Dharamshala is often seen through the lens of McLeod Ganj and its Tibetan charm, but there is much more to this hill town than cafés and monasteries. Once you step away from the bustle of souvenir shops and spiritual centers, a world of quiet beauty, local stories, and breathtaking scenery opens up. Beyond McLeod Ganj, the hills carry a charm that is far older and deeper, rooted in tradition, faith, and nature.
Take a short walk or drive to Bhagsu, where a centuries old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva welcomes you with a bubbling natural spring. The temple is set in a traditional Gaddi village, where time feels slower and life follows the rhythm of the hills. Just a short hike ahead is the Bhagsu Waterfall, a refreshing cascade that’s especially popular during the warmer months. The sound of water hitting rock fills the forest, and if you visit early in the day, you might have it all to yourself.
Drive a little further and you reach the Chamunda Devi Temple, standing tall against the Dhauladhar range. This is not just a spiritual site but also a place of serenity. The views from here are open and vast, with the Baner Khud river winding below and forested slopes rising all around. It feels like the temple watches over the entire valley.
If you’re a lover of sport or scenery, the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is a visual delight. At nearly five thousand feet above sea level, this stadium is ringed by snowcapped peaks. Even if there isn’t a match playing, the backdrop alone is worth a visit. The energy here feels like a celebration of sport and nature in equal measure.
About four kilometers from the main town lies Dal Lake, nestled among towering deodar trees. Unlike its Kashmiri namesake, this Dal Lake is small and intimate, but it holds a charm all its own. Visit during the Radhastami fair and you’ll see it come alive with colors, music, and rituals that draw both tourists and locals alike.
For those who want to see the hills from above, Dharamkot offers an incredible view of the Kangra Valley. It is a quiet spot, away from the crowds, popular among trekkers and those in search of stillness. You can walk up to the viewpoint and sit with a cup of tea while the Dhauladhars stand tall in the background.
Indru Nag Temple, dedicated to the serpent deity, is another lesser known gem. Just five kilometers from town, this spot is a favorite for paragliders who launch themselves into the open sky from the temple grounds. Whether or not you fly, the views are enough to make your spirit soar.
The larger Kangra region lies just beyond Dharamshala. You can take a toy train ride from Pathankot to Jogindernagar and pass through bridges, forests, and sleepy villages. The rhythm of the train and the scenes outside the window slow your thoughts. In Kangra town itself, you’ll find glimpses of a cultural past that still lingers in its architecture and art.
For those who seek a bit of solitude and scenic beauty, Kareri Lake is a dream. Set in a meadow ringed by pine and oak forests, the lake is peaceful, cool, and a favorite among trekkers. In winter it freezes over, and during spring, the reflections on its surface are sharp enough to feel like a painting.
Then there is Naddi, a quiet village just beyond Dal Lake. At sunset, the mountains blush pink and gold. Trekkers often begin their journeys to Triund or Guna Devi from here. But even if you’re not trekking, the calm of Naddi is enough reason to stay.
Finally, you cannot leave without a visit to St. John in the Wilderness. Tucked into a forest of deodars, this British era church in Forsythganj is a slice of quiet history. Its stained glass windows, old gravestones, and moss covered path invite a kind of reflective silence that is rare in travel today.
Dharamshala is more than a town. It is a collection of experiences stitched together by stories, nature, and spirit. It invites you not just to see, but to feel, to listen, and to wander beyond the obvious.
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