Mcleodganj: The Ideal Location for Those Seeking a Spiritual Awakening
Mcleodganj is a well-known hill town in the vicinity of Dharamshala, which is also a well-known tourist spot in Himachal Pradesh. Trekkers come to the Kangra valley to see its natural beauty and discover the Dhauladhar Range, which is right next to McLeodganj.
But Mcleodganj is special because of its Tibetan culture and its ability to help people find mental peace. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama lives in this town, which is full of beautiful churches, stupas, and other places that are both nice to look at and good for your mind.
It's not just the hikes or the misty valleys that are beautiful in McLeodganj. It's also the temples, spiritual rock structures, and Tibetan monasteries, as well as their rich history and peaceful atmosphere.
For a spiritual trip, choose Mcleodganj Travel. For you and your family, let Thomas Cook put together the best Dharamshala tour packages.
The Best Way to Reach Mcleodganj
As Delhi is the closest metro city to Mcleodganj, it is convenient to connect its routes to the stunning Himalayan hamlet. You can travel to McLeodganj by road, air, or train, owing to the popularity of Himachal Pradesh.
Mcleodganj via road: The easiest and most scenic route to visit Mcleodganj from Delhi is via an overnight Volvo bus. You can board a bus from Kashmiri Gate ISBT, Majnu ka Tila, or RK Ashram Marg.
Mcleodganj via air: The closest airport to Mcleodganj is Gaggal Airport, located at a distance of about 47 km from the main Dharamshala. The return flight usually costs around 10,000.
Mcleodganj via train: The nearest railway station is Pathankot, which is located approximately 90 km from Mcleodganj. It takes around 8 hours to reach Pathankot from Delhi by train, from where you can take a taxi or bus to reach your destination.
Best Places in Mcleodganj for Spiritual Seekers
Now that we've talked about going, let's talk about the most spiritually helpful places in Mcleodganj that you can visit.
Here is a list of the best places to visit in McLeodganj that you can do in three to four days while enjoying their beauty.
1. Namgyal Monastery – The Dalai Lama’s Abode
The most holy place to visit in Mcleodganj is the Namgyal Monastery, which is also known as the Dalai Lama Temple. There is the Tibet Museum, the Tsuglagkhang Complex, and Namgyal Gompa inside. It is the biggest Tibetan temple in India.
There are many interesting things to see at the temple, but the tall statue of Lord Buddha is the most popular. Another must-see is the Kalachakra Temple, which is right next to the Tsuglagkhang Complex. The temple has beautiful images, such as Tibetan Thangka paintings, frescoes of over 700 gods from the mandala, and the Kalachakra idol.
The monastery has a long past that goes back to the Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule in 1959. After being in pain for months, the Dalai Lama fled to India and finally settled there. Today, the 14th Dalai Lama's private monastery is filled with holy energy as soon as you walk through its gates. Even though the building isn't very fancy, the drawings and designs made in Tibetan give you a taste of the rich Buddhist culture. The air feels like it's getting better.
Inside the shrine, you can't miss doing KORA (circumambulating in a circle around a set way in a clockwise direction), admiring the Buddhist architecture, or hearing the chants of the more than 200 Buddhist monks who live in the monastery.
April through October: 5 AM to 7 PM; November through March: 6 AM to 6 PM.
2. Bhagsunag Temple – The Healing Powers of Lord Shiva
The Bhagsunag Temple is a fascinating place with a past that goes back 5,000 years and beautiful green valleys all around it. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most holy places you should visit in McLeodganj. People in the area say nice things about this temple because they think it can heal. So, if you really want to feel better, make sure you swim in the natural pool near the temple.
There are a lot of places to visit near this temple. The first is the waterfall that gives the temple its name. One of the best places to see in McLeodganj is the Bhagsunag waterfall. Even though you have to walk, it is well worth it!
Before you go back from the temple, don't miss the beauty of the Dal Lake (Himachal also has one). It's not far away. You can also buy gifts at the Kotwali Bazaar.
The times are after sunrise and before sunset. Summer hours are 5 AM to 8 PM, and winter hours are 6 AM to 6 PM.
3. St. John in the Wilderness Church – Breathtaking British Architecture
The St. John Church in Forsyth Ganj is a famous place for tourists to visit. It is only 1 km from Mcleodganj. The church was built in the 1850s and is surrounded by the wilds of Dharamshala.
People think it's one of the best places to visit near McLeodganj because of its unique grey stone walls that were built in the geo-gothic style in ancient Britain. This style of building is only found in this church and no other building in the area.
The church is also known for its beautiful Belgian stained glass windows, the 300-foot-tall bell that hangs from the top of the tower, and the wood altar that now has electric lamps instead of oil lights. Last resting place of Lord Elgin, who was viceroy of India, is St. John Church. That is, you should go to this church in the middle of nowhere in Mcleodganj whether you are a Buddhist or a Hindu.
Hours: 7 AM to 6 PM.
4. Dharamkot – Sit for Yoga and Meditation
If you're planning a spiritual trip to McLeodganj, you should go to Dharamkot to get more out of your time there. It is close to McLeodganj and is known to be a place where monks and meditators go to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas.
People also call Dharamkot "Yogi Village." It is home to many yoga schools and meditation centres, such as the Tushita Buddhist Meditation Centre and the Dhamma Shikhara Vipassana Meditation Centre.
Aside from spiritual activities, Dharamkot is a great place to go on hikes to Indrahar Pass, Kareri Lake, and Triund. It's a wonderful experience just to walk through the beautiful Kangra Valley.
5. Norbulingka Institute for Deden Tsuglagkhang, the Seat of Happiness
Building this building in 1995 with the goal of protecting Tibetan culture is a beautiful work of art. You can see lovely Thangka paintings, carvings made of wood, Buray Silk, the Losel Doll Museum, places that serve Tibetan food, and more. The Deden Tsuglagkhang, also known as the Seat of Happiness Temple, is the centre of the school. It has some of the most beautiful religious architecture in Tibet.
The main things to see at the temple are a 14-foot-tall statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, which is the biggest figure of its kind outside of Tibet, and a beautiful Applique Thangka with 16 Arhats embroidered on silk. At the Institute, you can also buy handbags, lamps, bedsheets, Buddha statues, hand-made wrapping sheets, and other things.
Important: To get to the temple, which is 10 km from the main city of McLeodganj, you will need to take a taxi.
Hours: 9 AM to 5:30 PM.
6. Tsechokling Gompa – Sit in a Peaceful Location
This Gompa was built in 1987 to look like the Dip Tse Chok Ling in Tibet. It is set on a steep mountain in the Dhauladhar ranges and has stunning views of the valley below. This small shrine is famous for its beautiful mandalas and is home to a small group of Gelugpa monks. There is a figure of Shakyamuni in the prayer hall, and two hand-painted drums with goatskin coverings are there too. Overall, the place has a calm and peaceful feel to it.
Hours: 7 AM to 8 PM.
7. Masroor Rock Cut Temples – Soak in Peace and Serenity
The Masroor Rock Cut Temples, which were built in the 8th century, are a great place for people who are interested in both religion and architecture. These churches are made from single rocks. There used to be fifteen of them, but most of them are broken now. Even though they are damaged, they are still beautiful to look at.
The ASI looks after the temple and has pictures of Ram, Sita, and Laksham in the centre. You will also see pictures of Lord Shiva, Indra, Kartikeya, and Surya as you look around the rest of the structure.
The Masroor churches are in a beautiful, peaceful place, surrounded by a valley that makes you feel calm. A lot of tourists skip this temple, but people who are really spiritual can sit there for hours and feel their souls.
8. Baglamukhi Temple – Goddess Who Fulfils Wishes
Baglamukhi Temple is a shrine to one of the ten "Mahavidyas" of Goddess Shakti, the Supreme. It is an old temple nestled in the lushness of Kangra Valley.
People think that if they do yajna and homage at the temple with good intentions, their wish will come true. Since the Goddess' best colour is yellow, most of the people who go to the temple wear yellow clothes and bring yellow treats.
When holidays like Navratri, Vasant Panchami, and Guru Purnima happen, the temple is a sight to see. The beautiful temple is an hour's drive from McLeodganj.
Hours: It's open all the time.
9. Mani Lhakhang Stupa for Gold-Plated Buddha Statue
It is one of the less well-known tourist spots near McLeodganj. It is a holy place that was built in 2001 with the Dalai Lama's help. This Stupa, which is also called the Prayer Wheels Monastery, is home to a gold-plated statue of Lord Buddha in a lotus position that is the major draw for tourists.
The stupa is open 24 hours a day, so you can stay back and listen to the monks chant and sing in the evening. As simple as meditating near the tower can help you feel better.
Hours: It's open all the time.
10. Namgyalma Stupa – Purify Your Soul
In Upari Barol, Namgyalma Stupa is in the middle of the main street. People who want to clean up their minds and let go of their bad karma go to this holy place. The Tibetans believe that anyone who touches the Stupa is suddenly made pure. People believe that even the rain that falls on the Stupa is clean and can help heal the soul if drunk.
There are many prayer wheels around the Stupa. To worship them, turn them in a clockwise way while chanting mantras or praying. Namegyalma Stupa is important for its spiritual meaning, but it is also beautiful because it is made completely of sandstone. Look at it, and you'll feel calm and at ease.
Another reason spiritual people are drawn to the Stupa is the figure of Shakyamuni that sits inside one of its rooms. The shrine has three circular steps and is also called the Stupa of Complete Victory to praise Gautam Buddha for defeating death.
Hours: 7 AM to 7 PM.
11. Kalachakra Temple – Stunning Murals of Kalchakra
The Kalachakra temple is more than just a place of prayer. It is also a work of art in architecture and a place where people can learn from the Dalai Lama. Since it was built in 1992, this temple has murals, Thangka paintings, and fresco designs that show 772 different gods and mandalas. These show how culturally and artistically rich the Tibetan people are.
The Kalachakra (Wheel of Time) mural is one of the most well-known parts of the building. It is linked to Avalokitesvara and is where the Dalai Lama has appeared. Inside the temple, tourists can also look around in a number of shops and an aesthetically pleasing café.
Hours: 5 AM to 9 PM.
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