Attractions of Dharamsala

Dal Lake (11 km): is a small scenic lake surrounded by Deodartrees, with a temple of Durgeshwara Mahadev by the lakeside. Naddi and Talnu are picnic spots not far from the lake.

Bhagsunath: (11 km) besides a fresh-water spring lies a temple of Bhagsunath.

Dharamkot: (11 km) is a wooded picnic spot.

Triund: (2827 m, 17 km) sheer altitude from here offers a commanding view of the valley and snow-clad mountains. Triund is a base for several trekking routes.

Chinmaya Tapovan: (10 km) was established by the late Swami Chinmayananda as a meditation, health and recreation centre.

Kangra (768 m): (18 km) is a historical town that for centuries was the seat of royal power in the valley. The wealthy and famous Brajeshwari temple was target of many invasions including one by Mahmud of Ghazni, a thousand years ago. Kangra fort had a reputation of being virtually impregnable and was a symbol of Katoch dynasty's prowess in the region.

Yol Camp: is a cantonment town where a Mountain Division of the Army is stationed.

Masroor Temple (40 km) is the only rock cut temple up north of Vindaya ranges in central India. Scale and stone craft of this monument dedicated to Ram, Laxman and Sita, sparks admiration.

Trilokpur (41 km): has a cave temple with astounding stalactite and stalagmite formations dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Nurpur (66 km) has remains of an old fortand temple.

Maharana Pratap Sarovar (Pong Dam 55 km): is a reservoir where fishing and water sports facilities are available. Thousands of migratory birds descend upon this water body each winter and avifauna lovers from the world over throng to watch them. Water Sports Regatta in the month of January is an event not to be missed.

Haripur (55 km) is an isolated place which has remnants of old temples.

Pragpur (65 km) because of its old world order has been declared a 'Heritage Village'. Cobbled lanes flow past old houses and flowering bougainvillaea drape their colours over papal and banyan trees.

Garli (4 km from Pragpur) has old houses with interesting architecture.