Thursday, February 26, 2009

A Walk On The Wild-Side (Part Four) – Bhagsu


Take the Bhagsu Road next to the bus stand. The route is fairly flat and heads East of the village before swinging out to the north with awesome views of the Dhauladhar Ridge. Bhagsu boasts cold spring baths, a small 16th Century temple and a fairly unimpressive waterfall which can be viewed in the comfort of the No Name Cafe. The village also has a few market stalls and a gift-shop selling a host of colourful and hippiesque crafts from the Indian deserts of Rajasthan.

The temple commemorates the the point where Bagsu the Demon King was caught by the snake god, Nag for stealing water after Bagsu tried to alleviate drought in his kingdom. When caught, Bagsu confesses and begins to pray to Nag. Nag shows compassion and allows Bagsu to take enough water for his land.

There is also an outside public pool for the brave.

With a growing number of back-packer guest houses (as well as a growing number of upmarket hotels), alternative therapy centres and German bakeries, cafes and restaurants, it has become hangout for large groups of Israeli travellers. Not surprisingly there are several restaurants selling “Israeli food”. It is about 4kms out of McLeod Ganj.

Sunday seems a very popular day for doing your dirty laundry in the river as well as for picnics.

On the road between the two villages is The Jungle Hut restaurant which boasts excellent views down to Dharamsala, if somewhat unspectacular food.

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