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The Beautiful Vistas of McLeod Ganj in Himachal Pradesh

By Akshatha

The enchanting village of McLeod Ganj in Himachal Pradesh, was founded by Lord David McLeod in 1848. Since then, this suburb in Dharamsala has witnessed a long history.

Initially, a summer retreat of the British, became a major trade centre of Kangra (1900s). The twin towns McLeod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj played a prominent part in the British administration of Himachal Pradesh.

In 1905, the suburb was hit by a major earthquake and the whole place was destroyed. Its importance only raised again when the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso fled Tibet and got shelter in India.

McLeod Ganj became a permanent settlement for the Dalai Lama and his followers. After the establishment of the Tibetan government-in-exile, the village has gained popularity as a pilgrim as well as a tourist spot.

It is situated in the Dhauladhar range and is a popular summer retreat from ages. The suburb is home to a large number of Tibetans and is a holy place for Buddhists.

Tourists can't trek during monsoons (July - August) and it'll be very cold from December - February. The summer season (March - June) and the Autumn (September - November) is the best time to visit.

McLeod Ganj plays a prominent part in Himachal Pradesh tourism and there are many tourist places to visit here. Dalai Lama Temple, Triund Hill, Bhagsu Waterfall, etc. are some of the main tourist attractions.

Let us go around this charming suburb of Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh!

McLeod Ganj During Winter

McLeod Ganj During Winter

McLeod Ganj is named after the British viceroy, Lord David McLeod. 'Ganj' is a hindi suffix which means neighbourhood.
Photo Courtesy: Derek Blackadder

 Tsuglag Khang Temple

Tsuglag Khang Temple

Tusglag Khang is also called as the Dalai Lama's Temple. It is a Buddhist monastery in McLeod Ganj.
Photo Courtesy: Liz Highleyman

Dalai Lama's Residence
 

Dalai Lama's Residence

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, initially took shelter in Mussoorie. Later, his base was shifted to McLeod Ganj; today a large number Tibetan refugees stay here.
Photo Courtesy: Derek Blackadder

Statue of Avalokitesvara

Statue of Avalokitesvara

Tsuglag Khang Temple also has the statues of Padmasambhava along with the Shakyamuni, Avalokitesvara.
Photo Courtesy: Liz Highleyman

Dauladhar Mountain Ranges from McLeod Ganj

Dauladhar Mountain Ranges from McLeod Ganj

Dauladhar Peak forms the southern part of Himalayas and forms the major part in beautifying McLeod Ganj.
Photo Courtesy: John Hill

St. John in the Wilderness

St. John in the Wilderness

It is a Anglican Church and a memorial built for the British viceroy, Lord Elgin. It is situated in Forsyth Ganj, a twin town of McLeod Ganj in Himachal Pradesh.
Photo Courtesy: Lewesian1982

Bhagsu Waterfall

Bhagsu Waterfall

The waterfall is situated in Bhagsu village; there is also a Hindu temple dedicated Bhagsu Nag and Shiva near this waterfall. It is one of the main places to visit in McLeod Ganj.
Photo Courtesy: Simon

Namgyal Monastery

Namgyal Monastery

Namgyal Monastery is a personal Monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama.
Photo Courtesy: Dave Kleinschmidt

Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts

Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts

Various programmes and workshops happen at this institute in McLeod Ganj.
Photo Courtesy: ptwo

Tibetan Children's Village

Tibetan Children's Village

Tibetan Children's Village is an organization to educate and nurture Tibetan children in exile. It is also a home for destitute children ( Tibetan refugees).
Photo Courtesy: Simon

Triund Hill

Triund Hill

Triund Hill is located at a distance of about 9km from McLeod Ganj. A rock trail amidst Deodar forests, from the Galu Temple will take tourists this popular sunrise view point.
Photo Courtesy: sanyam sharma

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