    |
Experience Dharamsala, Home of Dalai Lama in Exile , Tibetan Buddhism, Culture !
HH 14th DALAI LAMA and HH 17th KARMAPA in Dharamsala ! Enjoy your Dharamshala travel with interesting visits to Tibetan and Hindu Shrines !
Butter Lamps and the Holy Prayer Wheels of Dalai Lama Monastery The history of Dharamsala dates back more than 3,500 years. The earliest known tribe was the “Dasu Warriors”, who were later assimilated by the Aryans. In 1849, the British posted a regiment here, but this small township did not remain a military base for long ! The pine-clad hillsides continued to flourish as a romantic – health resort for the English Sahibs and Mem-Sahibs. The two main areas at that time were Mcleodganj , named after Lt. Governor of Punjab, David Mcleod and Forsythganj. Lord Elgin, Viceroy of British India liked this sleepy hamlet so much that it was his desire to be buried here at St. John's Church in the Wilderness in 1863.
After India achieved Independence in 1947, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet on his “famous” flight to freedom from his native place of birth – TIBET, under Communist occupation…came to India in 1959. In March 10, 1960 His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet along with his people came to Dharamsala and made it His Home..in effect the Tibetan Govt-in –exile. Today, thousands of Tibetan refugees have made this scenic Kangra Valley, their home. With them came the different..Tibetan flavours of Lhasa making it popularly known as the Little Lhasa of Tibet.!
KANGRA...Dharamsala, lies on the spur of the Dhauladhar Range of the Outer Himalayas of India. This beautiful range rises out to a height of 5200 metres (17,000 feet). This Spiritual Capital of the World is in the Kangra District of the Northern Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh. *The golden age of Dharamsala, Kangra was under The Maharaja Sansar Chandra Katoch, who started his glorious rule in 1775 A.D. as a minor. During his rule Maharaja Sansar Chandra defeated Saif Ali Khan and took possesion of his ancient family fortress - THE KANGRA FORT ! With this he established the old proverb.." He who holds the Fort rules the HILLS !" As one of the most powerful Pahari Rulers of the World, he established the "Chattis Karkhanas"..36 factories of Hill handicrafts, out of which was the famous Kangra Miniature Paintings. These were inspired by his love for a common Gaddi Shepherdess ! *One of the most famous and unique Ancient Hindu shrines of the World..the Jwala-Muhki Temple, is near Dharamshala in Kangra district. For centuries, The Eternal Flame coming out of the high rocks of Himalayas..has welcomed millions of Faith followers !
Dharamsala, attracts Tourists from all over the world, and is famous for enjoying Buddhist Tours, Soft Adventure Eco-treks and Health & Healing..Yoga, Meditation Holidays ! *Dharamsala : Interesting Sights in Dharamshala... There is so much to see here which can give you an interesting walk 'Down History Lanes..' The ancient 200 years old Shiva Temple in Mcleodganj, The healing energy of Dal Lake where hundred year old fishes...stay untouched ! Attain, 'Karma Credit' by feeding them and meditate in the spiritual ambience of Mother Nature and centuries old Hindu shrines. Discover the HighEnergyZones(Shakti-Peeths)manifestations of the Goddess Durga/Kaali at the historical Temples of Brajeshwari Kangra and Chamunda Devi !!
*Dharamsala Guest Comment- "In Dharamsala we enjoyed the peace, the views, the energy which touched us, after the noise of Delhi. The room, and..Tibetane le cuisinie. Speciale delicace pour le Cuisinier: deliciese omelette et merveilleus poisson de la troute!"
...Ms Pon Pascale and Sylvie Andre (Paris) Date: April 08th, 2006..Guests of Himalayan Home,Vidya Niwas.
There are many Buddhist Cultural and Health & Healing spots in Dharamsala. You can pray for PEACE at the Dalai Lama Monastery.. Attend the Vedic Teachings at Chinmaya Ashram..Visit Tibetan Tantric Monastery..Feel the magical aura of the Holy Oracle of Dalai Lama. Enjoy Tibetan cooking classes..Local Gaddi DHAMS (Village Feast), Relax yourself with refreshing nature walks among green paddy fields, unexplored tea gardens in the quiet beauty of the Hills and climb soft day treks to the Ancient Snake Temple and Snow covered Moon peak in the India Himalayas.
EDUCATING THE HEART AND MIND ! Dharamsala, has inspired the imagination and interest of the young and the old, the celebrities, the students and the individual explorers from all walks of life ! There is so much to discover...The Tibetan Artists of Norbulingka,Tibetan Astrological Charts and visit the monastery of HH Karmapa. Treat yourself and relax with Yoga, Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine and massage ! The best way to enjoy this scenic Valley is to stay in a centrally located accommodation where you can enjoy all your holiday activities in Upper and Lower Dharamshala . Some very useful Information and Travel Tips : *HEIGHT : Lower Dharamsala :1380 m and Upper Dharamsala "Mcleodganj, Naddi Village" :1800 metres. *ROADS : Most of this Valley is connected by good network of roads and by lanes. *SEASONS : Spring - February/March/April, Summer - May/June, Monsoon - July/ August, Autumn - September/October/November, Winter - December/January. *TEMPERATURE : Maximum : 30/34 degree celcius Minimum : 04/05 degree celcius. *ANNUAL RAINFALL : Varies between 200cm to 290cm. *LOCAL LANGUAGE : English, Hindi & Tibetan. *CLOTHES TO WEAR : Summer - Light cotton with light jacket, Winter : Warm woollens with heavy jackets. *MONSOON : Umbrella and rain jacket is a must. *TRANSPORT : Local taxis and Government and Private Buses are available. *CUISINE :Indian,Tibetan,Chinese,Korean,Japanese,Italian,Israeli and Continental along with Local fruit wine and cider, beer and liquors. *TELEPHONE : Country code - +91, Area code - 1892, *MONEY EXCHANGE AND TRANSFER : Local banks here can exchange travelers cheques and currency notes. ATM machines and Western Union Money transfers are available for quick money exchange or transfer. (VISA,AMEX,MASTERCARD) are valid in some places. *MEDICAL ASSISTANCE : Private clinics and the Zonal Govt.Hospital are available. *POSTAL & COURIER SERVICES : Available at Local Head Post Office. There are some private couriers also. *ACCOMODATION : Commercial Hotels and Budget Guest houses are available. *SPECIAL HOSPITALITY : Himalayan Retreats and Homes are available in Dharamsala. *ELECTRICITY : The Power Voltage here is 220-250 Volts. You do require an adaptor when you bring your personal electrical items and your Laptop/Ipod..! You can buy one locally here in the Market. *VOLUNTEERING SERVICES : There are numerous Tibetan and Local centers where you can volunteer your services in Dharamsala. *ANIMAL CARE : There are Government and Private Dog Clinics available for your pets care. You can also volunteer in the Animal Care Centers, if you are an animal lover! *EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS IN DHARAMShALA : AMBULANCE SERVICE - 222189/224888 FIRE STATION - 224992/224101 POLICE STATION - 224883/224100 On the third day of 'Losar Celebrations' the Kangra Valley looks colorful with the New Prayer Flags being replaced by the old ones ushering in the New Year with prayers to the Five Elements of Mother Earth for their blessings for Peace, Harmony & Health. **On March 04, 2008 with the start of the famous SHOTON Spring Festival..Dharamshala was alive with Tibetan Dance, Opera and Music ! **On March 06, 2008 the famous Festival of Lord 'Shiva'Ratri was celebrated with gusto and traditional fervour in Dharamshala,Shimla,Baijnath & Mandi! **On March 20/21st, 2008, 'HOLI' The Festival of Colors was celebrated in Dharamsala, India with vibrant Himalayan spring flowers adorning the beautiful green Kangra Valley !! **On April 06, 2008, 'Spring NAVRATRA PUJA'..is celebrated for nine days in all the Shakti Peeths (Energy ZONES) dedicated to Goddess 'Shakti' for Thanksgiving in Dharamshala. **On April 06, 2008, The Hindu New Year 2065 (Vikarmi Samvat 2065) was celebrated all over the Himalayan State and in particular in Dharamshala at all the 'Shakti Peeths (Energy Zones) of the Goddess Durga. **On April 07, 2008, The Annual 'Clean Dharamsala' was organised in Dharamsala town where the street's garbage disposal the cleaning of the bylanes was done by all communities, local NGOs and school kids..a eco-drive in this himalayan town. **On April 13, 2008 in this Himalayan valley celebrated the Spring 'Baisakhi Festival' with community paryres, feaast and thanksgiving by the Himalayan farmers for a good harvest !! **On April 14, 2008 the Green Valley of Kangra celebrated the 'Ram Navmi' Festival. Holy baths, Vedic Mantras and Community meals were the major highlights in Chinmaya Ashram in Dharamsala, India.
For More on Around Dharamsala...CLICK HERE !
What's happening in Dharamsala?? go to Dalai-Dharma !
" Share your Knowledge...its the way to Immortality..!!"
*His Holiness The Dalai Lama.
|
