Dharamsala, Aug 27 - Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama will visit Taiwan next week to console the survivors of the devastating typhoon that claimed 461 lives, an official said Thursday.

The Dalai Lama's office said the visit will take place Aug 31 to Sep 4. He will also take part in mass prayers in memory of the dead and for the well being of the survivors.

'His Holiness is keen to meet the survivors and help rehabilitate the typhoon hit,' said an official in the Dalai Lama's government-in-exile in this northern hill town.

'Taiwanese authorities in December did not allow the Dalai Lama to visit the country to as not to offend China,' the official added.

The Dalai Lama is viewed by the Chinese as a hostile person bent on splitting Tibet from China. Beijing frowns upon meetings between the Dalai Lama and foreign leaders.

The Dalai Lama's visit was finalised after Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou agreed Thursday to let him visit the island to console the survivors.

The Dalai Lama has visited Taiwan thrice in the last 12 years.

The Dalai Lama, 74, the ultimate spiritual and political leader of six million Tibetans, says he does not seek independence but only autonomy for his people.