About Dalhousie
Dalhousie is a hill station full of colonial charm that holds lingering echoes of the Raj. Spread out over five hills (Kathlog Potreys, Tehra, Bakrota & Bolun) the town is named after the 19th century British governor general Lord Dalhousie. The town’s varying altitude shades it with a variety of vegetation that includes stately grooves of pines, deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendrons. Rich in colonial architecture, the town preserves some beautiful churches. Its marvelous forest trails overlook vistas of wooded hills, water falls, springs and rivulets. Like a silver snake finding its way out of the mountains, the twists and turns of river Ravi are a treat to watch from many vantage points. There are also magnificent views of Chamba valley and the mighty Dhauladhar range with its awe-inspiring snow covered peaks filling an entire horizon. A veneer of Tibetan culture has added a touch of the exotic to this serene resort and along road sides are huge rocks carved in low relief painted in the Tibetan style. By road Dalhousie is 555 Km from Delhi, 45 KM from Chamba and the closest railhead at Pathankot is 85 KM away.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was won over by the beauty of Dalhousie, a famous tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, so much so, that he stayed here for many months in 1937. Today, he has two places named after him – Subhash Baoli and Subhash Chowk. The hill station has the same effect on tourists today, with its waterfalls, rivers making their way through mountains, dense forest trails that run parallel to enormous cliffs with grand views of Dauladhar range in the distance and a couple of churches that were built during the British Raj. Cafes, markest, Mall Road, those are equally convincing reasons to plan a trip to Dalhousie.
“Little Switzerland of India”
Dalhousie Tourism
The tiny tinsel town of Dalhousie is a paradise tucked away in the lap of Himachal Pradesh. It boasts of old-world charm, mesmerising natural landscapes, pine-clad valleys, flower-bedecked meadows, fast-flowing rivers and magnificent misty mountains. This hill station was one of the favourite summer destinations of the Britishers during the Indian colonial era. The Scottish and Victorian architecture reminds you of its colonial heritage while the wispy air continues to hone British aromas.
Situated far from the buzzing cities in the country, this quaint town transports you to a pollution-free environment in the lap of nature. Dalhousie has a number mountains and river streams that tourists must visit. Among them, the most famous are Panch Pulla, Satdhara Falls and the Daikund peak.
How to Reach:
By Air
The nearest air port is at Pathonkot, 90 Km from Dalhousie. Other reachable air ports are Kangra(106 km), Amritsar (213 km) and Chandigrah(317 km).
By Train
The nearest railway station is at Pathonkot,90 Km from Dalhousie . Regular trains to pathankot from New delhi.
By Road
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation runs long distance services throughout the state from their main stands at Shimla, Solan, Kangra, Dharmsala and Pathnakot and from locations in the adjoining states of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh(UT). Private buses, serving everywhere else, frequent and provide a relaxed mode of commuting.
Top 9 Places To Visit In Dalhousie On Your Next Vacation
Dalhousie is a mesmerizing place to visit in India situated in the Chamba District. Located at an altitude of 1970 meters above sea level, this destination is worth a visit for all those who seek peace and tranquillity. The town of Dalhousie has derived its name after the British General, Lord Dalhousie. He was the Governor-General of India and has established this place as a summer retreat for its officials as well as troops back in those times.
Dalhousie is a town spread across five high-altitude hills nestled close to the Dhauladhar Mountain Range in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This place features developments and buildings of the colonial era. Some of the major developments include St. John as well as St. Francis Churches, which have been crafted back in the 1800s during the rule of the British. You can also take a trekking trip to the Dainkund Peak, which further leans to the Pholani Devi Temple. Towards the northern side lies the Subhash Baoli, which offers a panoramic view of the peaceful region. The various attractions of Dalhousie feature-rich and ancient Victorian as well as Scottish architecture all across the town. The place is a wonderful combination of ancient temples, rich art, and culture as well as locally crafted handicrafts, which would sweep you off your feet on your visit. Thus Dalhousie needs to be at the top of your destination list among all other places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. The ideal time to explore the place is during the summers from the months of May to September.
Top 9 Places To Visit In Dalhousie
- Khajjiar
- Satdhara Falls
- Panchpula
- Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary
- Dainkund Peak
- Bakrota Hills
- Subhash Baoli
- Chamba
- Ganji Pahari
1. Khajjiar
This beautiful tourist attraction is a small town situated in close vicinity of Dalhousie. It is also popularly known as Mini Switzerland of India. The place owns such beauty that it has been one of the greatest influencers and inspirations for a number of kingdoms, which includes the Mughals as well as the Rajputs. It is conveniently nestled at an elevation of 6500-feet above sea level and the picturesque landscapes that it boasts are bound to impress any tourist. The place also features the massive nine-hole-golf-course for which it is quite renowned as well. The golf course is a beauty sitting amidst lush greenery and mesmerizing views of the surroundings. Khajjiar features a small-sized lake, which is one of the favorite spots amongst tourists and locals. Even if you are an adventure seeker this place has bundles to offer. You can indulge in fun and adventure activities such as trekking and zorbing.
Distance From City Centre – 1 kilometre
Entry Fee – No entry fee
Ideal Time To Explore The Place – 1 Day
Visiting Hours – During the day time
2. Satdhara Falls
Beautifully surrounded by fresh and lush green deodar and pine vegetation as well as snow-capped mountain ranges lies the Satdhara Falls featuring stunning views if the Chamba Valley. The term ‘Satdhara’ is another term for seven springs, which means that this waterfall gets its white water from seven different springs. Therefore, the name Satdhara Falls. The waters from all the seven springs get united at an elevated point of 1036 meters above sea level and finally flow down in unison. If you wish to get away from your busy life of the metropolitan and are in search of some peace then this is one of the ideal places for you to explore. While visiting Dalhousie you can also take a dip in the water of this waterfall as the water is said to contain mica, which is believed to have medicinal properties that have been successful in curing a number of skin diseases. The locals call it ‘Gandak’ in their native language. The refreshing smell of the mud fills the surroundings, which makes it further alluring for the visitors.
Distance From City Centre – 1 kilometre
Entry Fee – No entry fee
Ideal Time To Explore The Place – 1 to 2 Hours
Visiting Hours – During the day time.
3. Panchpula
Panchpula is a tourist destination, which is a combination of a stunning waterfall and a mesmerizing picnic spot. The place is surrounded by lush green trees of Deodar and Pine. This is the same spot where five different streams combine together. The mainstream of Panchpula is also the source of water to the numerous localities of Dalhousie. This mainstream finds its origination in the north side of Dain Kund, which is also a mesmerizing sight to behold. This spot is quite a well-known spot amongst trekking enthusiasts as it features marvelous undisturbed natural beauty. There is a samadhi of Sardar Ajit Singh (Bhagat Singh’s Uncle), a great revolutionary built close to the place as he took his last breath here. The ideal time to visit and explore this destination is during the monsoons when the water is in full flow and rushes down beautifully.
Distance From City Centre – 1 kilometre
Entry Fee – No entry fee
Ideal Time To Explore The Place – 1 to 2 Hours
Visiting Hours – 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
4. Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary
Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary is an amazing combination of snow-capped mountain ranges, rich wildlife, verdant grasslands, white water streams, thick deodar vegetation, etc. Also popularly known as the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, it is nestled in the Chamba District. The term Kalatop means ‘black cap’, which in turn refers to the lush black cover of forest on the sanctuary’s highest hilltop. The sanctuary is located just a few kilometers away from the Chamera Reservoir and the Chamba Dam, which can also be visited while exploring the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary. Spread in an expanse of 30.62 square kilometers this wildlife sanctuary houses animals like Himalayan black bear, mountain cats, jackals, Himalayan black marten, leopards, langurs, etc. You can also spot over one hundred and twenty bird species including the Himalayan Monal, Asian Koala, Eurasian Jay, Khalij Pheasant, and various others. The place also features a well-laid hiking and trekking trail, which offers an amazing experience to the visitors. From the rest house of the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, one gets a stunning view of the Pir Panjal Range. The vegetation of the place majorly comprises of fir, blue pine as well as deodar vegetation.
Distance From City Centre – 4 kilometers
Entry Fee – No entry fee. Forest reserve entry permit costs INR 250
Ideal Time To Explore The Place – 2 to 3 Hours
Visiting Hours – 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
5. Dainkund Peak
The Dainkund Peak is Dalhousie’s highest peak that watches over the amazing landscapes of the place, which features long stretches of pine. It is located around 10 kilometers from Dalhousie and is nestled at an elevation of 2755 meters above sea level. The top of the peak offers a panoramic view of the surroundings including the rivers and hills lying below. The Dainkund Peak is also popularly known as the Singing Hill as the blowing wind across the trees of the region creates a musical serenade. The place is also an ideal and popular camping spot amongst various camping enthusiasts. Therefore, if adventure is what makes you get the adrenaline rush then this location is one of the ideal places for you to camp at.
Distance From City Centre – 5 kilometres
Entry Fee – No entry fee.
Ideal Time To Explore The Place – 2 to 3 Hours
Visiting Hours – During the day time
6. Bakrota Hills
Bakrota Hills is another renowned place to visit in Dalhousie. It is also popularly referred to as Upper Bakrota. This name has been given to the place owing to the fact that it is Dalhousie’s highest area. The Bakrota Hills is beautifully and quite conveniently circled by a roadway, which further leads to Khajjiar. This roadway is known as the Bakrota Walk, which successfully connects two amazing tourist attractions of Dalhousie. This place features a few estates amidst peaceful and scenic surroundings, which can be quite a memorable visit for the peace-seeking travellers. You can take a stroll here and capture some amazing pictures to take back home. All around the beautiful hills are covered with deodar vegetation.
Distance From City Centre – 1 kilometre
Entry Fee – No entry fee.
Ideal Time To Explore The Place – 1 to 2 Hours
Visiting Hours – During the day time
7. Subhash Baoli
This tourist attraction of Dalhousie has a close connect to ancient history. It has been given its name after Subhash Chandra Bose, a famous fighter who fought bravely back during the independence struggle. It is a perennial spring that is known to possess medicinal properties. It is so believed that the water of this particular spring was successful in curing the poor health of the freedom fighter. Apart from the spring, the place is known for its beauty and travelers to visit it to enjoy the mesmerizing views. Take in the stunning views of the snow dusted mountain and greenery. It is situated merely at a kilometer’s distance from Gandhi Chowk, a renowned lane of Dalhousie. You can visit the place to take a casual stroll or even enjoy a picnic with family and friends. There is a waterfall situated quite close to this place that further joins a glacial stream.
Distance From City Centre – 5 kilometers
Entry Fee – No entry fee.
Ideal Time To Explore The Place – 1 to 2 Hour
Visiting Hours – 24 Hours
8. Chamba
Chamba is a medieval town situated at a little distance from the marvel of Dalhousie. It is beautifully nestled against an amazing backdrop of lush green hills and a pristine river. The local folklore and the mystical temples add to the unique charm of the place. An important tourist attraction in this town is the renowned ancient museum, Bhuri Singh Museum. Here you will find a number of inscriptions, paintings as well as much more that reveal about the ancient history of Chamba and its ruler. Another must-visit spot is the Old Palace or the Rang Mahal located within the district that, in turn, houses the Himachal Emporium, which you can visit to take home local gifts and mementos for your friends and family. There is also a store in the emporium, which sells a number of local handicrafts and specialties like chappals and shawls.
Distance From City Centre – 14 kilometers
Entry Fee – No entry fee
Ideal Time To Explore The Place – 1 to 2 Days
Visiting Hours – The Himachal Emporium can be visited an all the weekdays except Sundays. The timings are from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM with an hour’s break in the afternoon time from 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM.
9. Ganji Pahari
Ganji Pahari is a pleasing hill situated on Pathankot Road at a distance of five kilometers from Dalhousie. The hill features the absolute absence of flora owing to which it has been given its name ‘Ganji Pahari’, where the term ‘Ganji’ means bald as per the local language. This hill is also a well-known destination for trekking as well as for having picnics. In spite of the hill boasting no vegetation at all, the landscapes of the surroundings are worth appreciating. In the winter months, the hill gets covered with snow and the view gets even better. You can also take up a guide along while heading to the Ganji Pahari. The guide would help you to explore the place via the correct route. In order to have the best views from the place make sure to experience the sunrise and the sunset while on the hill. You would surely capture some amazing pictures while on your visit.
Distance From City Centre – 2 kilometres
Entry Fee – No entry fee
Ideal Time To Explore The Place – 4 to 5 Hours
Visiting Hours – 24 Hours
All in all, while visiting the north of Himachal Pradesh make sure to explore the amazing tourist destinations in and around Dalhousie in order to experience an amazing vacation with your loved ones. There are many places to see in Dalhousie, which will please everyone. A well and pre-planned itinerary would help you explore maximum places even in a limited span of time. All the various bookings can be made online within the convenience of your time and space. Happy Booking!! Happy Travelling!!
3 Comments
Comments are closed.