Dalhousie – The quietest hill station

Dalhousie with its magnificent mountain chains and thick forests of deodar trees attracts a lot of tourists from every nook & corner of world. Being quietest hill station in India, tourism in Dalhousie is always soul refreshing. This hill station falls in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh extending over an area of 13 sq. km. This beautiful hill station comprises five distinct hills, Balun, Petreyn, Kathlog, Tehra and Bakrota with heights ranging between 1,525 and 2,378 meters. The town was established in year 1854 by the British rulers as a summer treat for its troops and bureaucrats. The hill station was named after Lord Dalhousie who was the British viceroy in India at that time.

Language spoken – People speak Pahari (local dialect), English & Hindi here. They basically speak Pahari, so you can notice the influence of Pahari dialect can be felt on Hindi also. 

                                       

People & culture – People here are very soft hearted & hard working. Basically Gaddi and Gujjar tribe’s people live here. People here are simple, sturdy, honest people & work hard to earn their livelihood.  The Gaddis can be easily identified due to their typical dress comprising topa, chola & dora. The Gaddi women are good looking. The Gujjars can be recognized by their typical beard and dress. They wear a special type of turban (safa) made of muslin cloth on their heads, a loose shirt (kameez) of blue or black cotton fabric.

This hilly region is a repository of ancient Hindu culture, art, temples and handicrafts. Victorian & Scottish art & architecture is quite prevalent in the bungalows and churches of the town.

Best time to visit – You can visit Dalhousie in any season either it is winter or summer. In the summer, the beauty of royal Bakrota Hills and other areas spread a magical charm on the visitors. On the other hand in winter town experiences a very heavy snowfall so lots of people visit here for everlasting fun.

Tourist attraction of Dalhousie – This hill station offers a very peaceful and quiet holiday and an opportunity to enjoy the attractiveness of nature in a relaxed manner. A number of scenic walks run through the pine, oak and deodar forests around the town and offer excellent views of the Chenab, the Ravi and the Beas valleys. Moreover it is a heaven for all those who love to go for camping in the wilderness of Himalayas.

Bakrota Hills: Bakrota hill is one of the finest and soul refreshing places in Dalhousie. Thick 'Deodar' forests looks like a green carpet covering the hills. One of the best things about walking through these hills is the unpredictable hide & seeks of the sunshine through 'Deodar' trees which leaves you speechless. Soul refreshing pure mountain air refreshes you & mixes your inner heart with the beauty of nature. A visit to the place is incomplete if you do not walk through this magical paradise.

St. Andrew's Church: St. Andrew's Church which is also known as the Church of Scotland was built by Protestant Christians in the year 1903 at Baloon. The Church of St. Andrew is approx. 1.5 kms from bus stand. The building of church is in good condition.

St. Patrick's Church: St. Patrick's Church is situated in Baloon, on Military Hospital road approx. 2 kms away from main bus stand. This Church is the largest church in Dalhousie which has a seating capacity of 300 persons in its main hall. The Church was built exclusively from contribution made by officers and ranks of the British Army in 1909.

St. Francis' Church: St. Francis' Church is a very well-known monument on the Subhash Chowk which was built in the year 1894. This Catholic Church on Petreyn hill is believed to have been built on the lines of a certain church in England. Intricate stone work & glass work makes the Church a beautiful piece of art.

St. John's Church: St. John’s Church stands on the Gandhi Chowk approx. 2 kms from the main bus stand of Dalhousie. This was the first & the oldest church to be built after the town was founded.

Dainkund or Dayankund: Dayankund is a towering and beautiful peak 2,745 meters which offers panoramic views of the three main rivers - Beas, Ravi and Chenab especially on a clear sunny day.

Kalatop:  Kalatop offers a magnificent and grand panoramic view of the surrounding landscape eye travels wide over hill and dale, smooth and ruggedness, field and forest till in the direction of Jammu and Kashmir, it meets a horizon of snow peaks.

Khajjiar: Khajjar, a little out of the town is a beautiful, charming retreat that makes an ideal day excursion or even an overnight stay. Far from major towns, this peaceful spot has a small lake in the centre, on which there is a floating island. The local people hold the lake for in legend, it is associated with Khajjinag, the deity that is enshrined in the temple which has a golden dome.

Panchphulla / Ajit Singh Memorial: A great freedom fighter, Sardar Ajit Singh’s 'Samadhi' is located at Dalhousie's Panjphulla, who breathed his last on the day India gained independence, 15th August, 1947. He was the uncle of martyr Bhagat Singh. a The Samadhi is a picturesque spot with a natural tank and water flowing under small bridges from which the place takes its name. Moreover on the way to Panchpulla there is Satdhara springs bubbling with refreshing water, believed to contain medicinal properties. The stream springs runs down a pleasing ravine to the waterworks of Panchpula.

Subhash Baoli : Subhash Baoli has been named after Shri Subhash Chandra Bose who used to drink water from this place during his stay. It is a lovely spot for picnic with a good view of snow covered hills.

Jandri Ghat: Jandri Ghat is a place of the rulers of former Chamba State which is surrounded by tall pine trees, not to mention a worth visiting place.

Transport facility – The transportation facility in town is good. There are government buses which are easily available for wandering in the hill stations. Tourists can hire their own car & buses to see various spots there. Private as well as government buses can take you to the places in & around Dalhousie at affordable price.  

Accommodation – Dalhousie offers a superb collection of accommodation with incredible scenic locations. Tourists can stay where they can enjoy sightseeing and luxury at its best. The accommodation options are varied and cater to the all budgets. Resorts, cottages, luxury, deluxe and budget hotels offer all modern facilities and amenities to the visitor to enjoy a comfortable stay. The food in the hill resort is delicious and very reasonably priced.

Dalhousie the gateway to Chamba originally conceived as a sanitorium by its founder Lord Dalhousie, is one of the most quiet hill stations. So, whenever you make a plan to go somewhere in summers, do think about Dalhousie and you would never regret, till then keep traveling!!!! …… :)