History of Dharamshala | Rakkh resort in dharamshala
Dharamshala
Just a little ahead of Dharamshala’s main market known as Kotwali Bazar, a familiar, narrow winding road leads uphill to the dreamy and beautiful town of McLeod Ganj. Little Lhasa, as it has been named by the locals, is a Himachal must-visit according to backpackers and trekking enthusiasts. Also famous as His Holiness The Dalai Lama’s residential town, McLeod Ganj is home to many different quirky cafes, funky hostels, and a tremendously gorgeous view of the majestic snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain range which is amazing for trekking and adventure activities. Perhaps, these are a few of the reasons why Dharamshala is a really big hit amongst today’s younger generation of solo travellers and backpackers. Dharamshala is also pedestrian-friendly and charmingly welcoming, and calls out to travellers across the globe. Our Resort in Palampur is located near Dharamshala. Our Resort in Palampur is the perfect place for you to stay while you enjoy Dharamshala. You can go sightseeing all around Dharamhsala during the day and relax and rejuvenate yourself at our Resort in Palampur at night.
A Tryst With History of Dharamshala Dharamshala was once a British hill resort, and its importance declined and it soon became a sleepy little hill town. Founded by the British between 1815 and 1847, Dharamshala maintained a low-profile hill town till the influx of Tibetan refugees along with the Dalai Lama in October 1959. India graciously welcomed the religious leader and offered him and his people sanctuary and a place to stay in Dharamshala. Ever since, a continuous flow of refugees has transformed the town into a beautiful miniature Tibet with Buddhist temples, schools, crafts organisations, meditation centres, library and medical centre. The upper area of McLeodganj was founded in 1848 and named after David McLeod, who was the Governor of Punjab. Today though, there is very little that remains as a reminder of the town’s British association.
Sightseeing in Dharamshala
Sightseeing in Dharamshala includes visiting museums, or marvelling at the beautiful architectural splendor of Buddhist monasteries located in the town.
The lower town of Dharamshala is completely crowded with shops, local houses, and government offices. The Museum of Kangra Art is the only exquisite and significant site to visit on the main road in Dharamshala. The exhibits over there include a collection of miniature paintings from the Kangra School, some local jewellery, excellent traditional wood carvings, and copies of some paintings by 20th century Russian artist Nicholas Roerich. The artist who had lived in Himachal Pradesh for quite some time was renowned for his vivid Himalayan mountainscapes.
A road leading up through the crowded bazaar is a steep 10 kilometers climb up to the northern edge of McLeodganj. This winding road takes nearly forty minutes by bus, or about twenty minutes by a shared taxi. The alternative is a short cut along a steep trail that leads to the southern end of McLeodganj past the present Dalai Lama’s residence.
The residence of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, is surrounded by high walls and sits on the edge of a cliff overlooking the beautiful and serene valley. Besides the Dalai Lama’s living quarters, the complex also includes many offices of the Tibetan government in exile.
It is extremely difficult to get a private audience with His Holiness The Dalai Lama and requires sending your request at least four months in advance to his secretary. But the Dalai Lama also appears in public audiences for a gathering of about 300 people, which are organised according to demand and desire. On special festive occasions, the Dalai Lama leads the Kalchakra Ceremony that is performed by Buddhist monks for universal peace and harmony throughout the region and the world.
The Dip Thekchen Choeling Monastery nearby is another interesting sight as it stands out with its golden roof amidst lovely pine forests. The monastery also offers accommodation, along with breakfast and dinner as well which is a wonderful option for solo travelers.
Going down towards Dharamshala from the southern end of McLeodganj is the complex of the Central Tibetan Administration which was set up in 1988, and this complex runs courses in Tibetan language and philosophy and houses a library and small museum.
McLeodganj is another place to visit as it has a distinctly different character, with its brightly painted buildings, Buddhist temples, prayer flags fluttering in the air and saffron monks and nuns hurrying along the streets, this place is a Buddhist heaven and a treat for the eyes.