The tourist sectors in McLeod Ganj complete the wanderlust of adventure, pilgrimage and nature tourism. The tourism is an important industry in McLeod Ganj region. This region is a small hilly hamlet in Himachal Pradesh. Most of the tourists and the people come here to study Tibetan-Buddhism, culture, crafts and traditions. The town is also known for Tibetan handicrafts, thangkas, Tibetan carpets, garments and other souvenirs. Tibetan Sites in McLeod Ganj The most important Buddhist site in the town of McLeod Ganj is Tsuglagkhang or Tsuglag Khang, which is also known as Dalai Lama's temple. It has statues of Shakyamuni, Avalokitesvara, and a statue of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). Other Buddhist and Tibetan sites in McLeod Ganj include the Namgyal Monastery, the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, Gompa Dip Tse-Chok Ling (a small monastery), the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Gangchen Kyishong (called Gangkyi for short by Tibetans and the premises of the Tibetan government-in-exile), Mani Lakhang Stupa, Nechung Monastery, and Norbulingka Institute, which is 8 kilometres away. The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, lives near Dharamshala, in Gyuto monastery in Sidhbari. Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) is debuted in McLeod Ganj during the first four days of November 2012, showing recent Indian and world cinema, including fiction, documentaries and shorts. The panel discussions and master classes with filmmakers from India and abroad also took place. Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) was presented by White Crane Arts & Media trust, established by filmmakers Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam to promote contemporary Indian, Pan Asian and European art, cinema and independent media practices in the Himalayan Mountainous region. Other Tourists Towns in McLeod Ganj The major towns near Mc Leod Ganj include Dharamshala, Palampur, Kangra, Tatwani and Machhrial. Other nearby spiritual attractions in McLeod Ganj include Chinmaya Tapovan (a Hindu retreat centre), Osho Nisarga (an Osho retreat centre), and Chamunda (a pilgrimage place for Hindus). Other tourist spots include Trinud Hill, Galu Temple, Dharmakot and Dhauladhar Mountain Range. From Mc Leod Ganj, one can see Dhauladhar Mountain Range very near. Triund Hill in McLeod Ganj Triund Hill is a ridge that overlooks the Dhauladhar Mountain Region, where the sanctuary is located. This sanctuary is one of the most important tourist locations in Mc Leod Ganj. Triund Hill ridge has an elevation between 2,810 and 2,875 metres. It is a one-day trek 10 kilometres (one way) from McLeod Ganj bus stand and under 6 kilometres (one way) from Galu temple near Dharamkot. The trail is rocky and cut in steps at some places. From Galu temple the trail starts as a gentle ascend till Magic View café. After the café, the ascent is a tad steeper, finally cumulating in a steep final one kilometre stretch through a forest of Deodars and Rhododendron. This final stretch through the woods is known as 22-curves, because of the 22 switchbacks that one has to walk through to get to Triund Hill Range. St. John in the Wilderness St. John in the Wilderness is an Anglican church which is located in the forest near Forsyth Ganj. The Neo-Gothic stone building of the church was constructed in the year 1852 that is during the rule of British East India Company. St. John in the Wilderness also has a memorial of the British Viceroy in India, Lord Elgin, and an old graveyard. The church building is also noted for its Belgian stained-glass windows donated by Lady Elgin. Dal Lake Dal Lake is focused by all the tourists of Indian and foreign while visiting this place. This is small lake located around three km from Mc Leod Ganj. While visiting this place St. John in the Wilderness and Dal Lake one can see the village school of Tibetan children. An annual fair is held here in August or September, and is attended mainly by the Gaddi Community of Mc Leod Ganj. There is a small spring and an old temple near Dal Lake. |