Places and People
The Gaddis
The Gaddis migrated from the plains three centuries ago and settled down in the forests of the Dhauladhar range of Chamba and Kangra. They have a distinct identity of their own and have clung, tenaciously, to their ancient customs and rituals. In their highland attire, they blend easily with the forests of oak and rhododendron and the alpine pastures below the crest of Dhauladhar.
The Gaddi men and women have a penchant for jewelry, and their turquoise necklaces add luster to their appearance and is matched only by their honesty, zest for life, and cheerfulness – qualities that endear them to strangers visiting their valley! They are worshippers of Shiva and firmly believe that his abode lies on Mount Kailash at Mani Mahesh – the loftiest peak in the region. Outside every Gaddi home is a platform on which the presiding Deity is ensconced and worshiped.
The Dhogries
The Dhogries reside mainly in the foot hills of the Dhauladhar range. Traditionally, they are a community mainly involved in wood cutting. In the recent times most have them have taken to other professions. Their women and men have taken to tea plucking since the end of the 18th century. These hill people are honest and friendly and welcome the visitors with a smile.
The Norbuligka Institute
35 km from Country Cottage, this Buddhist institute is becoming a major centre for Buddhist teachings. It was set up to ensure the survival of the Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage. The institute has a small museum of traditional dolls, which is worth a visit. You can attend two meditation classes for free.
At the Norbulingka Institute, Master Pemba Dorjee completed his apprenticeship and then practised in Tibet for several years before the Chinese invasion. Since coming to India in 1959, he has been commissioned to create many of the statues in exile, true works of art that exemplify the Tibetan tradition in that domain. These include the 14-foot statue of Buddha in the temple here at Norbulingka.
Temple of Vajreshwari Devi – Kangra
The ancient city of Kangra is famous for its Temple of Vejreshwari Devi. Held in high esteem by worshippers of “Shakti” the supreme power of God, it draws pilgrims from all parts of India. Repeatedly destroyed by invaders, the temple was as speedily rebuilt by the rulers of Kangra. It was plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1009 but was rebuilt in 1043.
In 1337, it was razed to the ground by Mohammed Tughlak, but it was rebuilt in 1440. In 1540, it was destroyed again, but Emperor Akbar had it rebuilt and marked the occasion by the presentation of a gold umbrella to the temple in honour of the DEVI. In 1905, it was flattened by an earthquake, but rose again phoenix-like in 1920.
Andretta
Located 18 km from Country Cottage, Andretta is associated with Norah Richards. She popularised village theatre in this region. There is the village art gallery, which displays the original paintings from the famous artist S. Sobha Singh. A society of Arts & Crafts produces excellent pieces of pottery. Pick one up as a souvenir if you visit Andretta.
Kangra Valley
The Kangra Valley, with its terraced fields tilted on hill-sides, its snow-fed streams, sparkling water, charming hamlets, wheat and mustard fields flashing below the snow line, has a mellow beauty that fills the onlooker with a sense of peace and tranquility.
The famous Kangra Fort was once the “seat of power” of the Kangra Rajas. It is claimed by some that this fort was built by an ancestor of the Katoch Rajas – His name was Susarman, and he fought on the side of the Kauravas in the Battle of Mahabharata. Overlooking the Bonganga and the Baner rivers, the fort still dominates the valley and gives an impression of impregnability, though Time has taken a heavy toll of its crannied walls and crumbling bastions.
The Buddhist Monastery at McLeod Ganj is worth a visit
It is very near the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Prayer-wheels which spin at the slightest touch rotate day and night to the eternal litany …. “Om Mani Padme Hum” – “Hail to thee, possessor of the Jewel in the Lotus. The words are profound and invoke Mercy and Redemption for all. The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts and a handicrafts centre are also worth a visit.
Dharamsala
40 km away and at an altitude of 1250 –1980 meters. Dharamsala is surrounded by forests of cheel pine, rhododendron, and Himalayan oak. Mecleodganj, 48 km from Dharamsala, is the present seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He, along with his followers, have settled here since 1960 after the Chinese invasion in Oct´1959. Places to visit are the church of St John-in-the-Wilderness, Dharmkot(3 km), Naddi Village(4 and a half Km), Bhagsunag (2 km), Namgyal Monastery, and the Kangra Art Museum.
Himachal Baijnath Temple
Located 18 km away, in the town of Baijnath, lies the Baijnath temple. This temple was constructed in 1204 AD by a pair of wealthy merchants who commissioned the temple in honor of Shiva.
Masrur Temple
The Masrur Temples are an early 8th-century complex of rock-cut structures that are located in the Beas River valley, 75km away from Country Cottage. These ancient structures have lured the curious into their massive cavernous walls for generations. Though some parts of the temple have been eroded by time, most of it still stands in rich, crisp glory, as if it were sculpted yesterday.
