Popularly known as St. John’s church, this cathedral is originally named St John in the Wilderness. This is an Anglican church and is one of the popular tourist attractions in Dharamshala that one must not miss visiting. Built amidst deodar forests in 1852, the renowned church boasts a Neo-Gothic architectural style. However, the highlighting part about the architecture is that it houses Belgian stained glass windows, which gives it a certain degree of a European look. These famed glass windows were donated to the church authorities by the wife of British viceroy Lord Elgin.
Dedicated to Baptist St John, the wonderful church is just 8 km from the main town of Dharamshala. The church’s beautiful architecture with the backdrop of the enchanting Kangra valley with its green foliage surrounding it leaves the visitors spellbound.
- Location: Naddi Mcleodganj Road, Mcleodganj
- Entry Fee: Nil
- Timing: Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
History of St. John Church
This majestic tower is dedicated to Lord Elgin and is the final resting place, who was the Governor-General of the Province of Canada. During the British Raj, he became the Governor-General of India in 1861, and soon he died in Dharamshala in 1863. This church is a perfect example of neo-gothic architectural design. The church’s backyard is full of memorial stones of the British soldier who posted here once.
St. John Church looks like an abandoned structure from the outside, but it is still very much maintained and lively from the inside. The walking path inside the complex premises and the holy cross symbol are well maintained and were made from colorful stones.
Best Time to Visit St. John Church
Mcleodganj enjoys salubrious weather throughout the year. However, the summer is the best time to visit St. John Church when the region experiences pleasant climatic conditions. From mid-February to mid-July, the temperature ranges from 21⁰ C to 34⁰ C, which is comfortable for sightseeing tours. The trip to Mcleodganj in summer is the perfect escape from the scorching heat of the plains. For a blissful experience, tourists can also visit the church in winter when they can witness the breathtaking beauty of the snow-covered mountains in the backdrop of this architectural wonder. In the winter season, the temperature hovers around 4⁰ C to 7⁰ C, which is a perfect time to experience the tranquility of this beautiful hill town.
Places to Visit near St. John Church
St. John Church is located in the proximity of other famous spots that people must include in their itinerary, including waterfalls, trekking trails, viewpoints, and natural splendors. Mcleodganj is dotted with some of the favorite spots tourists should visit during the trip. Here is the list of tourist places to visit near St. John Church are:
- Bhagsunag Waterfall
- Bhagsunag Temple
- Bangotu Viewpoint
- Dharamkot
- Triund
- Naddi Hill Point
- Ghera Waterfall
- Dal Lake
Traveling Tips for St. John Church
- Wear comfortable sports or trekking shoes.
- Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen lotions to avoid tanning and sunburn.
- Do not forget to click pictures of this architectural marvel.
- Sip a cup of steamy coffee at the nearby cafes and admire the majestic view of snow-clad peaks.
- Take a stroll on the winding roads of the Mcleodganj and explore the enchanting beauty of nearby places of church.
How to Reach St. John Church
Located just 1 km from the Mcleodganj Market, St. John Church is easily accessible. The closest airport to reach St. John Church is Gaggal Airport in Kangra, which is located 21 km away from the church. Another major nearest airport from the church is Pathankot Airport, which is 90 km away. Tourists can hire a cab or taxi from the airport to reach the church. The nearest railway station to St. John Church is Pathankot Railway Station, which is around 95 km away from it. After reaching the railway station, travelers can easily reach the destination as numerous modes of transport are available in Pathankot. They can board government-run or private buses from Pathankot and other nearby cities, including Kangra, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, and Palampur.
Accommodations near St. John Church
Nestled in the heart of the Mcleodganj, St. John Church is a popular tourist attraction. Many accommodation options are situated near St. John Church, including hotels, hostels, guest houses, and resorts. These staying options are equipped with world-class amenities that can make the trip to Mcleodganj memorable. Tourists can choose among them as per their budget and requirements. Here are some of the best accommodations near St. John Church in Mcleodganj.
- Hyatt Regency
- Glenmoor Cottages
- Hotel Eco Nest
- Triund View Camps
- Hotel Nest
- Backpackers Inn
- Hotel Norbu House
- Citrus Classic Hotel
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