Healing Like A Hymn

Dharamshala’s tranquil beauty, infused with natural splendour, vibrant history and rich culture, offers an enchanting escape that captivates the soul.

SHARMILA CHAND

Nestled in the picturesque Kangra Valley and embraced by the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range, Dharamshala is a charming town that beckons tourists of all hues. Spiritual seekers, nature and culture enthusiasts, adventure freaks and many other types of tourists flock to this beautiful town, graced by pines and deodars in Himachal Pradesh.

The residence of the Dalai Lama adds to the spiritual aura of the destination, which has a unique blend of Tibetan and Himalayan culture. Here healing looks like long quiet walks, steaming bowls of momos, hot cups of Kangra tea and the embrace of Dhauladhar hills that hold you in warmth.Find your own rhythm as you explore ancient monasteries, temples, trek through breathtaking landscapes, walk through the green trails, enjoy paragliding or simply meditate amidst the Himalayan natural wonder.

Spiritual splendour
Let your day begin with a visit to the Tsuglagkhang Complex in McLeodganj, known for the Dalai Lama’s residence. This sprawling complex also houses the significant Tsuglagkhang Temple. A neat and simple hall painted in yellow enshrines three outstanding images from the Buddhist pantheon – Sakyamuni (the historical Buddha), Avalokitesvara and Padmasambhava.

Next in the complex is the Kalachakra Temple, an architectural marvel featuring stunning frescoes of Kalachakra (the wheel of time) and the traditional Thangka paintings on its walls. Immerse yourself in the calm atmosphere of the temple’s prayer halls and meditation spaces and watch the monks praying, practising martial arts and performing daily rituals. Walk quietly in the Kora Circuit – a beautiful, walking path around the Tsuglagkhang Complex lined with fluttering prayer flags and continuous rows of prayer wheels. Complete your experience by spinning these wheels in ultimate peace and tranquility.

A must visit for divine serenity and natural beauty is the Aghanjar Mahadev Temple, steeped in mysticism and history. It is believed that there is a reference to this place in the Mahabharat epic. According to a local folklore, it is said that Arjuna stopped at this exact spot on his way to Mount Kailash. Lord Shiva appeared before him in disguise to test his devotion and blessed him with the boon of victory over the Kauravas.

Walk towards the stream near the steps, find a spot to sit for a while, take a deep breath and soak in the calming sounds of rippling water. Be one with the entire landscape, the rustling leaves, the songs of the birds, and it is a lifetime experience like a soul-cleansing journey.

Adventurous experience
For an eventful morning for those seeking an adrenaline rush, soar through the skies with an exhilarating paragliding experience. If that is not enough, the afternoon is all yours for a trek.

The forests and mountains around Dharamshala make for fantastic treks. The Triund trek, an easy 9-km hike from McLeod Ganj to Triund is the most popular that rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan landscape. The path goes through thick pine and deodar forests and several winding curves that open to a green camping ground at a height of 2,896 metres with stunning vistas of the Kangra Valley and Dhauladhar range.

Beyond the bustling streets and beautiful monasteries, Dharamshala is endowed with beautiful waterfalls.

Nestled among dense deodar trees, Dal Lake offers a serene escape. Nearby, a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva adds a spiritual dimension to the experience. Enjoy a boat ride or sit by the water and reflect. The calm and serenity of the surroundings make it a perfect spot for relaxation and introspection.

Noteworthy landmarks
Norbulingka Institute is worth visiting to witness Tibetan arts and crafts, including statue-making, Thangka painting, screen-printing, woodcarving and other crafts. About 6 km from Dharamshala, it was established in 1988 to teach and preserve traditional Tibetan art forms. Walk through rare delightful Japanese-influenced gardens, plants and flowers and stop by at the central Buddhist temple with a beautiful, 4-metre-high, gilded statue of Sakyamuni.

For art enthusiasts, a visit to Kangra Art Museum is a delightful experience. You will find a captivating collection of Kangra paintings and regional artistry at the museum. As evening descends, venture to the enchanting Andretta Artists Village, a heaven for artists and craftsmen. Here, you will discover the artistic side of Dharamshala, with its vibrant community of creators.

Set among the embrace of deodar trees, St John’s Church is an age-old Anglican church, dedicated to Saint John. It boasts of neo-Gothic architecture and is adorned with exquisite Belgian stained-glass windows.

If time permits, have a look at the cricket stadium. One of the most picturesque sports grounds in the world, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala sits pretty in glowing red at a height of 1,433 metres against the magnificent backdrop of the surrounding Dhauladhar mountains.

Whether you are a spiritual seeker, cultural enthusiast or a nature lover, Dharamshala’s tranquil beauty, infused with history, culture and rich traditions, offers an enchanting escape that captivates the soul.

Immersive Staycation At Norbu

• For those seeking a comfortable retreat in the lap of Dhauladhar mountains with awe-inspiring views and warm hospitality, step into Norbu The Montanna for a memorable stay. The five-star, luxury boutique resort belongs to the premium SeleQtions portfolio of Tata Group company IHCL.
• Sprawling across acres, with luxurious villas Norbu The Montanna is designed to integrate natural and traditional elements, with each room carefully crafted for contemporary luxury.
• The resort also organises the Nature Walk Trail, where guests can experience the natural beauty and the rich biodiversity of the region.
• Dream it and Norbu will create it. From a date under the glittering stars, to bonhomie with the loved ones, embark on an exhilarating journey into the heart of the Dhauladhar range with Norbu’s curated immersive experiences.