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Dharamsala is divided into two parts. Kotwali Bazaar and the regions further down the valley, which is at an average height of 1250 meters, are known as Lower Dharamsala, while McLeod Gunj (1,800 meters in height) and surrounding areas are known as Upper Dharamsala. Lower Dharamsala is mainly populated by Indians, while McLeod Gunj is teeming with Tibetans. Dharamsala has been replicated to resemble a mini Tibet. When His Holiness The Dalai Lama had to flee Tibet to continue the Tibetan struggle from Chinese oppression, he was granted asylum in Dharamsala. During and after this time in 1959 about 80,000 Tibetan followers followed their leader into India and many of them settled down in this area, thereby giving it a unique identity. The Residence of His Holiness is located opposite the Tsuglag Khang (Central Cathedral), which is about ten minutes' walk from McLeod Gunj. Visitors can apply for public audiences with His Holiness at the Branch Security Office in McLeod Gunj. His Holiness may also consider giving private audiences but applications for the same need to be given in writing to His Holiness' Secretary several months in advance.
The Tibetan presence has added an interesting flavor to the culture of Dharamsala. The Tibetans celebrate their own festivals such as Losar (Tibetan New Year), and His Holiness the Dalai Lama's birthday, which is celebrated on July 6 with many cultural performances.
Places of interest -
The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives
Located in the Central Tibetan Administration complex, the LTWA as it is called is a treasure trove of ancient Tibetan books and manuscripts. Established in 1971, the LTWA comprises eight departments namely publications, research and translation, reading room, oral history and film documentation, Tibetan studies, Tibetan manuscripts, a museum of Tibetan paintings and artifacts and a school for thangka painting and wood carving. The LTWA also offers a number of courses in Buddhist philosophy and the Tibetan language.
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts
TIPA as the institute is also known was set up in 1959. The aim of the institute is to preserve the musical and theatrical heritage of Tibet. The lhamo, which is the indigenous opera of Tibet, is still performed here. TIPA provides a glimpse into the rich culture of the performing arts of Tibet. Every year the institute organizes a Folk Opera Festival in the month of April. A plethora of operas, dance and plays make this event the highlight of any trip to Dharamsala. Special plays and performances can also be organized for visiting groups if TIPA is notified in advance.
Amnye Machen Institute
Founded in June 1992 by four Tibetan scholars in June 1992 with a grant from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the institute was set up to bridge the gaps in the Tibetan social, cultural and intellectual life. It seeks to educate and generate awareness of western culture and literature by translating books and periodicals into the Tibetan language.
The Norbulingka Institute
The Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Culture is a unique institution that seeks to preserve the art and culture of an exiled people. Founded by the Department of Religion and Culture, it gets its name from the His Holiness the Dalai Lama's beautiful summer residence in Tibet, the Norbulingka, which means a jeweled garden.
Namgyal Monastery
The Monastery was founded by the Third Dalai Lama in the late sixteenth century. This monastery practices prayers and rituals of all the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Home to more than 180 monks at present, the monastery also houses a bookshop, café and guesthouse. It is located next to the Central Cathedral.
Tsuglag Khang (Central Cathedral)
The Tsuglag Khang is located opposite the residence if His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Inside you will find three main images; the Sakyamuni Buddha made of bronze, the Padmasambhava and the Avalokitesvara. The last two images face in the direction of Tibet. The image of Avalokitesvara is made of silver and has eleven faces, a thousand arms and a thousand eyes. The Tsuglag Khang has the complete collection of the Kagyur and Tengyur, which are the direct teachings of Buddha and the commentaries on the Kagyur by Indian Buddhist scholars respectively.
Nechung Monastery
Home to the state oracle and protector-deity of Tibet, Nechung plays the role of an oracle and spiritual guide to give valuable advice to the Dalai Lama. The physical medium is known as Nechung Kuten. The protective spirit of Dorjee Drakten enters the body of the medium to give advice and predictions for this exiled community. The oracle also plays an important part in in the search for the next Dalai Lama.
Gadong Monastery
The residence of the second oracle known as Gadong, the monastery is a peaceful and tranquil place. The monastery has its own restaurant and guesthouse.
Tushita Retreat Centre
Located just above Mc Leod Gunj, the retreat center is surrounded by a quiet wooded forest, which makes it ideal for meditation. The center was founded in 1972 by the late Lama Thubten Yeshi who was the spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition of Buddhism. The center is open throughout the year for both individual and group retreats and also provides accommodation facilities.
Tibetan Handicraft Center
The center was set up to popularize the Tibetan craft of carpet weaving and to generate employment opportunities in the Tibetan community. The Handicraft Center is located near the McLeod Gunj Post Office and offers a wide array of hand made Tibetan rugs and carpets.
The best season to visit Dharamsala is from March to June and from October to November. There are a number of ways to get to Dharamsala. You can take overnight or day buses from Delhi. The journey takes approximately 14 hours. Another option is to travel till Pathankot by train and take a bus or taxi to Dharamsala. Dharamsala also has an airport, which is connected by flights from Delhi.
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