The world is my canvas, the camera is my brush
Manju-ka-tilla
Manju-ka-tilla was established in the 1950s when Tibetans fled their homeland due to political unrest. The Dalai Lama went into exile in Dharamshala, and the fleeing Tibetans found a warm welcome in India. Tucked away in a corner of North Delhi along the Yamuna River, Manju-ka-tilla became the refugees' home and soon the area blossomed into a thriving community known as Delhi’s “Little Tibet”. The large population is cramped into closely built homes several floors high. Walking through the narrow lanes lined with colorful prayer flags, it was easy to immerse oneself in the Tibetan culture. As one walks streets lined with shops selling Tibetan handicrafts, market stalls, monasteries, and temples, the smell of authentic Tibetan food, especially the delicious momos (steamed dumplings), permeates the air. The economy centers around hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants. There are also retail stores, bookshops, curio shops, internet cafes, a beauty parlor, and a travel agency. The residents are friendly and welcoming. The neighborhood is popular with foreign and domestic tourists alike.