This blog is in continuation to the day trip to Dharamshala where we spent half a day exploring its prominent and beautiful places. The second half of the day was planned for sightseeing at Mcleodganj however, before that a sumptuous lunch was required which was done at the ‘Tibet Kitchen’ – one of the famous eateries of the hill station. From Dharamshala, we boarded the ropeway for a return journey which lasted about 15 minutes and thereafter we hired a local taxi to reach the famous restaurant. The eatery is situated at a walkable distance, so you can opt for a brisk walk also. I had my mother with me so it was imperative to preserve her energy for the remaining part of the day for local sightseeing. In Tibet Kitchen, we had a delectable lunch followed by a taste of patisseries at the opposite shop at the Mall Square to satiate our sweet tooth. Thereafter, we booked the same local cab which dropped us at the restaurant and he returned upon reaching out to his mobile number. The half-day sightseeing cost us INR 1200/- for a hatchback taxi.
I had identified a few spots to cover - the Bhagsunag Temple being the first one to look. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. The history of Bhagsunag Temple is shrouded in legend and folklore. According to local belief, the temple is named after Bhagsu, a powerful king who once ruled the region. It is said that Bhagsu was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and performed intense penance at this location. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva is said to have blessed Bhagsu with divine powers, leading to the establishment of the temple.
Another popular legend associated with the temple is the story of the serpent king, Bhagsu Nag, after whom the temple is also named. According to mythology, Bhagsu Nag was the guardian of the local water source, and the temple was built around a sacred pool known as the Bhagsu Nag Kund. Devotees believe that taking a dip in the holy waters of the Kund can cleanse them of sins and bring blessings. The architectural style of the Bhagsunag Temple reflects the traditional Himalayan temple architecture prevalent in the region. The temple is constructed using locally sourced stone and wood, giving it a rustic charm. It follows a traditional temple layout, with a sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) housing the main deity, Lord Shiva, along with other smaller shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses. One of the distinctive features of the temple complex is the Bhagsu Nag Kund, a sacred water tank believed to have healing properties. The Kund (Pond) is surrounded by stone steps and offers devotees a tranquil space for meditation and prayers. Located near the temple, the Bhagsunag waterfall adds to the serene atmosphere of the location. Though it is considered one of the main attractions of Mcleodganj, we decided to skip visiting the waterfall as it required a trek of approximately 1 km and also would have consumed a lot of time; thus preventing us from visiting the other nearby places for sightseeing.
Our next destination was one of the oldest churches of Himachal. St. John in the Wilderness Church, located in McLeod Ganj, is an iconic Anglican church with a rich history and distinctive architecture. The church was built in 1852, during the British colonial period, to serve the British community and Christian missionaries residing in the hill station of Dharamshala. It was consecrated in 1853 and dedicated to John the Baptist, hence its name "St. John in the Wilderness." The church holds historical significance as it was the place of worship for British officers and families stationed in Dharamshala. It also served as a refuge during the British summer retreats from the scorching heat of the plains. One of the most significant events associated with St. John in the Wilderness Church is the visit of Lord Elgin, the then Viceroy of India, in 1863. During his visit, Lord Elgin fell ill and subsequently passed away in Dharamshala. His memorial can be found on the church premises. The architecture of St. John in the Wilderness Church is reminiscent of the Gothic Revival style, which was popular during the Victorian era.
Though we reached the church premises well before the closing time, I found that to be closed. Disappointed, I could only roam inside the campus and was able to take a few shots. The gothic-styled church was surrounded by Cedar (Deodar) trees which encapsulated the landscape well. It was a peaceful place to rest, pray, and feel relaxed while listening to the chirping of birds.
The last destination was the Naddi View Point which is one of the most popular destinations in McLeodganj. However, before I describe that, on the route came the Dal Lake which is a small stopover while you are traveling to Naddi View Point. The serene waters of the lake reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a picturesque and attractive backdrop for photography lovers. A walking path encircles the lake, offering visitors a stroll amidst the tranquil surroundings. The path is adorned with prayer flags and benches, providing ample opportunities to relax and soak in the serene ambiance. Dal Lake is considered sacred by the local Tibetan community, and there's a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva situated on its banks. Though once known for its natural beauty, the lake is slowly losing its natural charm and water due to too much human intervention. The local administration tried to restore the lake bed however, it did not suffice and is slowly getting dried up.
By the time, we reached Naddi Village, our cab driver suggested a brisk walk towards the viewpoint which was approximately 500 away from the parking lot. Without wasting time, we headed towards the viewpoint and encountered a café that offered breathtaking views of the valley and the golden hour which was awaited to get captured through my lens. We were already hungry and thus, ordered a hot cup of coffee along with French fries and watched the sun getting below the horizon. The sky was filled with the hues of dusk and presented a memorable silhouette in my memory as well as the camera.
In wrapping up our day trip, I can't help but feel grateful for the wonderful mix of sights and experiences we enjoyed in Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj. From feasting on delicious Tibetan food at Tibet Kitchen to soaking in the ancient vibes of Bhagsunag Temple and St. John in the Wilderness Church, every moment was like uncovering a treasure. Even though we missed out on exploring the church fully, being surrounded by the peacefulness of nature was its own kind of blessing. And let's not forget the stunning views of Dal Lake and the mesmerizing sunset from Naddi View Point—those moments will stay with me forever.
Keep visiting my page to learn about our final day in McLeodGanj, including our visit to the Dalai Lama Temple, in the next blog. Thanks for reading!
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