Volunteer programs India, Dharamsala
Volunteer work India, Volunteering India
About Dharamsala
The high snow clad Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas form a magnificent backdrop to the hill resort of Dharamshala. This is the principal township of Kangra and overlooks the wide spread of the plains. With dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings and the nearby snowline, Dharamshala has everything for a perfect holiday. It is full of life and yet peaceful. And not surprisingly, the headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is here. Covering a wide area in the form of a twin settlement, Lower Dharamshala (1380 m) is a busy commercial center, while Upper Dharamshala (1830 m) with the suburbs of McLeodganj and Forsythganj, retains a British flavour and colonial lifestyle.
The charming church of St. John in the wilderness is situated here and this is final resting place of Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy of lndia during the l9th century. There is also a large Tibetan community who have made this their home. Numerous ancient temples like Jawalamukhi, Brijeshwari and Chamunda lie on the plains below Dharamshala.
Transportation
By Air
Dharamshala can be approached by air from Delhi. The nearest airport is at Gaggal,just l3 km away. Pathankot, the nearest railway station is 85 km away.
By Road
Taxis for Dharamshala are available at both places from Pathankot the drive takes about three hours. Or you can drive from Delhi (526 km) via Chandigarh, Kiratpur and Bilaspur - this should take around 8 hours. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Dharamshala.
Tourist Places in Dharamshala
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.
St. John's Church
8 km from Dharamshala, between Forsythganj and McLeodganj is the charming dressed- stone church of St. John in the wildness. Under the shade of deodar branches, a memorial has been erected over the body of the British viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamshala in 1863. There is a wall tended old graveyard on these grassy slopes.
McLeodganj
Often called the' Little Lhasa' at 1770 m, this is the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan government-in-exile has been here for over three decades. The impressive monastery has larger than life images of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avalokteshwara. The large Tibetan community and the presence of traditional architectural designs drawn from Tibet have enhanced the area. A host of Tibetan handicrafts, curios and garments are available on sale and every Sunday, a flea-market appears.
Bhagsunath
Close to fresh water springs, this ancient temple is 11 km from Dharamshala. It is a popular picnic spot and the famous slate quarries are close by.
Dharmkot
On the crest of a hill this attractive picnic spot presents a panoramic view of the Kangra valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. This is 11 km from Dharamshala.
Triund
Based at the root of the Dhauladhar ranges,Triund is at a height of 2827m and is 17 km from Dharamshala. The snowline starts at llaqua 5 km from here. This is a popular picnic spot and trek route, with spectacular views of the mountains and valleys. There is a lovely forest rest house here.
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.
Masrur
13 km south of Kangra is this large, monolithic temple, similar to the temples of Ellora. With rich ornamentation, this is the only shrine carved out of live rock in north India. Images of Lord Rama, Laxman and Sita are installed here.
Andretta
13 km from Palampur, the famous artist S. Sobha Singh lived here for several years. A gallery houses some of his major works. Also, there is a pottery centre at Andretta.
Excursions from Dharamsala
Manali - Manali the most beautiful destination in Himachal Pradesh (Himalayas) and also known as Queen of hill stations. Manali is specially known for its world famous tourist place called Rohtang pass (Also known as Honeymooners place). Manali is the ultimate tourist destination for the trekking, mountaineering, rafting, skiing, helicopter skiing etc.
Shimla - Shimla, was the Summer capital of India under British rule . Presently, it is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, with its population around 1.6 lacs (Shimla town only). Shimla has seen many important historical events such as the famous Shimla Pact between India & Pakistan which was signed here. The place is also famous for its natural beauty, architectural buildings, wooden crafts and apples.
Dalhousie - In western Himachal Pradesh, the hill station of Dalhousie is full of old world charm and holds lingering echos of the Raj era. It covers an area of 14 sq. km. and is built on five hills - Kathlog, Patreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun. It is named after the British governor General of the 19th century, Lord Dalhousie. The town's average height is 2036 m, and is surrounded by varied vegetation - pines, deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendron. Dalhousie has charming colonial architecture, including some beautiful churches.
Amritsar - Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities of India. It is an important seat of Sikh history and culture. Being the gateway for travellers coming to India on the overland route from central Asia it soon became the centre of various commercial activities. There are various historical and religious sites. The most famous of them all in the Golden Temple which was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev.
Shopping in Dharamshala
The popular items for shopping in Dharamsala are: wooden carvings, silk and woven woolen scarves and Tibetan handicrafts.
Like all Himalayan regions, Dharamsala also has dense forests abundant in wood. Exquisite handicrafts fashioned out of wood, bamboo and cane would definitely arrest your attention. Check out the diverse artifacts and utilities while shopping inn Dharamsala.
Woven woolen garments available here are warm and comfortable. Sweaters, cardigans available in trendy designs and reasonable prices, should feature in your shopping list in Dharamsala.
The Tibetan community has a tradition of handicrafts, which are available in profusion. Look for the trinkets and knick-knacks, which serve well for personal use, gifts and interior decoration.
Jogibara Road is the main place for shopping in Dharamsala. You may also hang out at the street side stalls erected by the locals.
Dharamshala Weather
Dharamsala has a monsoon-influenced Alpine climate. Summer starts in early April and peaks in early June, when temperatures can reach 35oC. From July to September, in the mansoon season, up to 2000 mm (79 inches) of rain can fall, making Dharamsala one of the wettest places in the state. The monsoon ends in late September and is followed by autumn.
Autumn lasts till late November, with temperatures averaging around 14-15oC. Winter starts in December and goes on till late February. Snow and sleet is common during the winter.
Temperature
Summer Average Max 33°C, Average Min. 22°C
Winter Average Max. 15°C Average Min 0°C
Average Rainfall
79 inches
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Volunteer options in Dharamsala
Teach English project, Dharamsala
BASIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Age limit: Minimum 16 years
Who can join? Everyone
Program availability: Year-round
Minimum duration: Two weeks
Women Empowerment Program, Dharamsala
BASIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Age limit: Minimum 16 years
Who can join? Female participants only
Program availability: Year-round
Minimum duration: Four weeks
Child Care Program, Dharamsala
BASIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Age limit: Minimum 16 years
Who can join? Female participants only
Program availability: Year-round
Minimum duration: Two weeks
Sports Volunteering Program, Dharamsala
BASIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Age limit: Minimum 18 years
Who can join? Everyone
Program availability: May to February
Minimum duration: Eight weeks
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