Dharamshala stands on a spur of the Dhauladhar range amidst magnificent deodar and pine forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills. 10 Kms north on a mountain ridge flanking the mighty Dhauladhar range of mountains is the picturesque settlement of Macleodgunj –known as 'The Lhasa in India'. The year was 1849 the British Indian Army was looking for a site to station a regiment and Dharamshala with its salubrious climate seemed ideal. Occupying a gentle sloping hillside just below the gigantic wall of the Dhauladhar ranges, Dharamshala was selected as a cantonment. It offered scenic views of the mountains to the north and an extensive view of the lower hills stretching to the plains.Today Dharamshala is home to everal government offices, hotels, and small business establishments. Covered with deodar and pine forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills, it is also an ideal stopover for visiting the neighbouring towns of Kangra, the lush green tea gardens of Palampur and exploring the lush green Kangra valley. Macleodgunj 10 Kms north on a spur of a hill is also home to the Tibetan Government in exile. The Dalai Lama resides here and the small town with its ethnic charm attracts a lot of overseas visitors. There’s lower Dharamshala where the state government has its offices and courts besides a large hospital, and upper Dharamshala with its tiny settlements of Forsythgunj and Macleodgunj and lovely hillsides covered with luxuriant forests. A great place for a quiet holiday in the Himalayas.