I was a little disappointed with the visit to this attraction as I felt it lacked a feeling of reverence. This was not helped by the numerous monks who were walking around talking on mobile phones and constantly taking photos!
Located on the central square, it is a must visit. The environment is peaceful and absolutely serene, with the mountain ranges in the background. Excellent place for meditation and self introspection. The architecture is very nice. One can stay back for some time. As it is a religious place, please maintain the sanctity. Do not litter or create unnecessary noise. There are some book shops and souvenir shops within the premises.
When china invaded tibet, The present dalai lama resisted it and feared arrest. One night with all his devotees and his wealth crossed over to india secretly which affected the already strained relationship with china. The then indian govt gave him aslym in india. He was searching for a similar place similar to tibet and selected dharam sala in himachal. This is a calm quiet place at an high attitude srrounded by. himalayan range and beautiful sceneries.Here he constructed a monstry and buddha vihar. A calm peaceful place to stay and meditate.The vihar is very beautiful and many visit this place for lamas darshan. The highest cricket ground is here. Palampur also a nice place to visit. The climate is always cool. You can get woollen and beautiful antiques here.
There is nothing much in the temple complex itself, however the road outside is full of great cafes. These are small tibetan run places with some great tea and good bakery. A must visit area.
its a temple complex located in beautiful place. Not a very beautiful temple by architecturally. In side temple atmosphere is peaceful and serene. you can get a good view of mountain rages from backside of the temple.The important of this complex is this is the Head quarters of Dali lama and Tibetan freedom movement. there is a small museum located inside the complex. its displays memoir of tebetan war.Recommend to visit the museum. Electronic devices, mobiles and cameras are not allowed inside the temple. Better to keep them in your vehicle or temple providing locker service for free of cost.we were very lucky that Dailai Lama was present in Temple during our visit and we got a chance to see him.very peaceful and holy experience, highly recommended if you are in McDolganj.
The street-side shops on the lane next to temple are must to explore. They offer beautiful antique jewellery as well as nice woollens to keep you warm
its really very nice , clean and calm area . i loved to spend time sitting here and staring at the sunset in the evening.
Its a temple. There is nothing much to say about this place, not grand, not happening.. it is the way a temple should be. What makes it special for a non Buddhist, is the peace, location and history behind this place. The way people interact with you makes it extra special. We were very fortunate that we got a chance to get lunch (around 1pm). Simple yet something special about the food.A must visit, don't expect anything out of world, just be ready to enjoy what the place has to offer, peace.
Unfortunately could not meet the Dalai Lama. One can shop around the temple complex. Uncommon offerings in the form of juices, biscuits, chocolate boxes displayed at the temple???
As a tourist, didn't find it much attractive, I think there should be some monks telling about the temple and why it is famous. sadly i didn't found any of them.