Places of Interest and Shopping in Dharamshala!

littledaisy · Jun 19, 2012

Hi Guys,

I am planning a trip to dharamshala and I am very excited about it....

I have never been to a monastery and would love to see the buddhist culture and learn their practices.

Does anyone has any idea as to can we stay in a monastery for a night?
Also what all things can I buy from dharamshala?
I heard about their wind chimes and T-shirts etc.:-D.... I would love if anyone can share their places of interest of this area and shops from where we can buy stuff.

Can we also do bargaining here?

ManuSethi · Jun 20, 2012

Hi,


The main shopping areas in Dharamshala selling Tibetan handicrafts items are mostly in McLeodganj.

The Green Shop run by the Tibetan Welfare Office sells recycled products and handmade cards and paper.

Shopping in Dharamshala is all about buying a range of handicrafts products including woolens, carpets, metal ware, thangkas, and jewellery.

Overall, I am listing a few of the famous things to buy from this area be it as a souvenir or a gift for someone:
1) Thangka Paintings
2) Tibetan Herbal Incenses & Medicines
3) Kangra Valley Green Tea
4) Tibetan Gowns (Chupa)
5) Branded Readymade clothes
6) Tibetan Handicrafts
7) Souvenirs: There are many shops are there around Dalai Lama Temple.
8) Buddha statues, Sceneries etc

Hope this information helps.

Happy and enjoyable journey!

MansiS · Jul 26, 2012

[FONT=&quot]Hi,

Following are the most visited places in Dharamshala:
1) Chinmaya Tapovan:
10 km from Dharamshala on the banks of the rivulet Bindu Saras, is an ashram complex established by the late Swami Chinmayananda, a noted exponent of the Gita. The complex includes a 9m high image of Lord Hanuman,a magnificent Ragunath Temple, a meditation hall, a school, and a health and recreation center.
2) Dal Lake:
11 km from Dharamshala and surrounded by deodar trees, the lake fills a mountain bowl.On the motor - road, this is an enchanting and serene picnic spot.An annual fair is held in september every year.3) 3)Kotwali Bazar:
This treasure love of the Kangra valley's arts, crafts and rich past displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century. It includes gallery of Kangra's famous miniature paintings and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items. 'Shamianas' and dresses used by local royalty, old carved doors, jails, lintels and pandals are also on display. Coins, jewellery and manuscripts are included. A section houses the work of contemporary artists, sculptors and photographers. The library is just below this.
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MansiS · Jul 26, 2012

Adding More:

 4) McLeod Ganj:
Mcleod Ganj is charming Tibetian settlement with bustling bazaar that sell carpets,Tibetian handicrafts, and delecious tibetian foods.The Tibetan Institute of performing Arts (TIPA) is just a kilometer walk from Mcleodganj and preserves a number of musical, dance and theatrical tradition of Tibet.His Holiness Dalai Lama also resides in Mcleodganj which is now major culture centre of Tibetian culture.
5) St. John's Church:
One of the most poignant memories of the British Raj is the church of St. John in wilderness. This charmingly dressed stone church is located just 8 kms from Dharamsala on the way to McLeod Ganj. The church is surrounded by Deodar trees which add to the beauty of the church. Under the shades of the Deodar is laid to rest the body of British Viceroy, Lord Elgin. The grassy slopes also hold a well maintained and preserved graveyard.

Hope this helps...Enjoy!!

doondiaries · Jul 27, 2012

Hi Daisy,
Do stop over at Kangra Arts museum in Dharmashala. You can catch a glimpse of Kangra art, Pahari paintings etc. For a small fees you can even take pictures of these paintings.

Hope you will have a great trip. Have fun!

ciao,
Doondiaries