Discovering Dalhousie and McLeod Ganj
My recent trip to Himachal Pradesh was absolutely wonderful. I started my journey in Amritsar, and since I was nearby, I decided to visit the famous Golden Temple. This holy Sikh shrine, also called Harmandir Sahib, represents equality and kindness. The golden building reflected beautifully in the water around it.
Not far from the temple, I visited Jallianwala Bagh, a historic park that reminds us of the 1919 massacre. Walking through the narrow path into the park, I felt deep respect for those who sacrificed their lives during India’s fight for freedom.
Dalhousie:
My next stop was Dalhousie, a charming hill station with a rich history. Named after Lord Dalhousie, the British Governor-General of India in the mid-19th century, this town was established as a summer retreat for British officials. Its colonial heritage is still visible in the architecture of old bungalows, churches, and schools scattered around the town.
One of the highlights was visiting Khajjiar, known as the “Mini Switzerland of India” because of its beautiful meadows and forests. This small, scenic area is surrounded by tall deodar trees and has a small lake in the middle, making it very peaceful. Later, I strolled through the Dalhousie market, enjoying the lively vibe and tasting some local snacks. I ended the day at a cozy spot called Café Dalhousie, sipping on coffee and enjoying the cold weather.
McLeod Ganj:
Then, I traveled to McLeod Ganj, a town full of culture and spirituality. This town was named after Sir Donald McLeod, a British Lieutenant Governor of Punjab during colonial times. It became famous as a refuge for Tibetan exiles, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, after the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959. My first visit was to the Dalai Lama Temple and Monastery, the center of Tibetan Buddhism in India. This temple is where the Dalai Lama resides. Its calm atmosphere, with colorful murals and golden Buddha statues, made me feel very peaceful. Watching monks spin prayer wheels and chant mantras was a humbling experience.
I also visited St. John in the Wilderness, a Gothic-style church built in 1852 and surrounded by deodar trees. this Anglican church stands as a testament to the British presence in the region during the colonial era. The church is nestled in a serene forest, offering a peaceful escape with its charming stone structure. The church’s stained-glass windows, which were added later, depict various biblical scenes, adding to the serene beauty of the place. The setting, surrounded by tall deodar trees and a quiet atmosphere, made me feel as though I had stepped back in time, experiencing a part of McLeodganj’s rich history.”
Walking around McLeod Ganj’s market was so much fun. I bought Tibetan crafts, and colorful prayer flags. To wrap up my time there, I took a cable car ride to Dharamshala, enjoying the amazing views of the valleys below.
Finally, I traveled to Chandigarh to catch my flight back to Mumbai. This trip was full of special moments. From the lively streets of McLeod Ganj to the quiet beauty of Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh’s natural charm and rich culture left me feeling refreshed and inspired.
Here is my vlog published on YouTube that encompasses my trip. Do view and enjoy!