Dharamsala is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, famed for its large Tibetan community centered around the activities of the Dalai Lama. The heart of the Tibetan community of Dharamshala is the settlement of McLeodGanj, which runs along a ridge overlooking the town of Dharamshala proper. McLeodGanj is a small but bustling international centre which blends flavours of Lhasa with elements of a modern Euro-American town in the setting of an Indian shepherds’ village.

Popular places to visit in Dharamshala:

Tsuglagkhang Complex

Located on the Temple Road, the Tsuglagkhang Complex is a religious center and one of the important points of interest in Dharamshala. It was built when His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited India for the first time in 1959. The complex is one of the most important places to see in Dharamshala and comprises of Dalai Lama’s abode and monastery.

Namgyal Monastery

As a major learning center, Namgyal Monastery in McLeodganj is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Dharamshala. With almost 200 monks, the famous monastery is the largest Tibetan temple outside the geographical boundary of Tibet. This monastery looks vibrant and pulls crowd round the year. The prayer wheels, the décor, the Tibetan-style architecture, and overall color scheme is visually appealing and mesmerizing.

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

Located at a height of 1,457 m. amidst the Dhauladhar mountain range in Kangra valley, it is one of the highest sports grounds in the world. Operated under the auspices of HPCA, the Cricket Stadium often serves as the practice ground for the Indian Cricket Team, Himachal Pradesh state-level cricket team, as well as Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kings XI Punjab. With a view comparable to the Adelaide Oval or Newlands, The stadium is open for tourists even when no matches are scheduled. The main stand is built with Tibetan architectural style. Operated under the auspices of HPCA, the Cricket Stadium often serves as the practice ground for the Indian Cricket Team, Himachal Pradesh state-level cricket team, as well as Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kings XI Punjab. With a view comparable to the Adelaide Oval or Newlands, The stadium is open for tourists even when no matches are scheduled. The main stand is built with Tibetan architectural style.

Bhagsunag Falls

These are located a further 2 km from McLeodganj. However, the spot remains one of the most popular places to see in Dharamshala for its breathtaking view of the Kangra valley. The 20m waterfalls can be spotted on the Triund trek route. Nearby is the Bhagsunag Temple, where Hindu pilgrims throng to pay homage to Lord Shiva. A freshwater spring and a slate quarry amplify the beauty of the place. A cafeteria ensures that people can stay warm with a hot beverage and delicious local food.

St John in the Wilderness Church

St John in the Wilderness Church, built in 1852, is dedicated to John the Baptist. Situated amid lush deodar forests at Forsyth Gunj, on the way from Dharamshala to McLeodganj, it is a fine example of neo-Gothic architecture, with its Belgian stained glass windows. The grave of Lord Elgin, Governor General and Viceroy of India, is located in the churchyard.