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Places to Visit near Dharamshala

Also known as Little Lhasa, Mcleodganj is the official residence of the Dalai Lama, and also a very popular tourist hub. Named after a Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, this little town has immense spiritual significance. The Osho Nisagra (am Osho retreat center), the Chinmaya Tapovan (a Hindu retreat center), the Dalai Lama’s Main Temple, and Chamunda (a Hindu pilgrimage site) are all located in and around Mcleodganj.

Also known for its adventure activities, Mcleodganj serves as the basecamp for the very popular Triund Trek. Other popular attractions include the St. John in the Wilderness Church a rustic church located in the middle of a dense forest, the Bhagsu Nath Temple and waterfall, the small Dal Lake.

Apart from sightseeing, this town is also popular amongst food lovers due to its numerous cafes lined one after the other serving a wide variety of cuisines. Some of the most popular cafes include Nick’s Italian Kitchen, Illiterati, Jimmy’s Bakery and Shiva Café.

Distance from Dharamshala bus stand (ISBT): 5.2 kms

How to reach: The easiest way to reach Mcleodganj is by taking a bus to Dharamshala and then taking another one till Mcleodganj. The nearest airport to Mcleodganj is the Kangra Airport located 18 kilometers away.

Mostly known for being the second highest paragliding site in the world, Bir is also home to a Tibetan refugee settlement and notable for spiritual studies. Located in the Joginder Nagar Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Bir is one of the best places to visit near Dharamshala.

With a host of attractions, the most famous places in Bir include the Dharmalaya Institute, an eco-campus dedicated to sustainable development, ecotourism, and service. Other attractions include the Deer Park, Bir Tea Factory, Bir Tibetan Colony and the Chokling Gompa. Apart from these, there are a number of cafes in Bir popular amongst tourists.

Distance from Dharamshala bus stand (ISBT): 64 kms

How to reach: Bir is easily accessible from Dharamshala by road, and the nearest railway station to Bir is in Pathankot.

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The capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, also known as the Queen of Seven Hills, was also once the summer capital of India. Situated in the Shimla District, the city stretched to nearly 9.2 kilometers, with the highest point being the Jakhoo Hill, famous for the Jakhoo Temple with a massive Hanuman statue that is visible from almost anywhere in the city.

With its moderate summers, Shimla is one the most preferred places near Dharamshala. Major tourist attractions around the city include Shimla Ridge, Christ Church, Shali Tibba and Hatu Peak treks, Shimla- Kalka toy train and the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.

Distance from Dharamshala bus stand (ISBT): 236 kms

How to reach: The nearest airport to Shimla is the Shimla Airport itself located in Jubbarhatti, 22 kilometers away from the city. The closest international airport, and the closest railhead is Chandigarh.

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Famously called the Mini Switzerland of India, Khajjiar is known for its lush green sprawling meadows flanked by thick pine forests in its sides. Sitting on top of a small plateau, surrounded by meadows and lakes, Khajjiar is located just about an hour’s drive away from Dalhousie.

This laid back little town is known for its leisurely activities such as spending time at the lake, taking long walks through the forest, rolling down grassy slopes and horseback riding. A major tourist attraction here is the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary covered densely with deodar and fir forest. With its rich flora and fauna, this makes for a perfect spot for a picnic or short hikes.

Distance from Dharamshala bus stand (ISBT): 117 kms

How to reach: The nearest airport to Khajjiar is the Kangra Airport, while the nearest railway station is at Pathankot. Dalhousie is the nearest big city from Khajjiar, easily accessible to major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh by road.

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A major town of the Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh, Chamba is located at the banks of the confluence of the Ravi and Sal Rivers. The town is known for its large amount of temples and palaces, and for organizing two annual fairs or jatras- the Suhi Mata Mela and the Minjar Mela- lasting over several days including festivities like singing and dancing.

The most popular tourist attractions in Chamba include the Champavati Temple, Banni Mata Temple, Akhand Chandi Palace, and the Church of Scotland.

Distance from Dharamshala bus stand (ISBT): 153 kms

Distance from Dharamshala bus stand (ISBT): 13.5 kms

How to reach: There is no road till Triund. The only way to reach is by foot though the trekking trail, starting from the Galu Devi Temple in Mcleodganj.

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One of the most beautiful places to visit near Dharamshala, Palampur is famously known as the tea capital of northwest India. Surrounded by lush green pine forests, Palampur is home to numerous streams flowing from the Dhauladhar Mountains into the town. Palampur is known for some of the most upscale markets in the entire Kangra Valley, home to both international and Indian brands.

The Neugal Café is one of the most popular attractions of Palampur, offering astounding views of the Dhauladhar Ranges and the Neugal Stream. Other activities include a short hike to Birni Mata Temple, hike to Bundla Falls, and India’s first bamboo museum in the Institute of Himalayan Bio-resource Technology.

Distance from Dharamshala bus stand (ISBT): 34 kms

How to reach: Palampur has its own narrow gauge railway station and the nearest airport to Palampur is the Kangra Airport. Palampur is also well connected to major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh by road.

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