For the hitch-hiking genre of travelers, India has myriad ‘ready-to-explore’ destinations. One such picturesque place to be in the town of Mcleodganj.
Situated at an altitude of 2000 meters, this town is just the perfect place to be for a backpacker.
This town is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It instills a person with various enlivening and unforgettable experiences.
If you’ve decided to set out on an elaborate Summer-Voyage, Mcleodganj is one of the places where you definitely need to be this year.
Now, given below is a set of reasons that are enough to convince you to set out on a ‘Mcleodganj-exploration-spree’.
1. Travel to Mcleodganj for its Tibetan Connection:
Mcleodganj, also known as Little Tibet is a haven for Tibetan expatriates since 1959. The streets of this town speak volumes of its strongly-knit connection to Tibet. You can see monks clad in red reading the beads of their rosary while walking on the streets.
Mcleodganj is known for being the abode of the Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso. Every year a lot of people travel to this townlet to experience the aura of spiritual learning.
The people, culture and the food, everything in Mcleodganj speaks volumes about its Tibetan bond.
2. Spend a Week in Mcleodganj for its Scenic Beauty:
If you’re looking forward to a soothing and rejuvenating holiday, Mcleod (short for Mcleodganj) has a lot to offer. From the lush green hills backed by the sky-high silver ones to the hustling streams and waterfalls, this place is no less than a traveler’s paradise.
Summer is considered to be the best time of the year to lay down your tents here. However, Mcleo is believed to don a pleasant shade even during the winters and monsoons.
1) Dal Lake:
Not as mystical as the Dal Lake of Kashmir, this one has a strong religious backdrop. Situated on the top of the hill, this lake is a pious landmark for the inhabitants of this Mcleodganj.
Every year in September people visit this lake to take a Holy Dip. Amidst the sky-scraping deodars, the Dal Lake can be easily reached from the main town-center by car. In order to experience the natural bounties of this place, taking a walk to the lake will endow you with amazing memories for life.
2) Bhagsunag Waterfall:
Exploring the area on foot is the best thing to do while in Mcleodganj. At a distance of nearly 4 kilometers is located the famous Bhagsunag Temple. This is an ancient Hindu temple where Lord Shiva and Bhagsu Nag, the God of Snake are worshipped.
People from different corners of India visit this temple. Walking a little further from the temple is the beautiful Bhagsunag Waterfall. A freezing milky stream of water flows amidst the green lofty mountains.
It is a splendid spot of the town to be at. The more time you spend at this waterfall, the more you will fall in love with it.
3) Triund Hill:
Now, this is the place where peace and the adrenaline rush come together. A narrow trail will take you to this spectacular spot. Triund Hill is a popular trekking spot.
A lot of foreign and domestic travelers trek to this startling place during the summer season. The trek is a moderate one and it takes nearly 2 hours for a backpacker to reach the Triund Hill.
3. Eat what you can while in Mcleodganj:
The delectable food that you will get in this Tibetan-style valley is another reason why you must spend some time on your Indian summer here. From freshly made steaming momos to the authentic thukpa. You will get a relishing variety of Tibetan food here.
Besides the local food, you will also find some amazing Italian, Israeli and Punjabi food joints here. You must try different dishes while you stay in Mcleodganj.
4. Shop till you Drop in Mcleod:
From Tibetan handicrafts to stylish western clothes, you can find heaps of things to shop in Mcleodganj. Herbal teas, Tibetan artifacts, and books are the best things to buy while on a summer vacation to Mcleodganj.
Besides all these reasons, you must keep in mind that Mcleodganj is a place that offers you a budget-friendly, adventurous and rejuvenating holiday all tied in one string.
So, being in Mcleodganj this summer is the best way to make the most of your vacation. Without much ado, clear up a week for yourself in the month of May and book flight tickets to India to set out on an unforgettable trip to this Little ‘Indian’ Tibet.
