Do you love travel, or independent cinema, or creativity? If you answered in yes to any or all of these, Dharamsala Film Festival is just what you need. This 3-day event, starting May 13, 2014, takes you straight to Mcleodganj, the little Tibet, for an experience that will leave you inspired for long.
Grand in its own way, Dharamsala Film Festival 2014 is hosted by TIPA (Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts). With Consciousness and Creativity for its theme, there couldn’t have been a better host, for TIPA itself is a hub of arts and much more.
Photo Courtesy – Official Website
Gain an entry to Dharamsala Film Festival by grabbing your tickets (INR 300 for tickets/INR 700 for an event pass) from the venue at 16:30 hours on May 13, 2014! If that makes you fretful, visit Agama Yoga at Bhagsu to get your tickets before the event kicks off. With just 500 seats, rushing up is one tip that’s a must follow for all the fans!
One look at the film schedule for Dharamsala Film Festival, 2014, and you would know why visiting this event is a must! Coming to the genres, there is travel, philosophy, life, love, religion, happiness and more, from some of the most famed independent filmmakers.
With creativity running that high, there is a Thangka Painting Workshop (May 15, 2014) in tow too!
Travel Tips –
Getting there
Fastest – Get a flight to Gaggal Airport, the nearest one. TIPA is a 1.5 hour drive from Gaggal.
Easiest – Taking an overnight HPTDC/HRTC or private bus is one of the best options, for the weather in Dharamsala hills changes fast and leaves many flights cancelled!
For train lovers – The nearest train station is at Pathankot, from where you can get a cab and be in for a 2.5 hours drive to the venue.
Stay
Mcleodganj, Bhagsu and Dharamkot have a whole lot of hotels and guest houses to check out. My pick is Surya Mcleod (for a luxurious stay),
Hotel Annexe (for a comfortable, mid-budget stay),
Siddhartha House (a backpackers’ place).
Other than these and more hotels, you can check out one of the homestays at Dharamkot and Bhagsu, which you’ll have to enquire about after landing here.
Weather
Seems like monsoons have arrived a month early at Dharamsala/Mcleodganj, for it’s been raining for more than 36 hours now (now means 10.30 on May 12, 2014!). While the rains are playing the spoilsport, one rain jacket and high boots will make you good to go! These are hills, and thus unpredictable weather. Add to it the fact that the Sun keeps making guest appearances every now and then, drying up anyone/anything that is seeking a way away from the rains! So yes, my word, is come on, join in this celebration of creativity!
Leave a comment below for any queries regarding the Dharamsala Film Festival and you will have an answer ASAP! Alternatively, send us a tweet using @ixigo for a faster reply!
Check out some of the least known things to do at Mcleodganj to make the best of your time there.
About the author
Shikha Gautam loves to play with steering wheels, roads, words, flute and guitar among other things. Not necessarily in that order! You can contact her on twitter @ShikhaGautam
