Norbulingka

My little town of Sidhpur is best known for the Norbulingka, the replica of the Dalai Lama's summer palace that has been built here to house, foster and display Tibetan culture and art. The Norbulingka runs courses in Thangka painting (the paintings of Tibetan Buddhist deities and mandala) as well as doing various other crafts. It has a small doll museum showing off Tibetan cultural dress and a very nice shop where you can buy beautiful things, admittedly at rather steep western prices. The Norbulingka is also involved in recycling projects and other social causes. The main reason to come is simply to enjoy the beauty of the buildings, fountains and gardens, away from the dirt and mess of surrounding India. Here are some pics.