Nestled and spread across the Dauladhar Range, Dalhousie is a charming town with the pristine air and the picturesque view. This hill town lies on the banks of river Ravi and full of lush green refreshing rhododendrons and slopes clad with trees. The town was named after the famous British Governor General Lord Dalhousie. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of snowcapped mountains of the Himalayas. Most often, tourists are marveled by these sights and want to come back to Dalhousie for more.
One can indulge in leisurely walks and sight seeing but if looking for some adventure, then head for trekking and camping. Other activities that you can indulge in Dalhousie is Mountain biking, Rock climbing, River crossing, White water Rafting etc..
Trekking in Dalhousie is a unique experience with the splendid glimpses of nature as you trek.
Camping is another adventure sport a tourist can engage in, by the Khajjiar Lake. This lake is 22 km away from Dalhousie
Earlier Dalhousie was a part of the former state of Chamba. It was noticed by Lord James Ramsay-the Marquess of Dalhousie, who set his eyes on Dalhousie when he was looking for a get away from his tiresome routine. He had bought this ridge which overlooked the plains and it is since then that the British set out to Dalhousie whenever they looked for some peaceful time.
Dalhousie is known for a pleasant climate throughout the year. However, the best time to head to Dalhousie is between May to October. During the winter the minimum temperature drops below 0 Degree Celsius also. The summer is not hot but pleasant. The max temperature is 30 Degree Celsius.
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of Dalhousie. Currency can be converted at the currency exchange counters at the Airport. Credit and debit cards are accepted in only large shops and major hotels.
No permit is required to travel to Dalhousie, other than a visa for India.
There are no direct flights or trains to Dalhousie. Once has to travel by road from the airport or railhead.
The nearest airport is at Gaggal, in Kangra which is 140 km from Dalhousie. Other airports from where one can continue onwards to Dalhousie are Jammu (190 km), Amritsar (192 km), Chandigarh (239 km), Shimla (332 km) and Delhi (514 km).
While there are no direct trains to Dalhousie, Pathankot in Punjab, a major railhead is only 80 kms from Dalhousie. There are various trains from Moradabad, Jodhpur, Delhi and Jammu to Pathankot, from where one can always take a bus or taxi to reach Dalhousie.
Dalhousie is well connected to most nearby towns by road. Bus services are run by the Himachal and Punjab Road Transport Corporations and there are numerous private operators as well. Chamba (50 km), Pathankot (80 km), Jammu (190 km), Manali (380 km), Shimla (340 km), and Mandi (275 km) are some of the towns from where one can get a bus to Dalhousie.
Tourist Information Centre, Dalhousie, Tel- (018982)-2136
Director, Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Himachal Pradesh, Shimla-171001. Tel :- (0177)-203346, 3517. Fax :- 203346, 4973.
Managing Director, H.P Tourism Development Corporation (marketing Office), Ritz Annexe, Shimla-171001. Tel :- (0177)-203294, Fax :- 203434.
Panchupla: A holiday spot located 3 kms away from Dalhousie, Panchpula is a recommended visit. The Satdhara springs on the way to Panchpula is believed to have great therapeutic value as they contain mica with medicinal properties. There is a monument built in the memory of a great freedom fighter Sardar Ajit Singh.
Kynance: Built in 1933 by Dr. N.R.Dharamvir, Kynance is a building of great significance as Neta Ji Subhash Chander Bose stayed here for around seven months after he came from the British Jail when he was released on parole on health grounds. Neta Ji Subhash Chander Bose was a classmate of Dr. N.R.Dharamvir ‘s wife. It is said that Kynance is a private residential building of Dharamvirs. It is a 50 kms drive from Dalhousie.
Subhash Baoli: Only a km away from Dalhousie, Subhash Baoli is popular because Neta ji Subhash Chander Bose spent most ofhis time here during the seven months that he was at Kynance. It is also said that he would find peace here and spend hours meditating and also hold meetings.
St.Andrew’s Church: Located approximately one and half kms from the Dalhousie bus stand, St. Andrew's Church was built by Protestant Christians in 1903. The church is more popularly known as Church of Scotland.
St. Patrick’s Church: The largest church in Dalhousie, St. Patrick’s church can accommodate approximately 300 people. The church was built by the contributions made by the officers and ranks of British army in 1909. The church is 2 kms from the Dalhousie bus stand.
St. Francis’ Church: Known for the intricate stone work and spectacular glass work, this Catholic Church was built in 1894, from the contributions made by Army and Civil Officers and Civilians.
St. John’s Church: Located 2 kms from the Dalhousie Bus stand, St. John’s Church is the first church that was built after the foundation of Dalhousie.
Laxmi Narayan Temple: The temple is enshrined with Lord Vishnu. A lot of devotees queue up the temple to offer prayers here. The temple is more than 150 years old. The temple is located in the heart of the town in Subhash Chowk.
Radha Dwami Satsang Bhawan and Hospital: Radha Swami Satsang Bhawan and Hospital is very famous for the satsang sessions that are held here twice in a year. Dalhousie holds great significance for the disciples of Radha Swami Sect of Beas (Punjab). This Satsang Bhawan is located near Moti Tibba which is only 300 meters. from Gandhi Chowk. In recent times a lot of people from the nearby villages of Dalhousie have embraced the Radha Swami Sect
Shivkul: Every summer Vimala Bahen, a renowned religious philosopher from Gujarat conducts lectures on spiritualism in Dalhousie. Shivkul is mainly an Ashram of this philosopher. A lot of her disciples head to Dalhousie to quench the search of their inner soul.
Dainkund – The tallest peak in Dalhousie gives a splendid bird eye view of the Colourful valleys, green hills and the sparkling rivers which flow through Dalhousie.
Khajjiar – Often referred to as "Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh’, Khajjiar is covered with thick pine and cedar forests which make it very difficult to trek through. Located 23 kms from Dalhousie it would take a day’s walk to reach Khajjiar. The green grasslands leave you in awe, surrounded by the dense deodhar forest. There are also Forest rest houses, temples and a golf course in Khajjiar.
Kalatope – Home to animals like Himalayan black bear, Ghoral, Barking Deer and a vast population of Avian, Kalatope is a must visit tourist destination. It is located only 10 kms from Dalhousie.
Dakshina Murti: Built in the mid seventies, Dakshina Murti is a Yoga institution. It was the brainchild of Dr. R. P. Kaushik. His followers come here till date and stay here. Dr. Kaushik was known all over the world for his speeches on spiritualism and yoga.
Jandhri Ghat:
An elegant palace is hidden amidst the tall pine trees at Jandhri Ghat. It is from here that the rulers had ruled Dalhousie till the advent of Lord Dalhousie. It is only half a km from Subhash Chowk. It is a popular picnic spot with a gushing streams and surrounded by fragrant pine trees
Where To Eat:
At Dalhousie do not miss the experience of eating in Dhabas which serve spicy and hot North Indian dishes. A lot of Restaurants here also serve Kashmiri cuisine which you might want to try out and other restaurants also serve Tibetian food which is also popular in Dalhousie. Some of the restaurants you can try out are Kwality Restaurant, New Metro, Amritsari, Sher-e-Punjab, Preet Palace and the Royal.
Where To Stay:
A popular tourist destination, Dalhousie offers a wide range of accommodations to choose from. One can pick from Luxury hotels to Lodges depending on each one’s pocket. Some of the hotels also offer rooms with the view of the valley which adds to the experience of staying in Dalhousie. Some of the hotels here are Hotel Mount View, Dalhousie Heights, Alps Resort, Hotel Nest, Hotel Spring and Hotel Chanakya. Bookings can also be made online especially during the months of May to December which is the peak time for tourists and most of the rooms are booked.
When shopping in Dalhousie, do not miss to explore the streets where there are vendors who sell handicrafts like woolens, intricate silver jewelry, carpets and handicrafts made of wood. Most of these things are available at Government run emporiums also but you certainly find better deals and bargains here. However, one must visit the Tibetan Handicraft Centre and the Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium.
Dalhousie is an ideal get away for those who want to be close to the nature and also for those looking for some adventure.
