Mcleodganj is a major hill station located near Dharamsala in the state of Himachal Pradesh, which is popular among trekkers. Mcleodganj is referred to as Little Lhasa. Nestled amidst majestic hills and greenery, Mcleodganj is culturally blessed with a prominent Tibetan influence, largely due to the Tibetan settlements here.
If you have come to visit other tourist places of Himachal Pradesh, then Mcleodganj should also be included in your list. Some of the most famous and religiously important monasteries in India are located in McLeodganj, including the Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglakhang.
HISTORY OF MCLEODGANJ
Various settlements were established in the Dhauladhars near the western border of the Himalayas in 1885 when the British Empire ruled India. Let us tell you that McLeodganj was named after David McLeod who was the then Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. Lord Elgin was the British Viceroy of India from 1862 to 1863 that fell in love with this place. Lord Elgin died in 1863 on his way to Dharamsala and was buried at St. John’s Church-in-Wilderness in Forsyth Ganj. Forsythganj was named after a divisional commissioner. Let us tell you that this city was destroyed during the earthquake in 1905, but later the Dalai Lama revived the city once again.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MCLEODGANJ
If you are planning to visit Mcleodganj and want to know about the best time to visit here, then the best time to visit Mcleodganj is between October and February, which is the winter season. The summer season is between March and June during which the region experiences temperatures around 25 °C. The temperature here during winter varies between -1 °C and 9 °C. You can visit Mcleodganj in winter and summer season, but going here in monsoon would not be advisable for you. It would be better to avoid going here in the months of July and August due to heavy rainfall.
RESTAURANTS & LOCAL CUISINE IN MCLEODGANJ
One can find plenty of restaurants and cafes here for a place to eat in McLeodganj, which serve a simple and good meal. Due to the Tibetan culture, most of the Tibetan cuisine is found here. The momos, thukpa and other Tibetan delicacies found here must be tasted once. The most special thing about this place is the tea made of honey, ginger, and lemon which is very famous. Apart from all these, many Chinese, Japanese and continental cuisines are also available here.
5 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MCLEODGANJ
Mcleodganj is the upper part of the Dharamsala region which is quite famous for its many pilgrimage places and temples. In this article, we are telling you about 5 such places to visit near Mcleodganj where you must visit once.
- BHAGSU FALLS GOOD PLACE TO VISIT IN MCLEODGANJ
Bhagsu Falls is the most famous tourist place near Mcleodganj which is located in Dharamshala. Every year this tourist place attracts tourists from across the country who are nature lovers. Bhagsu Falls is a very good place for tourists who are looking for a peaceful place and want to see the wonderful views of nature. Bhagsu Waterfall is situated on the road leading to Mcleodganj and Dharamshala.
- NAMGYAL MATH IS THE MAIN ATTRACTION OF MCLEODGANJ
The Namgyal Monastery is a major tourist attraction in Mcleodganj, the abode of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. Namgyal Monastery is also the largest Tibetan temple whose foundation was laid by the second Dalai Lama in the 16th century and was established by monks to help the Dalai Lama in religious matters. Presently there are around 200 monks in the monastery who are working towards protecting the practices, skills and traditions of the monastery..
- BHAGSUNATH TEMPLE IS THE MAIN ATTRACTION OF MCLEODGANJ.
Bhagsunath Temple is a major tourist attraction of Mcleodganj which is surrounded by beautiful pools and greenery. This temple is situated at a distance of about 3 kms from Mcleodganj. Bhagsunag Temple is an ancient temple, which you can visit during your trip to Mcleodganj. This temple was built by King Bhagsu in dedication to Lord Shiva and the local deity Bhagsu Nag.
- PLACES TO VISIT IN MCLEODGANJ TRIUND MCLEODGANJ
Triund is a popular trek, about 9 kms from Mcleodganj. This place is situated at a high altitude which gives you the experience of trekking in the Himalayas. Triund is a very good place for trekking with wonderful trails offering beautiful views of the Kangra Valley.
- PLACE TO VISIT NEAR MCLEODGANJ KANGRA FORT KANGRA
Kangra Fort is one of the oldest forts in the country .The grand structure of this fort speaks volumes about the rich cultural heritage of Kangra and its glorious past. This fort is the main attraction for tourists coming from all over the world. The Kangra Fort is mentioned in the war records of Sikandar and this fort has been attacked by the Mughals several times. If you are going to visit Mcleodganj, then definitely include Kangra Fort in your list.
Apart from this, other tourist places can be visited for Namgyal Monastery, Tsugalakkhang, Bhagsunath Temple, Dharamkot, Minkiani Pass and Baglamukhi Temple.
