DALHOUSIE Founded By : Lord Dalhousie Location : Between Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal Range Discovered in : 1854 AD Altitude : Between 1,525m and 2,378m

Bewitching Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla Manali Kufri Chamba McLeodganj

Kullu Dharamshala Chail Bilaspur

Palampur Tiger Reserve Kasauli Dharamshala Kinnaur

Dalhousie – The Crowning Glory of Himachal Pradesh

Sandwiched between the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal Ranges in the beautiful land of Himachal Pradesh is the hill station of Dalhousie. Though it is not as celebrated as the other hill stations of Shimla and Darjeeling, but it does have been successful is stirring the hearts of some tourists, who love to sojourn in this town again and again. Take Dalhousie tourism in Himachal Pradesh, also eloquent as 'dull and lousy' this town is anything but dull. With five functioning British churches, British style country houses that now have been converted into hotels, nine terraced cemetery and several colorful rock frescoes painted by the first blood of Tibetan emigrates, these attractions make up for this quiet town. However, for most visitors Dalhousie is a place to caprice and gives the tourists a chance to explore the nearby attractions.

This gateway to the Chambal valley spreads over five low level hills an creates a deep sense of enchantment on anyone who visits it. In fact, it is one of those places where an intrepid traveler can, like Rabindranath Tagore in 1873 and Subhash Chandra Bose in 1937, make his or her own private discovery. Enjoy a stay in to see the various major attractions of Dalhousie town in Himachal Pradesh.

Dalhousie History – Lahore's Forgotten Idyll

History

The history of this town dates back to 1854, when it was discovered the British governor-general Lord Dalhousie. Named after him, this town emerged as a favorable destination of many leaders throughout history. This town has a special significance in context of Indian history as many of our illustrious leaders have visited and stayed in this town. This is indeed the district that had a huge impact on the Indian laureate Rabindranath Tagore, who has described Dalhousie it his famed autobiography. Many national leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nelhru and Shaeed Ajeet Sings have too stayed at Dalhousie at some point of their lives and have said and written something in its appreciation.

Famous Open Temple of Himachal - Dian Kund

Beguiling Drawing Card of Dalhousie - Major Attractions of Dalhousie

Dalhousie has tremendous heritage attractions that resides in the churches, hotels which seems to be drenches in cultural fervency. You should see the Trah and Potreyn hills that form the central part of the town. Take a walk on the 'Thandi and Garam sadaks' and enjoy the view of Pangi Hills that are marred by the presence of monkeys.

You should see the Jandhari Ghats, lying half a kilometer from Subhash Baoli. There is a grand fort here, that still has the remains of the Chamba rulers. Here one can indulge in picnicking-gushing rivulets in the interior of redolent pine-scented zephyrs.

Take a trip to Satdhara and Panchpullah that are believed to have medicinal properties in the seven tiny streams that converge on this spot. Panchpullah on the other hand, offers two impressive waterfalls at touching distance. Here you should see the five wooden bridges and the monument commemorating the freedom fighter, Sardar Ajit Singh.

While the Subhash Baoli, also promises the tourist of commanding panoramic vista, visit the Kala Tope, a hilltop dedicated to Shiva which boasts of a grand view of the Pir Panjal Range. Children too can enjoy themselves in Dalhousie, as for them too the option is varied. There is a mall that offers enough activity like pony rides and eating outlets. An excursion to Kala Tope or Khajjiar, will add to their excitement.

Churches – Where the Bell Tolls

While talking about the major attractions of Dalhousie, the churches deserves a special mention. There are five churches in Dalhousie that demand your attention. Visit St. John's Church, the oldest church in Dalhousie that was built in 1863. built on Romanesque lines, this protestant church contains the 19th century stained glass paintings of Jesus flanked by St. John and St. Peter. Another church that you should not miss is the St. Francis Church on Subhash chowk, that was built in the year 1893. See the intricate craved wooden ceiling and here you should also see the old residence of a Belgian priest Alvera.

In the Sacred Heart Convent School, we have Dalhousie's best preserved church. The chapel has an 18th century Mannborg piano that still plays. Other churches that too should not be missed are St. Andrew's Church and St. Patrick's Church.

Walk Through the Clouds of Dalhousie

Himachal Adventure

Trekking

Camping

Trekkers have a unique sense of attachment with Dalhousie. This is one town that begs to be visited on foot. All the roads of Dalhousie will give you delight, but there are some which have been created for the purpose of trekking. Among them the most popular is the Lakkad Mandi to Kala Tope, a 3 kms long route that will take you through the thick cedar forest. From here onwards you can also move further by indulging in 12 kms long trek to Khajjiar.

For all those who want to climb a bit can take a 2.5 kms long trek by the stream to Alah Water Reservoir on Bakrota Hill. An eight km long walk will take you to Devi Dehra, which is an interesting place to unwind and picnic. The major highlight of taking up trekking in these routes are that besides providing great adventure delight, they also are the real and most obvious way to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding.

A View of Chamba Lake Near Dalhousie

Shopping in Dalhousie – Vintage World Charm

Shopping

Dalhousie might not be the ultimate shopper's haven, but it definitely has something unique to offer. Here you should not miss buying Buddhist paintings, woollens, junk jewelery and a variety of silver and copper 'diyas'. The best place to sought these items will be the Tibetan market on Gandhi chowk. The government emporium called as the Himachal Hand loom Crafts centre on Potreyn road should be visited for Kullu shawls while Tibetan shawls and carpets along with souvenirs can be best bought from Tibetan Handicrafts centre on lower Bakrota. You should visit the DC Khanna store on Potreyn road for some traditional old world charms.

Eating in Dalhousie – An Utopian Treat to Yourself

Pamper your taste buds with some vintage delights that can be savored from the lip smacking cuisine of the town. Eating in this colonial hierarchy is always a pleasure – be it a heritage hotel or a small 'Dhaba'. In Dhabas you can bask the traditional spicy Indian cuisine that is a hit among the tourists. Some of the most popular joints are Amritsari, Sher-e-Punjab and the Royal Dhaba on Court Road. But if you are looking for no less than a royal treatment then go to Moti Mahal, New Metro and Lovely for multi cuisine, while Tibetan food is best served at Snow Lion on Gandhi chowk. For desserts, visit the Bengal Sweet Shop, which will surely sweeten your taste buds.

Reaching the Dynamic Land of 'Dull' and 'Lousy'

The hill station of Dalhousie, covered in desegregation of pine and oak trees is the ideal destination for all nature lovers. If you have plans to reach Dalhousie via air then Kangra, 140 kms, will be the nearest airport. Other airports that too can be utilized are the Jammu Airport which is 190 km away while the Amritsar Airport is 192 km from Dalhousie.

Pathankot, located around 40 kms away, is the nearest railhead from where you can take a train for Dalhousie. Regular trains ply from Dalhousie to different part of the state and country. If coming by road then drive to Pathankot via Ambala, Ludhiana and Jallandhar. Taking 14 hrs time from Delhi the network of roads are in good condition and are well linked to the other cities of the state and the country.