Momos and mountains

Eat the street People often ask me if Dharamsala has a street-food culture. I definitely believe so, although it's different from what we see in Mumbai or Delhi. The street food here revolves around momos and lang phing, a Tibetan specialty that looks somewhat like a pancake. Head to Bhagsu Road, where you will find a number of stalls on both sides selling delicious momos. You can choose from least ten different varieties, served hot and steaming for less than half the price you would pay to taste stuff that is nothing like momos elsewhere.

Stroll in the Jewel Garden As cricketers, you often seek little getaways in the middle of an intense season. It's worth taking time off to visit the Norbulingka Institute, tucked away in a quiet corner. Learning about the Tibetan community and their culture is a different experience. You feel happy from within once you visit the place and come back. The gardens and different kinds of statues radiate positive energy. There are these colourful flags on either side, which I'm told are prayer flags that are believed to give you inner peace. For Tibetans, how rich you are is defined by how peaceful it is. I personally found it fascinating.

Get a drink If you're a party kind of person, no visit to Dharamsala is complete without a visit to McLlos. The Dhauladhar mountain range forms a stunning backdrop against the rooftop garden, where photos of all the cricketers who have visited the place adorn the wall. The owner has tastefully themed his interiors cricket-style. There's good music, great food, and of course drinks. During the IPL, you're sure to spot players. The place sometimes has more visitors than it can accommodate, but it's usually a lovely place to visit on a lazy evening.

Go paragliding at Bir-Billing If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, go paragliding. The narrow, winding roads may make your stomach churn, so it's better to eat light before you head there, via Palampur. During the holiday season, mainly from May to September, it's very crowded, so slots may have to be booked early. It's a one-of-a-kind experience to glide in the valley, with greenery and rivers flowing beneath. Don't go by Google Maps estimates, though - the distance from Dharamsala may be short, but it could take you a while! So plan in advance.