Strictly speaking, close neighbour McLeod Ganj is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile, but Dharamsala is the better known of the two. Here it is interesting to meet a different culture and community in a former British hill station. The backdrop to the town is spectacular snow topped mountains and pine forests. There can be heavy snows from December through to March which can affect access by road from Amritsar if you choose to travel this route. Pack warm clothes! In summer, torrential rains come, making this area the second wettest in India.
There is a small airport with one daily flight to Delhi but it is often subject to bad weather. Trains run to and from Delhi from Pathankot.
Places of Interest:
DALAI LAMA’S RESIDENCE AND TIBET MUSEUM
It is wise to check if the Dalai Lama will be in residence www.tibet.com if you want to attend one of his sermons. However it is soothing just to meander around the complex, enjoy the peace and spin the numerous prayer wheels as you walk in a clockwise direction. Monks in crimson robes sit cross legged on the floor, chatting quietly.
BHAGSU NAG TEMPLE
2 miles from McLeod Ganj’s main square is this temple dedicated to Shiva and if you follow a rocky path on the slopes of a small stream for about 20 minutes you will come to a waterfall with tiny frogs at its base. Single ladies are best not to do this alone in the interests of safety.
NORBULINGKA INSTITUTE
Situated about 30 minutes outside town the institute is dedicated to preserving literary and artistic Tibetan traditions.
CHURCH of St JOHN-in-the-WILDERNESS
Situated a short distance below McLeod Ganj this is the final resting place for the 8th Lord Elgin who, after only 18 months as Viceroy, died in office. He wanted to be buried here because it reminded him of Scotland.
