McleodGanj, Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh
Little Lhasa
How To Reach
Gaggal airport is the nearest airport from Mcleodganj, located at a distance of only 10 km from nearby Dharamsala. This airport is connected to Kullu and Delhi through frequent flights.
The roadway that leads to Mcleod Ganj, starts directly from Delhi and is known as the highest motor-able road in the world.
Kangra Railway station is nearest to McleodGanj, Dharamshala . Its only 24 kms aprrox from McleodGanj, Dharamshala
Things To Do
Set amidst the lush green Deodar forests, the beautiful Dal Lake of Mcleodganj offers boating options to tourists. The peaceful & beautiful setting of the lake makes boating in Dal Lake one of the most popular fun things to do in Mcleodganj with kids. The opening hours is 7 am to 8 pm of this.
Mcleodganj is known for its monasteries, museums, temples, waterfalls, lakes, and Tibetan settlements. While considering the best places to visit in Mcleodganj, tourists can take a half-day city tour. Mcleodganj sightseeing tours include Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang (the residence of Dalai Lama), Bhagsu Falls & Bhagsunath Temple, and Tibetan Museum.
Like any other destination, shopping in Mcleodganj has its own charm. Kotwali Bazaar, Jogiwara Road, & Mcleodganj Central Square are well-known shopping areas in the district. While the street shops of Kotwali Bazaar are most popular for Tibetan carpets, rugs, & exotic sculptures, the Jogiwara Road holds a reputation of the go-to place for souvenir shopping. The Mcleodganj Central Square is known to have the city’s oldest shop – Nowrojee and Son – that opened in 1860. The entire market area is famous for its wooden carvings, Thangka tapestry paintings, and handicrafts.
For those who don’t want to go for typical sightseeing, there are other offbeat things to do in Mcleodganj. Camping is one of the fun things that attracts tourists each year. Camping in this heavenly place is like a vacation amidst nature’s beauty. It allows the traveler to enjoy the peaceful time and the gorgeous view of the Himalayan peak. Enjoying camping under the stars with a warm bonfire is one of a kind experience.
Pilgrims and enthusiastic tourists often explore the Kora Circuit, one of the major Mcleodganj tourist attractions. The downslope road around the Tsuglagkhang Complex is a prayer-flag-draped path. At approximately 1.5 km from the begin of the prayer-draped path, one can see the collections of prayer wheels, chortens, and photos of Tibetans who had self-immolated from 2009. The circuit is serene with stunning views, but the track is steep and sometimes quite bumpy.
Tourist Attraction In McLeodGanj
Trek up to the ridges of Triund and enjoy the cool atmosphere with some food and drinks to top your day. The tiny tea shops will give you enough joy anyway, and once you’ve reached the peak, the view that will greet you is quite possibly going to be absolutely astounding. Do carry your own food and water for a small picnic atop the hill, and lounge in the Forest Rest House for a while before you return.
Situated in the wilderness, St. John’s Church is set in the neo-Gothic style. This Anglican Church was erected in 1852 for John the Baptist. The famous Belgian stained glass windows were designed by an artist of Italian descent. After the earthquake in 1905, the destroyed church was rebuilt along with a brand new bell installed in 1915. Amid the Deodar grove, this church overlooks a graveyard, where the gravestone of Lord Elgin is present. You will find this church on the route to Forsythe Ganj.
The 500 metre long cascading waterfalls are a beauty you’d admire for hours to end. Hiking trips are a delight in these rocky enclosures, and the view that you will get upon spotting the beautiful falls is something you wouldn’t want to miss. Settle down for a picnic with your friends or family, and enjoy the wilderness amid the gushing sounds of water and lush green surrounding. Located ahead of the Bhagsu Waterfalls is the Bhagsunath Temple, which is amid a quaint surrounding, and you’d love to visit it and see the pretty carvings and medieval sculptures on the walls.
Orphans and Refugees of Tibet are found in this community where they are given Tibetan education. Near the Dal Lake are the dormitories and residential areas for children as well as teachers. As a tourist, the Tibetan way of schooling will be quite intriguing to one. You can even volunteer along with the teachers at Tibetan Children’s Village if you wish!
Accordion Content
Why Visit?
No where else would you find a better commingle of Buddhism, natural serenity, and rich indigenous culture. The place is situated just below the Dhauladhar Mountain Ranges and you won’t get a better view of the same from anywhere else.
McleodGanj also known as Upper Dharamsala is a suburb of Dharamsala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is known as “Little Lhasa” due to its large population of Tibetan refugees. The Tibetan Government in Exile is headquartered in McLeod Ganj.
McLeod Ganj is named after David McLeod, the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab.During the British rule in India, the town was a hill station, where the British people spent hot summers.
Dharamsala and McleodGanj has many other Suburbs which are Bhagsu and Dharamkot near McleodGanj which consitutes in Upper Dharamsala.Sidhbari, Yol and Khaniyara near Dharamsala or Dharamshala(Lower Dharamshala)
In 1959, Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama came to India after the Chinese conquest of Tibet, and was offered refuge in McLeodGanj.
Welcome to McleodGanj
McleodGanj
Mcleod Ganj is a sleepy, quaint yet popular tourist spot in Himachal Pradesh. Named after Sir Donald Friell McLeod, a Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, it was established as a British garrison during their reign here.
It still holds the colonial charm it was built with. Today it is headquarter to Tibetan government in exile and the holy residence of the 14th Dalai Lama. Mcleod Ganj was little known, came into limelight in 1960 when H.H. Dalai Lama and his entourage sought refuge here following the Chinese invasion of Tibet. The place has a strange yet awe-inspiring beauty. It has become a hub for Buddhist studies, literature, and traditional events. The Buddhist architecture, designs, artwork, monasteries etc. all are enthralling and soul stirring. The natural landscapes, hill tops, Buddhist temples and shrines overwhelm you with a feeling of peace and serenity. If you happen to be a shopaholic; Mcleod Ganj is full of traditional food, clothe, and accessories outlets. You will find multitudes of budget hotels, trekking agencies, internet cafés, and traveler restaurants doted across the streets here. It also owns various video movie parlors, wall-to-wall shops selling Tibetan souvenirs and trendy clothing. Delhi to Mcleod Ganj distance is 773 KM and offers the most popular Buddhist site in this town is Tsuglagkhang, the Dalai Lama’s temple. The temple is adorned by statues of Shakyamuni, Avalokiteśvara, and a statue of Padmasambhava. Mcleod Ganj is studded with exciting spots like – Naam Art Gallery, Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, Library of Tibetan Works and Blog, St. John in the Wilderness(church), Triund Hill, and Dal Lake, and events like – Dharamshala International Film Festival. The flourishing tea gardens, exotic wildlife diversity and the pristine natural panorama serve a treat to the sight. The place is traditionally well maintained and reminiscent of the wondrous past. The worn out hill-tracks, offer thrilling opportunities for trekking and other adventure and recreational activities. The place on a whole is a great tourist delight and leaves you satisfied for every bit of your travel intentions.
