Winter sets in at Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh

Dharamshala town, famous world over as the abode of the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, hosts a large number of students from across the country, during winters.

By Hemant Chauhan

Dharamshala, Oct.30 : Dharamshala town, famous world over as the abode of the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, hosts a large number of students from across the country, during winters.

An estimated 5,000 students visit Dharamshala during November and December, which is otherwise an off-season for tourists. The arrival of several groups of students from various schools or colleges cheers locals.

These student groups are curious to learn about Tibetan culture and the temple and other Buddhist establishments. Besides, the local climate and the spiritual ambience of the robed monks attract one and all.

"We specially visited this monastery here. I find this shrine very interesting," said Meenakshi, a college student from Punjab.

According to travel tour operators and locals, the student groups prefer visiting the abode of the Dalai Lama.

"Now there is (an) addition to the tourism sector through educational tours and obviously most of them have some vital interest in the field of Buddhism and they want to see the developments projected by His Holiness Dalai Lama and his people -- the Buddhists and the Tibetans in the area. It has really left an impact on the minds of the people," says Prem Sagar, President of Mcleodganj Travel and Tourism Association.

These students enjoy shopping while visiting the Tibetan markets, which sell a variety of things ranging from street jewellery to Buddhist religious books.

Also known as Mini Lhasa, Dharamsala, with its large number of monasteries and a centre of Buddhist learning, attracts over 600,000 foreign tourists every year.

Himachal Pradesh has become the preferred destination for tourists due to turbulence in Jammu and Kashmir.

Located in the Dhauladhar Himalayan ranges, Dharamsala, the home of Tibetan spiritual head the Dalai Lama, is famous for its scenic beauty.

Tourists from far-flung eastern States, which have moderate climate throughout, are seen in large numbers in the valley. Tourism is the mainstay of State's economy.

ANI