Dharamshala Sightseeing - Mccleodganj

When the Dalai Lama first moved to India and the Indian government offered him and his people sanctuary, they had no way of knowing that the face of Himachal Pradesh would be changed forever. Entering McCleodganj is like entering another country. There are Tibetans, some dressed in their traditional clothes everywhere, and momos are sold on the road like one finds chat and vegetables. Goat’s milk cheese and other unrecognisable food are also available in make-shift stalls and at very cheap rates. And, although the Tibetans speak fluent Hindi, you'll also hear their language spoken everywhere. There are several Buddhist temples and monasteries in the market area, known as Tsuglagkhang Complex or at just a short walk from it like Dalai Lama's temple and traditional Buddhist prayer wheels are set up in such a way that you can actually stop your shopping and take a moment to commune with yourself. The TIPA Tibet Institute for Performing Arts is just a kilometre away from McCleodganj and this too is worth a visit. They organise a 10 day long festival of performances here during April so it’s a good time to visit! Because of the many foreigners who flock here to hear the Dalai Lama speak, you'll also find cuisine of every type in restaurants done up in the American style. Look out for the local wines made of every imaginable fruit and flower which make lovely gifts to take home. You can buy typically Tibetan artefacts here like Thangka paintings, silver jewellery, Buddha statues and other Tibetan Gods and even fake but well-made designer clothes and shoes all at fairly reasonable rates. Watch out for the Sunday markets during which you can pick up some interesting things. The people here are friendly and don’t accost tourists so you can actually spend the whole day just wandering around McCleodganj and observing the myriad people, cultures and sites in this charming part of Himachal Pradesh.