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Monsoon Do’s Things to see & do Gourmet Treats Shopping Fiesta
Monsoon Do’s
Located in the Kangra Valley on Himachal Pradesh, Dharamsala is made of snowy peaks, deodar and pine forests and lush tea gardens. Though a favorite among tourists, it continues to retain its old-world charm and serenity. Today it is home to a large number of Tibetan settlements and is the seat of the Dalai Lama. It is divided into Lower and Upper Dharamsala and some of its most popular locations include McLeodganj, Forsyth Ganj, Dharamkot and Triund. While the summer season is the best time to visit this place, the arrival of monsoon signifies cool air, greener hills and lower temperatures. Yet, Dharamsala also becomes muddy and slushy with rains that happen for days at and end. As such, it is almost mandatory to include an umbrella or your best rain jacket in your travel pack!
 
Things to see & do
  • Kangra Art Museum: Kangra Art Museum houses the prized collection of the Kangra arts, crafts and artifacts that date back to the 5th century. It has within it a gallery of renowned paintings and a wide range of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items. Also out on display are the local dresses worn by local royalty, coins, jewellery and manuscripts.

  • St. John's Church: Though small in size, this church is built in perfect harmony to the deodar trees that surround it. It is built in gothic style and has high tapering windows which are decorated with stained-glass paintings of John the Baptist with Jesus. The bell tower of the church was completely destroyed in the earthquake of 1905, and was later replaced by a new bell installed in the compound of the church.

  • Mcleodganj: The arrival of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama together with thousands of refugees to Dharamshala made this place more active. A number of Tibetan settlements and religious education centres were established in Upper Dharamsala or Mcleodganj. Here, you would find the famous Tibetan institution of Norbulingka. It is spread over 7 acres and is modeled on the Dalai Lama’s summer palace. Literally meaning Jewel Park, Norbulingka houses temples, library, a college, workshops, guest houses and a café. Also on display are thangkas, which are illustrations of Tibetan Gods. It also has a department where you can place orders for a Thangka.

  • War Memorial: The War Memorial is situated at the point of entry to Dharamsala. This memorial was built in memory of those who fought valiantly for the honour and defence of the state. There is also a cafe located close to War Memorial that serves fast food and beverages.

  • Jwalamukhi Temple: This temple, is at a 2-hour excursion and is dedicated to the Goddess of Light. You wouldn’t find an idol; rather a constantly burning blue flame that emanates from the rocks.

 
Gourmet Treats
There are several restaurants and cafes dotting McLeodganj, which are indicative of the fact that the place has really become a popular tourist spot. You can get virtually any kind of food, though the must-have here are the popular Tibetan dishes like thukpa (noodle soup) and momo (steamed dumplings). The restaurants also serve a combination of sizzlers, sukiyaki, pancakes, pizzas and spaghetti. For those with a sweet tooth, you can get different types of pastries, pies and doughnuts. Different eateries have their own specialties and so if you intend to be in Dharamsala for some time, it may be interesting to find out a restaurant which specializes in cuisine to your taste.
 
Shopping Fiesta
You can pick up souvenirs including Tibetan rugs and handicraft products available at the Tibetan Handicraft Centre and TCV Handicraft Centre in McLeodganj. Tibetan wood and metal craft products can also be made-to-order at the Tibetan Art Gallery. Besides these there are various tiny shops offering Tibetan trinkets and imitations of Tibetan antiques.
 
Hotels in Dharamsala
Star Hotel name Rate(Rs.)* Inclusions
Hotel Shikhar 500 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax
Meghavan Holiday Resort  647 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax
Hotel Him Queen 706 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax
Royal Palace Resort 706 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax
Spring Valley Resorts 800 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax
Asia Health Resorts 1,029 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax
  Hotel Anand Palace 1,177 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax
Grace Cottage ( ITC Welcomgroup) 1,250 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax
Snow Hermitage Resort 1,307 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax
  Hotel White Haven 1,699 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax
 
* All the above rates are per person per night