Named after the famous British governor Lord Dalhousie, the charming
hill town of Dalhousie nestled in the lap of Dhauladhar ranges of
Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, is a perfect blend of colonial flavour
and enchanting scenic beauty. The sprawling bungalows, charming cottages
and exquisite churches here, set against the backdrop of snowy
Himalayan peaks exude an old world charm that reminds everyone of
beautiful villages, located somewhere in the European countryside. Since
this hill town’s inception in 1850 till today, it has attracted lacs of
tourists including some great national leaders such as Pandit Jawahar
Lal Nehru, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Sardar Ajith Singh. The
tranquil charm of this quaint hill resort, spread over five hills –
Bakrota, Tehra, Kathlog, Potreyn and Balun, entices every visitor and
greets them with a welcome break, away from the maddening crowds of
metropolitan cities. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure buff,
an avid trekker or a wildlife enthusiast, this calm and soothing place
is sure to leave you captivated for your lifetime. If you are planning a
visit to this scenic resort and looking for a Dalhousie travel guide
that can help you plan your trip, here are some best things to do and
see, just for you.
Soak your souls in the breath-taking vistas of Panch Pulla
Located
at a distance of 2 – 3 Km. from the city centre of Dalhousie, ‘Panch
Pulla’ is one of the top tourist attractions in the city and is a
favourite weekend haunt for picnickers, nature lovers and trekkers.
Literally meaning ‘Five Bridges’, the place is one of the most scenic
sites in the region owing to its treasure of torrential waterfalls,
gushing streams and panoramic views of hills and forests that surround
the area. A dip in the plunge pools formed below the falls provide a
deep refreshing and rejuvenating sensation to tourists who specially
travel to Dalhousie to beat the heat that prevail in the plains of
Northern parts of India during peak summer months. For those who love
trekking, can venture on a moderate hike in the areas nearby, soaking
their souls in captivating vistas of nature all around. A trip to ‘Panch
Pulla’ is incomplete without visiting the Samadhi of great freedom
fighter, Sardar Ajith Singh, who is known to have breathed his last on
the day of India’s independence, 15th August, 1947. Built at the very
confluence of five streams of ‘Panch Pulla’ and shrouded by forests of
pine and deodars, a visit to this memorial not only gives you an
opportunity to pay your homage to this great revolutionary but, also
provides you a chance to revel in the beauty of some of the best scenic
vistas of the place. A paradise for nature lovers, ‘Panch Pulla’ is best
to be visited during monsoons when waterfalls and streams are flowing
with their full force, providing a great spectacle to eyes and
off-course, a great soothing feeling to your souls.
Rejuvenate your senses with a refreshing dip in the Satdhaara Falls
On
the route to ‘Panch Pulla’, lies another beautiful tourist attraction
in Dalhousie, the ‘Satdhaara Falls’. This scenic place derives its name
from the seven gorgeous water springs that cascade from a height of 2036
metres, making their way through imposing hills and cliffs of
splendidly charming Chamba valley. The springs are known to have great
therapeutic values owing to the presence of ‘Mica’, commonly known as
‘Gandhak’ in its waters. Tourists travelling to ‘Panch Pulla’ definitely
make it a point to stop by at these stunning waterfalls to take a dip
in its refreshing waters and off-course to enjoy the serene beauty of
nature that abounds at this place. If you love photography, I am sure
this gorgeously scenic place will treat you with some amazing camera
shots.
Also Read: Top Destinations of Himachal Pradesh
Hop on a boating spree on the Chamera Lake
Yet
another best place to visit during your holidays in Dalhousie is the
picturesque and serene ‘Chamera Lake’, located at a distance of about 25
km. from Dalhousie. Nestled amidst dense pine and deodar forests, the
lake is actually a reservoir formed by the ‘Chamera Dam’ that is perched
at an elevation of 1700 metres above sea level. Blessed with immense
scenic beauty and tranquillity, needless to say, the place is one of the
most loved and visited tourist spots in the city. Whether you are a
nature lover, a honeymooner, an adventure buff or just a casual holiday
seeker, a trip to this enchanting place is sure to leave you with loads
of cherishable memories of your wonderful trip to Dalhousie. With
plethora of fun and adventure activities to enjoy, I am sure, you can
easily spend here a memorable and refreshing day with your friends and
families; go for a relaxing boat ride with your soulmate enjoying the
scenic vistas of the place, try your hands at some fishing &
angling, have some fun navigating through strong currents of Ravi River
during the adventurous river rafting experience and if you don’t want to
do anything and just relax, grab yourselves a ‘bhuna bhutta’ and sit on
the shore of the lake, soaking your souls in the serenity of the place.
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Enjoy a day picnic at Mini Switzerland of India – Khajjiar
Snuggled
in the lap of snow-capped Himalayan ranges and surrounded with lush
green forests of tall pines and deodars, ‘Khajjiar’ is a beautiful
saucer shaped meadow, often nicknamed as ‘Mini Switzerland of India’,
located just a short distance from Dalhousie. The splendid scenic beauty
of this place, replete with plush greenery, snowy peaks, pleasant
weather and a beautiful lake right in its heart, bestows it with an
unmatched hypnotic charm that often intrigues tourists to make a
stopover here for a day before continuing their journey to other more
popular hill resorts in the vicinity. While scenic beauty of this place
is its major attraction that lures tourists, especially nature lovers
from the areas nearby, the endless choices of fun activities such as
zorbing, paragliding, horse-riding and hiking, also makes it a perfect
destination for adventure lovers and trekkers. For those with a penchant
for some luxury sports, Khajjiar has a beautiful nine-hole golf-course
set amidst lush greenery and breath-taking landscape; try your hands at
some golfing fun here and I am sure, you will be left awe-struck with
the splendid experience. If you are on a honeymoon vacation in
Dalhousie, nothing can beat the romantic charisma of ‘Khajjiar’ that is
sure to leave your hearts and souls captivated for lifetime; book
yourselves a cosy little cottage and spend a lovely night amidst serene
and tranquil settings, away from the maddening crowds. In the morning,
head to the ‘Khajji Nag Temple’ located just nearby and pray for a
blissful start to your new lives.
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Take a hike up to the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Spread
over an area of almost 20 square kilometres, ‘Kalatop Wildlife
Sanctuary’ is located at a distance of approximately 12 km. enroute to
‘Khajjiar’ from ‘Dalhousie’ and is definitely a ‘must visit place’
during your trip to this beautiful Himachal hill resort. Nestled under
the shadow of the stunning snow-clad peaks and fringed with dense oak,
blue pine, deodar and coniferous trees, the beautiful sanctuary always
seems to exude a heavenly aura; small crystal clear streams running
through different sections of the sanctuary further add to its
picturesque beauty. Being a wildlife sanctuary, you can expect here to
see a variety of alpine flora and fauna. The wild residents of the
sanctuary include but, are not limited to leopards, jackals, langurs,
barking gorals, deer, bears and Himalayan black martens. Besides wild
beasts, the sanctuary is also a home to countless colourful birds that
fill the air with their musical chirpings. While wildlife spotting,
jungle safaris and nature photography is what attracts most of the
tourists here, the serene ambience, scenic beauty and lush terrain of
the place also makes it a favourite spot to enjoy day picnics, nature
strolls and trekking. If you love combining a trekking expedition with a
spiritual experience, do visit the ‘Bara Pathar Temple’ that lies
midway, hidden amidst dense forests, on the trekking trail to Kalatop.
Dedicated to local Goddess, Bhulwani Mata, the temple holds a great
religious significance for locals, blessing them with health, happiness
and prosperity. A grand fair is also organized here annually during the
month of July and needless to say, it’s a great draw for pilgrims and
tourists alike from the nearby hill towns.
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Pay tribute to great freedom fighter of India, Subhash Chandra Bose at the Subhash Baoli
Named
after the great Indian Nationalist, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose,
‘Subhash Baoli’ is yet another popular tourist spot in Dalhousie. It is
said that Netaji spent several months during the year 1937 in Dalhousie
amidst serene natural beauty, rejuvenating and meditating to cure his
illness; and the same spring which he frequented to drink water from, is
believed to have later been christened as ‘Subhash Baoli’. Flanked by
towering pine trees, snow-clad Himalayan peaks, picturesque springs and
water streams, the place is no less than a heaven on earth. One can
spend hours under the shelter near the baoli, gazing at the splendid
beauty of the nature and immersing his souls in deep tranquillity and
serenity of the place. Fresh breeze of mountain air and sound of the
gushing waterfalls here, is sure to rejuvenate your minds, bodies and
souls. There are many tea-stalls and small eateries nearby serving
lip-smacking snacks and hot beverages – truly a relaxing experience
amidst gorgeous mountain scenery. Do stop by at this historical place
not just to take in the scenic vistas but, to also to pay your respect
to this great freedom fighter.
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Listen to the songs of wind at Dainkund Peak
Perched
at a height of 2755 metres above sea level, ‘Dainkund Peak’ is the
highest peak in Dalhousie and a famous site for adventure enthusiasts
and trekkers. For those not in a mood to trek, there is also a motorable
road that leads to the hill; you can easily hire a taxi to get to the
top. The name Dainkund is believed to have been derived from two words –
‘Dain’ and ‘Kund’, which means ‘house of the witches’. The name so
comes from the local folk tales which say that this mountain was a home
to witches many years ago. Today, the peak is a popular trekking
destination in Dalhousie and is flanked by gorgeous Himalayas, offering
enchanting views of the lush carpeted meadows, verdant forests and
beautiful Ravi, Chenab and Beas Rivers winding their ways through the
valley below. One can stand here for moments gazing at the craftsmanship
of nature and admiring the creations of God. Once you are at the top of
the peak, focus your ears on listening to the musical symphony created
by the breeze flowing through trees and hills – you will also know why
the peak is also called as the ‘Singing Hill’. Before starting your
descent from the peak, make sure to pay homage at a small ancient temple
on the top, dedicated to Pholani Devi. Though you will find nothing
more than a trident at this temple, it is still a very sacred site for
the locals who believe that it is this temple which has been guarding
them from the witches who once resided on the very hill.
Also Read: Hill Stations You Visit in India
Have fun time with friends and family over lunch at Ganji Pahari
Yet
another famous tourist spot in Dalhousie is the ‘Ganji Pahari’ that can
be translated in English as the ‘Bald Hill’. Since the summit of the
hill is devoid of any vegetation and greenery, it is called so. Located
at a distance of just 5 km. from the heart of the city and 1 km. from
‘Panch Pulla’, the site is not only a trekker’s delight but, also a
favourite haunt for picnickers. Though the views of surrounding
snow-capped mountains and valleys from here are not as breath-taking as
from the ‘Dainkund Peak’, it is still a perfect site to enjoy a nice
gathering with friends and families on a hot summer day; the cool breeze
of air on the top is sure to leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. Don’t
forget to carry food and water along as there are no shops on the
summit. If you are in Dalhousie during winter months, ‘Ganji Pahari’
provides for a much better ambience, complete with snowy trails and
picturesque vistas all around. Like most of the hills in Himalayan
regions, ‘Ganji Pahari’ too has a small temple that is held sacred by
the locals. The temple here is dedicated to Goddess Kali and it is
believed that tying a piece of a red cloth here fulfils all your wishes.
So, if you are planning a visit to the top, don’t forget to make a wish
at the temple – you never know, Mother Goddess might answer your
prayers.
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Pay obeisance to Goddess Durga at the ancient Chamunda Devi Temple
Situated
on the banks of the beautiful Baner River in Kangra district of
Himanchal, ‘Chamunda Devi Temple’ is a must visit site when you are in
Dalhousie. This ancient temple is considered to be one of the oldest in
the region and is believed to have been built around 750 years back.
Dedicated to Goddess Kali who is said to have killed two ferocious
demons Munda and Chanda at this very site, the temple no doubt, holds a
great religious significance not only for locals but, also for pilgrims
and devotees who travel here from far off corners of the country. Though
the architecture of the temple is quite simple, the spiritual aura and
serene location of the shrine, encircled with tall pines and lofty
Dhauladhar ranges, also make it one of the popular tourist spots in the
city attracting both national and international tourists alike. The
presiding deity inside the temple is of Goddess Durga who can always be
seen wrapped in a red cloth to protect her piousness. Besides the idol
of Goddess Durga, one can also see images of other gods and goddesses
carved on the inner temple walls. Durga is considered to be the consort
of Lord Shiva, so, the temple also houses a cave that enshrines a sacred
Shivlinga. Best time to visit the temple is during the festival of
Navratri when hordes of pilgrims and devotes travel here from far and
wide to seek the blessings of mother goddess; ringing of temple bells,
special puja ceremonies and aartis performed at regular intervals during
the festival exude the vibes of deep spirituality and are sure to fill
your hearts with utmost peace and solace.
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Admire the colonial heritage of Dalhousie, St. John’s Church
A
trip to Dalhousie is incomplete without visiting one of the most
beautiful and historical chapels of Dalhousie, the ‘St. John’s Church’.
The aesthetically beautiful building stands tall, right in the middle of
the main city centre, just at a distance of 2 km. from the bus stand.
The backdrop of snowy Dhauladhar peaks add to the mesmerizing charm of
the church, attracting lots of tourists and devotees every day,
especially on Sundays when special prayer services are held. Talking
about the history of this chapel, it was consecrated in 1863 by the
protestant missionaries and holds the status of being the first chapel
to be built in the city. The architecture of the church resembles that
of the Roman Catholic’s Church of England and stands as a testimony to
the British rule in the region. Inside the chapel, one can see and
appreciate some exotic stained glass paintings of Lord Jesus, St. John
and St. Peter. There is a library too housed in the building where one
can get to see a collection of some rare books and pictures depicting
the colonial history of Dalhousie. Even if you are not religious enough,
do visit it once and I am sure, the quietness and solace of this sacred
site will definitely touch your hearts somewhere.
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Take a pleasant stroll through the Garam Sadak
Bestowed
with immense scenic beauty of lofty Himalayan peaks and huge covers of
pine, deodars and rhododendrons, Dalhousie surely makes as a perfect
destination to venture on some wonderful nature strolls, taking in the
surreal beauty of the place. There are quite a many scenic nature trails
in this quaint little hill town, most famous of which is the ‘Garam
Sadak’. As the name suggests, this road, connecting Subhash Chowk and
Gandhi Chowk, comparatively remains warm as it receives direct sunlight
and provides with a great escapade from chilling winds that blow in the
region, especially during winter months. Besides offering the tourists
and locals, a pleasant and warm temperature, this scenic road bordered
with tall and shady trees, also provides with some great vistas of the
valleys and mountains surrounding the region. A stroll through this road
is a marvellous experience during late evenings when entire valley is
lit up with lights offering a great spectacle to eyes. With that being
said, you need to be informed that though, entire valley is bathing in
lights, the stretch of ‘Garam Sadak’ is blanketed in darkness so, it is
always recommended to carry a flashlight along when making your way
through this road after sunset.
As you stroll through the ‘Garam
Sarak’, besides revelling yourselves in scenic beauty of the place, do
take notice of the exquisite ‘Tibetan Rock Paintings’ that adorn the
hills walls of the road. These brightly coloured paintings illustrating
Tibetan Buddhists gods and goddesses such as Gautam Buddha, Guru
Padmasambhava, Avalokiteshwara and Tara Devi offer a great feast to
eyes.
Also Read: Popular Temples in Himachal Pradesh
Step into the bygone era of Chamba dynasty at the Rang Mahal
A
Dalhousie excursion is not complete without taking a stroll to the
magnificent palace, ‘Rang Mahal’ that once served as a residence to the
royal women of the former Chamba kings. Tucked away in Surara Mohalla
area of Dalhousie, the palace is an architectural marvel and showcases a
unique blend of Mughal and British styles of design. Built by Raja
Umaid Singh in 18th century, this beautiful palace is a treasure trove
of exquisite wall paintings that adorn its inner walls; most noteworthy
of these paintings are the ones depicting scenes from life of Lord
Krishna. While you can see lots of paintings ornamenting the walls of
the palace, you will be amazed to know that almost double of them have
been moved to National Museum in Delhi. Apart from paintings, you can
also find here, a rare collection of Chamba coins, tribal hill jewellery
and traditional royal costumes on display. Once a residence of the
royal family, the palace has now been taken over by Handicrafts
Department of the State Government and many of its rooms have been
converted into workshops for embroiders, local artisans and craftsmen.
You can watch these artisans work and if you wish, you can also purchase
their handicrafts at quite reasonable prices.
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Shop till you drop at the Tibetan Handicrafts Market
What
is a holiday without indulging in some exotic local shopping experience
of the place you are holidaying at? While there are many interesting
shopping sites in Dalhousie, what attracts visitors the most is the
‘Tibetan Handicrafts Market’. Located in Gandhi Chowk area, the market
is a hub for shopaholics offering them a spectrum of handicraft products
ranging from authentic Tibetan handcrafted woollens and carpets to
small trinkets, toys a nd souvenirs. Do remember, haggling is a key for a
splendid shopping experience here. If hunger strikes you during your
shopping spree, take a seat at one of the Tibetan restaurants and relish
some piping hot steamed momos simultaneously enjoying a sip of hot tea.
Often
called as the ‘Gateway to Chamba Valley’, Dalhousie is truly a little
heaven on earth. Replete with nature treks, shimmering waterfalls,
enchanting lakes and therapeutic springs, the place makes for a perfect
summer holiday getaway in Northern India. If you are planning a visit
here, do make sure not to harm the aesthetic beauty of the place and put
in your hundred percent efforts to keep the natural treasures as clean
as possible. For more travel tips or information regarding Dalhousie
tour packages, do contact us by posting your comments in the section
below.
