A Vacation Retreat in the Lush Green Valleys of Mcleodganj

An extremely popular trekking route from Dharamshala, the trek to Indrahar Pass trails in the lush folds of the Dhauladhar range. Surrounded by thickets of Deodars and Rhododendrons, the panorama of Pir Panjal range to the north and the plains to the south exhilarates trekkers. Treacherous precipices and steep ascents make this a moderately-difficult trek; passing through Triund Hill and an endless view of Kangra Valley. Overnight camping in the Lahesh caves is an experience that’ll leave you transfixed, and the trekking season runs from May to October. Distance from Delhi: 475 Kilometres approximately Nearest Railhead: Kangra Railway Station

Just 15 km away from Dharamshala, Chamunda Devi Temple is one of the most important places to visit in Chamba. Chamunda Devi Temple is an important pilgrimage place for Hindus located on the banks of river Baner. The temple is completely made up of wood and was built by Raja Umed Singh in 1762 and has a gabled roof, the only one in whole of Chamba. The temple is also famously known as Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham and is believed to be the abode of Shiva and Shakti. The main shrines in the temple are of Lord Hanuman and Lord Bhairav. Previously, the devotees had to climb around 378 steps to reach the temple, but now, the newly built road is an easy way to reach the temple, which is 3 km from Chamba.

Forsyth Gunj protects the famous Anglican Church, St. John in the Wilderness which is dedicated to John the Baptist. The church has a very old history as the background as it was built in the year of 1852 near Dharamshala, on the way to McLeod Ganj. The neo-Gothic architectural style accommodated by the church suggests totally a different appeal to it and also the surroundings filled with deodar trees add beauty in abundance to the whole location. The church is just a 20 minute downhill walk away from the Bus Station at McLeod Ganj. The ruins of a graveyard where the British people who were killed in the earthquake of 1905 are seen on one side and a restored bell tower on another side of the church attract people’s eyes so fast.

Being in closed vicinity of the popular Bhagsunath Temple of Lord Shiva, this waterfall is known as the Bhagsu Falls. Spending a day here is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Mcleodganj. It is not only famous as a picnic spot but is also a significant place of pilgrimage. The sight of this 20 M tall waterfall is like a heaven on earth during monsoons. One can also cherish the delicious food served in the cafeteria near the falls. If you wish to add on to the excitement of this excursion, then you have a choice of trekking to these falls through the beautiful vistas. Carry your camera and capture the enticing exquisiteness of Mother Nature.Timings: - Open from 7 am to 9 pm

Namgyal Monastery comes with a deep history. Located in McLeodganj in the Kangra district, this hermitage was founded by the third Dalai Lama. Earlier meant for conducting daily Tibetan customs, this historical monastery was moved to Dharamshala soon after the Tibetan Revolt. Buddhists from around the world try to make at least one visit as it is one of the leading monasteries for learning the art of meditation in lines with Buddhist teachings.They have a guest house of their own alongside a café and a library. The monastery mansion has poised images of Buddha, Avloketshwara, and Padmasambhava. Many visitors lost their hearts to the Thangka paintings that have been exhibited within these sanctified walls. Even the non-religious people who set foot into Namgyal Monastery are drawn by its soothing ambience and are forced to praise its beauty.Where exactly: Next to Central CathedralDrop by: 5.00am to 8.30pm.

Situated close to Manimahesh Kailash Peak in the Pir Panjal Range of Himalayas, Manimahesh Lake is located in the Chamba district and is one of the most important places to visit in Chamba. The lake is located at a height of 4, 080 meters from the mean sea level and has high religious significance after Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. The lake is a major pilgrimage trek, which is carried out during the months of August and September on the eighth day of new moon period, as per the Hindu Calendar and is known as 'Manimahesh Yatra.'

Akhand Chandi Palace displays the lavishness of Mughals and the artistic architecture of the British. It is a perfect blend of western and eastern architecture and was built in the year 1748-1764. While visiting the Akhand Chandi Palace, you can have a picturesque view of various other beautiful tourist destinations like Chamunda Devi Temple, Sui Mata Temple, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Rang Mahal and many more.One of the most beautiful features of the palace is that it has distinguishably green roof as the other houses in Chamba along with a conical roof to shed the snow. The palace has beautifully designed windows, which are painted in white. Until 1957, the palace was with the royal family and in 1958, it was handed over to Himachal Government, which opened a college and district library in the palace.

Located near the Police Post and Treasury building in Chamba, Champavati Temple is one of the most religious destinations and best places to visit in Chamba. It was built by Raja Sahil Varman in the memory of Champavati who was her daughter. The temple's Shikhara style and various ornamental stone carvings make it distinguishable from others. It resembles the architectural pieces of Nepal, featuring structures that are cylindrical in shape and are categorized into 5 to 9 parts. The temple holds the shrines of Vasuki Naga, Wazir and Goddess Mahisasuramardini, an avatar of Goddess Durga. The best time to visit temple is from the month of March to June as the climate is so pleasant during this duration. The temple has a great archaeological and historical value and is taken care by Archeological Survey of India. Millions of hindus visit the temple each year, especially during Navratri.