Dalhousie is a spectacular hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It attracts a number of tourists to its snow-covered Dhauladar Mountains. Dalhousie has mild summers and extreme winters with heavy snowfall. It is a gateway to the Chamba District in Himachal Pradesh.
Dalhousie is surrounded by five hills. It is at a height of 6000-9000 feet above sea level. The churches and bungalows depict the Scottish and Victorian style of architecture. When in Dalhousie you are away from city life and completely with nature.
Travel to Dalhousie by air reaching the Pathankot or Gaggal airport. From the airport hire a vehicle and head to Dalhousie. If traveling by train, the nearest railhead is Pathankot 45 km from Dalhousie. Luxury and ordinary buses ply from the neighboring cities to Dalhousie.
Tourist Attractions around Dalhousie
Kalatop
This place has spectacular views of the panoramic surrounding landscape. You see the beauty of fields, meadows, hills and dales, forests rugged lands. Your gaze meets the awesome glistening peaks of the snowcapped mountains. There is a Forest Rest House within the thick forest. The entire area of Kalatop comes under the Kalatop Khajjiar wild life sanctuary.
Khajjiar
Khajjiar is a meadow lined with tall deodar trees 27 km from Dalhousie. It is often called Mini Switzerland of India. You will find a lake here with an old Nagpul Temple near it. The temple is about 500 years old and is made of wood. Khajjiar is a base for many hiking trails. It is also an ideal picnic spot. The tourists can enjoy pony and horse rides. The children play around in the meadows. You can also go zorbing on the slopes of Khajjiar.
Lakkad Mandi
Lakkad Mandi is situated in the catchment area of the river Ravi. It is full of coniferous and oak forests. The sweet melody of chirping birds resounds in the area. The tourists can walk and marvel the beauty of the forests as they head along from Lakkad Mandi to the Kalatop forests. You are refreshed. The track here is plain.
St. Francis Church
This is a prominent church on the Subhash Chowk in Dalhousie. It is a Catholic Church built in 1894. St. Francis Church on Patrain hill has a touch of an English church. The interiors have intricate stonework and pretty glassworks.
Panchpula
Panchpula is a pretty spot and not very far from Dalhousie. Several streams crisscrossing the landscape meet at Panchpula. Dalhousie gets its water supply from the Panchpula stream. This stream meanders down a ravine. There are Satdhara springs on the way to Panchpula. The waters of this spring have medicinal properties.
Dainkund Peak
Dainkund Peak fascinates many a tourist who trek up the hill from the Indian Air Force Barrier beyond which cars are not permitted. You start from Lakkad Mandi. The mountain is at an altitude of 2,745 meters above sea level. You get spectacular views from the mountain top of the regions and of the Dalhousie Valley.
Kalatop Wild Life Sanctuary
The wild life sanctuary is at a distance of 10 km from Dalhousie. The sanctuary has a number of Himalayan animals. The tourists can trek up from here to Dainkund Hill, and view the beautiful shining waters of the rivers Chenab, Beas and Ravi. You can click a lot of picture-postcard perfect views from here. The Pir Panjal Range Mountain views are simply wonderful and stunning.
Satdhara Falls
Satdhara Falls is a tourist attraction in Dalhousie. The falls are located on the way to Panchpula. The falls come down roaring from a height of 2,036 m above sea level. You see a beautiful white blanket as they descend. The entire surrounding is serene, peaceful and calm. It is pure nature all around.
The tourist can hire a taxi and go around to visit other attractions, some ancient Hindu temples, churches, Bhuri Singh Museum, visit and interact with the tribal people to know about their culture and simple life.
In Dalhousie, there are many good quality restaurants serving mouth-watering North Indian specialties to Chinese, Continental and fast food. Summers are pleasant and enjoyable so plan your family vacation at this time to Dalhousie. Some tourist can take tour packages from Dalhousie if that suits them. There are a number of hotels in Dalhousie with beautiful views of the majestic mountains. Shop in Dalhousie for colorful locally made handicrafts, woolens, visit the Tibetan Market and pick up some pretty items like bags, purses, shawls, souvenirs and many others.
