Places to see in Dalhousie-

Located on the western edge of Dhauladhar peak this famous hill station of India is quite apt to relax, retreat and rejuvenate not only your body but even your soul. The forested hills around the town of Dalhousie give an excellent view and shows the splendour of nature.These hills are covered with a thick growth of ban oak, rhododendron, pine and deodar (cedar) tress, and a large variety of shrubbery.

Some of the places worth visiting in Dalhousie are-

Panchpula-

This exquisitely beautiful place lies barely 3kms from the centre of the town of Dalhousie (GPO). The main water supply of Dalhousie comes from the stream of Panchpula.he stream springs from the north side of Dayan Kund and runs down a picturesque ravine to the waterworks of Panchpula. One of the great revolutionary, Ajit Singh died here and a samadhi has been built in his memory . This monument is beautifully placed at a site where several streams meet at one place.There is a Tourism restaurant and several chai shops in Panchpula that offer hot and cold beverages and snacks.
On the way to Panchpula lies Satdhara ,an overly beautiful stream with cool, clean and freshning water. The water of this spring is said to have medicinal property.

Kynance-

This building was constructed during the year 1933 by Dr. N.R.Dharamvir of Lahore and it used to be the private residence of Dharamvirs. This place gained popularity because Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose,3One of the freedom fighters stayed here for a period of seven months. This place of historical importance lies about 50 kms from GPO (heart of Dalhousie).An insignificant looking board bearing the name of Kynance hangs from a tree and is discernible to only those tourists who have an eye for details.

Norwood Paramdham-

Lying about 5kms from Gandhi Chowk this beautiful building is located on the eastern side of the Bakrota hill and is locally popular by name of Kainth wali Kothi. This building surrounded by forest of Deodar tree gained importance due to a Yogi.During 1925 a young Yogi Swami Satyanand came to Dalhousie and stayed here. He meditated here and took a silent vow that he will not break his fast till he finds the truth and God.

Kalatop-

Located about 10 kms from GPO (heart of Dalhousie) this beautiful place is netled at a height of about 8000 feets.Dalhousie water system, Tibetan Handicraft Centre and Dalhousie Potato Farm at Ahla. Lakkarmandi is nestled between 8600 feet high DayanKund peak on its right and Kalatop on the left. Dayan Kund has military installations and is closed to civilians except the local people who visit Bhulwani Mata temple near DayanKund. The best way to explore this place is by walking and trekking towards it but it requires a good health and is pretty much tiring.

Khajjar-

Lying at a height of about 6400 fts. this beautiful place is called as the 'mini Switzerland' ( because of meadowy look) and lies about 23 kms from Dalhousie and 13 kms from Kalatop. Khajjar is a stunning valley with a spring in the middle, while being quite beautiful, it gets littered with trash in the peak season of July when a massive amount of tourists come. Surrounded by a thick forest of pine and Deodar Khajjar is delight to watch and grazing goats and cttles gives a perfect pastoral view. A temple dedicated to Khajji Nag is located here and it is believed to be built in 12th century. The centre of the temple has life size statues of Pandavs and the defeated Kaurvas hanging from the roof of the circumambulatory path. The sanctum of the temple has been beautifully carved from wood.

Bharmaur-

Lying about 63 kms from Chamba this place is called as the 'land of Gaddies or Bharmaur'. It remained the seat of power of state of Chamba for about 400 years when it was known by the name of Brahmpur. Bharmaur is known for some very old archaelogical remains of temples.All these temples stand on a level area, which call the Chaurasi after the 84 Siddhas who are believed to have meditated in Bharmaur over 1000 years ago. These Siddhas hailed from Kurukshetra and visited Manimahesh. The oldest temple in the complex are of Ganesh and Lakshna Devi. The Manimahesh is the tallest temple in the complex and has been built in Shikhara style.There is a small water source called Ardh Ganda in a corner of the temple complex. Bathing in its water is considered religiously significant.

The place around Bharmaur is believed to be belonging to Lord Shiva and thats why it is sometimes referred to as Shiva Bhumi (Land of Shiva). Just about 4 kms from this archaelogical site lies the temple of Bharmani Devi. It lies on a hill top and trek upto this place is quite revitalizing.

Mani Mahesh-

The place lies about 28 kms from Bharmaur and is one of the most famous pilgrimage centre of the area.In the month of August/September the famous JATRA of Mani-Mahesh commences from Laxmi-Narayana Temple in Chamba.Off late people from north India and beyond have started visiting this sacred lake. According to an estimate nearly one lakh people visit this sacred lake every year and take a holy dip. The lake is situated at the base of the hill called as Mani Mahesh Kailash hill and is situated at a height of about 13,500 ft.

Chhatrari-

This small village situated about 45 kms from Chamba is famous for the hill style temple Shamti Devi. The temple is regarded as one of the holiest ones competing with well known temples of "Lakshna Devi" at Bharmour and of "Bhawani" at Kangra.he Shakti Devi temple is of interest owning to the elaborate decoration of its facade, ceiling and pillar. The sanctum, its architecture and sculpture betray a conscious effort on part of its builder to introduce a highly refined post Gupta art in this remote part of Chamba.

Other temples in the region are temple of Gauri Shankar which is believed to be built in 10th century AD.A few minutes walk up the mountain slopes from the main village is the Charauta temple which houses a stone image of BHATOD NAG who gives water to the people in return for one black and four white goats every three years. There are 36 water sources in the village around which beautiful PANIHARS (Fountain slabs) can be seen.

Churches in Dalhousie-

St. Patrick's Church-

This3is the largest church in Dalhousie and is located about 2kms from Dalhousie bus stand on the military hospital road. Built in 1909 the church is still in good condition.This Church was built exclusively from contribution made by officers and ranks of the British Army. At present the Church is managed and maintained by the Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar. Tis church has a sitting capacity of 300 people in its main hall.

St. Francis church-

This catholic church is very prominent structure located at Subhash chowk.Like St. Patrick's church is also maintained by Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar.St. Francis' Church on Prtrain hill is believed to have been built on the lines of a certain church in England. Beautiful glasswork and intricate stonework can be seen in the Church. Beside the church lies the residence of priest.

St. Andrew's Church-

Lying about one and a half km away from Dalhousie bus stand this church is also called as the 'church of Scotland'. This church was built in 1903 by protestant chriatian and is in fairly good condition.Recently a boundry wall has been erected around the church to protect it from any damages.

St. John's Church-

This is the first church built after the establishment of the city of Dalhousie.The church lies about one and half kms from the Dalhousie main bus stand and is the most prominent structure located on Gandhi chowk.Building of this church is a copy of Roman Catholics Church of England but this church belongs to Protestants. Service is conducted on every Sunday.

Dalhousie ,Himachal Pradesh,

India: Genaral information-

Dalhousie ,located in the state of Himachal Pradesh on the western edge of Dhauladhar peak of Himalyas. The place has been named after one of the British Governor General of 19th centuryi, Lord Dalhousie. One of the important and famous hill stations of India, Dalhousie has charming colonial architecture, including some beautiful churches. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar Mountains are also visible from this fabulous town of Himachal Pradesh.

The altitude of Dalhousie town varies between 1500 mts to 25500 mts and lies on and aroud five hills named- Kathlog, Patreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun. HPTDC has best described the beauty of Dahousie by saying-

Its location presents panoramic views of the plains and like a long silver line, the river Ravi twists and turns below Dalhousie. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains are also visible form this enchanting town.

How to reach Dalhousie-

Although Dalhousie is accessible by Air, train as well as by road but by far the most convenient way to reach here is by bus from adjoining cities in Himachal Pradesh and other states.

Reaching Dalhousie by Air-
The nearest airport to Dalhousie is Gaggal airport in Kangra which is about 134 kms away from Dahousie.From Gaggal airport you have to hire a taxi or travel by a bus to reach Dalhousie. Furthermore, There are not too many flights that operate from Gaggal airport and to add to it many a timess flights are cancelled due to bad weather or due to fog. So, reaching here by flight is certainly not a good option.

Reaching Dalhousie by Train-
The nearest railhead from Dalhousie is Pathankot which is about 84 kms away from here. Trains from many parts of India arrive and depart from Pathankot. From Pathankot you can hire a taxi or rde on a bus to reach Dalhousie.Buses and taxis are easily available from here.

Reaching Dalhousie by Road-
I regard bus journey as the best to reach Dalhousie.Firstly it is convenient as you don't have to break your journey and secondly the view of the mountains from the bus and road is simply astounding. Buses from adjoining states operate on a regular basis. Dalhousie is well connected by other cities of Himachal Pradesh like, Shimla, Chamba, Kullu and Manali. Apart from this buses also operate from Chandigarh , Delhi, Ambala and Amritsar.

Where to stay in Dalhousie-

Being one of the famous hill place in India , Dalhousie has ample number of hotels to meet the needs of every type of tourists.Most of the hotels are located in the main market around the GPO which is at the heart of the town. But generally hotels in this area are dearer so to get a budget hotel you have to move towards either Subhash Chowk or Mall road.
In the month of July you should make prior arrangements for hotel as this is the peak season and most of the tourists flood into the town to get respite from the heat of the summer.

Where to eat in Dalhousie-

There are a few quality restaurants situated in and around GPO which serve delicious north indian, south indian and western recipes.The options are few if you want to taste some local cuisines.Just ask locals for a a restaurant which serves local delicacies and they can lead you to some good restaurants.By far the most convenient and quality place to get your foods is your hotel itself.

Best time to visit and clothings in Dalhousie-

Best season to visit Dalhousie is between June to November as weather is pleasant during these months.July is the peak season when most of the tourists flock in here.

You need light woolens during summer months (June to mid september). During winters you need heavy woolens as the region is extremely cold during winter with temperatures sometimes reaching below freezing point.