McLeod Ganj, situated in the upper region of Dharamsala, is home to the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetan people living in exile. Many people come to McLeod Ganj to study Tibetan culture, Buddhism and their handicrafts. It is also a popular place for tourists to visit as it has historical museums, the Dalai Lama’s temple and plenty of culture! The Dalai Lama’s sister managed the ‘Tibetan Children’s Villages’ (TCV) until her retirement in 2006. TCV, a non-profit charitable organisation, is home to orphans, refugees and the destitute children of Tibet. With all this said, there is so much to see and learn in McLeod Ganj about the Tibetan way of life! A favourite activity of many is to join an English conversation group to help Tibetans (including monks) improve their English. Such heart-warming fun!
There are a few smaller Tibetan settlements in South India. Bylakuppe, the main one, is full of monasteries, temples and nunneries, but the most popular sight to see is the Namdroling Monastery. The monastery, established in 1963, is the largest teaching school of Nyingmapa, a type of Tibetan Buddhism. It has a hospital, a religious college and well over 5000 lamas! Not far from Bylakuppe is the very friendly, smaller monastery of Zongkar Choede that also has a school for young monks.
Our northern tours that visit marvelous McLeod Ganj include ‘North Indian Healing Tour’, ‘Northern Exposure’ and ‘Living the Ayurvedic Way North’. Our southern tours that visit beautiful Bylakuppe and or Zongkar Choede Monastery include ‘Vinyasa Yoga and Wellbeing Tour‘, ‘Body Mind Spirit Healing tour’, ‘Discover Your Best Self’, ‘Heart of the South’ and ‘Living the Ayurvedic Way South’.
Visiting Tibetan monasteries and settlements is truly a rich, heart-felt experience. The people are so welcoming, kind and friendly, always giving without expecting anything in return. It’s a great opportunity to experience a totally different side of India.
For our full list of wonderful tours to India click here or contact us on 1300722932 info@touchofspirittours.com.au
See you next week!
