guide to the best mcleodganj packages for families & couples

Mcleoadganj is a charming and interesting suburb of Dharamshala. Located just about 10 hours from Delhi and 6 hours from Chandigarh, it is home to some of the most hallowed and sacred places in India and has an unmistakably peaceful and mindful vibe that is a pleasure to experience and take in.

The best time to visit Mcleodganj is in the summer. The weather is very pleasant for the most part and the town is inundated with visitors, tourists, events and festivals. Although it is an interesting place to visit throughout the year, the winters can be very cold and snowfall is common in December and January.

The local population here is a mix of Himachali and Tibetan peoples interspersed with settlers and visitors from almost every part of the world. The distinctly cosmopolitan and international vibe here only adds to the charm of this quaint hillside resort and makes it more interesting for visitors to explore.

History of Mcleaod Ganj

The history of Mcleod Ganj and nearby Dharamshala is very interesting. The British annexed the area in 1950 after the second Anglo-Sikh war and in 1952, it was declared the capital of the Kangra Region. The British posted several regiments of soldiers here including the famous 1st Gurkha Rifles.

To cater to the troops, administrators and families, a Hindu Rest House or “Dharamshala” was built nearby which later blossomed into the town of Dharamshala that we know today. McLeod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj, further south, developed as two suburbs of this town.

In 1960, the Dalai Lama left Tibet after a failed uprising against China and was given permission by the Indian government to settle in Dharamshala along with his followers. The Dalai Lama set up his official residence, several monasteries, cultural hubs and administrative buildings here as part of a “government in exile.” Since then, Dharamshala is known as little Tibet or Little Lhasa or Dhasa.

Since 1960, Dhasa has grown in population, economy and culture as a number of visitors began coming here to visit the Dalai Lama and experience Tibetan Buddhism, Culture and Food. Today, it is a vibrant and buzzing town that is a popular destination for tourists looking for something new and different to experience.

How to reach McLeod Ganj

The drive to McLeod Ganj from Delhi or Chandigarh is mostly straightforward. While there are many routes and alternatives to get there, one should take Highway 44 and then Highway 503 for the fastest and simplest journey. This route will take you through Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Ambala, Roopnagar, Nangal and then to McLeod Ganj.

One can also reach here by train or by flight. The nearest train Station is located in Pathankot, which is 90 Kms away while the nearest airport is called Gaggal Airport or Dharamshala Airport or Kangra Airport and is located about 20 Kms from McLeod Ganj.

Things to do in McLeod Ganj

There are a lot of things to do in McLeodganj. Depending on your interests, you can visit some beautiful places of natural beauty like Dal Lake, Bhagsu Falls, Triund or the beautiful tea gardens of Kangra Valley. You can also take various treks here that take you through lush green forests and mountainsides with stunning views.

If you are interested in history or spirituality, there are a lot of places here that can aid in your understanding of Buddhism, Tibetan Culture and the unique history of this place. You can visit the Tsuglagkhang Complex, which is the official residence of the Dalai Lama, the Dalai Lama Temple, the Namgyal Monastery and the Tibet Museum.

If you are interested in Colonial History, you must visit St. Johns Cathedral in the Wilderness, a church built in typical neo-gothic architectural style and several other remnants of the Raj that dot the region. You can also explore more about the Gurkhas, known as the fiercest warriors in the world.

Where to Stay

If you are visiting McLeod Ganj in the summer season, it can be hard to find a hotel as most of them get booked up very quickly. To have a smooth and comfortable stay here, it is advisable to book your hotel and travel arrangements much in advance.

One of the best resorts and hotels in McLeod Ganj, specially for North Indian travelers is the Amritara Surya, located just a short walk from the Dalai Lama Temple and the Mall Road, two of the main town centers here. The rooms of the hotel provide wonderful views of the Mall Road, Tibetan Flea Market and the Valley of Lamas.

Amritara Surya McLeogdganj also offers some amazing packages for couples, families and individual travellers that cover stay, meals, transportation and excursions. These packages work out very reasonable and allow for a peaceful visit without hassles or bargaining.

Overall, the Amritara Surya offers luxurious rooms, great service and delicious north Indian and Tibetan Cuisine. It also features a great spa that can add to the overall themes of mindfulness, rejuvenation and tranquility that instill every part of this sacred township.