Chinmaya Tapovan — Attraction in Himachal Pradesh

This place is HEAVEN. A very close to Dharamshala and just a small town but indeed beautiful. If you're coming from Dharamshala then you need to locate Sidhbari Clock Tower (which is in right if you're coming from Dharamshala side) and if you coming from Chamunda Devi then it will be in the left side. One can take a bus from Chamunda Devi or Dharamshala to Sidhbari (Fare is 20rs as of now in April 2022). Bus will leave you at Sidhbari or you can tell conductor to leave you at Sidhbari clock tower. Tapovan is just 1 km from clock tower (it is down side the road so dont hesitate to walk down on your feet).

Few meters before tapovan ashram, you will see Dharamshala Vidhan Sabha. Next to the Vidhan Sabha, there's is small gate to go to the Ram Temple but i suggest you to enter from the main gate which is just right in next junction (also Tapovan Bus Stop ). A small Tea Stall is there in the right (i had tea and biscuits there). A lil chat with uncle was really memorable. He love to help tourists without any cost. He and his son running that small tea stall and if you get time then do try their Pakodas. You will love it.

The Tea Stall is in the right side and if you take left then there's main gate of Chinmayanand Tapovan Ashram. Enter inside and dont go towards Hanuman Statue (it is restricted). Before Statue, there's a gate in left to enter inside. First visit the Ram Temple, Shiv Temple is also there outside the Ram Temple. Then go towards Hanuman Statue, in the left you will see the Samadhi of Guri Ji.

I have reached there around 7 am in the morning. Buses are frequent at Tapovan Bus Stand in every hour. The same route goes to Kangra. if you want to come back to Dharamshala, wait for bus at Tea Stall. Or if you want go back to Chamunda then take a same bus and hop off at Sidhbari Bus Stop. From Sidhbari you can go to Chamunda Devi.

Bonus : Gyuto Monastery is also near to Sidhbari Clock Tower if you wants to see and other Norbulingka Monastery and Institute is also there in other direction...

Chinmaya Tapovan Ashram is an oasis of peace and serenity. I stayed here two weeks. 10 years ago I had my first visit and even post ten years one finds the same tranquillity embodying every iota of the ashram. Vedic chants, Gayatri Haven on Sundays, Hanuman Mantra and most of all meditating in the Samadhi helps you go deep within yourself.

The ashram is equipped with very good rooms with beautiful views of the Dauladhar range. I have traveled all over Dharmashala and Mcleodganj the quiet & peace you get here is something you don’t get anywhere else. It helped me take time to read, meditate, do my long walks in the pine woods.

The current Swamiji here is a very kind person and his smile and positive energy always touched me. There is also a Centenarian in the ashram who is an absolute pleasure to speak to and learn so much about life! Mona Mam the current GM of the ashram is someone who is dedicated to the ashram & its operations. Her story was very inspiring.

Delicious simple clean vegetarian meals are served everyday. Most days I would sit by myself as much as possible to listen to the birds and have my meal. Even the Vedic chants during the lunch time and dinner moments are very nice. Energetically one feels one is in a positive environment.

Chinmaya Vani is a library where you can find plethora of books on spiritually

Overall this place has been a home for me away from home. Deeply grateful for...

The ashram is in Sidhbari which simply translated means 'place of the perfect/realised ones'. The land of yogi and siddhas starting from Kapil Muni to Swami Shri Chinmayananda Saraswati.

Ashram has samadhi sthal of Swami Chinmayananda Saraswati as well as an enormous and very friendly looking murti of Pavanputra Hanuman which is a sight to behold for anyone.

There's a Ram Mandir inside the premises where the students of the ashram chant Vedic mantras and conduct aarti every evening at 6-630pm. One should attend that if visiting the place.

People of the ashram are friendly and the main activities involve study of vedantic scriptures and various pujas held on religious occasions.

Ashram has plenty of accommodation for guests. There's an in-house kitchen that provides food for guests.

There's plenty of greenery, in and around the ashram.

Place is hardly two kilometres from Sidhbari clocktower and main road.

Nearby places include an old temple of another siddha which houses a samadhi of another siddha and has a serene enviornment.

Oh and Hariom is...