot in Punjab and can be reached in about 2 to 3 hrs drive.  I have already discussed about the activities and places of interest in these Dharamshala,  Mcleodganj in my earlier posts. Dharamshala / Mcleodganj can also be reached in five hours drive from Chandigarh which is about 270 kms. 

Mc Leod Ganj Market

Dalhousie is about 120 km from Pathankot in Chamba. Being very close to the plains of Punjab it was established in 1854 by the Britishers in India as a summer retreat for its troops and bureaucrats. It is situated in the Dhauladhar mountain range at height of 2700 mt and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The best time to visit is in the summer, and the peak tourist season is from May to September. Scottish and Victorian architecture is prevalent in the bungalows and churches in the town. It is the gateway to the ancient Chamba Hill State (now Chamba district).

Gandhi Chowk Dalhousie

One can just relax in Dalhousie and stroll in the mall to rejuvenate or do shopping in the Sadar Bazaar. The Churches especially St. Patrick church, here are also worth spending some time. Aside one can always spend time in the following places as well.


Khajjiar : Often referred to as Mini Switzerland is worth a visit for its mesmerising scenic beauty.

Khajjiar

Dainkund Peak: is the highest mount in Dalhousie from where one can enjoy 360° view of the entire valley. The sound of the breeze passing through the trees makes a musical sound, due to which this peak has also acquired the name, the singing hill.
The top of this hill is occupied by the Indian Air Force and from there a left turn takes us to the Pholani Devi Temple. One of the most interesting facts about this temple is that, except a trident there is nothing inside the temple premises. In addition, one  can also enjoy trekking on this hill.

Kalatop and Kalatop Forest :  It is a wildlife sanctuary just 6 km from Dalhousie. The entire forest is covered with the thick foliage of deodar trees and is inhabited by Leopard, Bear, Deer, Squirrel, Barking Goral, Serow, Langur, Jackal and Himalayan Black Marten etc.The other vegetation in this sanctuary are blue pine & fir.

From Chandigarh one can also go to Kasauli and Shimla in about four hours. 

Shimla

Kasauli : is a cantonment area just 65 km from Chandigarh en route to Shimla. and can be reached in hardly 2 hrs drive from here. One can enjoy the colonial architecture of the british era or can stroll on the lower and upper mall here. Aside from this one can temples like Monkey Point,  Nihri Temple, Churches and Gurudwara.

Kasauli

Manki point is situated in 'The Air Force Station' near the Lower Mall region about 4 kilometer from the center of town. According to myth at the Ramayana while Lord Hanuman was returning from the Himalayas after acquiring "Sanjivani Booty",touched the hill by one of His foot. Therefore top of the hill is in foot shape. On starry and clear night the stunning view of Chandigarh is seen from Manki Point. Cameras And Cell phones are not permitted inside the station and need to be given at the station gate. 

Manki Point

Manali can also be reached as a weekend destination from Chandigarh. It is at about 250 km and can be reached by overnight Volvo buses.

Manali

All these location can be reached by overnight Volvo (and private tourist buses) from Delhi as well.

So plan your weekends in these hill retreats. I can bet even if you visit repeatedly there would something new to be done always. 

That's all from W. Next is X.

For other posts on Himachal written as part of A to Z Challenge : List of post on Himachal Pradesh written as part of A to Z challenge.

Aditya Sinha

For other participants in the challenge visit : A to Z Challenge

G for Government in Exile – The Tibetan Govt. & Dalai Lama in McLeod Ganj

G for Government in Exile – The Tibetan Govt. & Dalai Lama in McLeod Ganj

In Himachal at McLoed Ganj (11 Km uphill from Dharamshala) proudly is the seat of the exile govt. of Tibet. Since the visit of 14th Dalai Lama to Dharamshala in 1959, the Tibetan’s are taking refuge here after when over 80,000 Tibetans where led by their religious and temporal leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama who had fled the Chinese occupation of their country and established a refugee community at Dharamsala in India after the destruction of their culture and religion whereby all except eight of the country's 6,259 monasteries, nunneries and temples where completely destroyed.The Tibetan Parliament in – exile was thus instituted in 1960 as the highest legislative body of the Tibetan refugee community and runs its govt. from here. Today around 1.5 Lac Tibetan refugee stay in India in which more than 50% stay in Mc Loed Ganj and Dharamshala area.

Tibetan Parlieament in Exile

Picture Source http://www.tibet.vopus.org/ENGLISH/ARCHIVOS/noticias%202011/03%20-%20Dalai%20Lama%20s%20Message%20to%2014th%20Tibetan%20Parliament%20in%20Exile.htm

So when you are on a visit to Dharamshala, make sure you stay at least a day in McLoed Ganj and visit Dalai Lama residence ( also called Dalai Lama Temple) and the Tibetan Parliament situated along with it.

McLeodGanj which is also called as the Little Lhasa is at 1770 m altitude. The famous places to visit here are:

Dalai Lama Temple This historical site as stated above is an impressive monastery with larger than life images of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avaloktwshwara. 

Dalai Lama Temple

Bhagsu Nag temple : Just a Km from saat rah or main McLoedGanj 7 roads crossing is the ancient temple of Bhagsu nag. It is a popular picnic spot and the famous slate quarries are close. There is a fresh water spring in close vicinity.

Bhagsu Water Fall near Bhagsu Nag Temple

Dal Lake: On the way to Naddi approx. 11 km from Dharamsala and surrounded by deodar trees is Dal Lake which offers an enchanting and serene picnic spot.

Dal Lake 

Naddi : It is a small village situated at a height of 7,152 feet above sea level. It offers a magnificent view of the Dhauladhar mountain range in the north and the vast expanse of the lush green Kangra Valley in the south. Naddi is situated away from the hustle and bustle of McLeod Ganj and is the first place to get snow fall during the winters.

The Wilderness of St. John’s Church : St. John in the Wilderness is situated just before McLeod Ganj under the shade of deodar branches. There is also a memorial erected over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in 1863.

The main area of McLeod Ganj is just a crossing of roads leading to the different tourist spots surrounded by market and restaurants which offer a great tourist hangout and you can spend hours here enjoying the tourist euphoria.

Tomorrow  it would be H

For other posts on Himachal written as part of Ato Z Challenge : List of post on Himachal Pradesh written as part of A to Z challenge.

Aditya Sinha

For other participants in the challenge visit : A to Z Challenge