"Two and a half millennia after the Buddha walked on earth, another walks in his foot steps." Welcome to Dharamsala, the land of Dalai Lama, a charming little town with elegant bungalows. Dharamsala enjoys the unique distinction of being the chosen home of the spiritual and temporal head of the Tibetan people. There are several places of tourist attractions in Dharamsala that are worth visiting. Dharamsala is better known as Dalai Lama's abode and Tibet's Government-in-exile after the Chinese invasion of Lhasa in October 1959. A visit to Dharamsala would be considered irreverent without a peek into the various monasteries dotting the hillsides. There are several places to visit and see around Dharamsala that make excellent weekend trip and excursion options.

Three km east of McLeod Ganj is the village of Bhagsu, or Bhagsunath an excellent weekend excursion place from Dharamsala. Its main claim to fame is the Bhagsunath Temple, a quiet temple that lies beside several pools where devout Hindus and monks congregate to bathe. Head for the murky Dal Lake that is connected to Dharamkot by a path down wooded slopes. It is the scene of an animal fair and Shaivite festival each year in September. Though Dharamsala does not have an airport or railway station of its own it is easily accessible throughout the year.

In order to make the travel tour to Dharamsala even more joyful you need to choose just the right kind of accommodation for you and your family or friends in Dharamsala. The various hotels packages in Dharamsala offer the best of facilities. Planning a religious trip to Dharamsala city or enjoying your holidays? Check out the following all-inclusive tour packages and holiday offers that will make your travel trip to Dharamsala city comfortable and enjoyable. We provide a range of tour packages and holiday offers for the city of Dharamsala that will suit your requirements and budget.

History
The annexation of Tibet by China in 1959 did not leave many options for the 14th Dalai Lama and his Buddhist government. Moreover, not many countries were willing to risk the wrath of the Communist rulers of China, a nation that was beginning to make its presence felt in the international arena. The Indian government came to their rescue, offering them asylum in Dharamsala. Of course, there are those who opine that the Tibetan refugees were of great propaganda value at a time when India and China were not the best of neighbors. Whatever the reasons, a steady stream of Tibetans has relocated here since 1960, as much to escape Chinese oppression as to bask in the presence of the man they regard as their spiritual and political leader.

Best Season, Climate, and Clothing
The colonial origin, the Tibetan influence, and the Kangra air make an invigorating cocktail with a unique blend. Dharamsala stands out amongst the other hill stations of India. It is also an archetypal getaway for the jaded city souls with thatched cottages nestling amidst thick coniferous forests. As one looks up, the green fringes merge with the snow-clad mountains and as your eyes shift downwards, the vast panorama of the Kangra valley embraces you. It is an unrestrained battle of the eye with the scenery, and one wonders how much the eyes can behold this quiet rhapsody of the nature. The winter season is the best time to view to beauty of Dharamsala. In case you are planning your Dharamsala visit in winters then heavy to very heavy woolen clothing is required. The summer months in Dharamsala from mid May to mid October are pleasant. During the summers cotton and light woolens are sufficient owing to the sunshine. You must avoid the monsoon months for traveling to Dharamsala due to the danger of landslides.

Events and Festivals
Dharamkot is the starting point for short excursions to the high plateau at Triund (2975 m), or further over the high pass up to the Chamba Valley. Visit the nearby Tushita Retreat Center, which holds meditation courses all through the year. Alternatively, head for the murky Dal Lake that is connected to Dharamkot by a path down wooded slopes. It is the scene of an animal fair and Shaivite festival each year in September.

How to reach

• Bus
  From Delhi, the easiest way to get directly to Mcleod Ganj is by overnight bus. We recommend using a bus service that operates from the Tibetan Colony in Delhi so you will be delivered directly to Mcleod Ganj. Other government-owned buses usually stop at Dharamsala, and another local bus must be taken to Mcleod Ganj (about a half hour ride). Ask about our Reception and Orientation service to take all the hassle out of your travel!
• Plane
  There is an airport about eighteen kilometers from lower Dharamsala connecting to Delhi, Kullu, and Shimla. Indian Airlines operates a service from Delhi about 3 times a week.
• Train
  From Delhi, you can take a 12-hour train to Pathankot and either catch a 4-hour bus to Dharamsala. Then a local bus can be taken for the half-hour journey to Mcleod Ganj.