Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh – Named after Lord Dalhousie, this attractive hill resort still bears the fragments of colonial era

A captivating hill station located in Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie came into existence in the year 1854 by the British. It was their summer retreat for them. The town derived its named from the then British Viceroy, Lord Dalhousie. Dalhousie is situated at a height of about 2080m. It spreads out over the five hills (Kathlog, Potreys, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun). The town’s varying altitude shades it with a variety of vegetation that including the stately grooves of pines, deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendrons.

Places to see in Dalhousie: This historical spot offers a number of scenic sight seeing spots. These include:

Ajit Singh Memorial

Sardar Ajit Singh, a great freedom fighter, breathed his last on the day India gained independence, 15th August, 1947. His ‘Samadhi’ is located at Dalhousie’s Panjpulla, a picturesque spot with a natural tank and water flowing under small bridges from which the place takes its name. At Panjpulla, there is a ‘Samarak’ in the memory of Sardar Ajit Singh. On the way to Panjpulla is Satdhara springs gurgling with refreshing water, believed to contain some medicinal properties. Panjpulla stream is the main source of water supply to Dalhousie and Bahloon.

Kalatop

The spot commands a beautiful and grand panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and eye travels wide over hill and dale, field and forest, smooth and ruggedness, till in the direction of Jammu and Kashmir, it meets a horizon of snow peaks. Kalatop in Chambiali dialect means a ‘black cap’. A beautiful Forest Rest House with a chowkidar redidence stands amidst the thick forest. The place comes under a Wild life sanctuary known as Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary.

Lakkad Mandi

13 km. from Hotel Mount View, this small sanctuary lies in the catchment of the Ravi River, and contains patches of good coniferous and Oak forests. A motorable road to Kalatop Rest House leads from the Dalhousie – Khajjiar – Chamba road at the point named Lakkad Mandi. The track from Lakkad Mandi to Kalatop Rest House is plain and the walk through the dense forest is amazingly refreshing. To obtain permission to ply the vehicle and stay in Rest House, one can contact Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife, Chamba.

Jandari Ghat

( 2 km ) place of the rulers of erstwhile Chamba State, is located and surrounded by tall pine trees, is a place worth visiting. Jandari Ghat commands a panoramic view of snow covered Pir Panjal Range and other surrounding hills.

Francis Church

Dalhousie is well known for its church buildings and other landmarks erected by the British. The town has old churches like St. John’s Church ( 1853 ), St. Francis’ Church ( 1894 ), St. Andrew’s Church ( 1903 ) and St. Patric’s Church ( 1909 ). St. John’sChurch, the oldest is located at Gandhi Chowk, about 2 km. from the bus stand. This church was the first to be built after the founding of Dalhousie.

Bholani Mata

Dainkund is the highest mountain in Dalhousie, at an altitude of 2755 mtrs it provides the picture book scenery of the whole valley. The amazing experience of a pliable trudge in a beautiful ambience is quite spectacular. The sweet sound of the gentle breeze puffing through the trees makes a musical serenade and so Dainkund is popularly known as the singing hill.

Sach Pass

The All year Snow covered pass into Pangi valley is a must see on a trip to Dalhousie 120 Kms from Dalhousie be in Snow all year around and enjoy majestic views of Chamba and Pangi valley on the other side the pass is located over 14000 feet in brethtaking views.

Nearby attractions from Dalhousie: Dalhousie is also admired with some breath-takingly beautiful nearby destinations. These are:

Khajjiar

20 Kms from  Dalhousie, referred as the Mini Switzerland of India is one of the finest Saucer shaped meadows lined by tall Deodar Trees and a Lake in the middle with over an 500 year old Wooden Nag Temple near to the Lake. Khajjiar has the thick forest of the Kalatop Khajjiar sanctuary surrounding its soft green grass. The moment one enters the picturesque Khajjiar, one is welcomed by a yellow Swiss sign for ‘hiking path’ which reads “Mini Switzerland”.

Bhalai Mata

32 km. from Dalhousie, the mighty Bhadrakali temple of Bhalai Mata, the local deity, is much respected and revert place of Chamba district. It is known fact that a visit to the shrine grants all wishes that one might have in mind. It is a worth seeing site and must be visited.

Chamera Dam project

30 Km. from Dalhousie, and on the way to Chamba. This is the reservoir of the Chamera dam built over the river Ravi. Chamera lake is an artificial lake came into existence as a consequence of Chamera Hydroelectric project. The Dam site enjoy very sharp fluctuations in climate between April to June. During the day it can get very hot (around 35 degree centigrade) though by the evening, temperatures fall to between 18 to 20 degree centigrade.

Things to do in Dalhousie: It is a fantastic place to trek, a ride on the ponies in Khajjiar is also worth, Enjoy long walks, Go to the Tibetan market and have a look around just for fun.

Best time to visit Dalhousie: March and June, September to November is the best time to visit Dalhousie.

How to go ?

By Air

Nearest airports are Pathankot which is about 80 km from Dalhousie and Jammu at a distance of 180 km from Dalhousie. Pathankot is connected to Delhi only, while Jammu has more frequent air services to Delhi and other destinations in North India.

By Train

Nearest railhead is Pathankot (80 km) and is well connected by rail to various cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar, Kolkata.

By Road

Bus services by public transport system are available connecting to the towns in and around Dalhousie. Overnight luxury buses are available from Delhi (590 km distance).

Where to stay ?

There are plenty of hotels and lodges available in Dalhousie. Some options are:

The Manimahesh (HPTDC): +91-01899 – 242793
The Geetanjali(HPTDC): +91-01899 – 242155
Hotel New Palace: +91-9816145265, 9805579314  Website: www.hotelnewpalace.com
Hotel MountView: +91–09418010822, 09418511822, 09816040822 Website: www.hotelmountview.net

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.