My Own Little World

MCLEODGANG

Since a long time, we have been planning for a holiday. We were looking for a place which is near to Delhi or which takes less time to commute , as we had only 2 days and limited budgets. After discussing many options, one of our friend suggested  for Mcleod Ganj. which is not very near but the plan was for 2 days. We booked our tickets from  www.redbus.in . Although, it was (semi sleeper) Volvo, but i was little reluctant of travelling by bus but with friends i got agreed. We started from Delhi at 6.30 in the evening and had our dinner at 10.30 on our way. I slept well in the bus though it was not that much comfortable. I woke up with the sunlight coming from the windows. The valley was filled with lush deodar trees and the sun was peeking through trees. We reached there at 7 in the morning. Then i realized, this is the best way to commute as whole night you sleep and you can save you next day. 

This place is really economical, you can easily find a good room as per your pocket.We took Misty Woods hotel, as per our budget. We all were exited,so we just got fresh and left hotel. We had break fast at Punjabi Rasoi. It is actually fun having typical punjabi aloo paratha with curd in any hill station. 



We started exploring local area . Life was very slow, calm and peaceful here.  In the main market, we saw a Buddhist temple with prayer wheels.We started with that temple. It was a small beautiful temple in the middle of the market with prayer wheels all around the temple.  

I heard a lot about 'TsuglagkhangTemple' before going there. So, we decide to visit that first. On our way to the 'TsuglagkhangTemple' we saw poster for saving Tibet. I was shocked to see how miserable life Tibetans are living.                

We walked through the market and reached  'Tsuglagkhang Temple' . In the premises of the temple, we saw Tibetan National Martyrs Memorial and the poster of those people who sacrificed their life for Tibet. I don't know why,  but i was feeling really bad about it. 'TsuglagkhangTemple' is popular destination for those who believe in Buddhism. The ambiance in the temple is warm and collegial. This is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet. It has huge Sakyamuni Buddha Statue.  and it also has a large meditation hall containing some beautiful statues and thangkas (Thangka is a Nepalese art form exported to Tibet), as well as a Kalachakra temple with beautiful murals. It is the monastery of the Dalai Lama, and is located just in front of his residence. 

Mcleodganj is often called the little Lhasa, at 1770m is the residence of His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. The Tibetan Government in exile has been head quartered here for over three decades. It is like home to many Tibetans who started their life here again. Near the temple, i met a very old lady carrying hand knitted bands, she came to me and smiled. i couldn't resist myself and i took one. She hugged me and tide that band herself on my wrist. I noticed traditional architectural designs from Tibet and a large number of Monks. 

  





 From there we took a cab and went to see BHAGSU NAG TEMPLE and BHAGSU WATERFALL.. Bhagsu Nag temple was a small beautiful Lord Shiva temple and waterfall was majorly dry due to snow.We came back to Mcloedganj market and had momos at the road side with tea. First time ever in my life, i had potato momos .

After that, we went to Dal Lake,which was 2 km far from Mcleodganj. It was not as big as we have in Kashmir  but it was small beautiful lake surrounded by Deodar forest. Taking a holy dip in this lake is considered to remove all miseries. although i didn't take a dip as it was very cold. Before going, i was wondering why do we call it McleodGanj, Actually, It was named after Sir Donald Friell Mcleod (a lieutenant Governor of Punjab) and Ganj means in Hindi is Neighbour.  We came back to McleodGanj market and had our dinner at Curryleaves Restaurant  we had our traditional north Indian food. 

At night, our hotel arranged a bonfire. We enjoyed playing cards and tea till late night.Night Morning, we all woke up late. and left hotel at 11 in the morning. We had amazing breakfast at Moon Peak Restaurant   and i tried lemon ginger tea .That day we all decide to relax and to explore local market. 

First, we went to St.John Church. St. John in the Wilderness is an Anglican church dedicated to John the Baptist built in 1852.We came back to McleodGanj market . In the market, I found a huge range of woolen hand knitted gloves and caps. McleodGanj has a very big market for antiques  I bought lot of things from there.

As we had  to leave same day, we sat in the cafe  and spent our whole afternoon at the cafe.At 6 in the evening, we had to catch our bus so rushed back to our hotel and picked our luggage. I saw one of the most beautiful sunset from the bus stand.  I really like to suggest people to visit Mcleodaganj and explore natural beauty. It can be a good option for trekking lovers. Best place to relax... Enjoy!!!!!