St John in the Wilderness.. the Anglican church with an Gothic appearance. Built in 1852 A.D., the church still stand high among the cedar forest of McLeodGanj of Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh.
St John in the Wilderness of Forsyth Ganj is the must visit shrine on the way to MCLeodGanj. The church is dedicated to John the baptist and located at 5742 feet above sea level. The church is the architecture masterpiece. Belgian Stained glasses among the stone walls are the main attraction of the building.
Amazingly the church has survived the deadly earthquake of 1905 which tool almost 19800 lives except negligible damage to its bell tower. Ruined graveyard of those who lost their lives in the quake is situated at the left side of the church adding seriousness to the surrounding.
Noteable memorial of Lord Elgin, the second British Viceroy is adjoining the church. It’s rocket shaped memorial makes visitors curious. The memorable stone memorial was erected over the body of the Viceroy by his widow Mary Louisa. James Bruce, Lord Elgin also served the British empire as Governor of Jamaica and Governor General of Canada. He also served at High Commisioner of China making him one of the prominent officer of the British government.
Few steps walk towards the other side of the graveyard gives an amazing view of the town McLeodGanj.
20 minutes walk from McLeodGanj bus stations is best option to enjoy the real beauty of the place.