Majnu-ka-tilla, Tibetan refugee settlement in North Delhi, India.
Majnu-ka-tilla is a refugee settlement along the Yamuna River in North Delhi, defined by narrow lanes and tightly packed buildings. Tibetan restaurants, shops, and residences form an interconnected network of streets throughout the area.
The settlement was founded in 1960 when the Indian government allocated land for Tibetan refugees fleeing after the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Since then it has remained a permanent refuge for the Tibetan community in India.
The central monastery serves as the community's heart, where residents maintain their traditions through religious ceremonies and learning. The narrow lanes are filled with shops selling traditional items that reflect the everyday life of the settlement.
The settlement is easy to explore on foot, though the narrow lanes can feel confusing at first. You'll find numerous restaurants and guesthouses for visitors, as well as local shops to browse.
The area is home to travel agencies that help visitors plan trips to other Tibetan communities across India. These agencies offer a rare glimpse into the network of the Tibetan diaspora in the country.
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