Last time I visited Dharamshala, a hill station located in northern India, was many years back on a college trip. And all the memories I could gather of that time were newly married couple jostling for space in markets, Tibetans monks roaming around, shops offering artifacts, clothes, road-side vendors selling different souvenirs and many small and big eateries bustling with tourists in McLead Ganj. After many years, when I again got a chance to visit this beautiful hill station, there was not much excitement. But who could say no to a hill station, especially a Delhi’ite?

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Our journey

Then began a one-and-half hour journey from early morning flight to the beautiful hill station, resting on the backdrop of southern Himalayan terrains. While landing, the small-plane did encounter some turbulence but it hardly bothered the passengers as they were engrossed in the beauty outside.  As far as one could see from the plane it was only snow draped mountains, brimming in golden colour where sunlight fell. The moment passengers deplaned on to a small but scenic airport of Dharamshala (Gaggal Airport), the cameras and mobiles were set to work. Unlike rushing to collect luggage fast, the people seem to be more interested in capturing the view and clicking selfies with the view. One passenger even quipped that one doesn’t have to go anywhere as the airport itself provided a beautiful view. 

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Our hotel

After leaving the airport, our first task was to look for a temporary abode, and our search ended at the beautifully located hotel, the Pavilion, just 15 kilometers from Dharamshala Airport and 12 km from the picturesque Mcleodganj. The hotel, located on a little elevation, is surrounded by deodar trees and breath-taking Dhauladhar Range Mountains. Our driver informed us that it is one of the best hotels in the region, away from the hustle and bustle of Mcleodganj. Cricketers also stay here whenever there is a match in the Dharamshala stadium. The rooms are made of wood, small but well-furnished with all major amenities like television, air conditioning and WiFi. But who cares about amenities when one is surrounded by snowy peaks, beautiful deodar and pine trees and heart-warming locals. 

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Places to see in Mcloeadganj

As our driver was running late, this gave us an opportunity and time to explore the places around our hotels. A few minutes walk landed us in a picturesque small village. The houses were small but colourful, huge green fields, surrounded by snowy and green mountains. There was a sound of water from a small stream. Our attention was broken by an incessant honking of our driver. And then started a journey to Mcleodganj. As it was getting dark, our driver suggested we visit sunset point first. It is the highest as well as quite popular spot for picture seekers. After a 20 minutes' drive we reached the sunset point, also known as Naddi, a high point. From here, one could have a view of the Dhauladhar mountain range and the lush valley of Kangra on the southern side. Other than picturesque landscapes one could also enjoy hot Maggie and coffee, offered by all the small eateries in the lane.  From there, we stopped at Dal Lake, which lies among deodar trees and located next to Tibetan Children’s village. Other than taking pictures and walking around, this place has nothing much to write about. Next day, we landed again in Mcleodganj, and visited its famous market and Dalai Lama Temple. The place came into limelight with the arrival of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, along with thousands of refugees to Dharamshala. Therefore, one could find the imprint of Tibetan culture in every nook and corner of Dharamshala. The Dalai Lama temple can be called the soul of Mcleodganj. Inside the temple is a huge gilded statue of the Buddha and monks chanting. In the city one can also visit Bhagsunag Falls, St John’s Church, and Dharamkot. 

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Time for Dharamashala

Our journey ended with a visit to the famous Kangra Devi Temple (Bajreshwari Devi temple) early in the morning in Nagarkot. It is said to be 1000 years-old and the seat of Shri Bajreshwari Devi. The temple is quite revered among the locals and known once for its legendary wealth. It was raided many times and completely destroyed in 1905 by an earthquake, but was rebuilt in 1920.  A visit to the temple turned out to be quite fruitful and refreshing: fruitful because it is one of the most revered Hindu temples and refreshing because nature looks more beautiful in the early morning.

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