Dalhousie
Dalhousie is a beautiful hill station situated comfortably in the folds of the mighty Himalayas. This hill station offers awesome scenic views and the old-world charm of the colonial mansions of the British era. It is a charming and popular destination and is a typically favourite choice of tourists who choose Himachal as a vacation spot. Dalhousie was a summer haunt for the British rulers during the colonial era. The splendid mansions are breath-takingly gorgeous.
Dalhousie is situated far away from the maddening city life. This is one of the primary reasons for attracting tourist from all parts of India and beyond. The freshness of mountain air and the quaintness of the sleepy township, the simple country life, the green woods and the frozen peaks, the cool climate and the peace and solitude — all adds up to a wonderful and joyous vacation. Dalhousie has plenty of beautiful spots to enthral tourist flocking in from the concrete jungle of busy city and polluted city life. The most remarkable spots among all are Panch Pulla, Satdhara Falls and Daikund Peak. The snow-covered Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas was named after the British Governor Lord Dalhousie as he had designated this place as the summer retreat of the colonial rulers.
A holiday in delightful Dalhousie means a sojourn through the meandering roadways flanked by steeped rock faces on one side and deep crevices on the other and coming face to face with gushing mountains streams or trickling springs tumbling down from heights. Founded way back in 1854, Dalhousie is set atop the five hills, namely Kathalagh, Potreyn, Terah, Bakrota and Bhangora.
The beautiful hill station of Dalhousie like any other popular tourist destination thrives on tourism primarily and has quite a few budget, deluxe and luxurious hotels and resorts to accommodate the influx of tourists almost all round the year. It also offers villas and bungalows as stay options for those who aim to spend vacation in style and might not prefer typical hotel accommodation. The best time to visit Dalhousie would be the summer months from May to September. But it is explored by travel-hungry tourists all through the year.
How to reach Dalhousie
By Air
The closest airport to Dalhousie is the Gaggal Airport in Kangra. It is situated around 130 km away from Dalhousie. The airport is connected well by taxi services to Dalhousie. There are regular flights operating from other nearby cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh and Jammu. The airport has good connectivity with the city by means of buses and taxis.
By Train
Pathankot railway station is situated around 80 kms from Dalhousie and is the closest rail head. Pathankot is directly connected to major Indian cities of the neighbouring states such as Punjab, Haryana and even the states farther away such as Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The railway station is again connected to Dalhousie comfortably by road by means of buses and private taxis. The journey time is around 3 hours.
By Road
Dalhousie is very well connected to other major cities of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana thorough buses operated by Road Transport Corporation (HPTC) and Haryana Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). The capital New Delhi is about 565 km from Dalhousie. Dalhousie can be reached by a long drive of about 11 hours via NH 1 from Delhi.
Things to do in Dalhousie
Dalhousie Sightseeing
Dalhousie is a noted and peaceful hill station in Himachal Pradesh. It fascinates the tourists and travellers with its Scottish and Victorian style architecture and majestic churches built in the British-era. The shady alcoves and never-ending chirping of crickets and birds and whistling pines provide a sombre and peaceful experience. The major tourist attractions of Dalhousie include Dainkund Peak, Chamera Lake, St. John’s Church, Subhash Baoli, Ganji Pahari and Panchpulla.
Horse Riding, zorbing, paragliding and hiking in Dalhousie
Visit Khajjiar Lake and Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary for a day-long picnic. The lush green meadows and the serene lake in between with the beautiful reflection of the lake in its waters make this site an attractive tourist spot. The plush greenery of the extensive meadows, the sky-high snowy peaks, extremely enjoyable weather and a placid and beautiful lake lends a hypnotic charm that mesmerizes the tourists. It is a favourite haunt for nature lovers and offers endless fun through the myriad choices of fun activities such as zorbing, paragliding, horse-riding and hiking.
A Refreshing Dip in the Shatdhara Falls
Tourist often stop en route to Panch Pulla to catch a glimpse of the magnificent Satdhaara Falls and get soaked in the waters of the seven gorgeous water springs that tumble down in a gush from a height of 2036 metres. The waters disappear among the folds of the hills and cliffs of mesmeric Chamba Valley. The waters contain mica and are believed to have healings powers. The refreshing waters and the quiet beauty of the surrounding nature attract and charm tourists. The natural beauty is fit for unbridled photography.
Boating, Fishing, River Rafting at Chamera Lake
The extremely picturesque and serene Chamera Lake that is located around 25 km from Dalhousie is actually a reservoir cosily nestled in the middle of dense pine and deodar forests. The intense natural beauty and peace makes it a very popular tourist spot. Some of the refreshing and exciting activities that this lake site offers are a relaxing boat ride, fishing or angling, adventurous river rafting across the rapids of River Ravi or just sit and enjoy the peace of the destination.
Best Time to Visit Dalhousie
Dalhousie has a very pleasant climatic condition throughout the year and is therefore suitable for visiting any time of the year. It is in fact the most popularly visited hill station of Himachal Pradesh. Every season Dalhousie presents something unique to offer to enthral the tourists. The best time even then would be the months of March to June. The melting snows glisten under the brilliant sun rays and the snow frozen near the mountain peaks shine brightly and create a fascinating aura pitted by greenery all around. The weather remains ideal for tourists. In March the weather is a bit chilly whereas towards June it gets a bit hotter. The summer months between April and June remain below 30 degrees Celsius. The monsoon months between July and September are rainy and the steep hill roads are not suitable for visiting Dalhousie. Dalhousie is better avoided in monsoon season. Winters in Dalhousie ranges from October to February and tourists can enjoy a lot of snowfall when the entire area is covered under a thick sheet of snow.
Dalhousie Itinerary
Dalhousie is an exotic land offering very enjoyable and happy holiday destination to thousands of people. There are beautiful natural marvels in this picturesque hill town. Pack your holiday with wonderful moments of busy sightseeing and short trips to the view points and feel of mighty Himalayas. Indulge in the culinary delights and have a memorable experience of fun activities and amazing weather.
Dalhousie Itinerary 4Days/3Nights
Day 1Dalhousie sightseeing
Arrive at Dalhousie and embark upon a pleasant sightseeing experience. After a sumptuous breakfast, visit the magnificent Satdhara Falls, Chamunda Devi Temple and Kalatop Sanctuary Spend the evening at leisure sitting beside a bonfire and enjoying the peaceful nature. Overnight stay in the hotel of your choice.
Day 2Day trip to Chamba and Khajjiar
After a leisurely breakfast go for a day trip to Chamba and Khajjiar which are beautiful towns located close to Dalhousie and known for their remarkably green meadows and unbeatable peace pervading all around. The Central Park has undefined open area for families to rest and spend some time in harmony with nature. The beautiful Rang Mahal is worth a visit that stupefies tourists with the splendour of British and Mughal mixed style architecture. Khajjiyar Lake is nestled in the heart of mighty mountains and Khajjiyar is popularly and lovingly known as mini Switzerland of India. Bhuri Singh Museum named after the king of Chamba presents exotic miniature paintings and beautiful wood carvings. Enjoy yak ride, photography, zorbing and eating the local delicacies and seal the moments by clicking some family photos dressed up gorgeously in the rented local attire. Return to the hotel in Dalhousie for an overnight stay.
Day 3Visit to Chamera Lake and Dainkund Peak
After breakfast make your way to the fascinating Chamera Lake and spend some thrilling moments of speed boat ride or some lazy moments of boating and take in the beauty of the nature all around. Before the charm settles down visit the Dainkund Peak that promises a sunny weather, beautifully clean environs and a lovely time gazing at the picturesque surroundings – the blue mountains and the green meadows interspersed by frozen white snow. End the day with a visit to the St. John’s Church and a shopping spree at the Mall Road. Overnight stay at the hotel of your choice.
Day 4
The day to bid goodbye to the beautiful land of Dalhousie with lots of precious memories and joy in the heart of a satisfied traveller.
