This is a hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 17 kms north- east of Kangra town. This hill station is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow capped mountains enfold three sides of the town while the valley stretches in front. The snowline is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is possible to make a day's trek to a snow-point after an early morning's start. Dharamshala is also the headquarter of the Kangra district.In 1905, tragedy struck Dharamshala when an earthquake levelled it completely. After its reconstruction, Dharamshala flourished as a quiet health resort. It is divided into two distinct parts. Lower Dharamshala has civil offices and business establishments with courts. Kotwali bazar and Upper Dharamshala comprise of places with names which bear witness to its history like McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj. Since 1960, when it became a temporary headquarter of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Dharamshala has risen to international fame as "The Little Lhasa in India". Mcleodganj is 9 km from Dharamshala. In and around Dharamshala, one can visit the Kangra Art museum at Kotwali bazar, War memorial, Kunal Pathri temple and tea gardens on way to Kunal Pathri. There is also a beautiful Cricket stadium in the city facing mighty Dhauladhar.

Languages Spoken: Hindi, Punjabi, English and Pahari are understood and spoken by the people.
Shopping centres: Kotwali Bazar, a general shopping area, and McLeod Ganj for Tibetan handicrafts.
Annual rainfall: Varies between 290 cm to 380 cm second highest rainfall in the country.
Best season: January to June; September to December. July-August is rainy season.

Triund 

Triund is situated above Mcleodganj, about 20 kms. from Dharamshala. Triund lies at the feet of the perpetually snow clad Dhauladhar at the height of 2975 m. The snow line starts at Ilaqa, 5 kms. from Triund. It is a popular picnic and trekking spot. Accommodation is available in the rest house of Forest Department, but water has to be fetched from a distance of about 2 kms. Ropeway is being installed from Dharamshala to this place. To reach Triund, one has to trek from Mcleodganj for about 9 kms. This trek passes through the Dharamkot and Rakkar villages.

Dharamkot

Dharamkot is a popular viewpoint located on the the crest of the Dharamkot hill, about 11 kms. from Dharamshala. This picnic spot offers a panoramic view of the Kangra velley, Pong Dam lakeand surrounding Dhauladhar peaks. One can reach Dharamkot by a simple trek from Bhagsu. The scenery from Dharamkot is simply breathtaking and here you can also meet the Gaddi folks.

Kareri

Kareri is a beautiful scenic spot located in the cool depths of a pine grove, about 22 kms. from Kotwali Bazar. The beautiful Kareri Lake is located just 13 km away from the spot. This lake is set amidst green meadows and Oak and pine forests, at an altitude of 3250 m. Durbasa and Kali temples are located in Kareri. 

Dal Lake

The picturesque Dal lake is a popular picnic spot situated amidst the hills and deodar trees. This lake is surrounded by the pine forests. The lake lies 11 kms. from Lower Dharamshala and connected by motorable road. It is also a starting point for excursion and trekking. Dal lake is located next to the Tibetan Children's village. A colourful annual fair is also held here in the month of September every year.

Nurpur 

Nurpur is situated about 66 kms. from Dharamshala. Nurpur is named after Nurjehan, the wife of the Mughal emperor Jehangir. It has an ancient fort and a carved Krishna temple. Today, Nurpur is known for its fine Pashmina shawls and textiles.

War Memorial

Set amidst beautiful surroundings, this War memorial is built near the entry point to Dharamshala to commemorate the memory of those who fought valiantly for the defence of the motherland.

Kunal Pathri 

Kunal Pathri is located not too far from the Kotwali bazaar, in the lap of the Dhauladhar range. A 3 kms. walk from Kotwali Bazar leads upto the rock temple of the local goddess, Kapaleshwari. Kunal Pathri is a little rock temple dedicated to the local goddess, Kapaleshwari. According to the legends, the Daksh Prajapati, the father of Sati had once organized a Yajna. But he doesn't invited Lord Shiva to this Yajna. Sati could not bear the insult to lord Shiva and in retaliation jumped into the fire of the Yajna. Lord Shiva was so shocked that he started roaming in a state of madness with the body of Sati on his back. When Lord Vishnu saw this then he used the Sudarshan Chakra to destroy Sati's body and a part of her skull is believed to have fallen here. Due to this, this place is known as Kunal pathri.

St. John's Church

The St. John's Church lies on a motorable road between McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj, 8 kms. from Lower Dharamshala. The St. John's Church has a monument dedicated to Lord Elgin, one of the 19th century viceroy of India, who was buried here in 1863 AD. The St. John's Church is a Gothic building with cobble-stones floors and stained glass windows. There is a Christian cemetery around it where various other British soldiers were buried

Air: The nearest airport at Gaggal is 14 km away after which it is accessible by road.
Rail: Pathankot is the nearest broad gauge railway terminal to Dharamshala. From Pathankot there is a narrow gauge railway line up to Kangra (94 km) and from here Dharamshala is 17 km by road.
Road: Direct and regular bus service from Delhi (520 km), Chandigarh (250 km), Jammu (210 km), Shimla (238 km), Chamba (185 km) and Manali (240 km).

Places to visit	Km	Places to visit	Km
Baijnath Shiv temple	54	Bhagsunag falls	11
Dal lake	12	Dehra Gopipur	52
Dharamkot	11	Jawalamukhi temple	54
Kareri	22	Kunal pathari	03
Masroor	42	Nurpur	01
St. John's Church	66	Trilokpur	08
Triund	41	War memorial	016