Latest news with #TibetanBuddhist


NDTV
6 days ago
- NDTV
8 Breathtaking Places To Visit In India This June
If summer's got you overheating, it's time to trade traffic jams and scorching pavements for cooler climes. June in India might be hot, but there are still pockets of breezy bliss waiting to be enjoyed. Whether it's the dramatic high-altitude landscapes of Spiti or the rain-washed tea gardens of Ooty, these picture-perfect destinations offer the kind of escape that'll make you forget it's even summer. Think misty mornings, monsoon-drenched hills, and just the right amount of chill. We've rounded up eight stunning spots where the temperatures drop and the views turn up. Go on, give your fan a break. Here Are 8 Scenic Spots To Visit In India In June 2025: 1. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh While most are heading to crowded Manali, the smart travellers are taking the higher road to Spiti. Literally. At 12,500 feet above sea level, Spiti Valley offers raw, dramatic landscapes — think craggy mountains, barren beauty, and turquoise streams. The roads reopen by early June after being snowed in for months, making it the perfect time to visit. Don't miss Key Monastery, a 1000-year-old Tibetan Buddhist site that looks like it's clinging to the cliffside for dear life. Best for: Stargazing, solitude, and icy blue rivers. Travel tip: Carry warm clothing — even in June, temperatures can dip to 5 degrees Celsius at night. 2. Chikkamagalur, Karnataka Nestled in the Western Ghats, Chikkamagalur is everything June should be — green, breezy, and deliciously cool. This is the land where coffee first took root in India, and every plantation homestay here comes with sweeping views and plenty of caffeine. Trek up Mullayanagiri (Karnataka's highest peak) or take it easy with a hammock and a hot brew. Best for: Coffee trails and weekend detoxes. Travel tip: Book a plantation stay for that early morning mist-and-mocha vibe. 3. Hassan, Karnataka Just a two-hour drive from Chikmagalur, Hassan is a hidden gem steeped in heritage. The 12th-century Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid are architectural marvels — intricately carved and criminally underrated. June's light drizzle makes the stone temples even more atmospheric, with barely any tourist crowds in sight. Best for: Architecture nerds and history lovers. Travel tip: Hire a local guide to get the stories behind the carvings — there's a lot to unpack. 4. Shillong, Meghalaya Known as the "Scotland of the East", Shillong turns ethereal in June. The pine forests smell like rain, waterfalls gush at full throttle, and the local music scene is always on point. Hit up cafes for live gigs, trek to Laitlum Canyon for a dramatic selfie, and drive down to nearby Dawki to see a river so clear it looks like glass. Best for: Music lovers and monsoon romantics. Travel tip: Carry waterproof everything — when it rains here, it really rains. 5. Alibaug, Maharashtra Alibaug is Mumbai's not-so-secret weekend darling, and in June, the sea breeze brings a welcome reprieve from the city's stickiness. Think quiet beaches, boutique stays, and seafood that slaps. The coastal drive is especially scenic with monsoon clouds rolling in, and if you time it right, you can even take a ferry from Mumbai. Best for: Beachy breaks without a Goa crowd. Travel tip: Kihim Beach is your best bet for a less crowded sun-downer scene. 6. Ooty, Tamil Nadu Ooty might have become a cliche, but come June, it's still magical. The monsoon is just setting in, making the rolling tea estates and colonial bungalows all the more moody and romantic. Take the iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway, sip on fresh Nilgiri tea, and walk through the botanical gardens in a sweater. Best for: Misty mornings and vintage charm. Travel tip: Avoid weekends if you want to dodge tourist traffic. 7. Mount Abu, Rajasthan Rajasthan and "cool" don't usually go in the same sentence — except when you're talking about Mount Abu. At 1,220 metres above sea level, it's the state's only hill station. June brings mild showers and lush hills, offering a break from the desert heat. Don't miss a sunset at Nakki Lake or the marble brilliance of Dilwara Temples. Best for: Unexpected cool in a desert state. Travel tip: Hire a boat at Nakki Lake around sunset — it's touristy, but worth it. 8. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh Araku is one of those "how-is-this-still-under-the-radar?" places. Surrounded by dense forests and waterfalls, it's a quick train ride from Visakhapatnam — and a stunner. The valley is home to several tribal communities, and June's greenery adds a fresh layer to its already photogenic coffee plantations and caves. Best for: Underrated escapes and tribal culture. Travel tip: Try the local bamboo chicken — it's slow-cooked and smoky in all the right ways.


NDTV
26-05-2025
- NDTV
6 Best Things To Do In Dharamshala And McLeod Ganj For A Memorable Trip
Dharamshala is undoubtedly one of India's most popular hill stations. Located in Himachal Pradesh, it attracts tourists year round, with peak season being from March to June. McLeod Ganj, a popular area within Dharamshala, is often visited alongside it. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes and spiritual vibes, this duo has something for everyone. If you're planning a visit soon and wondering what to explore, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll share six of the best things to do in these towns for a memorable experience. Here Are 6 Exciting Things To Do In Dharamshala And Mcleod Ganj: 1. Visit The Dalai Lama Temple Located in McLeod Ganj, the Dalai Lama Temple is a must-visit when in town. Here, you can experience Tibetan Buddhist culture and attend prayer ceremonies. It's a great place for those who wish to immerse themselves in a rich religious and cultural experience during their visit. 2. Go Hiking To Triund In the mood for some adventure? Lace up your shoes and head out for a trek to Triund. It offers breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar range and Kangra valley, sure to leave you mesmerised. The trek is moderately challenging, so be sure to carry essentials with you. 3. Explore The Norbulingka Institute Another place you can visit is the Norbulingka Institute, where you can experience Tibetan culture. The interiors of the institute are stunning, and you'll feel a deep sense of calmness when inside. If you're seeking a break from the hustle and bustle, Norbulingka Institute is a great place to be. 4. Check Out The HPCA Stadium If you're a cricket enthusiast, don't miss visiting the iconic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association stadium in Dharamshala. Built at 1457 metres above sea level, it offers a picturesque setting with mountains in the background. If there's an ongoing match, consider yourself lucky! 5. Go Paragliding You can also take to the skies by paragliding in Dharamshala! The town offers several spots, and it's a thrilling activity to unleash your inner adventurer. You'll soar over the Kangra Valley, taking in the beautiful views of the entire valley. Photo Credit: Pexels 6. Visit Kangra Fort The Kangra Fort is another must-visit destination. This ancient fort offers a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture. You'll be fascinated by its stunning architecture and awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscape. So, if you're planning a trip to Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj anytime soon, do keep these points in mind.

Epoch Times
17-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
How Meditation Rewires the Brain—And Why You Can Start Today
Meditation isn't just a moment of calm—it's a powerful tool that reshapes the brain, sharpens focus, and boosts emotional well-being. Once seen as a mystical or religious ritual, meditation is now embraced by neuroscientists, physicians, and educators for its measurable impact on the mind and body. One of the most compelling examples is Tibetan Buddhist monk Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, who researchers have famously dubbed 'the happiest person in the world.' In 2002, Mingyur Rinpoche visited the brain imaging lab of renowned neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson. Davidson, a pioneer in studying the link between emotions and the brain, In the laboratory, Mingyur Rinpoche sat calmly, wearing a cap lined with electrodes, without ritual instruments or chanting, and was connected only to a device that captured brain signals. He practiced Loving-Kindness Meditation, a Buddhist technique centered on cultivating compassion. The moment he closed his eyes, the monitor displayed intense, stable gamma waves—the fastest brainwaves, typically fleeting during moments of inspiration or deep focus. Astonishingly, Mingyur Rinpoche's brain generated these waves instantly and sustained them powerfully for minutes. The groundbreaking

Straits Times
13-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
In Pictures: Vesak Day celebrations
A 60m x 12m canvas of a thangka, a Tibetan Buddhist painting, is held up for devotees to walk under it to receive blessings and good luck from the Buddha for the coming year, during the Vesak Day celebrations at the Enlightened Heart Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Ipoh, state of Perak, Malaysia, on May 12, 2025. PHOTO: EPA-EFE


Time Out
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
A Tibetan Buddhist shrine room will soon be on display at the Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum is about to get a major dose of calm. Starting June 11, visitors can enter a Tibetan Buddhist shrine room with ritual horns, butter lamps and the hum of chanting monks, courtesy of a long-term loan from the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art. This loan is part of a broader shift for the Rubin Museum, which, in early 2024, announced the closure of its New York City building in order to become a global 'museum without walls.' The institution is now focusing on traveling exhibitions, long-term loans, institutional partnerships, digital programs and more. The institution officially closed its physical location on October 6, 2024, and this collaboration with the Brooklyn Museum exemplifies the kind of public engagement it plans to pursue going forward. The Rubin Museum Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, one of the institution's most beloved installations, will be on view inside the Brooklyn Museum's Arts of Asia galleries as part of a six-year collaboration between the two museums. Entry is included with general admission, which the museum offers on a pay-what-you-wish basis. Designed to evoke a traditional household shrine's look, feel and spirit, the room features more than 100 objects used in Tibetan Buddhist practice. Visitors will find elaborately painted thangkas (scroll paintings), bronze sculptures of deities and ornately carved furniture from Tibet, Nepal and Mongolia, dating from the 12th to 20th centuries. Every few years, the selection will rotate to highlight different Tibetan religious traditions like Nyingma, Sakya and Gelug, offering fresh perspectives and spiritual nuance with each visit. But this isn't your typical gallery display. The installation is immersive in the best way—think soft lighting, flickering butter lamps (simulated, don't worry), the scent of incense in the air and a soundscape of devotional chanting. It's a meditative moment tucked within the bustle of Brooklyn, inviting visitors to pause, breathe and reflect. 'We are thrilled that our beloved Shrine Room will remain accessible to the public in New York in the coming years and are grateful to the Brooklyn Museum for embracing this unique presentation,' said Jorrit Britschgi, executive director of the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, in an official statement. 'The Shrine Room will now exist in dialogue with Brooklyn's fantastic Arts of Asia galleries and give visitors the opportunity to experience Tibetan religious art in its cultural context.' The addition comes after a major renovation of the Brooklyn Museum's Asian art collection, completed in phases between 2017 and 2023. The Shrine Room promises a more immersive and atmospheric way to encounter these historic works and a deeper connection to the spiritual traditions behind them.