Stories
Do You Know The Indian Village Known As Mini Israel
N
News18•08-10-2026, 18:17
Do You Know The Indian Village Known As Mini Israel
- •Dharamkot village in Himachal Pradesh is popularly known as Mini Israel due to the heavy influx of Israeli tourists.
- •Located near McLeod Ganj in Dharamshala, the village resembles Israel with Hebrew nameplates, bakeries, and cafes.
- •Many Israelis have made Dharamkot their second home, running local businesses and living peacefully in the Dhauladhar range.
- •The area is famous for its scenic beauty, yoga workshops, music classes, and trekking trails like Triund.
Key Questions Answered
Dharamkot, a village located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh within the Dhauladhar mountain range, is widely known as 'Mini Israel' due to its popularity among Israeli tourists.
While the exact details are not widely documented, people believe that Israeli travelers started coming to Dharamkot in search of peace following the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala during the 1960s.
The village has transitioned from an agricultural and animal husbandry community into a hub featuring homestays, guesthouses, and cafes serving Israeli dishes like falafel and shakshuka, alongside small businesses run by long-term visitors.
