Hotels in Dharamshala

Dharamshala is a city in northern India. It was formerly known as Bhagsu; it is the winter seat of government of the state of Himachal Pradesh and the district headquarters of the Kangra district.

This is a hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 17 kms north- east of Kangra town. This hill station is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow capped mountains enfold three sides of the town while the valley stretches in front. The snowline is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is possible to make a day's trek to a snow-point after an early morning's start. Dharamshala is also the headquarter of the Kangra district.

In 1905, tragedy struck Dharamshala when an earthquake levelled it completely. After its reconstruction, Dharamshala flourished as a quiet health resort. It is divided into two distinct parts. Lower Dharamshala has civil offices and business establishments with courts. Kotwali bazar and Upper Dharamshala comprise of places with names which bear witness to its history like McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj. Since 1960, when it became a temporary headquarter of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Dharamshala has risen to international fame as "The Little Lhasa in India". Mcleodganj is 9 km from Dharamshala.

In and around Dharamshala, one can visit the Kangra Art museum at Kotwali bazar, War memorial, Kunal Pathri temple and tea gardens on way to Kunal Pathri. There is also a beautiful Cricket stadium in the city facing mighty Dhauladhar.

Altitude :	varies between 1,250 meters to 1,650 meters.
Headquarter :	Dharamshala ( Headquarter of district Kangra )
Location :	In district Kangra, in the the heart of Dhauladhar range.
Access by Air :	Nearest airport is Gaggal airport located 15 km. from Dharamshala. Other airports having regular service are : Jammu 200 km., Amritsar 210 km. and Chandigarh 260 km.
Access by Rail :	Nearest broad gauge railhead is Pathankot 95 km. A narrow gauge railway line between Pathankot and Jogindernagar passes through Kangra, 17 km. from Dharamshala.
Access by Road :	Almost each and every part of the state is linked by roads. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation is running its buses covering the whole state. There is huge network of HRTC to cater the needs of the people.
Distance :	Chandigarh 239 km., Delhi 514 km., Nangal 145 km., Jalandhar 166 km., Hoshiarpur 128 km., Mandi 147 km., Jwalamukhi 55 km., Kullu 214 km., Manali 252 km., Chamba 192 km. and Shimla 322 km.

Climate Conditions

In winter the temperature can drop to freezing point when heavy woolens are required. During summer, the climate is mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended. 

Best time to visit

Well, everyone has preferences. So, check out to see which time of the year you would like to be in Dharamshala.

If you are a heat freak then mid-April to mid-July is the time for you to be in India and in Dharamshala. Well, as compared to the plains of Delhi, Dharamshala is much cooler but still it can get quite hot at this time.

Mid-July to September is the monsoon season. If you like singing in the heavy rain then its time for you to be in Dharamshala. 'Notorious monsoon' as I prefer to call it. It can pour cats and dogs. Dharamshala, according to Indian metrological study receives the second highiest rainfall in India after Chirapunji. Be sure to equip yourself with a good rainsuit and a strong and a big umbrella.

October to December can be rather cool and you need to be careful in the early hours and in the evenings. It can be chilly. Some light warm clothes are an ideal companion. Daytime can be warm with generous amount of sunshine and clear sky. Beautiful scenery and good weather.