Dalhousie: the Thriving renowned summer resort

“There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more”
- George Gordon Byron

Nothing sums up Dalhousie better than Byron’s golden words, revealing the true beauty of this scenic and placid location. Known for being a sought after honeymoon destination in India, it is a blend of Tibetan culture and colonial era. Located in Himachal Pradesh, it is less crowded, less cluttered and more enticing. Enveloped in oak and deodar trees, this exotic destination is the best summer retreat in India.

Founded by Lord Dalhousie in 1854, it is located on the western side of Dhauladhar Ranges, also known as Outer Himalayas. It spreads out on the crest of five low hills, starting from Kathalagh to Potreyn, followed by Terah, Bakrota and Bhangora of the mighty Dhauladhar Ranges.  The British architecture of old schools, bungalows and monuments, quite exquisitely designed, reminds about its colonial past.

History of Dalhousie reveals that the town was earlier a part of the erstwhile state of Chamba. It was situated in the ancient Kingdom of Chamba and was a remote place with virgin forests when the British first came here. In 1853, Lord James Ramsay, the Marquess of Dalhousie, was looking for some ideal summer getaway when he came across this enchanting and peaceful little hill station. He immediately bought it from the King Of Chamba and from there started the journey of Dalhousie from being a veiled lost town of Chamba to a thriving renowned summer resort. It soon was the favourite haunt of Britishers who would find refuge in its cool environs during the peak summer months of India.

Do not miss trekking to Dain Kund, the highest point in Dalhousie from where you can see the entire town. Also pamper yourself by shopping at Gandhi Market and have a gala time.

Following are the main travel attractions of Dalhousie:

St. Francis Church
It is a salient feature of Dalhousie Tourism. This Catholic Church was built in 1894 and is managed and maintained by the Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar. In spite of being 119 years old, its exquisite glass designing and colour work is very appealing. The stonework in the exterior emits an aura of Victorian architecture. It is about a kilometre away from the main town.

Bakrota Hills
A walk to the Bakrota Hills is a must-visit for travellers. You can have a panoramic view of the mountains ranges and country-side from here. The carpets of thick deodar trees literally cover the valley and a walk through the hills fills the tourists with fulfilment.

Panjpulla
It is a beautiful spot with a natural tank and water streaming under small bridges from which the place derives its name. On the way to Panjpulla, or also called as Panchpula; is Satdhara springs babbling with salubrious sparkling water. The water of this spring is believed to contain medicinal properties. Panchpula stream is the main source of water supply to Dalhousie and Balloon. The place also holds a monument built in the memory of a freedom fighter named Ajit Singh.

Jandri Ghat
Jandri Ghat is a popular picnic spot in Dalhousie. The main attraction of this place is a marvellous palace located amidst the towering pine trees. Before the advent of British rule in this region, the Kings of Chamba used to rule from here. Various trophies can be seen in the palace. However the palace has now been converted into a hotel, boosting tourism in Dalhousie.

St. Andrew's Church
This church was built in the year 1903 by Protestant Christians. It is also called as the Church of Scotland. It is a beautiful church and travellers can take back a slice of Scotland with them after seeing the architecture and ambiance of the church.

St. Patrick's Church
Situated on the Military Hospital Road, this is the largest church in the hill station. It was constructed in the year 1909 and has the capacity to hold around 300 people at once.

Kalatop
The place offers a beautiful and panoramic view of the vast vistas and travellers can see hills, fields, forests and mountains all together on the same canvas. Travelling through the smooth and ruggedness of the view, the sight dissolves in the direction of Jammu and Kashmir.

Excursions from Dalhousie
Travellers can visit the places like Dainkund (10km) Chamba (56km).

Shopping in Dalhousie
Tibetan Market and Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium are some places that shoppers can explore to buy items like handicrafts, bags, dolls, carpets and purses, Kashmiri shawls, paintings and candles.

When to Reach
The ideal time for a Trip to Dalhousie is during March to June and September to November. New Year celebrations are also very exciting here, endowing infectious jubilation all around the hill station.

How to Reach:
Air: The closest airport is at Gaggal, 132 km from Dalhousie.
Rail: The nearest railway station is at Pathankot (78km). It is connected to all the major cities in India like Delhi, Lucknow and others.
Road: It is linked through well-maintained roads to places like Pathankot, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Dharamsala, Jalandhar, Jammu, Manali and Shimla.

Enjoy the pleasant ambiance of Dalhousie Tourism, the magic of misty surroundings and the healing power of nature. Life stops and rejuvenates here, imbibing patience in your soul. Try it out and experience the very best of  Nature's creativity.