Mc Leod Ganj

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Home to Dalai Lama and Tibetan Government in exile and the starting point of some of the exhilarating treks into the Himalayas, McLeod Ganj is the upper town of Dharamshala. Spread across the wooden ridges beneath the Dauladher Range, the town is divided into two distinct sections. Originally a British Hill Station, McLeod Ganj has been converted into a Tibetan Home by the influx of Tibetan Refugees who left China fleeing the Chinese Oppression.

McLeod Ganj is a place which attracts a lot of homeland people as well as foreigners. Its a preferred place for Hollywood Actors with a number of them already visited the place. Despite low temperatures between December and March, it attracts a lot of people throughout the year. Seeing the low temperatures, you will require loads of very warm clothes.

Dalai Lama Settled temporarily in Mc Leod Ganj in 1960, four decades later he is still here. Because of his presence the place has become prestigious. His house is one the south edge of the town is his permanent residence. In front of the private enclosure, Dharamshalas main Buddhist Temple Tsug Lakhang is located. This temple has the images of Sakyamuni (the hsitorical Buddha), Padmasambhava ( who introduced buddhism to Tibet) and Avalokitesvara ( the bodhisatva of compassion) seated in meditation compositions. After paying homage to Buddha, devotees circumbulate the temple complex turning the numerous prayer wheels sending prayers in all the directions. Here is also the Namgyal Monastery where monks hold strong debates on the issues of life, death and reincarnation. The Canteen of the Monastery provides good snacks and meals ( Tuesday to Sunday).

McLeod Ganj is one of the few places where sitting, chatting and philosphizing is a part of the daily activities. Try out the Tibetan dishes like Thukpa and momos, chinese noodles and stir frys as you see the major attractions of McLeod Ganj like Dhamma Sikhara (Vipassana Centre), Tushita (Buddhist Centre), Dal Lake, Mountaineering Institute and Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts.


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