Dalhousie

Introduction : The dream destination of Dalhousie is a happening hill resort in the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh. The hill resort of Dalhousie has a charm of its own. The deodars and the pines, the cottages and the villas come together for a unique summer retreat. Beauty captures the hearts of the tourists that flock to Dalhousie year after year. The ravishing rhododendrons, the gorgeous greens and the pristine air add to the beauty of Dalhousie. The elegantly embroidered Chamba shawls, the captivating Chamba chappals, cane baskets, woolens, and the dolls are all unique to Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh to which dalhousie belongs. Walnuts, chilies, Strawberries and the alpine flowers are the sights that remain in the sweet memories of Dalhousie!

Location : Dalhousie is situated in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. The location of the hill resort offers spectacular sights of the majestic mountains and the rice fields.

Past : The hill resort of Dalhousie is associated with the British. The sunshine accompanied with the forests of pine and oak, beautiful scenery and the slopes of the Dhauladhar range attracted the British. The place was picture perfect for the sanatorium of the Europeans. It was Sir Donald McLeod, was named Dalhousie, after Lord Dalhousie, the first British Governor General of India.

Sites to Visit : The hill resort of Dalhousie spreads across the hills of Kathlog, Portreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun. In order to enjoy the beauty ofdalhousie you may take a walk of Figure of Eight of Portreyn. From the Portreyn Mall you may cross the meeting places of Subhash Chowk and Gandhi Chowk. The colorfully carved pictures add to the charm of the walk.

Then there is the vintage point of Kalatope. You must be at the Kalatope, 8 km from Dalhousie to check out some of the most spectacular sights. You may even picnic in the hill resort of Dalhousie at the Panchpulla or the Five Bridges.

Then there is the Satdhara renowned for its mineral water. The water from Satdhara was once shipped to England on a regular basis. While in Dalhousie do visit Dainkund or the Singing Hill. The passage of mountain winds through the forest at Dainkund produces a series of effects - depending on the wind's velocity - ranging from a gentle humming to an eerie wail.

Sites Near By : There are several places of tourist interest near the hill resort of Dalhousie like Khajjiar, Chamba,

At a distance of 7 kilometers from Dalhousie is Khajjiar. The nature lovers and the adventure seekers alike throng Khajjiar. The marvelous meadow, lovely lake and the captivating cedar trees add to the beauty of Khajjiar. The ancient, golden domed temple of Khajinag lends its name to Khajjiar. Whilw hjolidaying at Khajjiar you may check out the nine-hole golf course.

Then there is the jewel of the Himalayas- Chamba. Chamba is 56 km away from Dalhousie. Chamba could have derived its name from the abundance of fragrant Champa flowers in the area or the princess Champavati. In Chamba you must visit the Lakshminarayana temple complex. The temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu reveal the elegance of the Hindu style of architecture. Then there is the Rang Mahal. The palace is in the shape of a feudal castle and boasts of marvelous murals. The Bhuri Singh Museum is also worth visiting in Chamba. Amongst the many exhibits are the paintings, sculptures, stone inscriptions, wonderful embroideries, ancient weapons, and other rare artifacts.

In the Dauladhars itself is the other hill resort of Palampur. At 1269 meters Palampur is indeed a valley of flowers. Roses, wisterias, gardenias, tea gardens, brooks, rice fields and the soothing breeze add to the beauty of Palampur. In the Palam Valley visit to Palampur is refreshing to the soul. Trekking in and around Palampur is the best way to explore and enjoy it!

Baijnath is another pilgrimage and place of tourist attraction in the Dauladhar range. The spire temple of Baijnath-the abode of the Lord of Physicians is the landmark in Baijnath. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The pilgrims and the devotees throng to the Baijnath to be granted with a boon and be freed of all ailments. The water at Baijnath is believed to possess medicinal properties.

Bir and Billing make other excellent tour options in the Dauladhar range. The ancient and picturesque village of Bir was once the seat of the powerful Pal Rajputs, Bir is renowned for the annual fair that is traditionally a part of the Holi Festival. You may also enjoy the song, dance and the festive celebrations at Bir. 14 km away from Bir is billing. Billing is the renowned venue of an annual hang gliding tournament. Billing happens to be one of the finest sites for hang gliding in the world.

McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, Triund et al are some of the other places worth visiting around Dalhousie.

What to Buy : While on a shopping spree in Dalhousie you must check out the specialties of the Chamba region. The shawls, chappals, cane baskets, woolens and dolls are amongst the many items that make excellent gift items and souvenirs from Dalhousie.

How to Reach : Reaching Dalhousie is an uphill task. The railway station at Pathankot is the nearest to Dalhousie, at a distance of 80 km. Regular buses and taxis connected Pathankot with Dalhousie.

Where to Stay : There are ample accommodation options available in the hill resort of Dalhousie. You may take your pick from the hotels, tourist bungalow and the Youth Hostel. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Corporation's runs the tourist Bungalow.