McLeodganj is the most prominent place to the travelers who wish to explore Himachal Pradesh Tourism. It is a pretty village in the outline district of Dharamshala and on the lap of Kangra District. The colossal range of southern branch of Himalayas, the Dhauladhar protects McLeodganj by its warm embrace. The average elevation of total McLeodganj is 6831 feet.
Classification of Name of McLeodganj:
McLeodganj is known as the “Little Lhasa” or “”Dhasa”. Behind these naming there are several causes. Due to the residence of Tibetan sacrosanct Dalai Lama and the huge population of Tibetan community, McLeodganj is called “The Little Lhasa.” On the other hand, Dhasa is the abbreviated form of Dharamshala. However, this village came in sight of the Lord David McLeod who was the English Lieutenant Governor of Punjab of that time. He used to go there for escaping himself from the tremendous heat of summer of plains. Accordingly, this place is discovered and in pursuance of Lord David McLeod this suburb of Kangra valley was named McLeodganj. As we all know that Ganj is synonymous of village. Nowadays, McLeodganj trip becomes one of the best options to schedule for exploring India.
By John Hill – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
History of McLeodganj:
Before describing about the history of McLeodganj it should be mentioned that the present McLeodganj is the renovation form of the old village. Instead of being regarded as one of the most important places of trade, commerce and administrative office of Kangra district in early 1900, the whole area was damaged violently by a disastrous earthquake in 1905. More or less for half a century no travel enthusiasts did make planning to visit McLeodganj as their travel refreshment. Then this colorful town of upper Dharamshala came in notice with the blessing of the Tibetan spiritual guide Dalai Lama in 1959 after Chinese Occupation of Tibet.
McLeodganj and Dalai Lama:
It is needless to say that McLeodganj is the home of His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. After his exile from Tibet in 1959 due to his failure against the communist party of China, he took shelter in Mussoorie located in present Uttarakhand. Thousands of devotees of Dalai Lama followed him and started living under the influence of the great Tibetan spiritual leader. Within a year he decided to establish Central Tibetan Administration and chose McLeodganj as the place of its establishment in 1960.
India Government recognized the Government of Tibet in Exile under the leadership of His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. Since then, McLeodganj becomes the residence of Dalai Lama and is now famous for numbers of Buddhist monks and monasteries. Gradually travelers and pilgrims from different parts of the world make trip to McLeodganj as their holistic travel destination.
It is a belief that Dalai Lama is the living display of enlightened being of empathy. According to Tibetan faith, this sacrosanct is the physical incarnation of Lord Buddha. Every Buddhist wishes to hear him physically, touch him scarcely and take his advice for an enrichment of spirituality and peace. The life of this spiritual leader is accomplished with three important commitments.
- Secular Ethics on Human Value
- The Encouragement of Inter- Religion
- Preservation of Peace and Non-Violence Buddhist Culture in Tibet
As a whole, the entire ambiance of the residence of Dalai Lama won’t make feel the travelers that it is a part of India. A perfect blend of tranquility amalgamated with chaos and mayhem always exist in Namgyal Monastery or Dalai Lama’s Temple or Tsug La Khang.
Places to Visit in McLeodganj:
Due to an amazing scenic beauty of Himachal Pradesh this state is known as Fruit Bowl of India. McLeodganj provides the equal number of picture perfect mosaic of loveliness and culture. This one of the best tourist places in India is enriched with mind-blowing natural wonders to marvelous manmade architectural structures. Have a look on some awe-inspiring tourist places in McLeodganj without visiting, travel trip becomes incomplete.
Namgyal Monastery:
By Christopher Michel – CC BY 2.0
Another name of Namgyal Monastery is Tsug La Khang. It is the temple of the Tibetan Chenrezig Dalai Lama. A massive gilded statue of Lord Buddha enriches the beauty of the main shrine. Even two statues of Chenrezig and Guru Rinpoche attract a dime of a dozen shutterbugs to experience the symbol of peace and tranquility.
This monastery is famous for Dalai Lama’s residence and the office of Central Tibetan Administration. This monastery is always full of monks, lamas, nuns and tourists. Globetrotters can witness the mandala design performed by Buddhist monks and the debate performance of monks in Buddhist Philosophy.
Dal Lake:
By Nswn03 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
McLeodganj is the perfect combination of natural and artificial astonishments. Dal Lake located in mid-altitude of beautiful village Tota Rani at McLeodganj. An impressive deodar forest hugs Dal Lake with warm affection. Due to the presence of a Lord Shiva’s temple this tourist spot is considered as a holy point and the presence of innumerable pilgrims is found every year to attend the fair held on the bank of Dal Lake.
Triund:
Triund is a narrow hilltop situated behind the gigantic Dhauladhar range. It is the archetypal place for adventurists because a nine-kilometer trek is organized here twice a day. This trail is always very attractive which is started from Tushita Road. Foods and accommodation are available in Forest Rest House at the top of the ridge.
Dharamkot:
The travelers who love enjoying the panoramic view of nature, Dharamkot welcomes them to stay on the lap of nature. The pine and rhododendron surrounded Dhauladhar range looks stunning from this point. Not only for the nature lovers, Dharamkot is quite ideal for religious tourists also. The Tushita Retreat Center provides a course of meditation which is another attraction for them to visit Dharamkot.
Even Masroor Temple, Cricket Stadium, Museums, Norbulingka Institute, Buddhist Cultural Institutes, Waterfalls, Monasteries, Churches and many significant spots enhance the tourism of McLeodganj magically.
