SERENADING SERENITY: Tibetans at McLeodganj, Dharamsala

Dharamsala might have become synonymous with the Tibetan Government-in-exile and the home of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, but the bazaar town has managed to retain its hill station charm, replete with a colonial lifestyle. Set against the backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountains, it is perched on the high slopes of the Kangra Valley. Adding to the experience is the fact that though places of interest here include hill-station cliches like hot springs, lakes, little churches and waterfalls, they also stretch beyond these.

Spotlight

Getting There SEASON: Trekking season is May to October. MODE OF TRANSPORT: Accessible by road from Delhi, Shimla and Manali. Pathankot is the nearest railhead. ACCOMMODATION: Guest houses, hotels and rest houses.

There’s a beautiful war memorial for the post-Independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh; rock temples about 3 km away from Dharamsala’s Kotwali Bazaar; and Chinmaya Tapovan, a tranquil ashram complex about 10 km away. Of course, appreciation of the reserves of Tibetan culture here is a must. So do visit the Norbulinka Institute which was established to preserve and teach the ancient Tibetan arts. Watch the making of tangka paintings, admire the colourful gompas, and pick up some unique Tibetan handicrafts. Dharamsala is also a good base camp for those who wish to explore the mountains nearby. Tailor-made treks and excursions in the Kangra Valley and adjoining places are available. There’s ample opportunity for angle fishing what with the many rivers and streams in the vicinity. Just the right place to widen your summer holiday experience with not one but a variety of activities and interests.

NEWS
Tourism

Call of the North-East: It may be a good idea to head towards north-east India this year. Budget 2002 includes attractive sops for this hitherto ignored region. While the inland air travel tax was already exempted for air travel within the north-eastern states, now it’s also exempted on air travel to and from the region. This should bring down the cost of travel by at least 15 per cent, giving a fillip to tourism in the exotic east which was languishing owing to its difficult terrain.

HOT DEALS
On the Green Trail

Tea Taster’s Choice: The 12-day north-east package includes tea-garden excursions at Jorhat, visits to the largest river island in the world Majuli, Kaziranga National Park, and more. At Rs 49,000 per person for a group of four. Call Jungle Travels India at 91-361-660890/667862, e-mail at info@jungletravelsindia.com or log on to www.jungletravelsindia.com

Senses of the South

Malabar Circuit: This 7-night package tour to some great spots in Karnataka and Kerala costs Rs 18,999 per head. April 1-September 30. Call Trails (R.S. Hospitality Services) at 080-5325302/5582380/5582423 or e-mail: marketing@trailsindia.com or log on to www.trailsindia.com

FRESH APPEAL: A panoramic view of Ramgarh

Ramgarh, Uttaranchal: If the garrulous company of plastic junking tourists at a popular destination like Nainital is not your style, head to a quieter place some 26 km away—Ramgarh. At a height of 1,784 m, this is the fruit basket of Kumaon. With many apple, plum, peach and apricot orchards, and the calm conducive to introspection, it is an ideal getaway. Stay at the Writers and Old Bungalow (Rs 1,000 for a bigger room and Rs 800 for a smaller one). Drop in at the Aurobindo Ashram. Or make Ramgarh a base from which to explore other spots in the Kumaon hills like Bhimtal, Mukteshwar, Almora and Ranikhet. The 10th century Jageshwar temples are nearby. The closest airport is Delhi (315 km) and Kathagodam, the nearest railhead (40 km). But the best bet is to take public or private transport from Nainital to Ramgarh. Ideal during the summer months.

—compiled by Natasha Israni