Dalhousie, a scenic hill station in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, is nestled in the mighty Himalayas. Established by the British in 1854 and named after Lord Dalhousie, who was then the Governor-General of India, this charming town has stunning landscapes, a pleasant climate throughout the year, and colonial-style buildings, making it an ideal place for history and nature lovers. If you intend to visit this serene place, here are twelve things to do in Dalhousie.
Khajjiar: Mini Switzerland
Khajjiar is a small hill station located approximately 21 km from Dalhousie and often known as the Mini Switzerland of India. It is a beautiful place with thick forests, lush green meadows, and a small lake. Khajjiar also provides an almost perfect postcard setting, surrounded by snow-capped mountains that can be visited on a day-out or picnicking. Riding horses, parasailing, and zorbing, among other adventure activities, can be done.
Dainkund Peak: Singing Hill
The highest point in Dalhousie is Dainkund Peak (also called Singing Hill), which stands at around 2,745 m above sea level. The name’singing hill’ comes from the melodious sound created by wind blowing through trees’ leaves. One has to trek through dense forest, which is moderately difficult to reach. After reaching there, one will enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, which are really amazing. There’s also Pholani Devi Temple located at the peak, which people should pay a visit to once they reach there.
Panchpula: Bridge Over Five Rivers
Panchpula means ‘five bridges’ in English. It is located at a distance of only 3 km from Dalhousie and is famous for its gushing waterfalls, babbling brooks, and emerald foliage. The main stream of Panchpula originates from the northern side of Dainkund and supplies water to Dalhousie. One can stroll around this place, soak oneself in its cold-water springs, and enjoy its natural beauty. Also, there is a memorial for Sardar Ajit Singh, a freedom fighter.
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: A Nature Enthusiast Paradise
The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 30.69 sq km and serves as an abode for nature enthusiasts or wildlife lovers. It possesses different animals like leopards, deer, and Himalayan black bears, among other bird species, as well as other fauna and flora varieties. This makes it a perfect place for trekking, bird watching, and nature walks because of the densely covered deodar forests along with the river Ravi that flows silently through it. Inside the sanctuary is Kalatop Rest House, where one can stay amidst nature’s lap.
Chamera Lake: Man’s Creation
The Chamera Dam on the Ravi River created Chamera Lake, which is situated about 25 kilometres away from Dalhousie, where you can go boating or any other form of water sports. It is surrounded by lush greenery and engulfed by rolling hills. Being such a silent place ideal for silent retreats mostly, it is also proximate to Bhalei Temple dedicated to Bhalei Mata, where any visitor may deem visiting.
St. John’s Church: A Flash of Colonial Heritage
Dalhousie’s oldest church is St. John’s Church, which was constructed in 1863; still, it impresses everyone with the Victorian architecture style that was used in constructing it. Located at Gandhi Chowk, this wonderful church is surrounded by tall pine trees and provides a sense of serenity. Inside, the place is adorned with wood panels, stained glass windows, and historical mementos, making it even more attractive. The main worship centre in Dalhousie retains memories of the colonial era.
Subhash Baoli: A Visit to History
Subhash Baoli is situated about one kilometre away from Dalhousie town and was named after freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose. According to some sources, Subhash Chandra Bose spent several months here in 1937, where he recovered his health through meditation. It is quite cool out there due to the dense vegetation cover and fresh breeze everywhere, which renders the area so quiet and peaceful, making it ideal for a retreat spot. Additionally, there is a small spring of water flowing through the place, which adds another aspect to its beauty, thus creating an inviting environment for refreshing oneself as well as relaxation.
Satdhara Waterfalls: Nature’s Gorgeous Cascades
Surrounded by dense deodar and pine forests, Satdhara Falls on Panchpula Road provide breathtaking sights for visitors. The name “Satdhara” means “seven springs,” as the waterfall is formed by a merger of seven streams. The water of Satdhara Falls has mica with curative properties, making it perfect for swimming too. On the other hand, it creates a calm atmosphere around water noise when descending, thus enabling one to derive pleasure from nature.
Rang Mahal: A Blend of Mughal and British Architecture
Located in Surara Mohalla, Dalhousie, Rang Mahal is a rare monument that combines both Mughal and British architectural designs. This grand palace was built as the royal family residence by Raja Umed Singh during the 18th century. It contains beautiful wall paintings, intricate wood carvings, and old Himachali architecture styles. Today, it serves as a Himachal Pradesh state handicrafts centre where traditional handicraft items such as artefacts and memorabilia can be purchased.
Garam Sadak: Warm Street
The fact that Garam Sadak is named after warmth could mean that it is usually warmer than other places in Dalhousie because it receives more sunlight. There are tall pine trees all along the way, creating beautiful scenery with scenic landscapes down to the valleys below, making it an ideal place for walking. All locals and visiting tourists alike consider Garam Sadak to have the best weather conditions while in Dalhousie.
Bara Pathar: Great Picnic Spot
Bara Pathar is located about four kilometres away from Dalhousie, and due to its natural beauty, Bhulwani Mata Temple makes this place famous among the inhabitants of this area. It is surrounded by thick vegetation cover and rolling hills, thereby turning into a quiet setting suitable for a picnic or just a quiet day to unwind amidst Mother Nature’s lap. Bhulwani Mata, the local deity, finds solace here, thus making this temple an important pilgrimage destination where worshippers across neighbouring areas visit her. During the Navratras yearly fair, this temple is a major attraction.
Ganji Pahari: The Naked Mountain
Five kilometres away from Dalhousie is Bald Hill (Ganji Pahari), which is located on a special hilltop. It is called a bald hill because its top is bare without any vegetation. To get to Ganji Pahari, visitors should go through moderately strenuous trekking in forested areas and scenic trails. From the top, one can see all the surrounding valleys and mountains in their full majestic beauty, which will stun your mind having been present with them. Its cool breeze and silent atmosphere make it a great place for relaxation as well as picnicking.
Conclusion
Dalhousie has numerous scenic spots, historical sites, and serene places to get away from city life. Dalhousie has something for every adventurer, person who loves history, or lover of nature. From Khajjiar meadows that stay green round the year to the magnificent views of Dainkund Peak, the romantic aura in St. John’s Church colonial Vista, and the peace at Subhash Baoli, among others, are some aspects that make them unique in Dalhousie.
So pack your bags and head towards this mystic hill station with the 12 best places to visit in Dalhousie. The peaceful landscapes, favourable climatic conditions, and rich past will leave memories that you will never forget about Dalhousie, hence making you want to return for more of such visits in this beautiful heaven tucked away amidst the Himalayas.
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