

Mcleodganj is Dharamsala's
tourist town. This is the seat of His Holiness the "Dalai Lama".
The Namgyal is based here and there is a large Tibetan community. McLeodganj
also retains a British colonial flavor that dates back to the 19th Century.
The colorful temple and Gompas, which reflect the culture of Tibet, adds
attraction for the visitor. The Kangra museum gives an overview of the
rich past of the region and on the other hand there are institutes that
have been established to preserve the Tibetan art, cultures and traditions.
Also called, the Little Lhasa of Tibet know to world
is Popular in Tibetan Culture and Buddhist Philosophy, where all tourist
comes for its Magnificent Himalayan Mountain, come with us to explore
the wonder of Dharamsala with Tibetan Hospitality. Dharamsala and McLeodganj
sites before the backdrop of the snow-draped Dhauladhar mountains, which
are a sub-system of Himalayas. The town is surrounded by woods of pine
and deodar and below it, is the wide expanse of the plains. This is the
base for a variety of excursions and centre of pilgrimage.
Sightseeing places near Mcleodganj & Dharamshala
Tsuglagkhang Temple :
The Tsuglagkhang Temple is the most renowned Buddhist monument in McLeodganj.
There are three magnificent images of Buddha, including a gilded statue
of Shakyamuni, statues of Valokitesvara and Padamasambhava.
Situated next to the Tsuglagkhang Temple, the Kalachakra
Temple is open to the public. The Dalai Lama uses this temple
as his base for public teaching. The centre of the main Northern mural
is a large painting of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni surrounded by
all 722 deities of the Mandala.
The Namgyal Monastery was founded
by the Third Dalai Lama, and serves exclusively the Dalai Lamas. A unique
feature of this monastery is its diversity of practice. Namgyal monks
perform prayers and rituals of all the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Norbulinka Institute:
Just 4-kms from Dharamsala, Norbulinka was established to preserve and
teach the ancient Tibetan arts. The shady paths, wooden bridges, small
streams tiny water falls make this place look like heaven. Here one can
watch the wooden carvings and the tangka paintings, golsithing and embroidery
being done. The nunnery close to the institute is a place where women
are taught the advanced levels of Buddhist philosophy.
John's Church:
One of the most poignant memories of the British Raj is the church of
St. John, situated in the wilderness. This charmingly dressed stone church
is located just 8-kms from Dharamsala on the way to McLeod Ganj. Under
the shade of Doedar branches, a memorial has been made over the body of
the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in 1863.
Dal Lake:
About 11 kms from Dharamsala and 2 kms from Mcleodganj is the picturesque
Dal Lake lying amidst the hills and sourrounded by dense Fir trees. This
lake is a sacred lake and regraded equivalent to the holy lake of Manimesh.
Bhagsunag:
The temple of Bhagsunag - dedicated to Lord Shiva, some 2 kms fromMcleodganj,
is a beautiful village full of natural scenes. Their situated is a famous
ancient tample of Lord Shiva, a cold running water tank and springs. Not
far from there is a natural build waterfall with chilling water. The place
is both visited by pilgrimages and tourists.
Naddi Village:
A high point beyond the Dal lake, Naddi village is a beautiful village
with magnificient view of the Dhauladhar mountains. It is also declared
as the closest point to the mountains and one can see the huge mountain
ranges just in fornt of their eyes.
Triund:
Triund is a popular picnic spot at an height of 2827 m. The area is on
the foothills of Dhauladhar range and is 17-kms from Dharamsala. The snow
line starts at Ilaqua, which is five kms from Triund. The breathtaking
views of the mountains and the valleys makes Triund an ideal picnic spot
and trekking spot.
Masrur:
Fifteen
richly carved monolithic rock temples sculpted in the splendid style of
the Kailash temple at Ellora and dating back to the 8th century are to
be found at Masrur, just 15-kms south of Kangra. Images of Lord Ram, Goddess
Sita and Lakhsman can be found in the sanctum of the main temple.
Maharana Partap Sagar (Pong Wetland):
Pong Dam is some 90 kms from Dharamsala. This is a huge man made reservior
created in 1975 - 76 with the construction of a dam in the river Beas.
The reserviour is now home of millions of migratory birds, and hence this
place was designated as an International Wetland (Ramsar site). Now this
place is also famous for it's water sports activities held on timely basis.
Chinmaya Tapovan:
Founded
in 1978 by one of the finest proponents of the Bhagwat Gita and the philosophy
of vedanta - swami Chinmaya, this is a place that exudes an aura of abiding
peace. It is 20 kms from Dharamsala.
War Memorial:
Set
amidst beautiful surroundings of Chir forests and a place to stroll in
evenings, the place commemorates the memory of those soldiers who fought
valiantly for the defence and freedom if motherland India.
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