 In the height of the Himalayas, Dalhousie is a quiet picturesque town with a charm of its own. It spreads over five low level hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar Range, covering an area of around 14 sq. km. Named after the famous British Governor – General, Lord Dalhousie, this beautiful hill town is blessed with ravishing rhododendrons, gorgeous greens and pristine air. Dalhousie’s lovely tree clad slopes are dotted with colonial bungalows, holiday homes and cottages with flower filled gardens that offer splendid views of the Himalayan ranges and fertile valleys. Here shopping is a wonderful experience with numerous shops selling goods that are unique to the Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh. Here you can buy elegantly embroidered Chamba shawls, the captivating Chamba chappals, cane baskets, woolens, dolls and more.
Attractions
Panchpula - One of the most picturesque spots, 3 km away from Dalhousie. The biggest draw here is the charming stream that feeds several pools. It is also the site, where a monument dedicated to the famous freedom fighter, Bhagat Singh's uncle, Sardar Ajit Singh, has been built.
Kalatope - An enchanting landscape with a beautiful wild life sanctuary, inhabited by many species of animals, which include the ghoral, barking deer, and the Himalayan black bear, and a large avian population. There is a forest rest house and many beautiful picnic spots within the sanctuary.
Khajjiar - It requires just a pleasant one day walk from Dalhousie, passing through some of the most dense alpine vegetation in the world, to reach Khajjiar. This picturesque spot is dotted with an emerald, saucer shaped meadow, dense deodhar forest, a legendary lake at its centre, floating island, a forest rest house, temple with a golden spire and a beautiful golf course.
 Dainkund - This is the tallest peak around Dalhousie; from where you can have superb view of the region, covering magnificent hills, verdant valleys and the rivers Beas, Ravi and Chenab gleaming like silver threads while on their way down to the plains.
Shopping - Dalhousie is a good place to shop around goods that are unique to the Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh. The Tibetan Handicraft Centre en-route to Khajiar, has Tibetan carpets. Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium on Thandi Sarak offers a good selection of shawls. The Tibetan Handicraft Centre Showroom, on the road running parallel to Garam Sarak, has carpets and bags.
Get There
By Air - Nearest airport is Dharamshala (143 kms) connected to Delhi by Indian Airlines as well as by Vayudoot flights. Amritsar (188 kms) is the other convenient airport.
By Train - Pathankot is the nearest railhead, which is connected to all of the major cities and towns in India.
By Road - Dalhousie is connected to major Indian cities by road. Regular bus services are available between Dalhousie and Amritsar 188 kms, Jalandhar 192 kms, Pathankot 80 kms, Chamba 56 kms, Manali 402 kms, Delhi 563 kms, Chandigarh 352 kms, Dharamshala 143 kms, and Jammu 188 kms. |
