Dharamshala

Meaning ‘spiritual dwelling’ Dharamshala is an important Hindu pilgrimage site, however, it is best known globally as the home of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. The main town is a prime example of an Indian hill station: haphazard, traffic-clogged, a complete jumble, although its peaceful outer-reaches are characterised by beautiful tea gardens, growing the region’s popular Kangra tea. A popular trekking destination, The Chamba and Kullu Valleys can be reached from here, and it is also home to ‘India’s most beautiful cricket stadium’. The best time to visit Dharamshala is between March and June.