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DHARAMSALA
 Set
against the backdrop of the dramatic Dhauladhar mountains,
Dharamsala is perched on the high slopes in the upper
reaches of Kangra Valley. The town is divided into two
distinct and widely separated sections, Upper and Lower
Dharamsala, which differ almost a thousand metres in height.
Today, Dharamsala has become the synonymous to the Tibetan
government in exile and the home of Tibetan leader Dalai
Lama. Even if the Tibetan community dominates the town,
still it has retained the colonial lifestyle and British
fervour.
Dharamsala over looks the plains and is surrounded by dense
pine trees and Deodar forests. A nearby snowline with
numerous streams and cool healthy atmosphere makes the
surroundings very attractive.
Dharamsala is a busy bazaar town and has established itself
as the travellers base camp, who come to explore the nearby
mountains. The Kotwali Bazaar provides the entire colour and
characteristic of a small town, which is mixed with the
simple life style.
The colourful temple and Gompas, which reflect the culture
of Tibet, adds attraction for the visitor. The Kangra museum
gives an overview of the rich past of the region and on the
other hand there are institutes that have been established
to preserve the Tibetan art, cultures and traditions.
Prime Attractions of Dharmsala (Dharamshala)
St. John'S Church In Wilderness
7-km upward from Dharamsala, between Forsyth Ganj and
Mcleod Ganj lies the charming St. John's Church. It was
built in 1852 and is dressed in grey stone with some fine
Belgian stained glass windows donated by Lady Elgin. The
church is popularly known as the church of St. John in
Wilderness.
Chamunda Devi Temple
Not far from Dharamsala is the famous temple of Chamunda
Devi. It is an enchanting spot with glorious views of the
mountains, the Baner Khud, Pathiar and Lahla forests. 15-km
from Dharamshala a tiny village of Dadh on Palampur road is
the famous temple dedicated to Goddess Chamunda Devi.
Maharana Pratap Sagar
Named in honour of the great patriot 'Maharana Pratap' (1572
- 97 AD), the Maharana Pratap Sagar was once known as the
'Pong Dam Reservoir'. India knows the 'Maharana' as a man
who struggled valiantly for his kingdom of 'Mewar'-as for
the principle of independence. In the words of the
Chroniclers James Tod and William Crooke, "He spurned every
overture that had submission for its basis". Over the river
Beas, the "Pong Dam" was completed in 1976. Its reservoir
has an area of about 45,0000 hectares at maximum possible
flooding - the level varies with every season and averages
around 30,000 hectares. Over 2,000 villages with a
population of over 85, people are lying along the wetland.
THE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY In 1983, the Sagar was declared a
wildlife sanctuary and over 2,20 species of bird belonging
to 54 families have been sighted over the waters and the
fringing mud-banks-these include black - headed gulls,
plovers, terns, ducks, water-fowl and egrets. The first
sighting in the region of the red-necked grebe, was made at
the Sagar. The wetland's location at the head of the Indian
plains has made it a suitable habitat and stopover for
migratory birds that enter India from Central Asia. The land
portion of the sanctuary has barking deer, sambar, wild
borars, nilgai, leopards and claw-less others. Twenty-seven
species and sub-species of fish belonging to six families
have been recorded in the Sagar's waters. Some of the
important commercial varieties are - Labeo dero (Gid), Labeo
rohita, Labeo Calbasu, Tor putitora (Mahsir), and Mystus
seenghala (Singhara). Since 1976, fishing has been a major
economic activity in the areas and today, this provides
employment to some 1,500 fishermen and the annual catch is
valued at over a corore rupees.
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