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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.
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