diff --git a/doc/source/dharamshala.md b/doc/source/dharamshala.md new file mode 100644 index 000000000..8b0d11f7b --- /dev/null +++ b/doc/source/dharamshala.md @@ -0,0 +1,137 @@ +# 🌄 Dharamshala – An Exquisite Spiritual Retreat + +‘**Dharamshala’**- **a spiritual dwelling**, is a North Indian town perched in +the shadow of the Dhauladhar range in the foothills of the Himalayas. +Dharamshala has everything for a perfect holiday; a destination with serene +beautiful views points, retaining British flavor and colonial lifestyle, heart +of Tibetan community as well as Indian spiritual traditions, is very popular +hang-out destinations for both national and international tourists. + +**The best time to visit** Dharamshala is from March to July and again from +September to November. The months of December through mid-March are the coolest +months, with temperature dipping to single digits. + +**To get to Dharamshala**, you can take a domestic flight from Delhi to Ghaggal +airport in Kangra. Alternatively, you could board a train that takes you to +Pathankot, then hop on a toy train that chugs through a scenic route on the way +to Kangra. From Kangra, you can either drive up to Dharamshala in a hired taxi +or get in a public bus. You can also board a public or volvo bus and travel +directly from Delhi via Chandigarh to Dharamshala. + +Once you reach, you can get around Dharamshala by choosing any of the options. +Public buses to and from Dharamshala station leave regularly. One can also hire +auto-rickshaws and taxis for local sightseeing. Motorcycle rentals can be found +in a few of the tourist booking shops in McLeod. If you love to walk, you can +also explore some parts of the town on foot also. + +### **Things to do in Dharamshala:** + +**Spiritual healing & Meditation**: Dharamshala - McLeodganj has earned a +reputation in recent years, nationally and internationally, as the center for +meditation and spiritual healing. There are several ashrams and yoga centers +that are run by NGOs and well-known spiritual organizations. Thousands of +foreigners and Indians visit Dharamshala every year for spiritual healing. + +**Sight Seeing:** Dharamshala has a lot of attractions and natural scenery to +offer; like vibrant monasteries, colorful temples, waterfalls, stunning lakes, +vintage forts & museums. + +- Dharamshala has magnificent and quaint monasteries that have preserved + Buddhist and Tibetan culture. Some monasteries one must visit are + **Tsuglagkhang Complex, Namgyal Monastery, Gyuto Monastery, Norbulingka + Institute.** +- Dharamshala abodes several temples to immerse you in spirituality. Some of the + must-visit temples in Dharamshala are: **Bhagsunag Temple, Kalachakra Temple, + Aghanjar Mahadev Temple, Jwala Devi temple, Masroor Temple, Bajreshwari + Temple, Kaleshwar Mahadev temple.** +- **Bhagsu waterfall** is one of the most beautiful locations in Dharamshala. It + is peaceful, serene place and gives you a nice feel of nature throughout. + **Kareri Lake** and **Dal lake** are one of the perfect spots among tourists + to rejuvenate and relax; flanked by lush greenery and blooming trees. +- **HPCA Stadium :** One can also visit HPCA Stadium. While the stadium itself + is beautiful, the views of snowclad peaks from the stadium galleries makes it + more awesome. + +**Activities:** There are a myriad of activities one can indulge in while +holidaying in Dharamshala like paragliding, trekking, shopping in local market. + +- Among various adventurous activities hosted in the area, **paragliding in + Dharamshala** has become a hot favorite among tourists. **Indrunag** is the + take off point for paragliding which is 4 km far from Dharamshala Main Market. + Landing point is 6 km down from the take off point. The time and duration of + the flight depends on actual weather condition but most of paragliding trip + takes 5 to 15 minutes to reach the landing point. + + Other paragliding excursions usually take place in **Bir**, widely known as + **Paragliding Capital of India**, is a small town surrounded by vast mountains + on all sides which is approx. 70 kms from Dharamshala. Billing is the take off + point and landing happens at Bir. Recommended to do paragliding here to revel + with the silence of nature and get an aerial view of the ambience where + India's first ever Paragliding World Cup was hosted in October, 2015. + +- The breathtaking terrain of the rugged mountains of Dharamshala provide for a + perfect platform for mountaineers, rock climbers and trekkers, who wish for + some thrilling action. From easy meandering to muscle straining ascending and + descending sections, trekking in Dharamshala is sure to provide you a variety + of things to indulge into. + - **Triund Trek** is one of the most popular treks near Dharamshala. Triund + hill is a beautiful mountain in the Dhauladhar ranges of Dharamshala. The + height of Triund peak is about 2850 m, and the hill is about a 6 km uphill + walk from Upper Dharamkot. Apart from the monsoon seasons of July, August, + and the peak winters of January, February, Triund trek can be done around + the year.**Kareri Lake Trek** is another famous trek. It’s a day’s trek from + the beautiful village of **Kareri**. Kareri lake is a freshwater lake that + is said to have the most gorgeous sceneries. The trek distance is around 26 + KM (to and fro). Other treks that can be covered are: Dharamkot or Bhagsu to + Dharamshala city, trek to Bhagsu Nag waterfall, Indrahar pass trek. +- Apart from the gorgeous natural beauty, Dharamshala is quite famous for other + items as well. You can buy some souvenirs and gifts from the local markets to + carry the feeling and memories of Dharamshala to home with you. There are + several shops and markets that sell items of Tibetan origins and commodities + that are significant to the Himachali culture. Some of the items that can be + bought that are unique to the area are: **Singing bowls, Buddha statues, + Prayer wheels and Prayer flags, Local Tibetan handicrafts and decorative + knickknacks, Jewelry, Woolen handmade clothes, Books(on Tibetan culture and + Buddhism),Kangra Tea. Kotwali Bazaar** and **Jogibara Road Bazaar** are among + famous markets. + +**Eateries and Cafes:** One can find numerous food options in Dharamshala to +savor and excite your taste buds and at the same time for satisfying your hunger +in nominal prices. The diverse culture is clearly visible in the street food and +the food being served at several cafes and restaurants here viz Tibetan, Asian, +Continental cuisines are served at many cafes. One can also try famous Kangri +Dham: a range of authentic traditional dishes. Some of the recommended cafes +are: + +- **Illiterati Café** is a perfect hangout place for book lovers and to find + some peace. Inside the cafe a range of books are available. One can pick their + favorite and enjoy it while sipping their coffee admiring the scenic view. +- **Bakes ‘N’ Brews** is a renowned cafe in Dharamshala. It is both a cafe and a + bakery known for its coffee and good food. It is also known for its warm and + homely feel. +- **Tunna’s Café** is a book café where you can sit and enjoy the view of mighty + Himalayas, admire the azure blue sky, can sit for hours, and still never be + bored, enjoying the beauty of Dharamshala sipping coffee and relish various + munching options available. +- **Morgan's place** is on a tiny hilltop with the view of the majestic + mountains having both indoor and outdoor seating. They serve Israeli, + European, Mexican, Italian and Tibetan cuisine. +- **Shiva Café** The blissful ambiance will take you into a trance, and you will + be lost amidst the scenic beauty of the Bhagsu Nag Fall that lies in + proximity, feeling relaxed. Enjoy the calmness and tranquility that this place + emanates. With great music playing in the backdrop, you will experience a + soothing sensation here. Delve onto the delicious Tibetan dishes available to + satiate your hunger. + +**Accommodation**: There are several options available for accommodation. One +can book hotel rooms, resorts, homestays from any of the hotel booking sites. +Several Airbnb options for homestays can also be found for more homely feeling +and interaction with the locals. + +**About the Author**: [Akshay Kapoor](https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-ak), a +Software Engineer and freelancer on a never-ending learning journey; a tech +savvy who loves to travel and trek to get away from the monotony of daily life +and fulfil the dearth of adrenaline rush. Apart from travel, having passion for +photography to capture the moments to relish and admire them forever. In leisure +time, likes to watch comedy movies in the company of brewed beer and some +friends. diff --git a/doc/source/index.rst b/doc/source/index.rst index f3a7f993a..65c4d59a2 100644 --- a/doc/source/index.rst +++ b/doc/source/index.rst @@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ Welcome to slurp's documentation! :maxdepth: 2 amman.md + dharamshala.md istanbul.md prescott.md