20 MUST PLACES TO VISIT IN MCLEODGANJ (HIMACHAL PRADESH)

Mcleodganj  is the name of both a town and tehsil headquarters in Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh, approximately 27 kilometres away from the states summer capital, Shimla it was once known as Bhagsu. Th Dalai Lama's Tibetan Government in Exile and many Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and centers are located here. Each of the place to visit in Mcleodganj boasts the Tibetan culture at its best or offers fortunate strokes of serendipity. Popularly known as 'Little Lhasa' people expect to come across the most beautiful tourists place. Mcleodganj is a perfect place for every nature lover and photographer. 

We provide you with a handpicked list of places to visit in Mcleodganj, and hope it will assist you in arranging your trip here is a list of finest mcleodganj places to visit and some renowned trekking destination. 

1. BHAGSU WATER FALL 

Legend has it that King Bhagsu incurred the wrath of the snake god, and following a war, the King was pardoned. In honour of the snake's god generosity, King Bhagsu built the shrine. This mediaeval Shiva Temple is one of the most important places to visit in Mcleodganj and is frequented by members of both Hindu and Gorkha community. The location of the temple is surrounded by pristine looking coniferous trees, hills and waterfall that flows through the temple itself. Crowded at times, hallowed pools in the vicinity are said to be built by subsequent Gorkha Rule. The 30 Feet Bhagsu waterfall is a sight to behold upon and a mere two kilometres away from Mcleodganj. Short, casual treks around the place are wonderful to explore the serene.

2. TRIKUND TREK 

Constituting one of the top trekking trails in the Country. The 9000 foot ridge behind the Dhauladhar Range is Trikund. The trail is also blessed with a view of the Moon Peak Indrahar pass, and it out gets better with snow engulfed Dhauladhar Range Mountain on one side and the Kangra valley on the other. If you are even remotely interested. Also described as the Crown Jewel Of Dharamshala even the Evening sky will campel you to camp overnight and soak in the comforting lap of the Himalayas. 

3. THE DALAI LAMA TEMPLE

The Huge complex is also known as Tsuglagkhang , this is the residence of the Dalai Lama's. Although the private residence is out of borders for tourists the complex comprising of several shrine, temple, a Tibetan Museum and souvenir stones. Dotted with small shrine and stupas, a rare opportunity to indulge in the intrinsic soulfulness present before yourself. A small western hall next to the main shrine is the Kalachakra temple, where the extremely fine work on murals is showcased on its wall. Other shrine are full of similar detailed works and the Dalai Lama Temple is a short walk away from the centre of the town. 

4. ST. JOHN CHURCH

Constructed in 1852, the church was built on the line of neo-gothic architecture and is dedicated to John the Baptist around 50 years after being built, it was destroyed by the Kangra Earthquake which destroyed the church bell tower leaving the rest of church undamaged.  The church is embedded amid a grove of Deodars, with a quaint graveyard lying in the same ground. 

5. DAL LAKE 

Having taken its name From Kashmir's Dal Lake, the Dal Lake in Mcleodganj is a mid altitude small lake in Himachal Pradesh. Located in the Kangra District, this is one of the beautiful spot to visit in Mcleodganj. The lake is surrounded by beautiful deodar trees which add beauty of the Lake. There is a small temple on the banks of the Lake, making the spot sacred. 

6. MASROOR ROCK CUT TEMPLE

Situated 32 kms away from Kangra in Dharamshala on the Nagrota - Surain Link Road , Masroor Roch Cut Temple is an archaeological site which is currently in ruins. The complex is a combination of 15 rock cut temples design in the Indo - Aryan Style of Architecture, believed to have been built in the 8th century. Dedicated to Hindu Gods Shiva, Vishnu, Devi and Saura. The complex faces northeast, towards the Dhauladhar Range.

7. GALLU DEVI TEMPLE

Perched on a hilltop above Dharamkot at an altitude of 2,100m , GALLU Devi Temple in Mcleodganj is a Hindu Temple that doubles as the base camp for the Trikund Trek. Not only is the temple an excellent spot for nature watching, given its settings amidst the cedars and red rhododendron, it is also perfect for setting up a picnic and catching the sunset against the Kangra Valley. There are tea stall around the temple that serves beverage and snacks to visitors. 

8. PONG DAM 

Built on the Beas river in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh is an earthfill reservoir constructed for generating hydroelectricity and for irrigation purpose. Constructed in 1975, the dam is built on the foothills of Shivalik. The region is boasts of rich wildlife and is breeding ground of commercially the reservoir is home to a large number of birds and hence been converted into a Bird Sanctuary. The region has been declared as one of the 27 international wetland sites by Ramsar Conventions Owning to its rich wildlife and vegetation cover. 

9. BAGLAMUKHI TEMPLE

The name Baglamukhi comes from two separate sanskrit words 'Bagla' means bride and 'mukhi' means face. In essence, it is translated to the deity having captivating and hypnotising power in her face or herself which flights the evil away. Located in the Kangra, district of Himachal Pradesh snuggled in a spot amidst the mighty Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas, sits the holy Baglamukhi temple. The shrine is dedicated to one of the tem Mahavidyas of the Supreme Goddess as per Shaktism. It is said that Yellow colour is the favorite colour of the goddess which is why the Baglamukhi temple is painted yellow in colour. 

10. BRAJESHWARI TEMPLE

Vouched as one of the most touching and spiritually enlightening sites by the visitors, the BRAJESHWARI TEMPLE is about 10-15 minutes from the parking and the market en route is a shopper's delight. The temple itself reverberates with mysticism, chiefly because of its architecture. It is highly advisable to try and make it for Aarti. The temple is one of the most important places to visit in Kangra and also among the 51 shaktipeeth.

11. KALESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE

Situated 8 km from Parangpur Village, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva the main attraction here is the Lingam which is placed much grounded level also this temple is adorned with beautiful sculptures.

12. KARERI LAKE 

Kareri Lake is a freshwater lake located in a high altitude area is a place to visit near Mcleodganj. The source of the Lake water is from the snow of Dhauladhar Range that melts in hot summer. As snow is the main source, the Lake water is almost clear. Beside capturing the scenic beauties in their cameras, the tourists can also capture the beautiful pine trees located in the valley. It is a good place for Trekking and Photography. The kareri Lake is located in the southern region of Dhauladhar Range. 

13. MINAKINI PASS 

MINAKINI PASS, which is part of the Dhauladhar Range provides some stunning views of nature and sceneries is a must see destination near Mcleodganj, If you are a nature lover, you'll want to capture the breathtaking scenery that pass has to offer. The slope unlike the other slope, is not positioned at a high height and provides trekkers with a nice trekking experience. However, the hike gets difficult after reaching a certain point. The region biodiversity is surrounded by various bird species and leopard ( which are usually not spotted easily).

14. DHARAMSHALA CRICKET STADIUM

The quaint Himalayan Cricket Stadium of Dharamshala also known as Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association will absolutely take your breath away as it surrounded by gorgeous Dhauladhar Himalayan Mountains. It is one of the highest sports ground in the world which will amaze your mind and captivate your sense in terms of beauty. Moreover, if you are a sports lovers, you will definitely relate to this place. You can enjoy match as well as great view of phenomenal mountains peaks. The Tibetan style construction is another interesting aspects to look at. It is a beautiful amalgamation of beauty, culture and sports. 

15. CHINTPURNI TEMPLE

Take divine blessings from one of the supreme incarnation of Adi Shakti, Devi Durga - Maa chintapurni relieves a person from all the worries and fulfills their desire. This is why she is known as Maa Chintapurni. It is one of the most popular religious place to visit in Hoshiarpur Dharamshala Road. It is also a major Shaktipeeth.