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 Tsuglagkhang
Temple :
The Tsuglagkhang Temple is the most renowned Buddhist monument
in McLeodganj. There are three magnificent images of Buddha,
including a statue of Shakyamuni, statues of Valokitesvara
and Padamasambhava. The Namgyal Monastery was founded by the
Third Dalai Lama, and serves the Dalai Lamas exclusively.
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.
 Norbulingka
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.
 Gyuto
Monastery, Sidhbari:
Sidhbari is where is located the Karmapa (Ogyen Trinley Dorje)'s
temporary residence, at Gyuto Monastery.Sidhbari is about
six kilometers from Dharamsala. Karmapa means "the one
who carries out buddha-activity" or "the embodiment
of all the activities of the buddhas." In the Tibetan
tradition, great enlightened teachers are said to be able
to consciously arrange to be reborn as a teacher who can carry
on the teachings of a predecessor in a prior life.
 St.
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 McLeodganj. Under the shade of Deodar branches,
a memorial has been made over the body of the British Viceroy,
Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in 1863 while the British
raj in India. The church is an excellent place to sit and
relax admist the deodar trees.
 Triund:
Triund is a popular picnic spot at a height of 2827 m. The
area is on the foothills of Dhauladhar range and is 17kms
from Dharamsala. The snow line starts at Illaqua, which is
five kms from Triund. The breathtaking view of the mountains
and the valleys makes Triund an ideal picnic spot and trekking
destination. One can make a day hike to Triund or make an
appointment for a night stay at one of the guesthouse.
 Bhagsu
Temple and Water fall:
About two kilometers from McLeod is a holy pilgrim site
for Hindus. Bhagsu, as it is better known has an ancient Shiv
temple. The main attraction for the tourist and the crowd
puller here is not the temple but the public swimming pool.
It is a treat for tourist making it to Dharamsala during the
hot months. But if you are not a great fan of crowded places
then stear clear of this swimming pool as it is always crowded.
Of course except during the cold winters when the water is
freezing.
 Naddi
& Dal lake:
Just 2 kms from Mcleodganj is the sacred Dal lake known
for its religious water. The lake is regarded is the lake
of Lord Shiva. One kns ahead is the famous location called
Naddi, where you can see the Mount Dhauladhar very near and
the sunset is worth seeing in the the evening. Naddi is a
liked many for it's natural look and cool winds that pass
by from the mountains.
 Char
Dham Devi Darshan
One can visit the famous religious places of Himachal from
Dharamshala. The 4 Devi dham (char dham devi darshan) are
visited by many devotees.
These includes Chintapurni Mata, Jawala ji Mata, Chamunda
Mata and Brijeshwari Mata.
 Dharamshala
& Palampur Tea Gardens
The captivating tea gardens of Dharamshala will fill your
heart with delight when you take a stroll to these gardens.
To have a glimpse of the tea gardens you need to come to Chilgari.
From here there are two roads, one lead to Mata Kunal Pathari
Temple and another to Narghota Village. Both the roads have
tea gardens on each side with lush green pine trees.
Palampur is a fascinating green hill station in the Kangra
Valley, surrounded on all sides by tea gardens and pine forests
before they merge with the Dhauladhar ranges. Palampur is
the tea capital of northwest India. |
People
from all over the world flock to Mcleodganj to receive blessings
and teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Western and Indian
tourists and scholars come here to see the rebirth of an ancient
and fascinating civilization. The high altitude and cool weather
contribute physically to the re-creation of the original Tibetan
environment. Dharamsala pulsates with the sights and sounds of old
Tibet. Though certainly more modern, life is basically Tibetan in
character. Shops strung out along the narrow streets of Mcleodganj
sell traditional Tibetan arts and handicrafts and the aroma of Tibetan
dishes lingers in the air. 