Dalhousie is a popular hill station spread out over five hills in Himachal Pradesh boasting views of the snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar ranges. Famous for its meadows, dense forests, and waterfalls, it is especially a favourite amongst honeymooners and family vacationers.
Established in 1854, the valley is named after Lord Dalhousie, and was one of the favourite summer destinations of the Britishers during the colonial era. Dalhousie offers an old-world charm, mesmerizing natural landscapes, pine-clad valleys and magnificent misty mountains.
The Scottish and Victorian-era architecture of churches like the St Patricks Church, St John’s Church and St Francis Church reminds of its colonial heritage.Dalhousie is also known for woollen Himachali shawls, Tibetan handicrafts, Chamba handkerchiefs, and other paraphernalia. These can be bought from The Mall Road which is the town’s main market.
A trip to Dalhousie is incomplete without Khajjiar. Known as the mini Switzerland of India, Khajjiar is just 21 km away. The little hill town is famous for its spellbinding vistas of mountains loaded in white snow and lush green pastures of land. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary in Khajjiar is famous for an exquisite variety of endangered species and breathtaking views of the mountains in the backdrop. Chamba, located almost 50km from Dalhousie, is also worth visiting.
Panchpula
Surrounded by a cover of green pine and deodar trees, Panchpula is a popular picnic spot in Dalhousie, located at a distance of 3.5 km from Gandhi Chowk in Dalhousie. It is best known for Saptdhara Waterfall, the starting point of the Ganji Pahari trek and activities like Ziplining, and Burma Bridge.
A Samadhi (monument) is built near Panchpula in memory of the great revolutionary, Sardar Ajit Singh (Uncle of Martyr Bhagat Singh), who breathed his last here.
Khajjiar
This small town, very nearby to Dalhousie is also known as the ‘Mini Switzerland’ or the ‘Switzerland of India’.
The mesmerizing beauty of this place has greatly influenced and inspired many kingdoms throughout the years, including the Rajputs and Mughals. Located at an altitude of 6,500 feet, the natural beauty and picturesque landscape of this place are bound to leave an everlasting impression on a tourist.
Khajjiar is known for its nine-hole golf-course which is nestled in the midst of lush greenery and a breathtaking landscape. Khajjiar is a plateau with a small lake which tends to be a favorite amongst tourists. This region also attracts adventure seekers and has a lot of options in adventure sports like zorbing, trekking etc.
Satdhara Falls
The stunning Satdhara Falls is situated in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh. It is surrounded by fantastic views of the Chamba valley – with snow-covered ranges and fresh, green pine and deodar trees. ‘Satdhara’ means seven springs. This waterfall brings together the waters of seven beautiful springs – their meeting point being 2036masl, cascading magnanimously in unison. The water here is said to contain mica, which has medicinal properties to cure skin diseases.
This is the perfect place for people in search of some tranquillity in their hectic life. The crystal clear water of the majestic Satdhara Falls gurgles with joy as little droplets bounce off the rocks onto us. The pleasant fragrance of wet mud fills the air with a refreshing scent as the water pours into a sparkling and smooth aquamarine pool. The sweet nougat smell of flower washes over you as the view of the white water surging and plunging from the height hypnotises you with its beauty. The sound of the crashing water is loud but pleasant. The edges of the fall hemmed with silver lines glisten in the sunshine.
Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary
Thick deodar foliage, a plethora of wildlife, snowcapped mountains, carpets of verdant grasslands and easy on the eye streams of fresh water make up the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. Also called the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary, it is located in the picturesque hilly Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.
The name Kalatop means ‘black cap’, which refers to the thick, black forest cover on the highest hilltop in the sanctuary. Situated a few kilometres away from the Chamba dam and Chamera reservoir on river Ravi, it is known to be rich in flora and fauna. Hundreds of small freshwater streams flow into the Ravi river north of the sanctuary.
The well laid out trekking and hiking trails in the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary make for a great nature walk with views of the towering and immaculate Pir Panjal range.
Ganji Pahari
Ganji Pahari is a scenic hill located near Dalhousie. The 1-2 hour trek to Ganji Pahari starts from Panchpula (about 3.5 km). The name Ganji Pahari was derived from its salient feature which is the complete absence of flora on the hill -‘Ganji’ meaning Bald in the local language, and ‘Pahari’ meaning Hill. During winters, the same terrain is covered in a thick coat of snow.
A tour to Ganji Pahari can also be accompanied by a guide whom tourists can hire from Dalhousie but it is not mandatory. People trek to Ganji Pahari for the sunset and sunrise. There a handful of places to stay on top and camping is also an option, but the bookings have to be made in advance.
Chamera Lake
Located near Dalhousie in the Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh, the Chamera Lake also known as Chamba Lake is the man-made reservoir for the Chamba Dam. It is a popular picnic spot and boating location. One can explore the lake on a speed boat or a rowboat and indulge in activities like kayaking & canoeing. The Himachal Pradesh Department of Tourism organises several water sports at Chamera Lake, including boating, river rafting, kayaking and canoeing; there are lifeguards on site.
Source: Holidify.com
Dalhousie: Little Switzerland of India
