Mcleodganj:-
(1700 mt)9
km up from Kotwali Bazar Dharamsala is the famous town Mcleodganj often
called the ‘Little Lhasa’. This is the residence of HH the Dalai Lama.
The Tibetan Government in exile has been here for almost four decades.
The impressive monastery has larger than life images of the Buddha,
Padmasambhava and Avalokteshwara. A large Tibetan community and the
presence of traditional architectural designs drawn from Tibet have
enhanced the charm of the area. A host of Tibetan handicrafts and
garments are available.
Tsuglag Khang (Central Cathedral)
Though
a plain and utilitarian substitute for its far more splendid name sake
in Lhasa, also known as the Jokhang, the Tsuglag Khang is nevertheless
fascinating and peaceful. Situated opposite the residence of His
Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tsuglag Khang is known to the local Indians as
the Main Temple. It houses three main images: that of the Sakyamuni
Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avalokitesvara, the Buddha of Compassion, of
whom the Dalai Lama is the current emanation. The principal image is
that of Sakyamuni Buddha, measuring three meters high and made of gilded
bronze. To its right are the images of Padmasambhava and Avalokitesvara
which are both facing Tibet.
Namgyalma Stupa
Surrounded by prayer wheels, this Buddhist stupa, is located in the
centre of McLeod Gunj. With a statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha enshrined
in a small chamber.Day and night, devotees turn prayer wheels as they
circumambulate the stupa , reciting mantras.
Church Of St. John In The Wilderness
Fifteen minutes' walk from McLeod Gunj, the Anglican church lies in the
forest near Forsyth Gunj. This neo-Gothic stone church was built in 1852
and has some fine Belgian stained-glass windows. It miraculously
survived the 1905 earthquake - only the spire collapsed. A memorial to
Lord Elgin stands in the churchyard. The British Viceroy died in
Dharamsala and is buried here. Visiting hours for the church and
cemetery are 10 am to 5 pm each day.
Dal
Lake
About three kilometers from McLeod Gunj and next to the Tibetan
Children's Village, this small lake is brownish in colour and not nearly
as impressive as the name and reputation suggest. However, there are
many interesting walks around the lake.
Dharamkot
This
village, twenty minutes' walk further up the hill from McLeod Gunj, is a
favourite picnic spot with a panoramic view of the Kangra Valley. It is
possible to rent houses from local Indians if you are planning a longish
stay.
Bhagsunag
This
ancient temple is 2 kms from Mcleodganj.. Close to this temple is a
beautiful waterfall.Near the Dal Lake is the shrine of Bhagsunath an
easy walk from the Mecleod ganj. Famous for its ancient temple and a
pretty waterfall not far away. The rock temple dedicated to local
Goddess is just 3 km from Kotwali Bazaar.
Triund:-
Mcleodganj to Triund is a
9 km gradual trek which passes through the Dharmkot and Rakkar villages.
The tracks from Rawa, Dallake, Dharamkot and Bhagsu meet at a ridge
known as Galu Devi (2130m) which has a small temple and a water point.
From Galu Oevi onward the track is smooth and clear and ascends through
a mixed forest of oaks and rhododendrons. The track then gradually gains
height and winds round the ridges looking towards Dharamsala and the
Kangra valley. The last climb after a snow nullah rises abruptly with
steep ascents and the track weaves through twenty two curves making the
ascent tiring and difficult. On this track one can spot many types of
birds. Monals are in plenty. The black bear, leopards, pigs and wild
goats are also found in this region. There is a small forest bungalow at
Triund located on a big and green subsidiary ridge of the Dhauladhar
range.
Norbulingka
The
Norbulingka Institute The Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Culture was
founded by the Department of Religion and Culture to preserve and
promote Tibetan art and culture in exile. Norbulingka Institute in
Dharamsala has taken the initiative to preserve the roots of Tibetan
culture in exile. The institute is sited in a scenic valley below
Dharamsala.
Chinmaya Tapovan:-
An
ashram complex has been established by late Swami Chinmayananda, a noted
exponent of the Gita, at a distance of approximately 10 km from
Dharamsala on the banks of the rivulet Bindu Saras. The complex includes
a 9 m high image of Lord Hanuman, a magnificent Rama temple, a
meditation hall, a school, and a health and recreation centre.