For a long time, Mcleodganj has
been overshadowed by the more popular hill stations like Shimla, Manali and
even Nainital. What couples tend to miss is that Mcleodganj along with
Dharamshala has a lot more to offer in terms of things to do as well as see.
While it has some claim to fame as far as adventure tourism is concerned, its
scenic beauty, quaint cafes, spiritual atmosphere deserves a special mention.
To begin with, most hotels and home
stays in Mcleodganj are adorned with beautiful rooftop terraces. It is the
perfect way to spend hours lazing over a delicious breakfast. In the evening,
the balconies that open out into the hills prove to be the ideal place to spend
some quality time with your loved one. An impromptu round of antakshari can also be fun. Those who
want to explore the place better can head on a directionless walk around the
town. You will find many warm cafes with happy music awaiting you.
Some interesting ways to spend
time with your beloved are summed up below.
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| A tourist taking a closer look of the Dhauladhar at the Naddi View Point |
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| Dharamshala Stadium flanked by the Dhauladhar Range |
Take a day trip to Dharamshala
Stadium – If your better half is into sports, he or she will totally
dig this. On the other hand, don’t worry if you, yourself aren’t much into
sports. The sights at the top of the stadium will more than make up for
everything. Situated 1,457m above sea level and set against the backdrop of the
picturesque Dhauladhar range, this is a stadium you will never forget. No
wonder Dharamshala is Aussie cricketer Mathew Hayden’s favourite holiday
destination.
A small section of the stadium is
open to tourists and offers a delightful view. You can spend a couple of hours
in the gallery, simply gazing at the lush green field and the snowy mountain
tops. By the end of it, don’t be surprised if your partner ends up thanking you
profusely for suggesting this place.
Learn a skill together at
Norbulingka Institute – For couples who love trying out new things
together, a day trip to Norbulingka is a must. Named after a palace of the same
name in Tibet, Norbulingka Institute brings together the best of Tibetan
hospitality, spirituality, craftsmanship, tours and workshops. Within its
premises, you will be able to enroll together for different short courses,
right from wood crafting to finishing your own thangka painting. You can also take guided tours of varied types,
visit a doll’s museum, sample local delicacies at their restaurant, shop
artifacts and spent some peaceful moments in their monastery.
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| The Golden Buddha at the Norbulingka Monastery |
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| Tribal Tibetan couple at the Doll's Museum, Norbulingka |
Spend a day in the open, War
Memorial – Built in memory of Indian soldiers who martyred in 1971 war
with China and the Kargil war, War Memorial is placed within a pretty park in
Dharamshala. The place is lined with beautiful trees and small artificial
rivulets. Spend a couple of hours sitting on the benches doing absolutely
nothing. Try the canteen for basic snacks.
Pray for something nice at St
John’s Church in the Wilderness – Little outside the market of
Mcleodganj is the beautiful neo gothic Church of St John, built in dedication
to John the Baptist. This is a perfect place to spend some quiet leisurely
time, resting in the dreamy sunlight. Stroll around the campus, click some
photographs at sunset and walk back to the town at dusk.
Conquer a waterfall at Bhagsu –
If you are the kind of couple who love hitting the gym together or playing a
sport together, this is for you. Set out early for the Bhagsu Falls located right
beside the Bhagsunath temple. Come prepared to walk a bit and be surrounded by a
touristy crowd. At the top of the falls, you can dip your feet in the water and
savour piping hot Maggi.
Spend a night under the stars at
Triund – The trek to Triund can easily be one of the highlights of the
trip. The best way to reach Triund is to save some energy by taking a taxi till
Galu from Mcleodganj and then start on the 7km trek. The trek is medium to easy
except for the last 1km. It can be a delightful way to spend time with your
loved one. There are many places to spend the night at top, be it a bungalow
with modern facilities or a camp with basic amenities. But it is better if you
plan something ahead.
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| A woman at the Mcleodganj Market |
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| Few hours before sunset at the Naddi View Point |
The monastery can provide a
tranquil escape for those couples for whom rejuvenation is a priority. But do
keep in mind that this is a religious place, and the best way to enjoy it is to
sit on one of the sheltered benches, under the canvas awning, and listen to
constant chants of the monks. All in all, it is the perfect place to get
nostalgic and weave new memories.
Drive into the tea gardens of Palampur
- What could be more romantic than driving down to a picturesque tea
garden? The journey itself is the destination in this case. Plan a surprise
trip for your beloved without revealing the destination. You can pack your
picnic basket in advance and set up your little corner amidst the gardens. However,
make sure not to dirty the beautiful surroundings. Spend the day enjoying your
surrounding and clicking some wonderful pictures. End the trip by gifting your
partner a pack of exotic tea sold at the garden itself. For those who can’t
make it to Palampur, Dharamshala too has its own tea garden.
Watch the sunset at Naddi View
Point – Away from the hustle and bustle of the town, Naddi offers a
beautiful view of the Dhauladhar Mountain range. Consider it as an evening date
idea to spend a couple of hours before heading for dinner. You can either trek
down to Naddi, a 3km trek or take a ride on one of the taxis plying that way.
On arriving, do catch the view with one of the telescopes for just Rs 10. It is
amazing to discover what lies hidden on the mountains. And afterwards don’t
forget to compare notes with your partner.
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| Verdant tea gardens of Dharamshala |
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| Buddha at the Norbulingka Monastery |
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| Constantly spinning Buddhist prayer wheels |
Witness a witty
debate at Tsuglagkhang Complex – A great way to
strike a conversation to remember is to listen to the monks debate at the Tsuglagkhang
Complex. On any given afternoon, you can find them sitting in groups and
engaging in a stirring debate in the courtyard. These debates done in good
humor are usually conducted with energetic gestures, shouts, clapping and stomping
of the foot. While it may not be possible to follow what the debate is actually
about, watching the monks in action is an experience in itself.
Embark on a gastronomic journey
– Mcleodganj is known to be a
food lover’s paradise. Apart from the famous roadside potato and chicken momos,
the town has a number of cafes which serve delicious Tibetan, Bhutanese and
Nepali fares. A few good options would be - the Shiva Café, Khana Nirvana, Café
Moonspeak, Café Mc’llo and Café Hummingbird. Head over to Khana Nirvana, located
in the main market of Mcleodganj for dinner and listen to lively music as you
enjoy a delicious meal. For vegetarians Café Hummingbird at the Norbulingka
Institute offers a great spread of Continental and Italian food along with
local delicacies. Most of the cafes at the main market have free Wi-Fi too.
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| Monk with a Mission |
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| Mutton in Apricot Gravy, served hot at Cafe Moonspeak |
Stay
Chonor House – If you don’t mind spending a bit of money for
traditional Tibetan hospitality, book your room way in advance at the Chonor
House. It is a branch of Norbulingka Hotels and set amidst tall cedar trees
very close to Dalai Lama’s residence.
Norling House – Located within the Norbulingka premises, this guest
house provides many advantages. You get easy access to cultural workshops, a
chance to be part of many organized tours, access to the in-house monastery and
a taste of local life. However, the guest house is located off Dharamshala and
main Mcleodganj market.
Deodar Villa – Situated bang at the centre of the Mcleodganj market,
Deodar Villa is your best bet for great views in medium budget. Most rooms are
accompanied by balconies and the hotel also boasts of a rooftop restaurant.
Mcleodganj Home Stay – If you want to stay in a beautiful private
house that has modern amenities yet an earthy feel, go for Mcleodganj home
stay. You again need to book your room way in advance to ensure that you
actually get one. The place also serves organic home cooked food and has a stand-alone
hill-top wooden hut with stellar views.
Note: This article was first published in Zee News India
Note: This article was first published in Zee News India
1 comment:
McLeod Ganj is a unique and fascinating town that offers visitors a glimpse into Tibetan culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and opportunities for spiritual growth and adventure. himachal tour package
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