The St. John in the Wilderness Church

The St. John in the Wilderness Church


The St. John in the Wilderness Church, also known as the Forsyth Ganj Church, is a historical Anglican church located near Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, India. Here's a comprehensive guide to this captivating landmark:

History and Significance:

  • Built in 1852, this neo-Gothic church is one of the oldest structures in Dharamshala and holds historical significance as the final resting place of Lord Elgin, a former Viceroy of India.
  • The church is dedicated to John the Baptist and is named after its location amidst the deodar forests, earning the moniker "in the Wilderness."

Architectural Features:

  • The church boasts a distinctive neo-Gothic architectural style, featuring pointed arches, stained glass windows, and a bell tower.
  • The Belgian stained glass windows, donated by Lady Elgin, are particularly noteworthy for their intricate designs and vibrant colors.

Visiting the Church:

  • Location: The church is situated on the outskirts of Mcleodganj, near Forsyth Ganj, easily accessible by car, taxi, or rickshaw.
  • Timings: The church is generally open from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM, except for Sundays when it opens at 9:00 AM for service.
  • Entry fee: No entry fee is required to visit the church.

Things to see and do:

  • Explore the church: Admire the architectural details, stained glass windows, and historical memorials within the church.
  • Pay your respects: Visit the graveyard where Lord Elgin and other British soldiers are buried.
  • Enjoy the surroundings: Take a walk around the peaceful churchyard and soak in the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills.

Additional Information:

  • Sunday service: If you visit on Sunday, you can attend the English service held at 10:00 AM or the Hindi service at 11:00 AM.
  • Dress code: While there's no strict dress code, respectful attire is recommended, especially if attending a service.

Responsible tourism:

  • Maintain silence and respect: Remember that the church is a place of worship for many, so behave respectfully and maintain silence while exploring the premises.
  • Photography: Photography is usually permitted, but be mindful of ongoing activities and avoid using flash when taking pictures inside the church.
  • Dispose of waste properly: Use designated bins to dispose of any trash and help preserve the cleanliness of the church and its surroundings.

A Historical and Cultural Gem:

The St. John in the Wilderness Church offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and cultural significance. Whether you're interested in exploring historical landmarks, appreciating architectural beauty, or seeking a moment of peace amidst nature, this captivating church is worth including in your Mcleodganj itinerary.

Hostel stay in Mcleodganj @500

100% GUARANTEED CAMPING EXPERIENCE

10 Years Experience

Specialized in Camping & Trekking

TRIUND TREK BASE CAMP

Dharamkot Road

Near Gandhi's Paradise

700 Meters from Main Square

Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh

ADVENTURE TREKKING TOURS

Triund Trek Booking Triund Trek Camping Triund Trek Package Triund Trek Price Triund Trek Location Triund Trek Distance Triund Trek Height Triund Trek Itinerary Is Triund Trek Difficult Triund Trek Difficulty Level Triund Trek Altitude Sickness Snowline Trek Laka Glacier Trek Lahesh Cave Trek Kareri Lake Trek Indrahar Pass Trek Moon Peak Trek Karthani Trek Mana Triund Camping Hotels in Dharamshala Hotels in Bhagsunag Hotels in Mcleodganj Hostels in Mcleodganj Hotel Exotic Heights Cottages in Mcleodganj Cottages in Dharamkot Triund Trek Solo Kheerganga Trek vs Triund Trek Triund Trek from Delhi Triund Trek in a Day Triund Trek from Chandigarh Triund Trek from Mumbai Triund Trek from Dehradun Pathankot to Triund Trek Triund Trek from Delhi Triund Trek in August Kareri Lake Trek vs Triund Trek Triund Trek is Safe Triund Trek from Bhagsu Waterfall Dharamshala to Mcleodganj Mcleodganj to Dharamkot Hostel to Dharamkot Triund Trek vs Kedarnath Trek Triund Trek vs Chandrashila Trek Triund Trek Night Stay Triund Trek Mcleodganj Triund Trek Dharamshala Triund Trek Top

PLACES NEAR MCLEODGANJ BHAGSU

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium Bhagsunag Waterfall Tibetan Museum Mcleodganj Gyuto Monastery Mcleodganj Naddi View Point Dal Lake Mcleodganj The St. John in the Wilderness Church Kalachakra Temple Mcleodganj Rajgundha Trek Dharamshala Ropeway Dalai Lama Temple Main Square Mcleodganj

TRIUND TREK MAP

Triund Trek Map

KASOL TREKKING TOURS