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Imagine a cozy summer morning, overlooking the mountains, accompanied with your beloved chai. Now that’s as relaxing as it can get, especially if you are looking for a 3 to 4 day relaxation from your hectic work schedule. And Dalhousie, situated on the hilltops of Himachal Pradesh, can make this imagination a reality.
Interestingly, the beautiful town of Dalhousie is named after its establisher, the Earl of Dalhousie, the British Governor-General in India. He had created this town as a summer retreat and the term “retreat” holds true even today. Usually, in a hill station, you would either relax in your room while looking at the awestrucking view. Or you would probably be busy climbing one of the higher peaks. But Dalhousie has more to offer. And that’s why, we bring to you the 11 things to do in Dalhousie!
The Chamera Lake, located in the Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh, is a popular tourist attraction. And of course, a sight you cannot miss when you plan a trip to Dalhousie. A boat ride across Chamera Lake, while expensive, is worth every penny. Why? It enables you to gaze around at the stunning landscape and nature in its summer splendor while hearing the splashing of the lake waters in the background.
This tourist attraction in Dalhousie becomes the perfect end to a day of sightseeing with the setting sun’s reflection falling in the middle of the lake. What more can you ask for than a quiet and peaceful evening accompanied by the calm waters.
Also read: Visakhapatnam Travel Guide.
If you’re visiting Dalhousie, trekking the hilltops should definitely make it to your to-do list. To satisfy your inner trek-enthusiast, Dalhousie brings you Dainkund peak, one of the highest points in the town. This spot is a sought-after hiking spot as it is easy to climb and has a scenic trail to follow. But the best part comes at the end of the hilltop when you get to witness the majestic view of rivers, abundant waterfalls and meadows from high-above. The hill also houses an Air Force base and a local temple. So, if you are an amateru at trekking, Dainkund Hill can be your first chapter of an endless trekking journey ahead!
Also read: A Guide To Exploring Dharamshala
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Interestingly, Dalhousie is home to a significant chunk of the Tibetan population. And so, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the town is known for its Tibetan markets. Although these markets are located throughout the hill station, the most notable one is situated at Gandhi Chowk.
You can shop from a long list of items at the Tibetan market. These include artefacts, caps, handicrafts and clothing. These are broad categories but some of the specialities include eccentric carpets, shawls, scarves, jewellery, and wall-hangings. In simple terms, you name it and they have it. The Tibetan artefacts are exquisite enough to entice you to hog the entire marketplace. So, if you have a weakness for local specialties, Tibetan markets should be high-up on your list.
Also read: Gandikota Travel Guide.
Panch Pulla in Hindi, literally means ‘five streams' which explains the origin of another popular tourist attraction in Dalhousie i.e., the Panch Pulla waterfall. This waterfall is created by the integration and blending of five streams and thus, the name came about. aIf the weather is too dry, this waterfall is a simple cure for your soaring eyes. Accompanied with pine trees, Deodar trees and meadows, the waterfall is a sight worth visiting.
Apart from the intense scenic beauty, this waterfall is also famous for a monument of a revolutionary named Sardar Ajit Singh, located nearby. This place is definitely the perfect combination of peace solace which any hiker, photographer or trekker wishes to see. The silence is so evident that it almost feels like nature is trying to whisper something in your ears. Dalhousie has many such peaceful spots but Panch Pulla definitely tops the list.
Also read: Dwarka Travel Guide.
Anyone who has ever visited Dalhousie will recommend you to stroll or drive around the iconic Garam sadak. It gets its name from the fact that in summers, the road acquires a hot temperature. This road offers a mesmerising view of the entire city as well as the valleys. So, most hikers and nature-lovers prefer to walk across this road instead of driving through.
Garam sadak also comprises the famous Tibetan rock paintings, restaurants offering sumptuous meals and small shops selling local items. So, if you wish to get a taste of the local cuisine or want to carry a remnant of this trip back home, this road is a recommended spot!
Also read: 6 best hotels in Manali that backpackers would love.
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Dalhousie is known more for its hilltops and majestic view of nature, dancing in its full glory. However, a lesser known but worth-visiting tourist attraction is the exotic Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. For nature and animal-lovers, this sanctuary is nothing short of a paradise. The entire region is endowed with wild trees, fiona, grasslands and a beautiful view of snow capped mountains. Of course, the thrill and exhilarating feeling of adventure will make for a memorable trip. So, if you are planning a trip to Dalhousie, add this sanctuary to your itinerary for sure!
Also read: Pachmarhi Guide.
Can you experience the true essence of any new place without trying its local cuisine? The answer is ‘no’. And Dalhousie is no exception to this fact. And the best place to enjoy the delicious local eateries is Cafe Dalhousie. Imagine enjoying a tasty meal with a beautiful view in front of you. This is exactly what this café has to offer. You get to view the hills and valleys while sipping on your hot lemon tea.
Apart from the local cuisine, Cafe Dalhousie also serves international and popular Indian delights. So, if you feel homesick while visiting Dalhousie, this warm outlet can help you out. You can simply pick-up the menu and choose your selection. But if you are feeling particularly experimental, you can always ask the staff for recommendations.
Also read:Ajmer Travel Guide.
Located in the Chamba Valley, the Chamunda Devi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kali and hence, is of great mythological importance. According to mythology, Goddess Kali, with great courage and valour, killed two demons named Shumbh and Nisumb at this very temple. So, to appreciate her strength, this temple was constructed. Inside the Temple, one could see Lord Bhairav and Lord Hanuman protecting the Goddess Kali.
Chamunda Devi temple is enshrined and endowed with a number of deities. And so, moving around this temple is nothing short of a 2 km trek. The temple is known for its intricate and beautifully-carved designs along with lush green patches and colourful flags. The entire temple radiates a strong spiritual feeling, bringing peace and serenity to the visitors. Hence, if you wish to feel one with God, you need to pay a visit to this temple.
Also read: Lucknow Travel Guide.
Satdhara, as the name suggests, means “seven springs”. These seven springs unite and integrate together to fall at a great speed below. And it definitely makes for a site worth visiting. People who love tranquil and quiet surroundings must visit the Satdhara falls to listen to the splashing waters. The sound is loud enough to engulf and overpower all other sounds. So, the splashing waters indeed provide you with peaceful surroundings.
If you feel particularly adventurous on your trip to these falls, you can always take a tip. Provide an all-natural and fresh relief to your soaring eyes. With that, experience the scent of vegetation, wet mud and droplets of natural water, all mixed together to create an unusual scent - the scent of peace. But, if you plan on taking a dip, don’t forget to carry an extra set of clothes.
Also read: 5 Of The Best Glamping Destinations In Himachal Pradesh
Khajjar is famously known as the “mini Switzerland of India'' for its lush green surroundings, view of the snow-clad mountains especially in winters, green meadows and the charming dense forests located at the edge of the smaller hills. Of course, it gets its name due to the uncanny resemblance with Switzerland’s topography. However, this place has more to offer than just a resemblance.
Khajjar is a beautiful and picturesque location, catering to the whims of trekkers, hikers, photographers and those vacationing with their families. You can also enjoy various recreational activities such as paragliding, zorbing, horse-riding and much more. In fact, people from across the country come here specifically for paragliding. Hence, the inner-daredevil in you will definitely feel at-home in Khajjar. However, this place is ideal to visit only during spring and summer seasons to avoid the excessive amount of snowfall.
Also read: Alwar Travel Guide.
St. John’s Church, located 3 to 4 kms from Dalhousie, is one of the many beautiful reminders of old-style British-style stone architecture. This catholic church was constructed in 1863 and to this day, is still standing tall with its beauty and intricate architecture. If you get impressed with the exteriors, you shouldn’t miss the interiors. The walls are filled with glass paintings with a glorified colour scheme, narrating stories of two saints - John and Peter.
There’s also a library located at close proximity to the St.John’s Church. It contains a large number of books, shedding insights on the local history and culture of Dalhousie. If you wish to have an all-encompassing experience of the church, you must come here on a sunday morning when mass prayers are happening.
Also read: Mawsynram Travel Guide.
Summing Up
It’s not possible to visit all these places on your very first trip to Dalhousie. So, all these suggestions are merely to give you an idea of what all the hill station has to offer. But when you embark on this journey, prepare to be mesmerised and amazed at the various versions of nature, culture, history, spirituality and of course, the local cuisine!
Which Thing Is Famous In Dalhousie?
Unsurprisingly, Dalhousie being a hill station, is famous for its wooden artifacts. A large number of skilled craftsmen reside in this beautiful hill station. In fact, they have set up their own stalls and shops across the town. Dalhousie is also known for hanging telephone stands, dry fruit trays, tea coaster and much more.
Where Is Dalhousie Located?
Dalhousie is a beautiful town spread across five hills of high altitude. These hills are in turn comfortably surrounded by the Dhauladhar Mountain Range within Himachal Pradesh. The city is known for its colonial-era architecture including buildings and other settlements.
Is One Day Enough In Dalhousie?
No. Ideally, one needs at least 3-4 days to explore the hill-station in its entirety.
Why Is Dalhousie Famous?
Dalhousie is one of the most sought-after hill stations of Himachal Pradesh, known specifically for its chilly climate, unending list of tourist attractions, and natural beauty.
What Should I Pack For Dalhousie?
If you are planning to go in the summer and in general pack light cotton clothes but just in case carry a jacket this is to save you from the unpredictable weather. Keep your body covered in multiple layers as the weather tends to change accordingly.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Dalhousie?
Summertime is the best time to visit Dalhousie. The weather is usually pleasant and beautiful.
What Is Unique About Dalhousie?
Dalhousie is known for innovative stuff, strong in research, and excellence in academics.
Which River Flows In Dalhousie?
The river which flows in Dalhousie is the Ravi River.
