Relish McLeod Ganj - the abode of Dalai Lama

Largely popular as the residence of Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile, McLeod Ganj is probably the best place on Indian soil to explore and relish Buddhism and the rich culture of the people of Tibet, which is pretty much identical to the culture of Indian Buddhists. A suburb of Dharamshala, and just often called upper Dharamshala, the hill town is one of the main parts of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh. It is quite fascinating to explore the chilled high altitude hills of the region as well as its history for the fact that it was ruled by the British and later provided shelter to the Hindus living in Dharamsala, and now, mostly Tibetans and students of Buddhism. It is the place in the country with the highest concentration of Buddhists and Tibetans, and thus, just often regarded as little Lhasa. The place is full of monasteries, Buddhism learning institutes, monuments, unique Tibetan restaurants, and markets full of monks and Buddhist people. It is particularly to explore the Buddhism influenced aspect of the place that many backpackers swarm into the Himalayan town. The good thing is that due to the presence of a large number of hotels and other lodging options from luxury to cheap hotels to Oyo rooms in McLeod Ganj, there is no need for the tourists to worry about lodging.

McLeod Ganj started to receive development when the British established a cantonment in the site. However, with the passage of time its popularity gradually got lost amidst other popular places in the regions. It came to the world map again when the Tibetan spiritual leader, his holiness Dalai Lama took shelter here in 1959. Following him, came the large Tibetan community and the Tibetan Government in exile. Today, being here feels like you have reached Tibet itself. The markets, restaurants, and places are filled Buddhist people. Although, it remains swarmed by people still there exists a splendid quietude along with the whole place in some bewitching sync. Meeting Dalai Lama is very difficult and raising your expectations up is generally unfruitful. However, there are ancient temples, monasteries, monuments, and Buddhist teaching schools that will more or less give a comprehensive feel of the place’s culture, lifestyle, and tradition.

The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts is a fine exhibit of the ethnic arts, dance, and music of Tibet. It hosts a 10 days long cultural festival in the month of May, every year. If possible, it is advisable to plan your trip in the festive time. However, it is the Namgyal Monastery that pretty much dominates tourism here. Dalai Lama resides here and it was founded in 1575 by the Sonam Gyatso, the third Dalai Lama himself. The spiritual vibe in the monastery is simply bewitching as the more than 180 monks residing here offer prayers and do rituals throughout the day. The good thing is that due to the presence of a large number of hotels and other lodging options from luxury to cheap hotels to Oyo rooms in mcleodganj, there is no need for the tourists to worry about lodging.

The place generates most of its revenue through tourism. Therefore, has a large and well-developed tourism industry. Dip Tse-Chok Ling Gompa, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Naam Art Gallery, Bhagsu Falls, main market, etc. are the places you are expected to visit.

Accessing the Himalayan town is easy and road trips are one of the most popular ways to get here. There is even Delhi to Mcleodganj by car services that are just often picked by the tourists.

Pratima is a travel writer and loves to visit different places India. She is an avid traveler herself, and whenever she has the opportunity she flews to the destinations that she has listed in her travel log.