Places and Activities near Dharamshala
Paragliding in Bir - Billing
Bir, situated in Himachal Pradesh, is renowned as the paragliding capital of India. With a Tibetan settlement, Bir boasts a rich cultural heritage, highlighted by the Deer Park Institute, a center for traditional Indian wisdom endorsed by the Dalai Lama, broadening your understanding of customs. Beyond its scenic beauty, Bir offers a plethora of thrilling activities such as trekking, paragliding, mountain biking, and hand gliding, providing an adrenaline rush for adventure enthusiasts. During the summer months from April to June, Bir transforms into a paradise as the snow melts, creating pleasant weather ideal for paragliding. The monsoon showers in Bir enhance its natural beauty, nurturing the flora and fauna, albeit making it unsuitable for paragliding. Winter, from December to March, blankets Bir in snow, offering opportunities for winter trekking, provided you are well-prepared for the sub-zero temperatures and icy conditions.
Dalai Lama Temple
The majestic temple is in close vicinity to the abode of Dalai Lama and is frequently visited by him to preach and conduct prayer meets. Popular for its beautiful setting, the temple complex has become a revered pilgrimage site for the Buddhists. In addition to this, peaceful environs and ataraxy attracts tourists from all over the world. The chief prayer wheel is also located here, at the centre of the temple which is plated in gold and has chants of ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’. Pilgrims walk around the pedestal to pay homage and rotate the prayer wheel. It is believed that by rotating the wheel, the merit is multiplied and the devotees are blessed enormously. The large hall adjacent to it accommodates thousands of people to meditate and spend a few moments of quietude. There are also a few tiny shops within the premises which sell books on religion, peace, meditation, Nirvana and the like; in addition to little souvenirs and knick-knacks. Calmly hushed between the idyllic mountain peaks, the glorious Dalai Lama Temple offers solitude and serenity like no place else.
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
The charming Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, also known as the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, is nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayan mountain range. Situated at the Dhauladhar mountain range in Kangra valley, it stands as one of the highest sports grounds globally. Managed by HPCA, the Cricket Stadium is frequently used as a practice ground for the Indian Cricket Team, Himachal Pradesh state-level cricket team, and the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kings XI Punjab. One of the most appealing aspects of attending a match at the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is the absence of a fence in front of the seating area, allowing for an unobstructed view of the game. The staff is courteous, and the premises are well-maintained, ensuring a pleasant and hassle-free visit. The internal struggle of whether to focus on the mountains or the match is a constant dilemma for visitors. The chief prayer wheel is also located here, at the centre of the temple which is plated in gold and has chants of ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’. Pilgrims walk around the pedestal to pay homage and rotate the prayer wheel. It is believed that by rotating the wheel, the merit is multiplied and the devotees are blessed enormously. The large hall adjacent to it accommodates thousands of people to meditate and spend a few moments of quietude. There are also a few tiny shops within the premises which sell books on religion, peace, meditation, Nirvana and the like; in addition to little souvenirs and knick-knacks. Calmly hushed between the idyllic mountain peaks, the glorious Dalai Lama Temple offers solitude and serenity like no place else.