Friday, June 23, 2017

Mesmerising McLeodganj: Little Lhasa

THE hot and humid weather in Delhi gave us a good excuse to escape into the hills. On June 8, 2017 we boarded a private Volvo bus from Majnu ka Tila (MKT) and headed towards Dharamsala. After pleasant night ride, we landed in the land of Dalai Lama. Our hotel in McLeodganj was located overlooking the majestic Dhauladhar ranges.
After fetting freshen up in our hotel and having breakfast, we moved...
out for local sight seeing.
Nestling in the lap of Dhauladhar ranges and situated amidst majestic hills and lush greenery, this town is culturally blessed by a prominent Tibetan influence owing to the major settlement of Tibetans here.
Mcleodganj is more popular among trekkers and its culture is a fine blending of Tibetan with some British influence.
Also known as Little Lhasa and famous for being home to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Mcleodganj is a scenic town situated near upper Dharamsala. With its mesmerising landscapes, Mcleodganj attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. Few of the most eminent and religiously significant monasteries in India are located here, including the Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang, where the spiritual leader Dalai Lama resides.Scenic Dal Lake and Triund are also popular among tourists and we didn't miss a chance to feel rejuvenated here.
Beautiful Naddi
Located at an altitude of 2000 meter above sea level, in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley, Naddi is a sleepy village, which attracted us by its scenic beauty. Situated about 3 km from McLeod Ganj, Naddi is a starting point for a number of trekkings. A six-km walk leads to the village of Dharamkot. If one wishes to go on a longer walk then he/she can trek 8-km to Triund. The snow line of Ilaqa Got is just a 5-km walk from Triund. Kareri Lake is another famous trekking destination.
Aghanjar Mahadev Temple  
The Aghanjar Mahadev Temple has a gorgeous location near the scenic Khaniyara village surrounded by forests, mountains and a charming stream that flows right next to it. The village once had the richest panchayat in Asia thanks to its thriving slate making industry. A resident Dharamraj told us that with brick becoming more popular lesses amount of slates are being used today in houses and therefore the business of slates is becoming less popular. Still, we can see nice houses made of slates. Our driver Atul told us that the village has many such slate houses but nowadays more and more RCC buildings are coming up.
Legends 
The Aghanjar Mahadev Temple has its own legends. Once when Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, was on his way to the Kailash Mountains, Lord Shiva appeared in front of him at this spot and blessed him with the boon of victory over the Kauravas.
Khaniyara has got its name because of the slate deposits present here.It is famous for slate mines and is also a famous sight seeing place. It is popular among local people as a picnic spot.
Khaniyara village Panchayat was one of the richest Panchayat in Asia.The suburb Khaniyara has several locations of attractions including Norbulingka Institute, Aghanjar Mahadev temple, Indru Nag Temple, Slate mines, Trans Point, Khadota
Norbulingka Institute 
Norbulingka Institute was founded near Dharamshala in 1988 for preserving Tibetan culture, literature and art. The institute is named after Norbulingka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas in Lhasa, Tibet.
The institute primarily works towards carrying on Tibetan traditions and heritage by providing training, education and employment to Tibetans in the region. Norbulingka produces high quality art objects, clothing and home furnishings.
The institute also has the two-storeyed 'Seat of Happiness Temple' (Deden Tsuglakhang) set amidst the Japanese inspired Norbulingka gardens. It is especially known for its 1,173 murals of Buddha, frescoes of all the Dalai Lamas and drawings from the life of the 14th Dalai Lama.
You can take a free guided tour of the institute on any day except on Sunday. Those interested in studying the Tibetan arts can also enroll into short-term workshops here. Norbulingka’s art studios include Tibetan statue making, Thangka painting, screen-printing, applique and tailoring, woodcarving, wood painting, papermaking, and wood and metal craft.
Bhagsunag Fall
Located about 11 kms from Dharamshala and This enchanting waterfall is easily approachable by road. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Dharamshala and is known for its old temple, a fresh water spring, and slate quarry a waterfall surrounded by stunning cliffs and trees. Tourists can take a dip in the chilly water of this fall and visit the Bhagsunag temple to seek blessing of Lord Shiva. The Bhagsunag Fall falls on the way to Triund, so the tourists can continue with their journey to Triund once they visit this elegant fall. Though, this spectacular waterfall lies a little distance away from the town of Dharamshala, the tourists make sure that they visit this spot, which is also an important place for Hindu pilgrims.
The height of this waterfall is approximately 20 meters and it is an absolute marvel to look at, especially during the monsoon. There is a nice cafeteria next to the fall for tourists to indulge in lip-smacking snacks and drinks that are served with warmth. The Bhagsunag Fall is located only 2 kms from Mcleoganj and can be best visited while on a trek.
Paragliding at Indru Nag
Indru Nag site is a small plateau located at the hilltop which is used by paragliders as a launching pad for a joy ride of 15-20 minutes. The altitude of the site is close to 2000 meters and it offers a short but beautiful flight over the beautiful city of Dharashala.
The state government approved Indru Nag as a paragliding site in the year 2011 to promote adventure sports in the state. It is second paragliding site in the Kangra district, and fifth overall in the state.
Reaching Indru Nag includes a short drive and a short walk of One Hour. A narrow road will leave you at the Chola Village and then you have to trek until the Indru Nag temple. There is an ancient temple as well, which is dedicated to the Snake (Nag) King, and hence the name of the place.

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