Dalhousie hill station, India is a sleepy little place that lies along the Dauladhar Range in Himachal Pradesh. The distance between Pathankot and Dalhousie is 80 kms. The average altitude of the place varies between 5000 feet and 7800 feet from the mean sea level. The background of Dalhousie is set on the five hills and facing the Pir Panjal. It is the only part pf Himachal Pradesh that juts into the state of Jammu and Kashmir in the North.
About Dalhousie :
Dalhousie tells the story of a man and a place, the name and the hill station. It wrong to state Dalhousie as the gift of Lord Dalhousie to Himachal Pradesh and India. The matchlessness of the hill station lies in its lush forests of pine, cedar and deodar attracts nature lovers as well as those who want seek shelter from the scorching heat of the plains in India. The hill station is also renowned for its wildlife, its tranquil ambience and the refreshing views of the far mountains draped in snow. In short it is a little town with a little colonial hangover.
Place To See In Dalhousie :
- Churches :The churches of Dalhousie are beautiful. These are St. Andrew’s Church and St. Patrick’s Church at Balun, St. Francis’ Church at Subash Chowk and St. John’s Church at Gandhi Chowk.
- Panchpula :This is a very beautiful spot where a stream feeds a series of pools. A monument has been built here in memory of the freedom fighter,Ajit Singh.
- Subhash Baoli :At a distance of 1 km is Subhash Baoli, an enchanting spot surrounded by majestic trees. Subhash Chandra Bose spent a lot of time in 1937, contemplating and meditating at this place, giving it the name of Subhash Baoli.
- Kalatop :Is a wild life sanctuary,home to the ‘ghoral’ and black bear.
- Satdhara : On the way to Panchpula, these seven springs are reputed to have great therapeutic value as they contain mica with medicinal properties.
- Khajjiar : It is an enchanting saucer shaped meadow fringed by cedar trees of great antiquity and stateliness. Khajjiar, known as one of the “most charming spots in the Himalayas”, derives its name it is said from its ancient, golden domed temple of Khajinag. A picturesque golf course adds to the exquisite beauty of this pretty spot.
- Chamba : 56 km drive from Dalhousie Often described as “a jewel of the Himalayas”, Chamba sheered in legends and guarded by rich forests, is named after a beautiful princess – Champavati. Some say that Chamba was so named because of the profusion of fragrant Champa flowers in the area.
- BaraPathar :This is a famous temple of Bhulwani Mata at the middle of the thick forest in the village of Ahla, on the way to Kalatope.
- Banikhet : Seven kms short of Dalhousie is Banikhet – the gateway to Dalhousie. At Banikhet the road bifurcates for Chamba and Dalhousie. This small place has gained importance with the setting-up of residential colony of Chamera Hydro-electric Project. A Nag temple in Padhar Maidan now called mini stadium is a place of worship for the people of Banikhet and villages around. This temple is approximately 150 years old.
- Bakrota Hills : Located at a distance of 5 km from Dalhousie, Bakrota hills give breathtaking view of the snow covered city.
- LaxmiI Narayan Temple : This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built more than 150 years ago. The temple enshrines a beautiful image of Lord Vishnu.
Shopping In Dalhousie :
Dalhousie hill station, India has a few market places. Walking in this part of the country is like a treat. Also there are lot cafes and good restaurants here. Tiny shops are dotted along the roads that sell ethnic trinklets and other souvenirs and Tibetan handicrafts. They are all worth a bargain.
Travel Information :
By Air : Amritsar is the nearest airport .Jammu airport is188 kms.
By Rail : The nearest railway station is Pathankot about 80 kms,connected to all of the major cities.
By Road : Dalhousie is connected to all the major cities of Himachal Pradesh.
Best time to visit Dalhousie:
Dalhousie enjoys a comfortable weather throughout the year. Though the place can be visited anytime in the year, the ideal time is during the summer months when the hill resort beats the heat of the plains. Cotton clothing is applicable for the summer months whereas woolens are required for the winters.
Location: Himachal Pradesh
Area: 13sq.Kms
Significance: Immense Trekking Opportunities .
Altitude: 1854m above sea level
Climate: Summer 27°C – 30°C, Winter 10°C – 0°C .
Best Time to Visit: Mid-May to Mid-October