Dharamsala

Dharamsala is the main hill station in the Kangra Valley - a fertile, undulating valley, lying between the gentle Shivalik Hills and the foothills of the mighty Dhauladhars - a valley noted for the beauty of its scenery - lush terraces, wooded hills, manicured tea gardens and sparkling streams. The Dhauladhars, "the white mountains" that rise 4,000 m above the valley floor, provide a dramatic backdrop.

This treasure trove of the Kangra Valley arts, crafts and rich past, displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century. It includes a gallery of kangra's famous miniature painting and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items.

At the very start of town, landscaped lawns and a web of narrow paths fill a pine grove where a monuments has been raised to commemorate the post Independence wr heroes of Himachal Pradesh.

Often called the Little Lahasa at 1770 m, this is the residence of His Hgoliness Dalai Lama. The impressive monastery has larger than life images of the Buddha. Padmasambhava and avaloktwshwara.