Set against the magnificent backdrop of the towering Dhauladhar ranges, which rise up to more than 4000 meters, Dharamsala, which literally means The Holy Refuge, lies perched up on the high slopes in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley.

Founded in 1855, it is one of the 80 hill resorts developed in the seventeenth century by the British to beat the heat and dust of the sweltering plains.

Its Attraction

The great rock wall of Dhauladhar where wander those legendary shephardesses, the Gaddi maidens, immediately above Dharamsala rises one of the main spurs of the Himalayas, the dark, pine-covered mountain-side reaching out towards the upper peaks that soar into the regions of eternal snow.

The mountains enfold three sides of the town and the valley stretches beyond to the south. Know for its scenic-beauty amidst high pine trees, tea gardens and other timber-yielding trees vying with one another for height, calmness and serenity.

Now the seat of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, after the Chiness conquest of His country, When the Tibetan exodus began, they first went to Dalhousie but later shifted their colony to Mcleod Ganj in Upper Dharamsala . Dalhousie's loss was Dharamsala's gain.

Situated amidst beautiful surroundings, the vast slopes have been developed with flower beds, shrubs and underground electric lighting; all along are stone walks, elegant wooden benches and covered decorated shelters. To add to the beauty, there is an artificial stream flowing through and tanks filled with gleaming gold fish.