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Originally home of the seminomadic Gaddi tribe, Mcleod Ganj
is today the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This mid 19th
century place was developed as a British Garrison. The place was an
important administrative point for the whole
Kangra valley. Today Macleod
Ganj has developed as headquarters of the exiled Tibetan Government and is
situated just before the Upper Dharamsala.
The impressive monastery has got larger than life size images of Buddha,
Padmasambhava and Avaloketeshwara. To preserve the rich manifestation of
the Tibetan culture the institute of Tibetan performing arts was
established over here. In April and May a festival is organised here,
which includes the traditional plays, dances and many more such events.
The large Tibetan population of the region and the presence of traditional
architectural designs have enhanced the area. But the most important
example of the Tibetan architecture is the Tsuglagkhang or the Dalai
Lama's temple. The magnificent images - a gilt statue of Shakyamuni; then
facing Tibet is the Tibetan deity of compassion, Avalokitesvara and that
of Padmasambhava who introduced Buddhism and tantric teachings to Tibet in
8th century.
The house also has a collection of scared text called the Khagyur based
on the teachings of Buddha. Also included in the temple is a collection of
works on art, philosophy, literature, astrology and medicine.
MONASTERIES
The Residence of Dalai Lama: The Dalai Lama settled in Macleod
Ganj in 1960 and his residence on the south edge of town has become his
permanent home in exile. His own quarters are the modest, and government
offices take up most of the walled compound overhanging the valley.
Tsuglagkhang: In front of the private enclosure of the residence
of Dalai Lama, Dharamsala's
main Buddhiat temple, Tsuglagkhang, shelters images od Shayamuni,
Padmasambhava and Avaloktesvara, all sitting in meditation postures and
are surrounded by offerings from devotees.
Gompa Dip Tse-Chok Ling: The small Gompa Dip Tse-Chok Ling is
located on the bottom of a steep track. The main Prayer hall has an image
of the Shakyamuni. The monks who lived in the Gompa have made two huge
drums covered in goatskin and painted around the rim. The butter
sculptures, which are made during Losar, are destroyed in the next Losar
festival. This gompa is also famous for the fine and detailed mandals.
Library of Tibetan Works & Archives: The library of Tibetan
works and archives stores almost 40 % of the original Tibetan manuscripts
and is a repository of the rich Tibetan culture. The library also has a
photographic archive. At Gangchen Kyishong is the Tibetan Medical and
Astrological Institute.
LAKES
Dal Lake: The small, murky
Dal Lake, connected to Dharamkot by a path down through the wooded slopes,
is the scene of an animal fair and Shivate festival in September.
CITIES
Bhagsu: Bhagsu is a village on the banks of a mountain stream. A
path meanders up boulder-strewn slopes from here, through a slate quarry,
to the waterfall that feeds the stream. Each September pilgrms come to
bathe in the waters of the tank of Bhagsu's Shiva temple.
OTHERS
Triund: Triund is 17-km from Dharamsala and lies at the foot of
the snow clad Dhauladhar at a height of 2,827m. It is a popular picnic and
trekking spot.
Dharamkot: Dharamkot is the starting point for the short walks to
the high plateau at Triund (2,975m), or further over the high passes to
the Chamba valley.
Air: Dharamsala
can be approached by air from Delhi and the nearest Airport is at Gaggla,
just 13km away from the town.
Rail: Pathankot is 85 kms and is the nearest railhead for
Dharamsala. Trains from all
over the country make a stop over at Pathankot and from here it is a
three-hour journey to Dharamsala.
Road: From Manali too bus services are available to this place.
One can drive from Delhi
via Chandigarh
, Kiratpur, Bilaspur and it's an 8-hours journey. From
Delhi and
Shimla , luxury
buses ply to Dharamsala
Being a nearby town to Dharamshala, Macleod Ganj is
well-equipped with some fine accommodation options including:
HPTDC Bhagsu
HPTDC Yatri Niwas
HPTDC Dauladhar
Triund: 17-km
Gaggal: 13-km
Dharamsala: 10-km
Palampur: 50-km
Pathankot: 85-km