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Places to visit in Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a hill station lying close to Chamba town in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Apart from its captivating beauty, this hill station has a link to the country’s colonial past. It was named after Lord Dalhousie back in 1854 and currently stands as one of the most popular holiday destinations in India. Dalhousie tourism is famous for its wide range of natural and historical attractions, including snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, forests, churches, temples, etc. In addition, individuals can experience the unique regional culture and traditions up close during their visit to Dalhousie. 

While on a trip to Dalhousie, one can go for a memorable family picnic amidst the charming greenery of Panchpula, embrace the magnificent Satdhara falls, witness the glorious regional wildlife at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary or soak in the surrounding scenic beauty at Chamera lake. Apart from nature, one can also visit the churches and temples in Dalhousie to learn more about the religious side of the region. In addition, there are also lots of fun places to visit for shoppers, food lovers and partygoers. If you are looking for thrilling activities to do in Dalhousie, there’s a plethora of fun options waiting for you at this holiday destination. Thus it is popularly regarded as the perfect hillside vacation destination in India.

Dalhousie Tourist Places

In addition to natural beauty, the popular attractions in Dalhousie also consist of several historical and religious landmarks. Here are some examples of the best places to visit in Dalhousie: 

  1. Ajit Singh Memorial

    Tourists who want to learn more about India’s resistance against colonial rule can visit the famous Sardar Ajit Singh Memorial at Panchpula (Panjpulla). He was a great revolutionary and a huge inspiration to his nephew, Martyr Bhagat Singh. The memorial is located about 3 kilometers from Gandhi Chowk and is also an ideal picnic spot in Dalhousie.

  2. Jandri Ghat Palace

    The Jandri Ghat Palace is among the most popular Dalhousie tourist places, located a few kilometers from the town. It is the former residence of the royals of Chamba and was constructed under the orders of Raja Gopal Singh in 1870-71. The Jandri Ghat Palace is famous for its European architecture, surrounding beauty and royal trophy exhibits. 

  3. Rang Mahal

    When visiting Dalhousie, make sure to check out the famous Rang Mahal. This 18th structure, built under the orders of Raja Umed Singh, served as the residence of the royals of Chamba. It is an ideal representation of the perfect architectural blend of Mughal and British styles. The Rang Mahal now houses a series of craft shops selling regional hand-made products and is one of the most visited Dalhousie tourist places. 

  4. Jandri Ghat

    Apart from the magnificent palace, the surrounding beauty of Jandri Ghat itself makes it a popular tourist attraction in Dalhousie. Located just a kilometer from Subhas Baoli, the area is covered by fascinating pine trees and lush greenery on all sides. It is a popular picnic destination and relaxation spot in Dalhousie.

  5. Bara Pathar Temple

    The Bara Pathar is a beautiful temple situated on the way to Kalatop, just 4 kilometers from the town. Besides being a major Dalhousie sightseeing destination, it is also one of the most important religious landmarks in the region. This temple, dedicated to Bhulwani Mata, is surrounded by snow-covered mountains and lush green forests. Make sure to visit the Bara Pathar temple during the annual festival, which typically takes place in July.

  6. St Andrews Church

    The St Andrews Church is a prominent part of the Dalhousie sightseeing aspect. Popularly referred to as the “Church of Scotland”, this church is well-known for its grand interior and outstanding glasswork. It was built back in 1903 by Protestant Christians and has a magnificent aisle that you can walk. 

  7. St Francis Church

    The St Francis Church is yet another example of beautiful places to see in Dalhousie. Located near Subhas Chowk, the St Francis Church was established in 1894 by civilians, civil officers and the army. Surrounded by deodar trees, the church is well-known for its century-old history, beautiful stonework, enchanting interior design and immaculate Belgian glasswork.

  8. St Patrick's Church

    Located near the Bus Stop on Military Hospital Road, St Patrick’s Church is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Dalhousie. It was established back in 1909 by the English higher-ranking officials in the army. St Patrick's Church in Dalhousie is famous for its old British architecture, surrounding natural beauty of pine trees and valleys, and impressive main hall. 

  9. Bhuri Singh Museum

    Located in Chamba, the Bhuri Singh Museum is among the top places to see near Dalhousie. It was established back in 1908 and named after Raja Bhuri Singh. Initially, the museum used to house several paintings handed down by Raja Bhuri Singh. However, now it has an extensive collection of exhibits related to regional craft and culture, anthropology, archaeology, weapons, coins, etc. Individuals can take a 2-hour drive from Dalhousie to reach the Bhuri Singh Museum.

  10. Rock Garden

    The Rock Garden is a famous site that attracts tourists all year round. Its vast garden and surrounding scenic beauty make it a perfect spot to relax and host picnics. In addition, the Rock Garden is a prominent spot for participating in adventure activities with tons of exciting options. It is located very close to Dalhousie, within an hour’s drive.

  11. Chamera Lake

    Located roughly 25 kilometres from Dalhousie, the magnificent Chamera Lake is a site of astonishing beauty. It is an artificial lake by the Chamera Dam, encompassed by scenic visuals of the valleys and the trees. It is a perfect location for water sports, photography and picnic. Tourists can also enjoy the local street food and indulge in souvenir shopping at Chamera Lake.

  12. KalaTop Wildlife Sanctuary

    If you want to witness the elegance of nature and its course, the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit spot during your trip to Dalhousie. It lies within an hour’s drive from the town, making it easily accessible. The sanctuary is covered by thick forests consisting of deodar trees and vast grasslands. In addition, it features rich wildlife, several freshwater streams, stunning sunset views, and a wide range of adventure activities. 

  13. Forest Rest House

    A major attraction of Dalhousie tourism is the Forest Rest House. It is ideal for individuals who want to take a break from their everyday schedule and unwind amidst the gorgeous natural beauty. A popular example of this is the Kalatop Forest Rest House.

  14. Khajjiar

    Khajjiar is a small town located at a distance of about 20 kilometres from Dalhousie. Nesting at an altitude of 6,300 feet, this place offers a perfect visual blend of dense forest, vast meadows, a beautiful lake and mountains. It is popularly described as the “Mini Switzerland of India” and features tons of fun adventure activities, like zorbing, paragliding, horse-riding, etc. 

  15. Shivkul

    The Shivkul Ashram is one of the top tourist attractions in Dalhousie, situated on Mall road. The Ashram was set up by Vimala Thakur, a religious philosopher. The religious lecture sessions, workshops, and captivating surrounding beauty of the place draw in tons of visitors all year round.

  16. Bansi Gopal Temple

    Make sure to visit the Bansi Gopal Temple during your trip to Dalhousie. It is a very crucial religious landmark of the region, attracting visitors from all over the nation and the world. This Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his beloved, Radha. The Bansi Gopal Temple is also a great example of the Shikhara style of architecture, belonging to the medieval period. Tourists can take a 2-hour drive from Dalhousie to reach this famous temple.

Activities in Dalhousie

From exciting adventures to slow-paced fun activities, there are a lot of things to do in Dalhousie. Some examples include: 

Adventure

  1. Trekking

    The challenging paths surrounded by the incredible beauty of nature make up for great trekking adventures in Dalhousie. Many tourists consider it to be the best way to explore the regional beauty up close. Among the various available trekking routes in and near Dalhousie, the Dainkund Hill trek stands to be the most preferred one. It is a beginner-friendly route that offers majestic hilltop views from the Dainkund peak, the highest point in Dalhousie. 

  2. Camping

    If you are interested in an exciting solo or group adventure activity in Dalhousie.¬¬ The entire region rests amidst magnificent hills and lush green forests, making it an ideal location for outdoor camping activities. Among the many available choices, the Dainkund peak, Chamba and Kalatop are some of the best places to go camping in Dalhousie.

  3. Paragliding

    For the ultimate vantage point to witness the glorious scenic visuals of Dalhousie, you can go for the paragliding experience. It is an adrenaline-pumping adventure activity, offering some of the best views of the region. There are some select spots in and near Dalhousie where tourists can go paragliding, like Khajjiar. 

  4. Boating

    Boating is a popular adventure activity that tourists can participate in during their trip. It adds a completely different perspective to Dalhousie tourism and is considered a must-try activity. Individuals can opt for a calm boat ride in the serene water or go for a full-rush speed boating experience at Chamera lake, located an hour away from the town.

  5. Rock Climbing

    Rock climbing is a challenging yet fun adventure activity available in Dalhousie. It is a perfect activity for thrill seekers who want to enhance their holiday experience. Khajjiar is a famous place for rock climbing that individuals can opt for during their Dalhousie trip.

  6. Horse Riding

    Horse riding is one of the most enjoyable activities you can participate in during your Dalhousie trip. It offers an exciting opportunity for individuals to explore the spellbinding regional beauty on a horseback. Subhas Chowk is one of the best places in Dalhousie to avail of this fun activity.    

Relaxation

  1. Witness the natural beauty

    A trip to Dalhousie is a perfect choice for individuals who want to relax and unwind amidst the vibrant greenery, with the mountains providing the perfect backdrop. The views of the snow-capped mountains and sunset points also add up to provide the ultimate relaxation getaway experience.

  2. Picnic

    Another popular relaxation activity individuals can consider during their Dalhousie trip is going on a picnic. The natural elegance of the region and serene atmosphere make it a marvellous location for hosting picnics with friends and family. Some ideal places for this are Jandri Ghat, Rock Garden and Chamera Lake.

Shopping in Dalhousie

While on your Dalhousie trip, make sure to check out the local markets and shops for regional arts and crafts. Here are some prominent places in Dalhousie where you can go shopping:

  1. Gandhi Chowk

    Located a few meters from the center of the town, Gandhi Chowk is one of the most famous places in Dalhousie for shopping. It attracts a massive crowd, especially tourists, all year round. There are many local shops and street vendors selling all types of products at this location. This market is ideal for buying regional handicrafts and electronic items in Dalhousie. The place also has several restaurants and food stalls where one can delve into delicious regional cuisine.

  2. Bhuttico

    Another ideal place for shopping in Dalhousie is Bhuttico. It has a vast collection of embroidered and Kullu shawls, which can be great gifts for close friends and family members. The Kullu shawls at this place, often made of angora, lambswool and pashmina, are quite popular. You can find high-quality products at various price ranges at Bhuttico.

  3. Tibetan Handicraft Centre

    Located just 2 kilometres from Bakrota Hill, the Tibetan Handicraft Centre is a great place to shop for Tibetan-style art and handicrafts in Dalhousie. This busy market is filled with shops selling mementoes, ornaments, mats, Tibetan carpets, handloom products, etc. The beautiful art pieces can be a perfect addition to your personal souvenir collection. 

  4. Tibetan Market

    The Tibetan market in Dalhousie is a must-visit place for tourists. You can explore the beautiful regional craftworks and shop for items at reasonable prices. The market features a massive range of products, including utensils, carpets, handbags, dolls, ornaments, etc. Many visitors prefer doing their gift and souvenir shopping at this location during their Dalhousie trip. 

  5. Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium

    If you want to shop for high-quality Kashmiri and traditional woolen shawls, then make sure to visit the Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium. You can also find a good range of products and designs at this location.

Food in Dalhousie

Dalhousie is the perfect spot for food lovers to try out delicious Himachal Pradesh cuisine. Here are some examples of popular restaurants to visit and dishes to eat during your Dalhousie trip:

Restaurants 

  1. Kwality Restaurant

    The Kwality Restaurant is one of the most famous places where you can eat in Dalhousie. It serves both Indian and Asian cuisines and has an elegant ambience. Located in Gandhi Chowk, you can grab a quick bite or go for a full-fledged lunch or dinner at this restaurant. Some of its must-try dishes include Aloo parathas, Noodles and Saag Chicken. Kwality Restaurant in Dalhousie is also quite affordable and makes up for a fantastic place to go for tea and snacks. 

  2. Napoli Restaurant

    Another great place for brunch and dinner in Dalhousie is the Napoli Restaurant. Located in Garam Sadak, this place is famous for serving Chinese and Indian cuisines. Besides delicious multi-cuisine options, this restaurant offers a calm ambience, comfortable seating arrangements and quick service. 

  3. Old Sher-e-Punjab Dhaba

    In order to enjoy authentic Punjabi cuisine amidst the beautiful hills of Himachal Pradesh, you can consider visiting the Old Sher-e-Punjab Dhaba in Dalhousie. It is located in Subhas Chowk and serves an extensive range of flavourful Punjabi food. Apart from its luxurious ambience, the restaurant provides prompt service and serves other cuisines. During your visit, make sure to try out their Chana Masala, Amritsari Kulcha, Lassi, Tandoori Biriyani, etc.  

  4. Moti Mahal

    The Moti Mahal Restaurant in Dalhousie is a great place to eat solo or with family. The restaurant is well-known for its delectable food, portion quantity, prompt service and affordability. Despite being a multi-cuisine restaurant, it puts equal emphasis on food quality over the board. The place is quite popular for its extensive vegetarian food options.  

Dishes

  1. Madra

    One of the most sought-after regional dishes available in Dalhousie is Madra. It is made with vegetables or soaked chickpeas, alongside a mix of various spices like turmeric powder, cardamom, cinnamon, etc., to add flavour. This delectable dish is perfect to eat when out sightseeing in Dalhousie.

  2. Kullu Trout Fish

    This is a must-try regional delicacy that you can find at any major restaurant in Dalhousie. It is a non-vegetarian dish made with trout fish, marinated in a few spices and pan-fried in mustard oil. The dish is then served alongside a pinch of lemon-onion sauce, offering a delicious and nutritional delight.

  3. Tibetan Thukpa

    There are a lot of restaurants in Dalhousie that serve scrumptious Tibetan cuisine. Among them, the Tibetan Thukpa is a must-try item. It is a type of noodle soup made with boiled noodles, a variety of fresh vegetables, meat, chilies , ginger-garlic paste, and a few other ingredients. Apart from being extremely delicious, it is a fantastic dish to satisfy hunger. 

  4. Dhaam

    Dhaam is a complete traditional dish that comes with rice, dal, curd, rajma and some other complimentary side dishes. Its rich aroma, nutritional value and mouthwatering taste make it a must-have dish for lunch in Dalhousie. Dhaam is a famous dish prepared during festive seasons and can be easily found across eateries in the town.

Nightlife in Dalhousie

In terms of nightlife, there are a few prominent places you can check out in Dalhousie. Some examples include:

  1. Illusion Lounge Bar

    The Illusion Lounge Bar is among the top places to visit in Dalhousie to enjoy the regional nightlife. The place is famous for its hospitable staff, a wide range of drink options, delicious snacks and affordable pricing. In addition, this place features a great ambience and outdoor seating options. The bar usually remains open from 12 PM to 11:30 PM, accompanied by a good crowd. 

  2. Tiffin Restaurant and Viceroy Bar by Grand View Hotel

    Located near the Bus Stand, the Tiffin Restaurant and Viceroy Bar is a great place to enjoy the Dalhousie nightlife. The place is famous for its great service, live music, drinks menu and tasty food options. In addition, the place features an excellent ambience and remains open till 10:30 PM. 

  3. The Kettle House

    The Kettle House is another great spot in Dalhousie that remains open till 11 PM. It is a great place to hang out and dine with friends during your trip to Dalhousie. It is famous for its beautiful interior, comfortable seating, quick service and elegant ambience. 

Khajjiar

Khajjiar is a picturesque hill station situated 22 kms from Dalhousie and 24 kms from Chamba. Perched at an altitude of 6,500 feet above sea level, this enchanting glade is a rare amalgamation of three eco-systems: lake, pasture and forest.

Owing to this topographical resemblance to Switzerland, it has officially been bestowed with the status of ‘Mini Switzerland’ by the Vice Counselor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland in India, Mr. Willy T. Blazer, on 7th July 1992. He also put up a sign board which displays the distance between Khajjiar and Swiss Capital-Bern and took a stone from Khajjiar to be mounted in the stone collage around the Swiss Parliament to constantly remind people of Khajjiar as the 'Mini Switzerland'.

Khajjiar is a vast saucer shaped green meadow on a flat plateau foothill of the Dauladhar mountains with a serene lake in the middle and embraced by the lush pine and deodhar trees with a view of the snow-capped kailash mountains from a distance. With a tranquil vibe and stunning landscape, it is a perfect tourist spot for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

 

Khajjiar lake is a serene tranquil natural splendor at an elevated height of 1,920 meters surrounded by emerald green luxuriant hills and cedar trees with the towering mountain ranges visible in the background on a sunny day. The clear transparent water glimmers under the brilliant radiance emanating from the sun.

A naturally blessed beautiful meadow, it offers a lot of recreational activities for tourists. Indulge in the innumerable activities offered here such as paragliding, zorbing, horse-riding etc. Pose for pictures in the local attire including traditional jewellery and holding a basket with furry rabbits in it.  The locals provide the opportunity for such picture perfect moments for a fee. Make sure to bargain! Khajjiar has a spectacular 9-hole golf course snuggled between the lush greenery and mesmerizing landscape.

 

Location

https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Khajjiar,+Himachal+Pradesh+176314/@32.5503598,76.0455439,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x391c966a723433b5:0xb281d8e676ebd3dc!8m2!3d32.555795!4d76.0655834

 

Apart from the meadow, there are various places that can be explored in Khajjiar:

1.Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary – Positioned between Dalhousie and Khajjiar, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 30 sq km at an altitiude of 2,500 meters above sea level. A favourite tourist spot for hiking and nature walks, it offers a stunning and pristine views of the rich and dense grassland which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, freshwater streams flowing into river Ravi and snow crested mountains of Pir Panjal. The wildlife sanctuary comprises of coniferous, rhododendron, cedar, pine and oak trees and one can spot barking goral, Himalayan black bear, wild cats, serows, langur, jackal, pheasants, deers, squirrels and leopards. The clear trails, riveting views of the hill and less explored trek, it is an ideal spot for trekking and nature walks with the highest point being the 4 km walk from from Lakkarmandi to Kalatop.

2.Trekking –  The best way to explore Khajjiar is through trekking as it serves as the commencing point for treks to Chamba, Dalhousie and Kalatop Hill. The 14km route takes you through a slightly challenging path but the scenic beauty of lush landscapes of dense cedar forest interspersed with rivulets makes the trek worthwhile.  Other mesmerizing trek route is a 4km hike from Lakkarmandi to Kalatop.  A 4 km trek 6 km from Khajjiar to Dainkund is an excellent well-defined trek and perfectly suitable for beginners and children.

3.Golden Devi Temple – Also known as the Khajji Naga temple, the name derives from the golden dome and spire on top of the temple. Built in the 12th century on the banks of Khajjiar lake, it is a shrine dedicated to the Lord of serpents and has several snake idols in the temple. It is a perfect amalgam of Hindu and Mughal architecture with a reflection of pahadi style and intricate carvings on the wooden pillars depicting the defeat of Kauravas by Pandavas in the Mahabharat epic. It houses the idols of Lord Shiva, Hidimba and images of Pandavas made out of wood.

Also, not to be missed are the Dainkund peak, Khajjiar villages, Panchpula, a grand and majestic 85 feet statue of Lord Shiva and shopping at the Tibetan handicrafts center.

The best time to visit Khajjiar is March to June and September – October when the weather is pleasant. It is ideal for trekking and visiting the kalatop wildlife sanctuary as its at its plushest phase. During monsoon it is not advisable to go trekking as it receives heavy rainfall and in winters the temperatures drop considerably and can be shut during heavy snowfall.

 

Highlights 

  1. Khajjiar is one of the 160 locations bestowed with the title of ‘Mini Switzerland’ due to its topographical resemblance to Switzerland.
  2. It is famous for paragliding, zorbing and horse riding
  3. It is one of the famous spots for local and foreign tourists for trekking and nature hikes.  It offers various trails encompassed by plush captivating forest, snow peaked mountain ranges and serene lake, offering a breathtaking sight for every nature lover.
  4. The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts
  5. A 9-hole golf course amidst luxuriant grasslands and spectacular landscape is a must visit
  6. The Golden Devi temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Naga and a rare temple with images of Pandavas carved out of wood.

 

 

Recommended For

A family holiday for a scenic and glorious sightseeing, trekking and sport activities.

 

How to get to Khajjiar

Air: The nearest airport is Kangra Airport, Gaggal. From there it is at a distance of 134 km from Khajjiar and can be reached by a cab.

Train: The nearest station is Pathankhot station. From there the distance is 142km and a cab can be hired to Khajjiar.

Road: Several private and state buses run from Dalhousie and Chamba to Khajjiar. A cab can also be hired.

 

Interesting Facts About Khajjiar 

  1. The mesmerising beauty of this place has greatly influenced and inspired many kingdoms throughout the years, including the Rajputs and Mughals.
  2. Khajjiar is also referred to as the ‘Gulamarg’ of Himachal Pradesh
  3. The wildlife sanctuary was also known as a gaming reserve for the Chamba rulers

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