State: Himachal Pradesh

Main languages- Hindi and Tibetan  

  

History:

 

The town of Dharamsala had come into existence in 1849. During this period the town had been selected as a site to accommodate a native regiment. The township had been initially formed as a subsidiary cantonment for the troops stationed at Kangra Valley.  The town is located on the slopes of Dhauladhar where an old Hindu sanctuary or 'Dharamsala' is located and the town got its name from here. Dharamsala means a rest house. The town is a municipal council in Kangra district. The town has been known for being the capital of the Central Tibetan Administration. This organisation is a Tibetan government in exile led by Tenzin Gyatso who is also the 14th and current Dalai Lama. The headquarters are located in McLeod Ganj which is also a suburb known as Upper Dharamsala or "Little Lhasa". The Dalai Lama had been protected and given shelter in this region by the Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Since then the town has been home to many Tibetan exiles.

 

Geography:

 

The town of Dharamsala is located at 32.2167° N 76.32° E and has an average elevation of 1457 meters or 4780 feet. The region covers about 29 km² of area. The town is located in the Kangra valley and is accessible from Pathankot which is 120 km away. The town is divided between the two regions of McLeod Ganj or Upper Dharamsala and the Lower Dharamsala which remains a commercial centre. 

 

Demographics:

 

As per the 2001 census of India the town of Dharamsala had a population of 19,034. The males constitute about 55% of the population and the females about 45%. The town has an average literacy rate of 77%.

 

Climate:

 

The city experiences snow and sleet during the months of December and January. In the summers the temperatures range from 22 °C to 38 °C. The winters are very cold and get thick snowfall at times. Snowfall may occur during autumn and spring also. 

 

Economy:

 

The town has various natural resources like the rich forests of Pine and Deodars. The common crops grown here are rice, wheat and tea. Tourism is a major industry here.

 

Culture:

 

The town has an influence of both Hindu and Buddhist cultures. There are various monasteries established in this region. The town has had Tibetan immigrants since the 8th century. Most of the local 'gaddi' people are now Hindus. The lord Shiva and goddess Durga are worshipped here. 

 

Tourism:

 

There are various places to see in Dharamsala like the St.John's Church, Triund,

Kunal Pathri, the brajeshwari temple, dari, khaniyara, aghanjar mahadev, the indru nag temple, the famous golf course, Kareri Lake, lam dal lake, Chinmaya Tapovan, Dal Lake, Dharamkot and various other places.

 

Transportation:

 

The city is about an hour from the Gaggal airport which is the nearest airport. There are well connected roads from Chandigarh, Delhi, Shimla etc. to Dharamsala. The nearest railway station is the Chakki Bank at Pathankot, which is 3 hours away.

 

 

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