One of the most pristine hill stations in Himachal Pradesh and India, Dalhousie is named after Lord Dalhousie the British governor-General who established the town as a popular summer retreat. The town was established in 1854 by the British and is located at the western ranges of the Himalayas at an average elevation of 1,970 meters above sea level. The town is still exemplary of neatly planned streets and colonial era architecture of the buildings that are a marvel to witness amidst the lush green surroundings and snow capped peaks of the Himalayas. Here’s the list of the best places you can visit in Dalhousie.
1. Khajjiar
- Famous for: Nature, Adventure.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open everyday.
- Duration: 1-2 days.
About Khajjiar
Often nicknamed as the mini Switzerland of India, Khajjiar is a small hill town located at 2000 meters above sea level at a short distance from Dalhousie. The town is surrounded by thick covers of deodar and pine trees and the Khajjiar Lake is one of the most amazing and serene picnic spots with the backdrop of the snow capped Himalayas. Khajji Nag Temple built in the 12th century is also a famous attraction here.
Things to Do in Khajjiar
- Take strolls in the meadows.
- Trek to the Kalatop Wildlife Reserve.
- Visit the Pohlani Mata Temple enroute.
- Look at scenic views from Khajjiar Lake.
- Take a trip to the ancient town of Chamba.
2. Kalatop Wildlife Reserve
- Famous for: Trekking, Nature, Adventure.
- Tickets: No entry fee if you walk. 250 INR for vehicles.
- Opening Timings: Open all days (7 am – 6 pm).
- Duration: 3 hours.
About Kalatop Wildlife Reserve
The high altitude forests of the Kalatop Wildlife Reserve are located at an average elevation of 2,500 meters above sea level. The forests are also known as Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary and are situated between the thick pine, deodar and oak forests. The Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary covers an area of 30.69 square kilometers and houses a plethora of various fauna such as the Himalayan Black bear, Pheasants and Himalayan black marten etc.
Things to Do near Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary
- Stop at the Echo Point.
- Visit Khajjiar at a short distance.
- Relax in the nearby Kalatop Forest Rest House.
3. Dainkund Peak
- Famous for: Trekking, Nature, Adventure.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days.
- Duration: Depends on the activity .
About Dainkund Peak
The mountain’s highest point towers at a monolithic height of 2,745 meters above sea level. The Dainkund Peak is often termed as the singing hill. The top of the hill is occupied by the Indian Air force and is inaccessible without proper permits
Things to Do at Dainkund Peak
- Trekking.
- Camping.
- Enjoy the panoramic views of the valleys.
4. Ganji Pahari
- Famous for: Trekking, Nature, Adventure.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days.
- Duration: 1-2 hours.
About Ganji Pahari
A famous 5 kilometer uphill walk in Dalhousie, Ganji Pahari gets its name from the bald patch of the Barkota hills of the Himalayas. The place can be reached after a picturesque 1 hour walk from Dalhousie and provides some of the most amazing views of the surroundings. The freshness in the air at the top of Ganji Pahadi is intoxicating and is a perfect spot for an outing with family and friends.
Things to Do near Ganji Pahari
- Hiking.
- Trekking.
- Visit Panchpula.
5. St. Francis Church
- Famous for: Architecture, Serenity, Religion.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from 7am to 7pm.
- Duration: 30 mins to 1 hour.
About St. Francis Church
Steal away a moment’s peace and catch some serenity at St. Francis Church. This church is counted as one of the most beautiful churches in the city and was built in the year 1894. The intresting thing is that it was funded entirely by army officials and the civilians living in Dalhousie. The intricate wooden roof, colourful Belgium glass and the stone structures are some of the attractions of this church.
Things to Do near St. Francis Church
- Visit the Mall Road nearby
- Have a glimpse of rectory called Alverna.
6. Panchpula
- Famous for: Viewpoints, Adventure, Trekking, Nature.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days.
- Duration: 1 hour.
About Panchpula
Panchpula is a perfect getaway to sample everything nature has to offer. It is surrounded by lush green forests, cascading waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. The abundance of water bodies here makes it the principal water source for Dalhousie and the nearby villages. There is a monument here too which celebrates the revolutionary Sardar Ajit Singh.
Things to Do around Panchpula
- Picnic.
- Trekking.
- Visit Satdhara springs enroute.
- Visit Panchpula waterfalls.
7. Chamera Lake
- Famous for: Adventure, Nature, Photography.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from sunrise to sunset.
- Duration: 1 -2 hours.
- Distance from Dalhousie: 25 kms.
About Chamera Lake
An artificial lake and the site of The Chamera Dam, Chamera Lake is a sight to behold. Located on the outskirts of Dalhousie, this place is perfect for spending some quality time with your family or friends. The lake receives a continuous supply of water from Ravi river and the climate here remains just perfect all year around.
Things to Do at Chamera Lake
- Picnic.
- Taking strolls.
- Boat rides and shikaras.
- Water sports like rowing etc.
8. Garam Sadak
- Famous for: Adventure, Culture, Photography, Shopping.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Daytime.
- Duration: 1 hour
About Garam Sadak
Garam Sadak gets its unique name due to the fact it remains relatively hotter because it receives direct sunlight. It is a pedestrian road connecting two important center towns (Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk) and is the perfect way to discover Dalhousie. There are many shops and restaurants lined up in the path which the visitors can visit on their way. A stroll here will also provide a view of the beautiful Tibetan rock paintings along with a spectacular view of Dalhousie.
Things to Do at Garam Sadak
- Shop.
- Eat at restaurants.
- View the Tibetan rock paintings.
9. Subhash Baoli
- Famous for: History, Nature, Photography.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days.
- Duration: 1 hour.
About Subhash Baoli
Subhash Baoli is similar to other hill stations in many aspects but its connection with history makes it different from every other place. It is said that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose spent seven months here to cure his ailing health in the year 1937. Its connection with the late freedom fighter has led to its current name.
Things to Do at Subhash Baoli
- Meditation.
- Visit the water cave.
- Relax under the many waterfalls.
- Visit nearby shops and restaurants.
10. Sach Pass
- Famous for: Trekking, Nature, Adventure.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days.
- Duration: Depends on the activity.
About Sach Pass
A mountain Pass in Chamba Valley, Sach Pass is an adventurer’s paradise. It is situated at a height of about 14,500 ft and is the gateway to the Pangi Valley. It is not easily accessible and is even compared to Rohtang Pass due to its difficult terrain.
Things to Do at Sach Pass
- Visit the Mata Mandir.
- Trekking (difficult level).
- View the many glaciers here.
Other attractions in and around Dalhousie are Bara Pathar, Satdhara waterfalls, St John Church, Jagdamba Mata Temple, Chamba and Rang Mahal.
Dalhousie is a popular tourist retreat in Himachal Pradesh with the town’s tourism industry adding up to 13% of the economy the State generates. It is also a gateway to the nearby town of Chamba which is again a picturesque tourist location. The above-mentioned places are the best of the various attractions Dalhousie has to offer and are not to be missed.
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