PALAMPUR

DHARAMSHALA
The High snow clad Dhauladhar ranges form a magnificent backdrop to the hill resort of Dharamsala. This is the principal township of Kangra district and overlooks wide spread of the plains. With dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings and the nearby snowline, Dharamsala has everything for a perfect holiday. It is full of life and yet peaceful. The headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama are at upper Dharamsala. Covering a wide area in the form of twin settlement, lower Dharamsala (1380m) is a busy commercial centre. While upper Dharamsala (1830m) with the suburbs of Mcleodganj and Forsytheganj, retains a British flavor and colonial lifestyle. The charming church of St. John in the wilderness is situated here and this is the final resting place of Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy of India during the 19th century. There is also a large Tibetan community who have made this place their home. Numerous ancient temples like Jwalamukhi, Brijeshwari and Chamunda lie on the plains below Dharamsala.



ACCESS : Dharamsala can be approached by air from Delhi. The nearest airport is at Gaggal, 13 km away. Pathankot, the nearest broad gauge railway station is 85 km away and the toy train station is 17 km at Kangra. Taxis and Buses for Dharamsala are available at both places. From Pathankot the drive takes about three hours or you can drive from Delhi (526 km) via Chandigarh, Kiratpur and Bilaspur and takes 12 hours. From Delhi and Shimla luxury buses ply to Dharamsala. HPTDC operates a regular Luxury coach from Delhi to Dharamsala.



CLIMATE : 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.



PLACES OF INTEREST



The variety Dharamsala offers for sightseeing ranges from temples, churches and monasteries to museums, ancient towns and places of natural beauty. Every season and every spot has its own special offering.

KANGRA ART MUSEUM, KOTWALI BAZAR : This treasure trove of the Kangra Valley displays arts, crafts and rich past, artifacts that date back to the 5th century. It includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature painting and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items. Shamianas and dresses used by local royalty, old carved doors, jails, lintels and pandals are also on display Coins, jewelry and manuscripts are included. A section houses the work of contemporary artists, sculptures and photographers.

WAR MEMORIAL : At there start of town, landscaped lawns and a web of narrow paths fill a pine grove where a monument has been raised to commemorate the post independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh.

KUNAL PATHRI : A 3 km level walk from the Kotwali Bazaar leads up to this rock temple.

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH : 8 km from Dharamsala, between Forsythganj and Mcleodganj is the charming church of St. John in the Wilderness. Under the shade of deodar branches, a memorial has been erected over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in 1863. There is a well tended old graveyard on these grassy sloped.

MCLEODGANJ : Often called the Little Lhasa, at 1770m is the residence of His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. The Tibetan Government in exile has been head quartered here for over three decades. The impressive monastery has larger than life images of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avaloktwshwara. The large Tibetan community and the presence of traditional architectural designs drawn from Tibet have enhanced the area. Tibetian handicrafts and garments are available on sale every Sunday. The Tibetian Institute of Performing Arts is just a km away and organises a ten day festival from the second Saturday of April.

DAL LAKE : 11 km from Dharamsala and surrounded by deodar trees this is an enchanting and serene picnic spot.

BHAGSUNATH : Close to fresh springs, this ancient temple is 11 km from Dharamsala. It is a popular picnic spot and the famous slate quarries are close by.

CHINMAYA TAPOVAN : 10 km from Dharamsala on the banks of the rivulet Bindusaras, is an ashram complex established by the late Swami Chinmayananda, a noted exponent of the Gita. The complex includes a 9 meter high image of Lord Hanuman, a magnificent Rama Temple, a meditation hall, a school, and a health and recreation centre.

NURPUR : 66km from Dharamsala and 26 km from Pathankot, Nurpur is famous for old fort and a temple of Brijraj. Nurpur acquired its name in 1672, when Jahangir, the Mughal Emperor named it after his wife Nurjahan.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS : The temple of Jwalamukhi, Chamunda Devi and Brijeshwari Devi are other pilgrim centers close to Dharamsala. The fort of Kangra and Ma11ngarh are other attractions.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES AND SPORTS : Between May and October, the Dhauladhar ranges offer an enormous variety of trekking and rock climbing.

FISHING : The 20 km stretch of the river Beas between Nadaun and Pong Dam offers ample opportunities in angling for Mahaseer.

SHOPPING : For local handicrafts visit Kotwali Bazar, Tibetan handicrafts and carpets are available at Mcleodganj.





THE DHAULADHAR

Poised against the mighty Dhauladhar ranges, Himachal Tourism Hotel Dhauladhar offers a commanding view of the mountains and of the Pong Dam reservoir. Situated in the heart of town, it is easily accessible from all directions.

ADDRESS : The Dhauladhar, Kotwali Bazar, Dharamsala (H.P.) - 176215. Tel: (01892) 224926, 224927 Fax: 01892 - 224928 E-mail: dharamshala@hptdc.in

CLASS : Deluxe Hotel


Check availability and book The Dhauladhar


NOTE : During May, June & October all rooms will be sold on Modified American Plan (MAP) by adding Rs. 350/- per room per day on double occupancy on the mentioned tariff.


FACILITIES :

•Luxury suites have fire place, separate sitting and dressing room, balcony
•Rooms are airy, spacious, well furnished with attached baths and running hot & cold water.
•Satellite Television, Billiards room.
•Room Service, Laundry and Dry Cleaning.
•Parking within premises. Safety deposit. Doctor on call.
•Conference facility for 60 persons.
•Bar & Restaurant serving Indian, Chinese, Continental and Himachali cuisine.
•Open air restaurant in lawn, overlooks the valley.
•MasterCard / Visa credit cards accepted
•Tariff on MAP in May, June and October and on CP during rest of the year






THE BHAGSU

Started in October 1978, Himachal Tourism's Bhagsu Hotel is located near the residence of His Holiness, The Dalai Lama and the Namgyal Monastery at Mcleodganj, 7 km uphill from Dharamsala. The hotel is named after the famous temple of Bhagsunath. Sprawled over wide area with lush green deodar trees, spacious lawns and backdrop of the majestic Dhauladhar mountains, Hotel Bhagsu presents nature at its very best.

ADDRESS : The Bhagsu, Mcleodganj, Dharamsala (H.P.) - 176219. Tel: (01892) - 221091, 221092 E-mail: dharamshala@hptdc.in

CLASS : Deluxe Hotel


Check availability and book The Bhagsu


NOTE : During May, June & October all rooms will be sold on Modified American Plan (MAP) by adding Rs. 350/- per room per day on double occupancy on the mentioned tariff.


FACILITIES :

•All rooms have wall to wall carpeting and are airy, well furnished with attached baths and running hot & cold water. Room heaters provided
•Beer Bar & Restaurant serving Indian, Continental and Himachali cuisine
•Room service, Laundry and Dry Cleaning available
•Parking within premises, Doctor on call, Satellite Television
•Conference facility for 30 persons. Children's Park
•MasterCard / Visa credit cards accepted
•Tariff on MAP in May, June and October and on CP during rest of the year






THE CLUB HOUSE

Located in Mcleodganj, The Club House is most conveniently located in the vicinity of His Holiness the Dalali Lama's residence. Club House is ideally suited for those out to visit Tibetian monasteries and their cultural fervour in the neighborhood. It offers a panoramic view of the Kangra Valley stretching out into the horizon.

ADDRESS : The Club House, Mcleodganj, Dharamsala (H.P.) - 176219. Tel: (01892) - 220834 E-mail: dharamshala@hptdc.in

CLASS : Deluxe Hotel


Check availability and book TheClub House


NOTE : During May, June & October all rooms will be sold on Modified American Plan (MAP) by adding Rs. 350/- per room per day on double occupancy on the mentioned tariff.


FACILITIES :

•Rooms are well furnished with attached baths and running hot & cold water.
•Restaurant Room service, Laundry and Dry Cleaning available.
•Parking within premises, Doctor on call.
•Conference Hall, Table Tennis, Billiard room.
•Satellite Television.
•Tariff on MAP in May, June and October and on CP during rest of the year






THE KASHMIR HOUSE

Built in 1935 by Lala Amar Nath Sood, The Kashmir House was purchased by then Maharaja of J&K Sh. Hari Singh. Later the Raja sold this beautiful house to the Punjab Govt. The Kashmir House was later handed over to HPTDC to run as a deluxe hotel by the State Govt. It has a truly regal setting with a spectacular view.

ADDRESS : The Kashmir House, Dharamsala (H.P.)-176215. Tel: (01892) - 222977 E-mail: dharamshala@hptdc.in

CLASS : Deluxe Hotel


Check availability and book The Kashmir House

FACILITIES :

•Rooms are airy, decently furnished with attached baths and running hot & cold water.
•Satellite Television
•Restaurant, Room service.
•Parking within premises. Doctor on call.






THE KUNAL

Close to the Bus Station, The Kunal is a Deluxe hotel. It provides decent accommodation at affordable prices.

ADDRESS : The Kunal, Dharamsala (H.P.) - 176215. Tel: (01892) - 223163 E-mail: dharamshala@hptdc.in

CLASS : Deluxe Hotel


Check availability and book The Kunal

FACILITIES :

•Airy and well furnished rooms. Attached baths with running hot & cold water.
•Parking within premises.
•Restaurant, Room service, Satellite Television.





PALAMPUR
In local parlance, the word for lot of water is "pulum". This is what has given Palampur (1249 m) its name and its water has given the valley so much of its character. Countless streams criss-cross the landscape and in their intricate mesh, hold tea gardens and rice fields. The town came into being when tea plantation was introduced in the 19th century and Palampur became a focus for the planters. Kangra tea, with its center at Palampur, has been internationally acclaimed since then.

To further bless the area with remarkable natural beauty, the Dhauladhar ranges rise dramatically just beyond Palampur. The town itself has interesting colonial architecture and the area around is richly garnished with historical temples and forts and scores of picturesque hamlets.



ACCESS : The airport is at Gaggal (Kangra) 37 km from Palampur. Nearest broad gauge railway station is at Pathankot at a distance of 115 km and the narrow gauge railway station is at Maranda, 4 km from the town. Taxis and buses are available at all places. By road Palampur is 545 km from Delhi.



CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature can get quite low and heavy woolens are required. It is warm in summer and cottons are recommended.



THE TEA BUD

The appropriately named hotel, The Tea Bud is run by Himachal Tourism at Palampur. In the finest part of town, with lush tea gardens just opposite, is the hotel. It has deodar and pine trees, the red-brick building is a heaven for those who seek solitude and privacy.

ADDRESS : Hotel Tea Bud, Palampur (H.P. )- 176061. Tel: (01894) - 231298.

CLASS : Deluxe Hotel


Check availability and book The Tea Bud

FACILITIES :

•Airy and well furnished rooms. Attached baths with running hot & cold water. Parking within premises.
•Restaurant, Room service, Satellite Television, Conference Hall.
•MasterCard / Visa credit cards accepted.
•Conference Hall
•Ayurvedic Treatments Click for Details






THE NEUGAL

Located about 2 Km from main Palampur town, The Neugal Hotel commands fascinating view of Dhauladhars. The approach to the hotel goes through beautiful tea gardens.

ADDRESS : Hotel Neugal, Palampur (H.P. )- 176061. Tel: (01894) - 233342.

CLASS : Budget Hotel


Check availability and book The Neugal
FACILITIES :

•Restaurant
•Parking




JOGINDER NAGAR
In 1925, the enterprising Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi created an elaborate hydel power scheme near the village of Sukrahatti which was then renamed Joginder Nagar (1220m) after him. After tunneling and piping the water over several kilometers from the river Uhl to Joginder Nagar, the Shanan power house was built by a team of engineers headed by Col. Batty. Later, the HP State Electricity Board added another set of turbines at nearby Bassi.

Joginder Nagar has everything for a quite and relaxing holiday and leaves options open for trekking, fishing, sightseeing, picnics and enjoyable drives in the area.



ACCESS : Joginder Nagar is the terminus of the narrow gauge rail track from Pathankot. The narrow gauge train leaves at 9.50 am from Pathankot. It is 65 km by road from Kangra an 55 km for Mandi. The nearest airports are at Gaggal (Kangra), and from the one at Bhunter near Kullu the distance is 115 km. Taxis and buses to Joginder Nagar are available at all major stations.



CLIMATE : In winter the temperature can hover just above freezing point when heavy woolens are required. During summer, the climate is mild and light woolens / cottons are recommended.



PLACES OF INTEREST



MACCHIYAL LAKE : 6 km from the Hotel Uhl is this small but enchanting lake held sacred to Machendru Devta.

BASSI POWER HOUSE : 6 km from the hotel is an attractive picnic spot.

BIR : 16 km from Joginder Nagar, this is a Tibetan settlement with a beautiful monastery.

BAIJNATH : 20 km from Joginder Nagar is this exquisite temple where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Vaidyanath - 'The Lord of Physicians'. The original temple was built in 804 A.D. Here King Ravana is said to have supplicated Lord Shiva for this boon of immortality.

JHATINGRI (2012 m) : 12 km from Joginder Nagar is this enchanting spot at top of a hill. Surrounded by thick deodar forest, the ruins of the summer palace of the Mandi rulers is located here and the vistas it unfolds are breath-taking.

BAROT : 22 km by road from Joginder Nagar, and 11 km by the Haulage trolley, Barot packs an enormous range of outdoor activities. The reservoir of the power project is located here. A trout breeding centre making it a wonderful place for angling. Across the river Uhl is the Nargu Wild Life Sanctuary home to the ghoral, Himalayan black bear and a variety of pheasants.




THE UHL

At Joginder Nagar, Himachal tourism runs the Hotel Uhl named after the river whose water have been channeled to the power house. It's large twin structure is built of finely dressed stone, and has a sprawling lawn with frontage along the highway. While the hill rises behind it, the hotel has a view of the valley below Joginder Nagar.

ADDRESS : The Uhl, Joginder Nagar (H.P.) - 176120 Tel: (01908) - 222002 E-mail: bilaspur@hptdc.in

CLASS : Deluxe Hotel


Check availability and book The Uhl

FACILITIES :

•Rooms are airy, specious with wall to wall carpeting, attached well appointed baths with running hot & cold water.
•Restaurant, Rooms Service, Satellite Television, Laundry and Dry cleaning arranged.
•Parking within premises