A One-Stop Guide to Mcleod Ganj
Source: The beautiful hill station of Mcleod Ganj, situated in Himachal Pradesh, is nestled at an altitude of 1700 meters and sits at the lap of the enchanting Dhauladhar ranges. Mcleod Ganj, also known as Mini Tibet, is rife with rich Tibetan culture, beautiful monasteries, and abundant scenic beauty. The vibe here is incredibly tranquil and serene, attracting thousands of people from all over the globe. Mcleod Ganj also is the seat of the 14th Dalai lama and serves as the center of the Tibetan government in exile. Owing to the strong Buddhist and Tibetan influence here, this location is also known as Little Lhasa. This post will give you a guide answering all your questions about Mcleod ganj and the amazing locations to visit here. How to get to Mcleod Ganj Mcleod Ganj is easily accessible, and you can reach the location via Air, rail, or by road. By air: The closest airport to Mcleod Ganj is the Kangra airport which is 17 km away. From here you can take a cab to reach the hill station of Mcleod Ganj. By Rail: The nearest railway station is the Pathankot railway station which is 89 km away from Mcleod Ganj. You can take a cab or a bus to cover the rest of the journey. It is advised to take a bus though as the distance is long and cabs may be very expensive. By Road: You can also visit Mcleod Ganj from Delhi via cab or Volvo bus. The distance from Delhi to Mcleod Ganj is about 477 km and takes approximately 10 to 12 hours to cover. By bus the cost for travel may range from Rs 2000 to 3500 but is way less than a cab would cost which is approximately Rs 5000 to 10000 depending on the type of car. The best mode of transport in Mcleod Ganj The Best mode of transportation in Mcleod Ganj is using auto-rickshaws or walking. The autos are a cheaper mode of transportation than cabs but depending on where you stay, even autos may not be necessary. Autos and cabs are easily available throughout Mcleod Ganj. When to visit The best time to visit Mcleodganj is between March to June, when the location is pleasant, or between November and February, when the view of snow-capped mountains is absolutely serene. Where to stay: There are various hotels, guest houses, and hostels in McLeod Ganj for every budget and requirement. From high-budget resorts to beautiful homestay options. You can stay in resorts and hostels near Bhagsu, along with the main market, and near Dharamkot depending on your preferred location. However, as these locations are near each other you should choose the location which offers the best view or that is most convenient to you. Read more about the travel experience from McLeod Ganj in the blog written by Medhavi Davda. 5 Locations you can not miss!! 1.Tsuglagkhang Complex Source: The Tsuglagkhang Complex is one of the holiest Buddhist sites and is wrapped in spirituality and serenity. This location is visited by hundreds of pilgrims every year and offers an insight into the beautiful Buddhist heritage. The complex consists of the Tsuglagkhang temple, the Namgyal Monastery, Tibetan Museum and has multiple shrines with beautiful statues of Gautam Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, and Chenrezig. a.) Namgyal Monastery This monastery is said to be one of the largest monasteries in the world, and the view of the Dhauladhar range from here is truly magnificent. The monastery was set up in the 16th century and now is the seat of the 14th Dalai Lama. The interiors of the monastery are beautifully decorated with paintings, pictures, and sculptures and make you really appreciate the beauty and simplicity of the Buddhist culture. You can see many Buddhist monks meditating and chanting, and it is truly a serene and rejuvenating location. b.) Tibetan Museum The museum situated at the complex offers a peek into the Tibetian culture and the struggles endured by these people during the Tibetian migration. The museum is built with classic Tibetian architecture and houses many beautiful paintings, images, pottery, and sculptures. There is also a souvenir shop inside where you can buy gorgeous handicrafts and artifacts. c.) Tsuglagkhang Dalai Lama Temple Visiting the temple is a truly rejuvenating experience, with monks meditating and chanting at the temple truly creates a mesmerizing aura. The temple also houses the spinning wheels, which bring good karma for whoever spins it. The temple is a great spiritual experience that you must not miss. Cost: Free to visit Visiting timings: 5 am to 8 pm. Ideal duration: 1.5 to 2 hours. How to reach: Hire a private cab or auto-rickshaw to reach the complex easily from the city which is just 6 kilometers away. If you want to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the monastery then you can choose trekking to get to this location too. Restraunts near here: After visiting the complex you must visit Lung-Ta, a great Japanese restraint around 1 km away from the complex. The ride via auto or cab should take 5 mins and you can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine at this location. Definitely try the sushi. 2. Bhagsu Nath temple and Bhagsu falls: Source: The Bhagsu Nath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is perched at 1700 meters above sea level and surrounded by lush greenery and a beautiful view of the Himalayan terrain. The freshwater springs here are believed to be sacred and have healing and medicinal properties. From the temple, you can trek up to the Bhagsu Nath falls; a 20 meter falls surrounded by rocky cliffs. The trek to the falls is a little tough and requires a moderate fitness level, but the waterfall location’s view is truly serene. You should definitely take a quick dip in the chilling water
Top 7 Hidden Gems in and Around Dharamshala You Cannot Miss!!!
Dharamshala is a city in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh that, over the years, has become one of the most traveled locations in the state. The beauty of Dharamshala is unquestionable with its absolutely stunning views and great trekking locations. The city also boasts a fascinating and rich Hindu and Tibetan culture, making it a great location for all kinds of travelers and pilgrims. The town of Mcleodganj, nestled at an elevation of 2000 m, is the administrative capital of the Tibetian government in exile and houses the holiest man in Buddhist culture, the 14th Dalai Lama. The location is rich with history, and the integration of unique cultures at Dharamshala is truly mesmerizing. Thousands of people visit Dharamshala each year, and there is always a bustle here at popular locations such as Triund point, Bhagsu falls, Gyuto monastery, and Dal lake. However, there are so many beautiful locations that are not visited at all due to them not being as popular. This article will give you the top 7 hidden gems in and around Dharamshala that you can not miss!! 1. A Serene Monastery Experience at Tashijong Mcleod Ganj and Dharamshala are hotbeds for Buddhist pilgrims, with never-ending crowds flicking at the major locations such as the Namgyal and Gyuto monasteries. These are absolutely stunning locations, but they can be extremely crowded due to their popularity, which can take from the soothing and serene experience that monasteries are famous for. The village of Tashijong offers just that. The Tashijong village, which literally means “Auspicious valley“ In Tibetian, is a beautiful location best suited for offbeat travelers and housing the Khampagar Monastery, established under the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery complex is colorful and absolutely gorgeous. It has many buildings consisting of the main temple area, a beautiful statue of Rinpoche, a smaller room for monks to pray in peace, and a Lakhang which houses multiple statues of the reincarnation of Lord Buddha. The village is located near the Palampur-Baijnath road, and one can reach the location via a small diversion from the main road. The location offers picturesque scenery of the beautiful mountain backdrop and is a great hidden gem that you must not miss. Address: Tehsil, Tashi Jong, P.O Taragarh, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh 176081 2. Palpung Sherabling The Palpung Sherabling monastic seat is situated in the beautiful Bhattu village near Bir. It is one of the largest monasteries in the district and is a place for Tibetian children to get an authentic Buddhist education. The monastery Is beautifully decorated with a massive statue of Lord Buddha and beautiful fresco paintings on the walls and pillars. The location is extremely serene and soothing, with morning prayers and peaceful chanting. The location is truly great for a peek into the true Buddhist culture and its simplicity. Palpung Sherabling Monastery is located near Baijnath and houses several grand stupas in the middle of lush forests near the monastery grounds. Address: Baijnath – Bhattu- Palpung Sherabling Monastery Rd, Bhattu Samula, Bhattu Uparla, Himachal Pradesh 175032 3. The Picturesque Pong lake The Pong lake created by pong dam, also known as the Maharana Pratap dam, is renowned for being the highest earth-fill dam in India. The lake is massive, with over 300 km in width at its widest, and this is a great hidden gem to visit while in Dharamshala. Some of the main attractions at this location are: Rainsar: It is an island in the middle of the lake and houses a forest rest house. The island looks stunning and appears to be floating when seen from shore. Visitors can reach the island by boat. Bathu ki Ladi – It is a series of beautiful ancient temples that get submerged underwater on all sides when the dam’s level rises. It is believed that the temples are very holy and that the Pandavas constructed them during their period of exile. You can visit the temples by boat ride. Pong lake was also declared a bird sanctuary in 1983, and you can witness a wide variety of birds at this serene location. The best way to truly appreciate the beauty of the lake is to boat around the lake at visit these great locations here. This hidden gem is highly recommended. Address: Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh 4. The ancient Baijnath temple The Baijanth temple, also known as the Baidyanath Shiva temple, dates back to 804 AD and is an absolutely gorgeous temple decorated with intricate stone carvings, and is surrounded by a wide-open space. The complex surrounding the temple is well-preserved and was completed in the 13th century. Inside the temple, there are many beautifully carved statues, and the sanctum area houses the holy Shiva Lingam protected by the 5 headed cobras. This travel destination offers a great location for photography with the beautiful Himalayan landscape and the temple’s unique architecture constructed using the Nagara style, a medieval north Indian architecture layout. The story surrounding this temple is a mythological legend. It is said that this Shiv ling was placed here by Ravana on his failed quest for invincible powers. He was an avid Bhakt of Lord Shiva, and to test him; Lord Shiva gave him the task to carry the Shiv ling all the way to Sri Lanka without putting it on the ground even once. It is said that Ravana failed his quest here, and the Shiv Ling has been worshipped ever since. Address: Temple Path, Dharer, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh 176125 5. Andretta village, the village of artists The Andretta village is a quaint village 13 km away from Palampur and once home to several famous artists like Sobha Singh and Norah Richards. Sobha Singh was renowned for his beautiful paintings, and his work is showcased here in the Sobha Singh Art Gallery, which his family members run. He lived here until
Top 10 Hidden Gems You Must Visit in Manali
Manali has captured the hearts of tourists all around the globe and is one of the most popular tourist spots in the state of Himachal Pradesh, and rightly so. It offers a wide range of destinations covering the requirements of all travelers, from photography freaks to adrenaline junkies. From the beautiful scenery at Rohtang pass and Jogini falls to the thrilling adventure activities at Solang valley, Manali truly has it all. However, there are many places in Manali that people miss on their visit due to them being less popular or unknown entirely. In this article, we will give you the Top 10 Hidden Gems You Must Visit in Manali. Source 1.Trekking away from the Solang Valley crowd At Solang Valley, one of the most popular destinations in Manali, there is always a bustle. Thousands of People visit the valley every year to enjoy multiple activities offered at this location such as ice skiing, zorbing, paragliding, and even snow scooters. However, very close to the valley, there is a location that is not visited much but offers a beautiful opportunity for sightseeing and offers a peek into the religious significance of the town of Manali. Source The Anjani Mahadev temple is a beautiful temple approximately 3 km away from the valley; visitors can easily trek to this location. The temple has a natural Shivling that forms during the winters and takes one away from the bustle of Solang valley. The location is sacred and a great visit for people that love offbeat trekking and wish to have darshan of this holy site. 2. Experience the Buddhist side of Manali. Source If you are interested in the Buddhist culture and heritage and Lahaul and Spiti valley is too far away, Do not despair, Manali can offer a great alternative. The Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is a hidden gem close to the bustling Manali mall road. The location is a 5-minute trek away from the mall road and is the perfect location to experience the serenity and soothing energy of Buddhist temples. The location has a huge statue of Sakyamuni, and there is a monastery nearby of the Gelugpa sect with a large colorful prayer wheel. This location is incredibly soothing, and the aura of calmness is truly breathtaking. 3.Peek into the culture of The people of Manali at Rumsu village: Source The village is near the Naggar castle and the Jaggatipatt temple and is a tiny village where it is as if time has stood still. The people here worship the ‘Jamlu Devta’ and it is a charming location with small wooden houses and a beautiful view of the valley. You can see local people making the local shawls here using a traditional handloom called the Khaddi. This location is truly a hidden gem and is highly recommended for offbeat travelers. 4. Enjoy a serene evening at the Jana falls: The Jana Falls, near Naggar Castle, is a beautiful waterfall with a soothing aura around it. The location is 12 km away from the Castle, and you must trek through lush pine and deodar trees to reach it. The location offers beautiful scenery of snow-capped mountains and is a satisfying nature retreat. Source The location is not crowded and has the Maniram’s Dhaba nearby. The Dhaba offers delicious local cuisine, including red rice and siddu, and is a must-visit location for offbeat travelers. 5. Hiking to Goshal from Old Manali Source The village of Goshal is a small yet gorgeous location near The Manu Temple in Old Manali. The trail to reach the village is simple and serene. You will pass through multiple apple orchards and gurgling streams while enjoying the view of snow-capped mountains overlooking the village. The village shines during the spring and is a beautiful offbeat location to visit in Manali. Do not miss the delicious locally made peach pickle called Lingdi’ pickle, a Himachal specialty. 6. The Temple at Jagatsukh The Jagat Sukh temple, known as the Gaurishankar Temple, is a 1200-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is absolutely stunning, with intricate stone carvings in the Shikara style and a beautiful view of the valley. Source The location is truly a delight for off-beat travelers and offers a peek into the culture and heritage of the people inhabiting Manali. 7. The Twin Villages of Shanag & Buruwa Source The two villages are situated along the Leh- Manali highway and are absolutely serene. These traditional villages offer a pristine scenery of the Rohtang pass and River Beas. The drive to these locations, through apple orchards, is truly magnificent and is situated near the Nehru Kund on the highway. This place is truly a hidden gem and is quickly becoming a sought out location for high-end cottages. 8. Gulaba, the valley of flowers Source Gulaba is a delight for nature lovers and is known for the beautiful Local Flora and Fauna. This location is often called the valley of flowers and is a great spot for picnics and photography. From here, many visitors start their trek to Bhirgu lake. During the winters, this location is very crowded, but otherwise, this location is a perfect spot for people to visit for a serene view and an experience away from the Manali crowds. 9. Prini village, a serene experience Source The village is located along the Manali- Jagatsukh road and is a beautiful location with its own waterfall and a stunning view. The location is covered with paddy fields, and moisture in the air is refreshing and rejuvenating. This is a great location that is not well known and is covered with lush flora all around. 10. Experience Himachal heritage at Naggar Source Naggar is a historical location on the left banks of the River Beas and is quickly becoming a popular location
