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Family Must-Do's Things to See Gourmet Treats Shopping Fiesta
Family Must-Do's
A hotspot for all kinds of tourists, Dharamsala is a good place to be out with your entire family. Nestling between snowy peaks, deodar and pine forests and lush tea gardens is always a refreshing break from the hectic city life. Located in the heart of Kangra Valley, the town holds the honor of being the seat of Dalai Lama and is home to a large number of Tibetan settlements. The town has an old world charm which makes it a favorite with tourists. Experience the livelier side of Dharamsala in its buzzing bazaars where you are sure to find something for everyone in the family. Its various temples and churches lend it an air of spirituality and makes it a place to be at with your loved ones.
 
Things to See
  • Kangra Art Museum: Kangra Art Museum houses the prized collection of the Kangra arts, crafts and artifacts that date back to the 5th century. It has within it a gallery of renowned paintings and a wide range of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items. Also out on display are the local dresses worn by local royalty, coins, jewelry and manuscripts.

  • St. John's Church: Though small in size, this church is built in perfect harmony to the deodar trees that surround it. It is built in gothic style and has high tapering windows which are decorated with stained-glass paintings of John the Baptist with Jesus. The bell tower of the church was completely destroyed in the earthquake of 1905, and was later replaced by a new bell installed in the compound of the church.

  • Mcleodganj: The arrival of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama together with thousands of refugees to Dharamshala made this place more active. A number of Tibetan settlements and religious education centres were established in Upper Dharamsala or Mcleodganj. Here, you would find the famous Tibetan institution of Norbulingka. It is spread over 7 acres and is modeled on the Dalai Lama’s summer palace. Literally meaning Jewel Park, Norbulingka houses temples, library, a college, workshops, guest houses and a café. Also on display are thangkas, which are illustrations of Tibetan Gods. It also has a department where you can place orders for a Thangka.

  • War Memorial: The War Memorial is situated at the point of entry to Dharamsala. This memorial was built in memory of those who fought valiantly for the honor and defense of the state. There is also a cafe located close to War Memorial that serves fast food and beverages.

  • Jwalamukhi Temple: This temple is at a 2-hour excursion and is dedicated to the Goddess of Light. You wouldn’t find an idol; rather a constantly burning blue flame that emanates from the rocks.

 
Gourmet Treats
There are several restaurants and cafes dotting McLeodganj, which are indicative of the fact that the place has really become a popular tourist spot. You can get virtually any kind of food, though the must-have here are the popular Tibetan dishes like thukpa (noodle soup) and momo (steamed dumplings). Khana Nirvana is a famous restaurant serving healthy Indian cuisine. Taragarh Palace is another restaurant serving Indian and local cuisines. There are a couple of other restaurants too which serve a combination of sizzlers, sukiyaki, pancakes, pizzas and spaghetti. For those with a sweet tooth, you can get different types of pastries, pies and doughnuts. Different eateries have their own specialties and so if you intend to be in Dharamsala for some time, it may be interesting to find out a restaurant which specializes in cuisine to your taste.
 
Shopping Fiesta
YIf you love shopping for the unconventional, Dharamsala is the place for you. its bazaars offer a lot of stuff rarely available else where. Pick up souvenirs including Tibetan rugs and handicraft products available at the Tibetan Handicraft Centre and TCV Handicraft Centre in McLeodganj for your family back home or for your best friends. Decorate your houses with the most unique Tibetan wood and metal craft products can also be made-to-order at the Tibetan Art Gallery. Besides these, there are various tiny shops offering Tibetan trinkets and imitations of Tibetan antique, something the female folks would love. Woven woolen for the kids are also available in wide variety and in the most trendy designs.
 
Hotels in Dharamsala
Star Hotel name Rate(Rs.)* Inclusions
Hotel Shikhar 475 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax
Hotel Valley View Crest 623 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax
  Anupam Resorts 626 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax
Cloud End Villa - A Heritage Property 937 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax
  Asia Health Resorts 1118 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax
     
 
* All the above rates are per person per night
 
 
 
 
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