Dalhousie – Perfect Unwind

The season of spring spells a magical charm to the place. The western Himalayan range enjoys a pleasant climate before the onset of summer. Like that of winter, Dalhousie offers a unique experience even in spring. The green meadows, the blooming dales and the bright weather offer a rejuvenating holiday. Two beautiful lakes around Dalhousie, Khajjiar and Chamera are among the top most attractions. A wildlife tour to the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary will also be a worthy experience for the season.

Places to visit in Dalhousie

Dalhousie is like a well painted scenery, the more you look at it; the more beauty you will feel. Penning down its best places are very difficult. If you are on a trip, go to these places, and moreover just be lost in the beautiful scenery.

1.  Bakrota Hills

A fascinating peak surrounding Dalhousie town is known for its scenic beauty especially in the summer and spring season. The entire hill has a number of trekking treks. The best thing to enjoy on this hill is a picnic. In winter, the peak is snow clad offering stunning views.

2.  Kalatop

Kalatop has rugged slopes, a beautiful forest rest house and thick surrounding forest. Popular as Black Cap, Kalatop is famous for its flora, fauna and wildlife. The Kalatop sanctuary is a popular hideout for tourists in summer. A motorable road connects Dalhousie with Chamba and Kalatop region. The journey is beautiful and rejuvenating.

3.  Dayan Kund

Another towering peak in Dalhousie with an elevation of 2,745 meters above sea level. The three main river tributaries of Chenab, Ravi and Beas are clearly visible on a clear day.

4.  Subhash Baoli

This acclaimed picnic retreat named after Subhash Chandra Bose, an indomitable freedom fighter in Indian Independence, had visited Dalhousie hills.

5.  Jandri Ghat

Around 2 km away from Dalhousie town is Jandri Ghat, a place surrounded by pine forest. A summer residence of the Chamba rulers constructed in 1871 is the main attraction of the place.

6.  St Andrew’s Church

Also popular as the Church of Scotland, St Andrew’s was built in the year 1905 for the Protestant Christians. It is situated very close to the Dalhousie bus stand. Other famous churches in Dalhousie are St Francis Church, St John’s Church and St Patric’s Church.

7.  Panchpula

Panchpula is one of the beautiful places to visit in Dalhousie. Located approximately at a distance of 3 km from Dalhousie, this place is a major tourist attraction. It is a mother stream that flows through various parts of Dalhousie, feeding water to several other water bodies. A Samadhi has been built as a tribute to Sardar Ajit Singh, a great revolutionary. When here, do not forget to savour their local cuisine. 

8.  Satdhara Waterfall

The term Satdhara signifies 'a blend of seven streams'. The water from this waterfall is said have medicinal properties and healing powers. The Satdhara waterfall proffers a tranquil environment and wonderful climate to all its visitors.

What Not to Miss when in Dalhousie

§  Rejuvenate your senses with a refreshing dip in the Satdhaara Falls

§  Hop on a boating spree on the Chamera Lake

§  Enjoy a day picnic at Mini Switzerland of India – Khajjiar

§  Take a hike up to the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

§  Pay tribute to great freedom fighter of India, Subhash Chandra Bose at the Subhash Baoli

§  Listen to the songs of wind at Dainkund Peak

§  Have fun time with friends and family over lunch at Ganji Pahari

§  Pay obeisance to Goddess Durga at the ancient Chamunda Devi Temple

§  Admire the colonial heritage of Dalhousie, St. John’s Church

§  Step into the bygone era of Chamba dynasty at the Rang Mahal

§  Shop till you drop at the Tibetan Handicrafts Market

How to Reach Dalhousie

By Train: Very affordable, one can choose going to Dalhousie by train. Though there are no direct Dalhousie trains one can reach Pathankot, the nearest railway terminal from Dalhousie and then the tourists can hire a taxi or bus that are regularly available from Pathankot to Dalhousie.

By Flight: Though air journeys are the most comfortable, there is no separate Dalhousie airport and no direct flights to Dalhousie. How to reach Dalhousie by flight then is not a tough task as the nearby cities have excellent facilities to reach Dalhousie. The nearest airport is Gaggal in Kangra district and Amritsar and Jammu and Kashmir are also other nearby terminals.

By Car/Cab:  one can easily reach Dalhousie as it is well-connected with major cities of the country. There are also other options such as taking a Dalhousie car rental from various private tourist houses to help one with cherishing the scenic locations of Dalhousie.

Most of us live such a hardcore mechanical life today that we often feel like we have forgotten to breathe for a few seconds. We keep running behind something or the other. Rather, we are forced by circumstances and people to keep running. At one point of time or the other, we stop totally, seeking some relaxation. Travelling away from our base location is the best way to get rid of all our tensions. Particularly, if the location is a mountain range that is high above the sea level, it is the best place for complete relaxation. Dalhousie is one such location that offers peace of mind and absolute serenity.