Norbulingka Temple
The Norbulingka Institute The Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Culture was founded by the Department of Religion and Culture to preserve and promote Tibetan art and culture in exile. Norbulingka Institute in Dharamsala has taken the initiative to preserve the roots of Tibetan culture in exile. The institute is sited in a scenic valley below Dharamsala.
AGHANJAR MAHADEV TEMPLE
Aghanjar mahadev temple is situated at a distance of 5 km from Dharamshala and in the Khaniyara village near manji river at the foothills of dhauladhar. This Shiva temple is very unique,very old and is illustrious for its scenic beauties. It is believed that this temple was created by pandavas. A little water fall is there behind the temple with continuous water flowing around the temple. After passing through terribly little bridge we tend to reach a cave and within that cave a knife Ling is a gift to see. This temple is believed to be five hundred years old. This shiva temple and its surroundings offers a great relief and a water stream with cold breeze to enjoy peace. This is a beautiful place to relax and capture the moments of natural beauty.
Naam Art Gallery
The exhibition in ‘NAAM ART GALLERY’ exhibits paintings by Elsbeth Buschmann – watercolours and acrylics – and oil paintings by Alfred W. Hallett. Elsbeth Buschmann, is a professional painter from Germany, having studied painting in London and Paris .
She lived in many countries where she held exhibitions, especially in the USA where she received various awards. Her paintings are in private collections in Germany, USA, Scotland, India and Switzerland. In India she held solo exhibitions at AIFAX, New Delhi and TAG, the Art Gallery of the Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai. She also took part in ‘The Himalayan National Exhibition of Art’ and was awarded.
CHINMAYA TAPOVAN
An ashram complex has been established by late Swami Chinmayananda, a noted exponent of the Gita, at a distance of approximately 10 km from Dharamsala on the banks of the rivulet Bindu Saras. The complex includes a 9 m high image of Lord Hanuman, a magnificent Rama temple, a meditation hall, a school, and a health and recreation centre.
GYUTO MONASTERY
The Gyuto Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Tibet and specializes in the study of Tantric meditation, Tantric ritual arts and Buddhist philosophy. The main disciple of the first Dalai Lama, Jetsun Kunga Dhondup, founded Gyuto Monastery in 1474 in eastern Tibet.The Gyuto monks practice the major Tantric texts such as Guhyasamaja, Chakrasamvara and Yamantaka and have passed these lineages on to the younger generation of monks for over 500 years without disruption. As a result of the communist Chinese invasion in 1959 the Monastery was re-established in India. To accommodate the growth of the monastery to over 500 monks it has recently been relocated to Dharamsala near the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
CHAMUNDA DEVI TEMPLE
The famous temple of goddess Chamunda Devi (Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham). At the back of the temple is a cave-like scoop where a stone “Lingam” under a boulder represents Nandikeshwar (Shiva). The temple complex is an enchanting spot with glorious view of Dhauladhar, the Baner Khad and Dadh. A vast running water pool houses the statues of Lord Shiva and Saraswati. A trek of about 16 km up in the Dhauladhar ranges is the ancient temple of Aadi Himani Chamunda.
GOPALPUR ZOO
The Gopalpur Zoo is one of the ultimate family getaways that one can cherish forever. It is easily accessible and it has been the home to several species of birds and animals which never cease to amaze tourists. The surrounding valleys and slopes etched with intermittent alpine forests are no doubt a sight for sore eyes.
History. The zoo was established on the Dharamsala – Palampur road in the village of Gopalpur in the Kangra District. This was actually the result of an initiative taken by the wildlife department of the state government of Himachal Pradesh. Since its inception, the zoo with its sprawling greenery surrounded by snow topped mountains has indeed been refreshment for one’s senses. To add on, the village has also gained spiritual significance with the inauguration of the Buddhist Monastic Institute – Dorzong Buddhist Monastic Institute by the Dalai Lama in September, 2010.
Neugal Khad Saurav Van Bihar
In order to enable the visitors to enjoy the nature & make them aware of the importance of nature & environment, a nature park namely “Saurabh Van Vihar” at Palampur over 13 hactare area has been established. It is located on the right bank of Neugal Khad near Kandi bridge in the lap of Dhauladhar ranges, in village Kwat, 4 km from Palampur town.
Bundla Stream Neugal Cafe
Neugal Cafe is 3km from Palampur Town. Roaring in the rainy season and tinkling all the year around, Neugal Cafe is famous Picnic Spot offers a fine view of the Dhauladhar range & the great view of Neugal Khud. Himachal Tourism café provides food and a fine view from its restaurant.
Palampur Tea Garden
The tea gardens appear on either side of the road well before you enter Palampur, giving you a sense of entering into a dreamland. Since Palampur is called the Tea Capital of northern India, it is famous for its lush tea gardens sprawling over vast acres of land. These splendid gardens are among the chief attractions of the hill-town.
Tea plantation was introduced in and around this area in the 19th century and since then Kangra Tea has become quite renowned.
Baijnath Shiv Temple
Shiva is worshipped here as Vaidyanath or the Lord of Physician. The temple has lent its name to town as well which earlier was known as Kiragrama. The history of the temple is stated on stone slabs. According to it, the temple foundation was laid down by two local merchants in the 9th century. The date of inscription is itself given in two eras – Saptarshi and Saka. The Saka year 1126, which corresponds to 1204 AD, is considered more authentic. Renovation work in the temple was carried out by Raja Sansar Chand in the 19th century.Today, the temple is still very much in use and attracts a number of visitors year round. The unique feature of the temple is its architectural style, which is very different from the rest of the temple in the state. Actually, the architectural style is Orissan which is far away from Himachal.
Bir and Billing
Bir, surrounded by tea gardens and an amphitheater of low hills, is an ideal landing ground for para-gliders. Bir has Buddhist monasteries that are worth visiting. Fine Tibetan handicrafts are also produced here. Billing, up in the hills 14 km from Bir with an arena of 200 km for high altitude and cross country flying, is one of the best aero sports sites in the country.
Sobha Singh Art Gallery
Famous English Playwright, Nora Richards and renowned Painter Sant Sobha Singh was so taken in by the enchanting beauty of this place that they decided to settle down here for the rest of their life. An Art gallery displays the original painting of S. Sobha Singh. There is also a pottery and crafts centre at Andretta.
Mini Singh Pottery
The small village of Andretta, in the Kangra valley, near the abode of the Dalai Lama, offers a fasinating cultural heritage and magnificent surroundings. And an opportunity to study pottery with the renowned Mansimran (Mini) Singh.
