Exploring Baijnath Himachal Pradesh and Nearby Places
A few years ago, I visited my home place, Baijnath, a peaceful town in Himachal Pradesh. I also went to my village Malehar and the local market, Krishna Nagar. It was a wonderful time as I explored these beautiful places with my friends. This trip also brought back many memories from the past few years when I used to visit these places as a child.
मिट्टी की खुशबू, पहाड़ों की छाँव,
हिमाचल की वादियाँ, मेरा गर्व, मेरा गाँव।
दिल भले ही दूर सही, पर एहसास यही,
मैं जहाँ भी रहूँ, मेरी जड़ें यहीं। 🌿🏔️✨
Visiting the Famous Baijnath Shiv Temple
Our first stop was the Baijnath Temple, one of the most famous Shiva temples in Himachal Pradesh. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its historical and spiritual importance. Many devotees visit this temple for blessings. The temple is beautifully located near the Beas River, making it a peaceful place for visitors. I remembered the times when I used to visit this temple with my family, especially during festivals when the whole place would be filled with devotees and celebrations.
Exploring Bir Billing – The Paragliding Capital
After Baijnath, we traveled to Bir Billing, which is famous for paragliding. Many tourists from India and other countries visit this place to enjoy adventure sports. The view from the top is breathtaking, with lush green mountains and open skies. Even though we did not try paragliding this time, we enjoyed watching the paragliders fly over the valley. I recalled my first visit here a few years ago, when I was excited to see paragliding for the first time and even wished to try it one day.
The Sherabling Monastery (Bhattu Monastery)
Next, we visited The Sherabling Monastery, also known as Bhattu Monastery. It is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Bhattu, Himachal Pradesh. The monastery is peaceful and a great place for meditation. The golden statues of Buddha, prayer wheels, and the traditional Tibetan architecture make it a must-visit place for travelers. This visit reminded me of an earlier trip when I had the chance to interact with the monks and learn about their way of life.
Revisiting My School and Binwa Khad
After a long day of travel, we returned to my home. The next morning, I visited my old school, G.S.S.S Krishna Nagar, and walked around the place where I spent my childhood. It was a nostalgic moment as I met some of my old teachers and captured some beautiful memories. I remembered playing with my friends in the schoolyard and attending morning assemblies in the winter chill.
Nearby my home, there is a small river called Binwa Khad. It is a lovely place with fresh water and green surroundings. We sat there for some time, enjoying the calm and natural beauty. This place holds many childhood memories, as I used to come here with my cousins and friends for small picnics and to play by the water.
Visiting Dhauladhar Nature Park (Zoo), Gopalpur
On the next day, we went to Dhauladhar Nature Park, also known as the Gopalpur Zoo. This zoo is located in Gopalpur and is home to many wild animals, including leopards, black bears, and deer. The zoo is well-maintained and is a great place for nature lovers and children. This visit brought back memories of my early school trips, where we would come here in groups, excited to see the animals and enjoy the greenery.
Exploring Dharamshala and McLeodganj
Later, we traveled to Dharamshala and McLeodganj, two famous tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. We walked around the streets, enjoying the cool weather and beautiful views of the Dhauladhar mountains. These places hold a special place in my heart, as I have visited them multiple times with family and friends over the years.
St. John in the Wilderness Church
One of the best places we visited was the St. John in the Wilderness Church, located near Dharamshala. This old Protestant church was built in 1852 and is surrounded by tall deodar trees. It is a peaceful place, and its beautiful stone structure makes it an interesting historical site. I recalled a past visit when we spent time taking pictures and enjoying the quiet surroundings.
Enjoying Local Food and Returning to Chandigarh
Before returning, we enjoyed some local snacks in McLeodganj. The area is known for its Tibetan food, and we tried momos and thukpa, which were delicious. I remembered my first experience trying Tibetan food a few years ago and how much I loved the flavors.
Finally, we packed our bags and left for Chandigarh, carrying lots of memories from our trip. This journey was a mix of nostalgia, adventure, and exploration.
If you ever visit Himachal Pradesh, make sure to explore these places—Baijnath, Bir Billing, Sherabling Monastery, Gopalpur Zoo, Dharamshala, and McLeodganj. Each place has its own beauty and charm that you will never forget
Image Credit: Sandeep Katoch
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