Home to one of the world’s most beloved spiritual teachers, the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala embodies much of the philsophy that drives Karma Group – and now we have a resort there!
The India State of Himachal Pradesh is arguably India’s most spectacular province: a world of perennially snow-capped Himalayan peaks, stark lunar landscapes and bright green valleys scattered with forests, snow fed rivers, tea plantations and adobe villages. Little wonder that it is known locally as the Abode of the Gods – in particular a reference to the soaring Himalayan ranges, whose scale seems other than human.
The northern reaches of Himachal Pradesh are a breathtaking hinterland whose proximity to the borders of Pakistan, Tibet and China makes for a fascinating mix of peoples and cultures one of the most fascinating and influential among them being the Tibetan. There are few people in the world that haven’t heard of the Dalai Lama – figurehead of Tibetan Buddhism. It is in this hinterland, in a small village called Mcleod Ganj just outside the town of Dharamsala that the Dalai Lama now resides.
Dharamsala has become a magnetic for a cosmopolitan crowd of spiritual seekers, adventure travellers and visitors of every ilk from all over the world curious not only about the town’s world famous resident, but drawn to the pristine natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. This is the home of Karma Group’s latest India property: Karma Exotica Dharamsala.
Karma Exotica Dharamsala nestles among fragrant cedar forests on the steep flanks of the Kangra Valley, the snowclad giants of the Dhauladhar mountain range towering above the resort. Outside Tibet itself, there’s nowhere better to discover the rich cultural heritage of this unique mountain kingdom and its ornate, Tantric approach to Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism developed in virtual isolation for millennia and it has only been in the last few decades that its influence has spread around the globe.
Head to Mcleod Ganj and it is possible (though not easy) to actually meet the Dalai Lama himself, provided you make a request early enough and he is at his residence of course. Then there are the many Tibetan monasteries and mediation centres that are open to visitors, as well as popular institutions like the Performing Arts Centre and Tibetan Museum. Of course daily life in Mcleod Ganj revolves around the Tibetan calendar, with its rich cycle of ceremonies.
Nature here feels just as sacred. The Kangra Valley is famed for its beauty and there are no end of activities for every level of adventurer – from gentle hiking to full bore mountaineering, river rafting to kayaking and even paragliding over the forests, lakes and terraced farmlands of the Kangra Valley.
With 24 spacious air-conditioned rooms and suites with private balconies enjoying panoramic views across the valley, Karma Exotica Dharamsala is the perfect gateway to one of India’s richest regions. You’ll find all your favourite world class Karma amenities including Karma Spa, featuring signature Ayurvedic treatments and the 3 Monkeys Kids Club for our younger guests. The resort also offers a rich mix of excursions designed to bring your holiday to life.
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