About the Church
St. John in the Wilderness Church, established in 1852, is a neo-Gothic Anglican church located near Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, on the route to McLeod Ganj. It is dedicated to John the Baptist and is renowned for its Belgian stained-glass windows, donated by Lady Elgin, the wife of Lord Elgin.
Surrounded by dense deodar forests, the church gets its name from its secluded setting. It also serves as the final resting place of Lord Elgin, a former Viceroy of India. The church is one of the oldest surviving structures in the region, offering a serene and historical experience.
Description
The church is known for its Belgian stained glass windows, which were donated by Lady Elgin, wife of Lord Elgin, the British Viceroy of India buried here. The serene environment, moss-covered gravestones, and tall pine trees offer a peaceful ambiance that attracts both spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts.
The church is known for its Belgian stained glass windows, which were donated by Lady Elgin, wife of Lord Elgin, the British Viceroy of India buried here. The serene environment, moss-covered gravestones, and tall pine trees offer a peaceful ambiance that attracts both spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts.
Speciality
Neo-Gothic architecture
Stained glass windows
Grave of Lord Elgin (Viceroy of India)
Set amidst a serene pine forest
Historical and spiritual significance
Location & Address
Neo-Gothic architecture
Stained glass windows
Grave of Lord Elgin (Viceroy of India)
Set amidst a serene pine forest
Historical and spiritual significance
Address: Road to Naddi Village from McLeod Ganj, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215, India.
Coordinates: 32.2422° N, 76.3215° E
Timings & Sevas
Church Timings:
Open daily from 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM.
Sunday Services held in the morning.
Services (Sevas):
Regular prayers and worship services.
Special services on Sundays and Christian festivals.
How to Reach St. John in the Wilderness Church
By Road (Bus & Car Routes)
From Dharamshala: The church is 8 km from Dharamshala town. Local buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are available to McLeod Ganj.
From McLeod Ganj: The church is 1.5 km away, easily accessible by walking, taxi, or auto-rickshaw.
Bus Routes:From Delhi: HRTC & Volvo buses run between Delhi ISBT (Kashmere Gate) and Dharamshala (10–12 hours).
From Chandigarh: Buses from Sector 43 Bus Stand take about 6–7 hours.
From Pathankot: HRTC & private buses frequently operate between Pathankot & Dharamshala (3–4 hours).
By Train (Railway Routes)
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Junction (PTK) (~85 km from Dharamshala).
Further travel options:Taxi from Pathankot to Dharamshala (~₹2500–₹3500).
Local bus from Pathankot to Dharamshala (~3–4 hours).
Kangra Valley Railway (Toy Train) – Connects Pathankot to Kangra (~94 km, 6 hours) with road travel needed from Kangra to Dharamshala.
By Air (Flight Routes)
Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport (Dharamshala Airport, DHM) (~20 km away).
Flight Connectivity:
Regular flights from Delhi to Kangra Airport (DHM).
Some flights also operate from Chandigarh & Amritsar.
Airport to Church Travel: Taxis available (~₹1000–₹1500).
Travel Facilities
Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and rental bikes are available.Car Rentals: Available from Dharamshala & McLeodGanj.
Food & Stay Facilities
Food Options:
Local Cuisine: Tibetan food (Momos, Thukpa), Himachali dishes (Siddu, Chana Madra).
Cafés & Bakeries: McLeod Ganj is known for its Tibetan, Israeli, and Continental cafés.
Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly Options are available.
Stay Options:Budget Hotels & Guesthouses: Starting from ₹500 per night.
Mid-range Hotels & Resorts: ₹1500–₹4000 per night.
Luxury Resorts & Boutique Stays: ₹5000 and above.
Homestays & Hostels: Popular among backpackers.
Nearby Cities
Major Nearby Cities:
Kangra (20 km) – Famous for Kangra Fort & ancient temples.
Palampur (45 km) – Known for tea gardens & scenic beauty.
Pathankot (85 km) – Nearest major railway hub.
Chamba & Dalhousie (120 km) – Hill stations with colonial charm.
Nearby Attractions
Tourist & Religious Places Near the Church:
McLeod Ganj (1.5 km) – Tibetan culture & Dalai Lama’s residence.
Bhagsunath Temple & Waterfall (3 km) – A historic Shiva temple & scenic waterfall.
Namgyal Monastery (2 km) – The personal monastery of the Dalai Lama.
Triund Trek (9 km) – A popular trekking spot with panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range.
Dal Lake (3 km) – A serene lake surrounded by deodar trees.
Kangra Fort (20 km) – A historic fort linked to Mahabharata-era legends.
Tea Gardens of Palampur (40 km) – Famous Kangra tea plantations.
Best Time to Visit
Recommended Seasons:
March – June (Spring & Summer): Pleasant weather, best for sightseeing.
September – November (Autumn): Clear skies, cool climate.
December – February (Winter): Cold, with possible snowfall in nearby areas like Triund.
Shopping & Local Specialties
What to Buy in McLeod Ganj?
Tibetan Handicrafts – Prayer wheels, carpets, Tibetan singing bowls.
Handmade Woolen Clothes – Shawls, caps, sweaters.
Jewelry & Gemstones – Silver & semi-precious stone jewelry.
Thangka Paintings – Traditional Tibetan Buddhist artwork.
Tea & Spices – The region is famous for Kangra tea varieties.
St. John in the Wilderness Church is not just an architectural marvel but also a place of deep historical and spiritual significance. The blend of colonial heritage, natural beauty, and tranquility makes it a must-visit destination in Dharamshala. Whether you seek historical insights, wish to pay homage to Lord Elgin’s memorial, or simply want to immerse yourself in the church’s serene ambiance, this landmark continues to captivate visitors with its timeless allure.
