India: Thirty Photographs from Our Stay at Dharamshala
Chai Story in Green Park. Nathan just ran back to our hostel in Haus Khaz because Zin did a Zin. In other words, she forgot her wallet which had her money, bank cards and Sri Lankan ID. Luckily, the wallet was where it’s kept. Zin was sick. She slept quietly at the cafe chair till N’s back. That was how our journey to Dharamshala began. Two hours later, we boarded the Metro from Green Park to ISBT Kashmere Gate. It’s the gate of hell, someone on Twitter told Zin. A little later, we got our tickets, and waited for the bus to arrive. With only ten passengers, the journey to Dharamshala began. A few of them got off the bus midway. And at five-forty-five in a chilly autumn morning, we reached Dharamshala. When we look back, we don’t remember the chaotic metro ride or the tiresome bus journey. What comes to our memory is walking through the deodars, quietly sipping a masala chai at the Himalayan Tea Shop in Dharamkot and having ourselves a plate full of veggie momos for just 30 rupees. Sunset-watching back home now in Colombo, we laugh at those moments Nathan had to run back to the hostel. And our hearts long for waking up to a chilly Dharamkot morning in our cottage in Vidya Ashram.
So here’s a photo story of 30 photos from our stay at Dharamshala.
Vidya Ashram! Our cute little mountain cottage in Dharamkot! Many travellers use this place as a base for Triund Trek since the road begins from this place!A chilly Autumn morning, cool breeze embraces you as the morning sun softly kisses your half-redden cheeks. Your heart longs for mountains. Mountains with layers and layers of deodar trees.Our chai shop! Walking uphill every morning to sip a masala chai and have ourselves a tomato cheese omelette. Sometimes, nutella pancakes, and a chocolate croissant.The autumn sun shinning through deodar trees in early October.Hello there, human! Here’s a little friend we met on our way to McLeod Ganj!Up in the hills in Dharamkot! One morning, we hiked to Gallu Temple and the view was quite stunning.The young monks at The Kalachakra Temple! We sat outside and spent a few minutes observing them! The Tibetan Buddhism is different to the Buddhist culture here in Sri Lanka. For some reason, we loved the Tibetan life more.Commonground Cafe: Our fave cafe in the hills!We saw these furry little creatures everywhere we went! Such beauties.Hello Turkish Coffee and Israeli Breakfast!Mandala! Although it was from Manali, Nathan got himself two of these to bring back home.McLeod Ganj is a hippie paradise! We love the serene, peaceful vibe here. We spent hours and hours walking along the busy streets, shopping for cloths, shoes and new boho accessories.
Back at our fave Commonground Cafe, Nathan says hello to a dish of pork.The snow clad mountains paint a beautiful picture. It is as if they talk to your heart, dances to the rhythm of your heartbeat and takes even the tiny bit of sorrow away. Mountains are our happy place. Always!You are my favourite human! Nat to Zin. Zin to Nat. Forever grateful that our paths crossed.We met this wee friend when we were roaming around Upper Dharamkot area.Gallu Temple is the starting point of Triund Trek. Or you can trek to the scenic waterfall inside the village. Up there near the temple, there’s a small cafe opening to this view. Sipping a hot chocolate, we looked at the mountains far away, and these beauties in pretty pinks dancing to the chilly breeze. Life feels beautiful.Norbulingka Institute! We spent a few hours here wandering around, visiting the Tibetan museum while an Indian family from the cities became so noisy. On our last day, the caretaker at Vidya Ashram arranged us a car to go around Dharamshala!“Sri Lanka. Oh…Can we go there by bus?” That was our driver. Boy, we wish!The prayer flags! The serene vibe. Back here in Colombo, we long for the peacefulness of Dharamshala.This little guy was travelling with his family, probably all the way from Kolkata, and making so much noise.There’s something about this place we love. Something about the Tibetan Buddhism. We felt incredibly safe and accepted.A group of aunties travelling together and posing for a group photo like the good old way! What is a #Welfie, ya millennials?Hello there from one of the prettiest cricket grounds in the world! We’ve got a game here. Quite lucky, we were.N got to live the moment! He played cricket as a kid in his compound in Saudi Arabia, came to India and played cricket at uni. He then flew all the way to Australia, played backyard cricket and joined a cricket club. Some days, he still misses the game he played in Sydney while he drags himself to a 9-5. That, sugarplum, is, how life works sometimes.Here we are checking out our last cafe in Dharamshala! We sat here from 3-10 till we boarded the Volvo to Manali. Illiterati Cafe is a chilled out place. Here’s a Tibetan Actor working as a barista to serve you the best coffee.A bacon pizza for 250INR! This was our last meal at Dharamshala. Till next time! Ta!
Practical information: We stayed at Vidya Ashram in Dharamkot. The place can only be booked if you do a bank transfer or a paytm transfer. Our host at Max Guest House in Agra did the paytm transfer for us at no extra cost! Vidya Ashram responses to every little inquiry on Facebook.
There are both government and private Volvo buses running from Delhi and other places to Dharamshala. During the off season, you do not need to pre-reserve your seat. Buses are almost completely empty during the off season. During the peak season, make sure you book your seats as early as possible. You can use redBus or MakeMyTrip to book buses. None of these third party agents accepted our international cards. Your hotel/hostel/guesthouse elsewhere in India will book these for you for a extra fee.
Stunning photos that capture the hidden beauties that are so often overlooked because we are all so rushed. I love the vibrancing in the colors of the fabrics and the beads.
India is such a gorgeous, vibrant place! I love seeing it come so alive through your photos. 🙂 I’m hoping to travel there in March to see it for myself 🙂
I find India to be underrated, it’s culture, food, and people are a thing of beauty. I think you depicted these images in a wonderful way and very true to India. Thanks for sharing some info about your trip, the food is what caught my eye the most as well as the colors of your photography, would love to see more!
Your photos span from stunning to charming. Loved them! Really enjoyed the post as it raised my awareness of the possibility that maybe someday, I can visit Dharamshala too. Your tip on where to stay is also very helpful. Thanks!!
This is such an exquisite collection of images. The mountainside is amazing. The wild dogs are so domesticated and just beautiful. And the fabrics/textures/colors…stunning.
Hello, we are Nathan and Zinara. In 2015, we met in a quirky backpack hostel in Colombo, fell in love, and started travelling together. Through NatnZin, we document our real, honest travel experiences coupled with captivating photography. Read more about us here.
Wow these photos are amazing – so colourful and pretty! Glad to hear you had a great time!
Looks like an amazing place to visit.Great that you enjoyed yourself. Your pictures are incredible.
I love the lineup of colorful bracelets in your picture! I’d have a hard time picking one!
Such beautiful photography. You did a great job in capturing all of the beautiful colors and scenery.
Beautiful pictures! I love the picture of the little tea shop and the mountains. Looks like a wonderful place to visit.
It’s our fave place, too. Thank you!
Hello Turkish Coffee and Israeli Breakfast! is one of the mind blowing pic I ever seen.
These photos are simply amazing! It definitely makes me want to visit. I love the mountains – but the monkey is just so cute.
Stunning photos that capture the hidden beauties that are so often overlooked because we are all so rushed. I love the vibrancing in the colors of the fabrics and the beads.
Thank you, Cia. And yes, sometimes, we need to slow down and appreciate the little things in life ♥
India is such a gorgeous, vibrant place! I love seeing it come so alive through your photos. 🙂 I’m hoping to travel there in March to see it for myself 🙂
Thank you, Emily. We hope you have a great time in India. Where are you visiting in India?
These pictures are so beautiful! You do complete justice to Dharamshala!
I find India to be underrated, it’s culture, food, and people are a thing of beauty. I think you depicted these images in a wonderful way and very true to India. Thanks for sharing some info about your trip, the food is what caught my eye the most as well as the colors of your photography, would love to see more!
Thank you, Lees. We find India to be underrated, too. And it’s always interpreted in a wrong way. The land deserves so much more ♥
Your photos span from stunning to charming. Loved them! Really enjoyed the post as it raised my awareness of the possibility that maybe someday, I can visit Dharamshala too. Your tip on where to stay is also very helpful. Thanks!!
That’s so great to hear, Evelyn. Hope you get to visit Dharamshala soon x
These photos are so gorgeous! Dharamshala looks like such a colorful place! I would love to visit someday 🙂
This is such an exquisite collection of images. The mountainside is amazing. The wild dogs are so domesticated and just beautiful. And the fabrics/textures/colors…stunning.
Thank youuuu! The place as a whole is quite stunning ♥
I love the pictures and the way you were able to capture the culture and the beauty. Perfect for anyone wishing to visit.
Thank you so much Sheri ♥
The photos are wonderful. There are so many places in the world that I need to visit.
We cannot explore the world in our lifetime x
Such a vibrant and colorful post you have here. Great shots taken. 🙂