| Dalhousie
Standing at the foot of the Dhauladhar
range of the Himalayas, Dalhousie is one of the major tourist attractions
in Himachal Pradesh. This sleepy town is situated at an altitude of 2000
metres. It is Lord Dalhousie, the British Governor-General founded this
town. Dalhousie is known for its bracing climate, colourful v lleys,
and lovely picnic spots within easy reach. Dalhousie is built on and around
five hills Balun, Kathlon, Potryn, Tehra and Bakrota with heights ranging
between 1,525 meters and 2,376 meters. On a clear day it is fascinating
to see the Chenab, the Beas and the Ravi meandering down the rose grey
vistas of the valleys. There are also magnificent views of the Chamba
Valley and the mighty Dhauladhar range with its awe-inspiring snow covered
peaks filling the entire horizon. Attractive cottages and villas cling
to the deodar and pine mantled hills of Dalhousie. Pink and red rhododendrons
are in bloom. The trees are dressed in different shades of green.
Dalhousie still has a touch of
the 'Raj' about it and its colonial style buildings and houses bring back
the flavour of an earlier era. A veneer of Tibetan culture has added a
touch of the exotic to this serene resort and along road-sides are huge
rocks carved in low relief and painted in the Tibetan style. Best season
to visit Dalhousie is from March 15 to July 15 and September to November
How to get there : Well connected by road. Some distances are
as follows: Delhi 514 Km, Chandigarh 239 Km, Kulllu 214 Km, Shimla 332
Km, Chamba 192 Km. The nearest narrow gauge railhead is Kangra (18 Km).
The nearest broad gauge station Pathankot, (90 Km), is linked to major
towns. There is no direct flight to Dalhousie. To reach Dalhousie you
have to travel by air to the nearest airport and drive by road. The nearest
airport is Kangra ( Gaggal,12 Km)
Subhash Baoli (2,085 m)
Not far from the
G.P.O. Square it is an easy climb and offers good views of the snow capped
mountains. (1.5km). It is served as the great Subhash Chandra Bose's retreat.
Satdhara (2,036
m)
Sparkling springs close to town,
it is said to contain mica and other minerals, are noted for their medicinal
properties.
Panchpulla (Five Bridges)
Beyond Sathara is another pretty
spot where the water from a natural tank flows under five little bridges.
(2 km). Here a monument dedicated to the great freedom fighter, Bhagat
Singh's uncle, Sardar Ajit Singh, has been built.
Bakrota Hills
(2,085 m)
The Bakrota Mall, a popular walking
circuit around these hills has a spectacular view of the mountains.
Kalatope (2,440 m)
An ideal weekend retreat with
forest rest houses and beautiful spots for picnics, in a little wildlife
sanctuary. (8.5 km). Kalatope, houses many species of animals, which include
the ghoral, barking deer, and the Himalayan black bear, and a large avian
fauna population. There is also a Forest Rest house, for those who wish
to spend the night in the sanctuary. Several tributaries of the River
Ravi, which lies to its north, flow through it.
Bara Pather
Enroute to Kalatope is the temple
of Bhulwani Matha, in the village of Ahla. (4 km).
Dhainkund (2,745 m)
The high peak of Dhainkund offers
a bird's-eye view of the verdant valleys of the Beas, Chenab and Ravi
rivers. (10 km)
Khajjiar (1,851 m)
This grassy marg, or meadow, is
22m from Dalhousie towards Chamba. An emerald, saucer shaped meadow at
Khajjiar, surrounded by dense deodar forests, has a lake at its centre
with a floating island, a forest rest house, a little temple with a golden
spire and a golf course. (22 km) Around Dalhousie are wealth of places
which beckon those who have an eye for beauty or a nose for adventure.
In the center of the grassy meadow at Khajjiar lies a small lake. And
on it, are two floating islands, sometimes hidden from view by the tall
grass that grows on them. 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 nine hole golf course is an added attraction
at Khajjiar. |
