20 Best Tourist Places To Visit in Dalhousie in 2024 | Dalhousie Travel Guide 2024 | Best Time To Visit Dalhousie | Things to do in Dalhousie | Incredible India | Himachal Tourism | Part-01
History of Dalhousie
During the colonial period of India or you can say that after the decisive war between the British rule and the Sikh community during the 18th (1849) century, the province of Punjab was completely taken over by the British. In 1850 Lieutenant Colonel Napier, the Chief Engineer of Punjab first saw a wonderful place in the Chamba Valley.
Currently, we all know that beautiful place as Dalhousie. The British too could not give a name to this beautiful place for a long time. Then in 1854, Sir Donald MacLeod, a prominent officer of the British rule, suggested to his high officials that he should name the place after Lord Dalhousie, the then Viceroy of India. Thus, this beautiful tourist place in Himachal Pradesh was named Dalhousie.
This place was named after Dalhousie and incorporated in the Gurdaspur district of this Punjab province in 1861. Shortly after joining Gurdaspur, gradually it became famous as a resting place among the British authorities. Dalhousie is a group of five hills of the Himalayas located near Chamba.
Before Dalhousie came into existence, these five hills were known as Poterin, Bakrota, Kathalgarh, Bhangora and Terah. It is believed that these five hills came under the rulers of Chamba before these Dalhousie came into existence. After India’s independence and a long time later in 1966, Dalhousie was included in Himachal Pradesh, India. At present Dalhousie is considered to be a major tourist destination of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.
Khajjiar
Khajjiar is also known as the Mini Switzerland of India. Khajjiar, located 22 kilometres from Dalhousie, is considered to be one of the most prominent tourist places near Dalhousie. Khajjiar is 1900 meters above sea level (6299 ft). Despite being situated in the mountains of the Himalayas, the plains background of Khajjiar provides a glimpse of the Swiss plains to a large extent.
Due to this plain background, Khajjiar is called the Mini Switzerland of India. Khajjiar Lake, located in the plains of Khajjiar, is also considered a major centre of tourist attraction. The huge and dense cedar trees located around the lake make this place even more beautiful.
Khajjiar, located near Dalhousie, is considered to be one of the most suitable places to have a picnic and relax with family and friends. Apart from this, you can also enjoy horse riding, trekking and some exciting activities.
Dainkund Peak – Dalhousie
Situated 10 kilometres from Dalhousie, Danakund Peak is one of the highest places near Dalhousie, besides this place is also famous as Singing Hill. Dainkund Peak is 2755 meters above sea level (9000 ft).
Dainkund Peak offers very spectacular and beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas due to which this place is considered to be one of the most prominent tourist places of Dalhousie.
Apart from the icy mountains, the Beas, Ravi and Chenab rivers flowing near Danhouji from Dainkund Peak offer very beautiful views. Dainkund Peak near Dalhousie is considered one of the most suitable places for picnics and trekking.
Dainkund Peak Timings
10:00 AM to 04:00 PM.
Dainkund Peak Entry Fee
Entry free.
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary – Dalhousie
Located about 14 kilometres from Dalhousie, the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary has a height of about 2500 meters (8000 feet) above sea level. Along with being a wildlife sanctuary, this place is one of the most beautiful natural landscaped places near Dalhousie. The view of the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas from the summit of Kalatop is very beautiful.
Tourists can reach the summit of Kalatop by trekking. Kalatop is also rich in natural form. This place is surrounded by forests of huge and dense trees, here you get to see trees like oak, and cedar. Apart from the botanical richness, the wildlife here is also very rich. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary mainly consists of wildlife like Himalayan black bear, jackal, langur, Himalayan black marten and leopard.
Apart from wildlife, a variety of local and migratory bird species are also seen, among which pheasants, Eurasian Jai, Black Bird and Black Headed J can be seen prominently. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary on the banks of river Ravi is also known as Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary. There is also a forest guest house in Kalatop for tourists to stay.
The best time to trek from Kalakatop to Lakkamandi near Dalhousie is considered to be from October to March. Apart from trekking, tourists can also enjoy jungle safari, bird watching, photography and picnics.
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary Timings
07:00 AM to 06:00 AM.
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary Entry Fee
Vehicle – 250 / – per vehicle
Entry free.
St. Francis Catholic Church – Dalhousie
St. Francis Catholic Church, located just a few kilometres from Subhash Chowk in Dalhousie, offers a very beautiful example of British architecture. St. Francis Catholic Church is considered one of the major tourist destinations of Dalhousie. This church was built in 1894 with the cooperation of some British officials and local citizens.
Cedar trees around the church give the place a natural and serene environment. Very fine workmanship has been done on the glass and stones inside the church. Attempts have been made to elaborate on the history of the British Empire on all the walls of the church. St. Francis Catholic Church is more than 100 years old, but looking at its design and maintenance, it seems that it was constructed some time ago.
Presently this church is looked after by the Catholic Christian community of Jalandhar. The church is open to devotees and tourists throughout the week.
St. Francis Catholic Church Dalhousie Timings
07:00 AM to 07:00 AM.
St. Francis Catholic Church Dalhousie Entry Fee
Entry free.
Panchpula Dalhousie
Panchpula, located just 6 kilometres from Dalhousie, is a very famous tourist destination. This place is called Panchpula because of the five small waterfalls flowing here. Panchpula surrounded by dense deodar trees is considered the most suitable place for picnics and trekking with family and friends.
It is believed that the waterfalls flowing in Panchpula have medicinal properties. For this reason, bathing here gets rid of many skin diseases. Apart from being a naturally delightful site, the place also houses the tomb of Ajit Singhji, uncle of India’s freedom fighter Veer Bhagat Singh.
Panchpula is also considered the main source of water supply to small and big villages in and around Dalhousie. Panchpula in Dalhousie can be considered the most suitable place for tourists who like photography, trekking and adventure. By the way, tourists can visit Panchpula throughout the year. But if you want to enjoy the waterfalls flowing here, then the monsoon time is considered to be the best.
Panchpula Dalhousie Timings
Any time of the day.
Panchpula Dalhousie Entry Fee
Entry free.
Satdhara Waterfall Dalhousie
The height of the Satadhara waterfall is 2036 meters above sea level and is located just 5 kilometres from the main city of Dalhousie. The streams of seven waterfalls fall simultaneously from the Satadhara waterfall, hence this waterfall is called the Satadhara waterfall.
To reach the Satdhara waterfall, tourists can easily reach the Satadhara waterfall by completing a short trek through Panchpula. It is believed that the water of Satadhara waterfall is full of medicinal properties. Many types of skin diseases are cured by the water of this spring.
Satdhara is considered to be an excellent tourist destination to spend time with your family and friends in a quiet environment. Satdhara Waterfall is a very famous destination for activities like Healing Deep, Trekking, Picnic and Rejuvenation.
Satdhara Falls Dalhousie Timings
Any time of the day.
Satdhara Falls Dalhousie Entry Fee
Entry free.
Ganji Pahari Dalhousie
Ganji Pahari is located just 5 kilometres from the main city of Dalhousie. The height of Ganji Pahari is about 2085 meters above sea level. Ganji Pahari is considered to be a part of Bakrota Hills located near Dalhousie. Residents also call Bakrota Hills Upper Bakrota.
Ganji Pahari is one of the highest areas of Dalhousie. No type of vegetation is found on the Ganji Pahari, hence this mountain is known as Ganji Pahari. The highest snow can be seen on this mountain during the winter season. For this reason, Ganji Pahari is considered the first choice of tourists during the winter season.
To reach Ganji Pahari from Dalhousie, you will have to trek for about an hour. After trekking for an hour, when you reach the peak of Ganji Pahari, here you get very beautiful views of the snow-covered Himalayan mountains.
Ganji Pahari Dalhousie Timings
Any time of the day.
Ganji Pahari Dalhousie Entry Fee
Entry free.
Subhash Baoli Dalhousie
Subhash Baoli is a very famous tourist destination located just 1 kilometre away from Gandhi Chowk in Dalhousie. The place is named after Subhash Baoli, after India’s heroic freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose. Subhash Chandra Bose came to this place located in Dalhousie in 1937 to seek health benefits.
He stayed at this place for about 7 months. Apart from Subhash Chandra Bose’s place of stay, this place is also very famous for its natural beauty. A beautiful waterfall near Subhash Baoli also flows. Apart from this, there are also beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayan mountain range.
Subhash Baoli is an ideal place in Dalhousie to spend some relaxed moments with your family and friends. There are also many fast food shops around Subhash Baoli for food and drink.
Subash Baoli Dalhousie Timings
Any time of the day.
Subash Baoli Dalhousie Entry Fee
Entry free.
Bakrota Hills Dalhousie
Bakrota Hills is one of the highest places situated between Dalhousie and Khajjiyar. The distance from Dalhousie to Bakrota Hills is only 6 km and the height of Bakrota Hills is about 2085 meters above sea level. Bakrota Hills is also known as Upper Bakrota.
From Bakrota Hills, the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayan ranges offer very beautiful and breathtaking views. If you like trekking and photography, Bakrota Hills is one of the most suitable places in Dalhousie.
Bakrota Hills Dalhousie Timings
Any time of the day.
Bakrota Hills Dalhousie Entry Fee
Entry free.
Rang Mahal Dalhousie
Rang Mahal in the Suhara locality of Dalhousie is also known as Himachal Emporium. Rang Mahal, built in the 18th century, was built by the then King Umaid Singh of Dalhousie. The main purpose of the construction of this palace was to the residence of the women of the royal family.
The influence of British and Mughal art was evident in the construction of Rang Mahal. Beautiful paintings are seen in the hill painting style of Punjab on the walls of the palace. Paintings on the walls of the palace mainly feature paintings depicting the life of Lord Krishna. Rang Mahal is currently converted into a memorial.
Located in Dalhousie, this monument is considered to be the largest monument in its vicinity. Most of the antique items of Rang Mahal have been preserved in Bhuri Singh Museum in the Chamba district. A large number of beautiful paintings were placed on the walls of the palace for decoration in Rang Mahal.
Currently, most of the palace paintings are on display in the National Museum in Delhi. If you like handicraft items, you can buy handmade slippers, woollen shawls, handkerchiefs, paintings, old coins, old ornaments and manuscripts from the handicraft shop located in Rang Mahal.
Apart from handicrafts, you can buy traditional costumes, weapons, armour instruments etc. from Rang Mahal. Apart from this, you can also buy home decoration items. Some rooms of the Rang Mahal have been converted into local artisans’ workshops. In these rooms, local artisans keep making handicraft items that tourists can buy at a reasonable price.
Rang Mahal Dalhousie Timings
Rang Mahal is open for tourists from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 01 pm and then from 02 pm to 05 pm. Rang Mahal remains closed to tourists on Sunday.
Rang Mahal Dalhousie Entry Fee
Entry free.
Local food in Dalhousie
Being a famous tourist destination, Dalhousie has a lot of options for eating good food. There are many dhabas, restaurants and fast food corners open for North Indian food and Chinese fast food. If you like to eat the local food of Himachal, then many eateries are open for that too. The local food of Himachal is very simple and tasty, you will find lentils, chapattis, gravy and yoghurt in the local food here.
Local market in Dalhousie
In the main market of Dalhousie, Gandhi Chouk is named most prominently. Dalhousie has a cluster of many small and large local markets in Gandhichouk. You can buy your woollen clothes, souvenirs and household items from the local markets here.
You can buy handicrafts and hot clothes from the Tibetan Handicraft Center, Himachal Handloom & Crafts Center, Tibetan Market and Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium. You can buy carpets, bags, dolls, purses and handicrafts at a reasonable price from the local markets of Dalhousie.
Situated on a cold road, the Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium is very famous for the traditional way of Kashmiri shawls. The local women of Dalhousie founded Bhutico in the 19th century, the hot clothes made by the local women are very famous here. Pashmina shawls, Angora and Kullu shawls made of lamb wool by these women are very much liked by the tourists.
Not long ago, these women’s outfits also started making embroidered shawls. Their embroidered shawls have gained a lot of popularity in a very short time. Embroidered shawls start at Rs 300 / – per shawl.
Best time to visit Dalhousie
Being a hill station, you can visit Dalhousie throughout the year. But the period from March to May is considered the best time to visit Dalhousie. At this time there is neither heat nor very cold.
Yes, if you like the rain, then you will find many beautiful waterfalls flowing here during the monsoon. You can get good snowfall here in the winter season if you want to see snow, you can come here in the winter season too.
Hotels in Dalhousie
Dalhousie is considered one of the most famous tourist destinations in India. Being a famous tourist destination, there are many options available for you to stay here. Dalhousie has a hotel, hostel and lodge for your stay. You can also book a room for yourself by reaching Dalhousie directly or in your hotel or other option available to stay here.
There can be trouble in getting a room without booking here during peak season. Therefore, you can book a room in your advance from the online hotel booking website on the Internet. You will also find a variety of offers on the hotel booking website.
How to reach Dalhousie
How to reach Dalhousie by air
Due to being a hilly region, there is no airport in Dalhousie. But if you want to come to Dalhousie by air then the distance from Pathankot Airport in Punjab to Dalhousie is only 87 kilometers. Apart from this, the distance from Gaggal Airport (Kangra Airport) in Himachal Pradesh is only 108 km.
If you want to travel to Dalhousie from abroad, then the distance of Dalhousie from Chandigarh International Airport of Punjab is only 320 kilometres. From these three places, you can reach Dalhousie very easily by bus, taxi and cab.
How to reach Dalhousie by Train
Dalhousie’s distance from Pathankot railway station in Punjab is only 83 kilometres. Pathankot is very well connected to almost all major cities of India by train. Regular rail service is available to Pathankot from almost all cities. From Pathankot you will get a regular bus service to Dalhousie, you can also reach Dalhousie very easily by taxi and cab.
How to reach Dalhousie by road
Dalhousie is very well connected to all its nearby cities by road. Regular bus services are available from Chandigarh, Pathankot and Gaggal to Dalhousie. Apart from this, Delhi’s ISBT also provides regular bus services to Dalhousie. The distance from Delhi to Dalhousie is 567 km.
If you want to come to Dalhousie by taxi or cab then you can reach Dalhousie very easily. And even if you want to come to Dalhousie from your private vehicle, you can reach Dalhousie very easily.
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