Introduction

The Dal Lake lies on the vehicular road between McLeodganj and the village of Naddi. This small ‘mid-altitude’ lake is at a height of 1775 m above sea level and is in the tiny village of Tota Rani. The lake is backed by thick woods of majestic deodar (Himalayan cedar) trees and there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva along its northern bank.. Every September, this is also the site of a major local fair that is attended, among others, by large numbers of the transhumant Gaddi people who at times, may camp in the area for a few days before moving on with their flocks of sheep and goats. For the Gaddis, this moment also serves as a notch in their year’s calendar and marks the time when they start moving out of their summer pastures in the heights and travel with their flocks down to the lower valleys and their age-old winter grazing grounds.

Beyond the Dal lake is the village of Naddi that offers some magnificent views. This also has hotels and eating places. From Naddi, looking south, is the Kangra valley and all its pockets of habitation – and in the distance, you can even see the shimmering waters of the Maharana Pratap Sagar (the Pong Dam Reservoir), and on the other hand, the north, divided by a deep chasm, are the rocky rises of the Dhauladhar mountains. Early mornings and sunsets present magnificent sights, especially when there is snow on the heights.

Past Naddi, is one of the most magnificently sited houses in all McLeodganj. ‘Talnu’, where the ridge comes to an end, was the residence of the first Chief Justice of independent India, Mehr Chand Mahajan; the property, which is a private one, is still with his descendants.

Special Attributes

Picturesque setting

Nuisance

None, except at times, the place can be a little crowded.

Dressing restrictions

Comfortable

Connectivity

Walking, taxi, auto-rickshaw and bus

Enjoyed by

Nature and general interest.

Exposure

Subject to heavy rain during the monsoons and snow in winter. Higher UV than in the plains.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Small basic eating places offer food and tea

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction. Shoes have to be removed if you want to visit the temple.

Tip

Makes a good photo opportunity.

Type of site

Nature