Dalhousie Tourism

Dalhousie, an offbeat hill station in Himachal Pradesh, is a tourist’s delight with a picturesque landscape. Situated on the western border of the Dhauladhar mountain range of the Himalayas, this ‘mini Switzerland’ attracts lots of tourists from all corners of world. Being a gateway to Chamba Valley, Dalhousie is a beautiful city with charming architecture, panoramic views of bothe plains and white-capped vies of the mountainous ranges. There are several tourist attractive spots in Dalhousie town and thousands of people visit these locations every year.

Best Time to Visit Dalhousie

Those who like to enjoy the snow falls, are advised to choose the months between December and February. But don’t forget to carry heavy woolen clothes, as the temperature may go up to 0°C. Monsoon period makes Dalhousie foggy and cloudy. Chances of landslide are higher in hill stations, travellers generally do not prefer monsoon season.

Tourist Spots in Dalhousie

Dalhousie attracts numerous people from all corners of the world with its natural scenic beauty and pleasant climate. Most of the tourist spots in Dalhousie are hill stations that provide wide scope for sight scene and adventurous activities such as trekking, para-gliding etc. Both the plain as well as snow-capped views of mountains in Dalhousie will be an excellent experience to the visitors. Moreover, there are many ancient temples in the town that are famous for its historical significance and architectural uniqueness. For shopping crazy people, Dalhousie homes several shops at important markets and streets where you can purchase many handicraft items, paintings, jewelries etc.

Jandhri Ghat

Jandhri Ghat, which is just 2 km away from Dalhousie, of one of the most favorite tourist spot in Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by deodar and pine trees, this place is ideal location for a day picnic with friends or family. The gurgling streams amidst the mountains here make visitors feel that they are close to nature. You can also visit the European Palace situated within the pine forest. Built by Raja Gopal Singh in 1870-71, this palace is a colonial-style double-storeyed structure with antique paintings and artefacts. The beautifully laid out garden at the entrance of the bungalow is also an attraction.

Ganji Pahari

If the literal meaning of the word ‘Ganj Pahari’ is considered, this place is a bald hill that has no vegetation, trees around. You can see only a bald patch on the top of the hill. However, Ganji Pahari, located nearly 5 km away from the town, is a must visited place during the winter season, as you can see mind-blowing view of snow-capped hills and valleys. Many people visit this place with their friends and family to enjoy a leisure day. But, there is hardly any restaurant or shop around the hill and so you are better to keep the food packet with you when you visit Ganji Pahari.

Chamera Lake

Chamera Lake is a picturesque lake, which is an ideal spot for water sports and angling. It is an artificial lake built as a reservoir of the Chamera Dam. This dam is a major hydroelectricity project. Located around 15 km away from Dalhousie, this lake provides boating facilities for the tourists. The backwater lake is on River Ravi, while the fresh water lake is nearly 5 km away.

Moti Tibba

Moti Tibba is a famous tourist spot in Dalhousie. Large number of tourists visits his place to admire the scenic beauty and to enjoy the pleasant weather of Moti Tibba. This hill station was acquired from Chamba’s King by Government in 1853.Moti Tibba is surrounded by fir, pine, rhododendron and oak trees and so many tourists select this place for a quick stroll. You may spot some langurs and macaques swirling around the trees during your walk through Moti Tibba.

Garam Sadak

Garam Sadak, as the name indicates, generally has a pleasant and warm temperature. The day time here may get too hot only on a few sunny days. There are trees on both sides of this road, which joins two of the most important towns such as Subhash Chowk and Gandhi Chowk. People come here for a quick nature walk. But, those who visit this street during night, should carry a flashlight, because the road is not well-lit at night.

Dainkund Peak

Dainkund Peak, which is 10 km away from Dalhousie, is the highest mountain here. Located at a height of 2755 meters from sea level, this peak arranges the panoramic view of Dalhousie along with the mountain beauty. Trekking to Dainkund Peak is a favorite activity of tourists who visit Dalhousie. The cool breeze sweeping through the trees make you refresh. The birds eye-view of the hills, verdant valleys and the Beas, Chenab and Ravi rivers threading their silvery passage down to the plains is really a must watched scene. The magical sound that reaches your ears along with the cool breeze gives this peak another name: ‘Singing hill’. Millions of white wild Daisies cover the whole mountain. You can see Air Force base at atop this hill. Pholani Devi Temple towards the left side of the base is another attraction here. The unique feature of this temple is that no image of any deity is present here. The holy trinity of Hindu mythology is worshiped here and she is supposed to be an incarnation of Kali Mata.

Panchpulla

Panchpulla is a ‘five bridges’ memorial built in memory of Sardar Ajit Singh, who was one of the famous freedom fighters of India. This place is just 2 km away from Dalhousie town. The meaning of this place is five bridges. There is a natural tank and creams here that give the spot a fitting serenity. Water is flowing under the five small bridges.
We can also see the samadhi of Sardar Ajit singh (Uncle of Bhagat Singh) here, which adds the significance of this place. PanchPula stream is the main source of water supply to Bahlon and Dalhousie and it is believed to contain some medicinal properties. The stream, which springs from the north side of Dayankund, runs down a marvelous ravine to the waterworks of Panchpula.

Bakhrota hills

Bakrota hill is an ideal option for a quick walk around, as it gives us an amazing view of snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Watching the unpredictable golden sunshine, which filters through the pin, oak and deodar trees here, is really a mind-blowing experience. This place is just 5 km away from Dalhousie. Your Dalhousie visit will be incomplete, unless you have a walk along Bakrota hills at the height of around 2,085 meters. It is the most soul refreshing place in Dalhousie and so the pure mountain air refresh you at every turn.

Kalatop Wild Life Sanctuary

Kalatop wildlife sanctuary is located nearly 9 km away from Dalhousie. It is spread an area of 1962 hectares and it takes 4 hours to visit this forest reserve. You can see various animals like deer, bear, leopard, squirrer, serow, langur, jackal, barking goral and Himalayan black marten etc. here. People prefer a jeep safari in this sanctuary surrounded by thick forest of blue pine, fir and deodar trees. But Permission from DFO of Chamba is mandatory to enter any vehicle into the sanctuary. Thre is a small cottage rest house of the H.P Forest Department here.


It is a perfect spot for a weekend retreat. Many tributaries of the River Ravi flow through it. Located at a height of 8000 feet, Kalatop has snow fall all year round. Being a solitude area, Kalatop is also the favorite destination of honeymooners. Trekking through this beautiful landscape drapped in white snow, enjoying the stretches of silence, the gently slopes and sometimes 5 feet deep stretches of snow, will be an ever memorable experience in your life.

Banikhet

Banikhet is the gateway to Dalhousie and it is 7 km short of the city. The road divides for Chamba and Dalhousie at Banikhet. The setting-up of residential colony of Chamera Hydro-electric Project made this place important. There is an approximately 150 years old Nag temple in Padhar Maindan, which is now known as mini stadium in Banikhet.

Satdhara

Satdhara is a beautiful picnic spot on the way to Panchpula at an altitude of 2,036. The place if famous for the seven hot water springs, which has great therapeutic value in it.

Khajjar

Khajjar which is almost 27 km away from Dalhousie, is also one of the popular retreats among the visitors. It is a picturesque spot with an emerald saucer shaped meadow among a dense forest. There is also a lake with a floating island at its center. It is covered over with wild flowers. You can also enjoy a golf course and horse riding here that makes this hill land a perfect vacation destination.


Khaji Naga shrine, which is dedicated to the serpent god, is the main attraction of this place. The Nag is worshipped here in human form with a mace in one hand and a khanda, a double dagger in the other. Five life size statues of Pandavas, made in wood, are installed in the temple. . You can see different patterns and images on the ceiling and wooden posts of this temple of 10th century. This temple is also known as Golden Devi temple, as there is a small shrine dedicated to local Devi here.

Khajjar is located on a small highland at a height of around 6500 feet from sea level. Khajjar ground, on a clear day, gives you the sight of the Mountain Kailash. Khajjar is one among the 160 locations in the world that has topographical resemblances with Switzerland. The place is also known as “Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh”. March to June is the best time to visit Khajjar.

Subhash Baoli

Subhash Baoli is a charming natural spot, which is popular for its natural attractions and panoramic view of the mountain. It is located around 1 km away from G.P.O. Subash Baoli is a perennial spring. This place is named after famous freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose. It is believed that he came here in 1937, lived in Dalhousie for seven months to regain his health after the imprisonment of British Jail. He rejuvenated by the medicated water of this spring. It is said that he spent most of the time by the side of this water body mediating among the dense woods of Cedar and meeting his party workers. There is a small shelter in Subhash Baoli, built to commemorate the being of Subhash Chandra Bose. Subhash Baoli lies on the G.P.O JandriGaht Road. The local administration at this place has built a canopy with seating facilities here. Subhash Baoli is a charismatic spot with huge towering trees and the captivating view of the snow-capped peaks. It is sure the memory of the great hero of Indian independence will really reverberates you, if you sit here for a while enjoying the majestic mountains and the canopy of the blue sky.

Rang Mahal

Rang Mahal, was created in 18th century by Raja Umed Singh with a purpose of serving the residence of royal women. This palace is a perfect combination of British and Mughal architecture. You can see Punjab hill style paintings that narrate the stores of Lord Krishna’s life on the walls of the palace. There is a museum that houses several wall paintings in the palace. You can also see a handicraft shop here that sells handmade handkerchief, ethnic slippers and woolen shawls.

Time to Visit: 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm (Closed on Sunday)

Laxmi Narayan Temple

Laxmi Narayan Temple, situated very near to the Dalhousie town, is one of the major pilgrim spots and tourist locations of Himachal Pradesh. The main deities of this temple are Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Other shrines in Laxmi Narayan Temple complex include Gauri Shanker Temple, Radha Krishna Temple and Shiva Temple of Chander-Gupta. Built during the 10th century with contributions from the Rajahs of Chamba, is designed accordance to the Shikhara style of architecture. There is a Garb Griha, Shikhara and a Mandapa in the temple. The roof of the temple was designed to tackle heavy snowfall.

Norwood Paramdham

Perched on the upper side of Bakrota Hill, Norwood Paramdham was the religious abode of Swami Satyanand built in 1925. It is believed that He wrote several religious books, when he was staying at this house. People also believe that Swami meditated here and took his last breath here. Therefore the place is known as Paramdham. Kainth Wali Kothi is the local name of Norwood Paramdham. Located nearly 5 km away from Gandhi Chowk, this place is bordered by deodar trees. Nowadays larger number of visitors reach here to attend several satsangs (religious meetings) conducted by Guruji’s follower Bhagat Hans Raji Ji. Now the paramdahm has the capacity of accommodating more than 250 people.

Time to Visit: 8 am to 6:30 pm

Hariraya Temple

Hariraya Temple is a famous temple in Dalhousie, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There is a bronze image of four-armed Lord Vishnu in its three avatars, boar face, lion face and human face. The deity is decorated with armlets, rings, mukut, beaded necklaces and kundals. The temple also has another image of Lord Vishnu on a chariot of six horses. This sculpture in Shikara style architecture is the most outstanding one in this temple. It is believed that it is the only statue coated in saffron colour. Beautiful idols of Ganga and Yamuna can be seen at the entrance of the temple. There are also shrines of Lord Shiva, Aruna, Surya, Goddess Uma and Nandi here.

Time to Visit: 6am to 12:30 pm and 2:30pm to 8:30 pm

Bara Pathar Temple

Bara Pathar Temple is a must visited place during your Dalhousie trip. Located in Aha village on the way to Kalatop, this famous temple is situated among the forest. It is just 4 km away from the town center. The scenic view here attracts not only the devotees but also all types of tourists to this temple. A grand festival is celebrated here in the honour of the Goddess, Bhulwani Mata or Bhavani Mata. The main deat of Bhulwani Mata is at Dainkund. But the idol is brought to Barapathar in July, when a fair is celebrated by the local people.

Where to Eat in Dalhousie ?

Dalhousie is not only famous for its classic old world charm and snow clad peaks, but it also offers you mouthwatering cuisines that can pamper your taste buds. There is no doubt that eating out in Dalhousie is always a pleasure. You can enjoy several options for food that are different in style, element and genres in Dalhousie. The local dhabas in the town provide typical North-Indian food as well as some continental and Chinese snacks at minimal prices. There are a number of restaurants and eateries that are attached to the hotels and resorts in Dalhousie. They serve global cuisines with good quality. You can also relish Tibetan, Italian, Mughlai, South Indian cuisines as well as local Himachli food here.

Old Sher-e-Punjab Dhaba
Address: Subhash Chowk, Dalhousie,
Himachal Pradesh, 176304
Phone number: 9857351483

Friends Sher-e-Punjab Restaurant
Address: Subhash Chowk, Dalhousie,
Khosla Sweets Shop, Himachal Pradesh, 176304
Phone number: 189 924 2110

Manmahesh Rasoi Pure Vegerarian
Address: Punchpulla Road, Gandhi Chowk,
Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, 176304
Phone number: 9418105171

City Point Fastfood
Address: The Mall, Gandhi Chowk, Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, 176304
Phone number: 9857450007

Dalhousie Heights Restaurant
Address: Lovers Lane, 100 meters from main bus station,
Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Phone number: 01899- 242810

Where to Stay in Dalhousie ?

Being a popular hill station, Dalhousie houses plenty of hotels, resorts and guest houses to stay in. In off seasons such as April to June and New Year time, you will get good accommodation at reasonable rate. But you may have to book early in advance to get good lodging options and to avoid heart-breaking price quotes in peak season. There are many hotels and resorts that are located in quiet surroundings of the city. People also get all the basic facilities and luxury services at these hotels depending on the price. Some of the famous hotels and resorts in the city are listed here.


Hotel Mount View, Dalhousie
Address: ist Floor, C R Market, Ram Sharnam Colony,
Dalhousie Road, Pathankot, India, 145001
Phone number: 186 2235189, 2235190,
94174-37070, 94172-19189
Email ID: contactstartravels@gmail.com & himachaltourismindia@gmail.com
Website: www.visit-kashmir.com, www.visithimachal.com, www.himachaltourismindia.com

Sagrika Resort
Address: Court Road, Near Punjab National Bank Dalhousie, Subhash Chowk, Chamba, Himachal Pradehs, 176304
Phone number: 1899-240660, 94180-40660,
94180-25660, 93180-40660
Email ID: info@sagrikaresort.com, sagrikaresort@hotmail.com
Website: www.sagarresort.com

Hotel Mohan Palace
Address: Gandhi Chowk, Khajjiar Road, Dalhousie, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, 176304
Phone number: 1899-240347
Email ID: booking@hotelmohanpalace.com

Mongas Hotel & Resort
Address: Mongal The Mall, Gandhi Chowk, Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, 176304
Phone number: 9418180000, 9418180101, 9418010927, 01899-240581
Email ID: info@hotelmongas.com, hotelmongas@gmail.com, reservations@hotelmongas.com
Website: www.hotelmongas.com

Hotel Guncha Siddhartha
Address: Church Baloon Road, Near GPO, Dalhousie, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, 176304
Phone number: 1899 242 709
Email ID: info @ hotelgunchasiddhartha.com, sales @ hotelgunchasiddhartha.com
Website: www.hotelgunchsiddhartha.com

Shopping in Dalhousie

Another interesting activity that everybody can try is nothing but to roam around the numerous shops in the important shopping centers like Gandhi Chowk, Subhash Chowk etc. The city will really make you wonder with numerous shopping options including clothes, jewelries, handicraft items, paintings and wood carving items etc. Dalhousie is famous for uniquely and beautifully embroidered shawls, carpets, hankies, caps and headscarves. Many paintings and sculptures of Lord Budha can also be seen in shops here. Gandhi Chowk, Tibetan Market, Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium and Tibetan Handicraft Centre are the important shopping hubs in Dalhousie. Read More.............................

Transportation in Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a well-connected city with all other important cities of India through road, rail and air ways. The nearest airport, Gagal (Kangra) is located 140 km away from Dalhousie. Amritsar airport and Jammu Airport are also depended on by people to reach here. Pathankot, situated at a distance of 80 km from Dalhousie is the nearest railway station. It is connected to Amritsar, Bambay, Delhi and Calcutta by direct trains. Himachal Pradesh has a very convenient road network including state highways and national highways that connect the entire major towns and cities of the state. For local transportation, you get private taxies, bus services of Himachal State Transport Corporation and auto rickshaws. Read More.........................

It will really a loss in your life, unless you visit Dalhousie at least once in your life time. A few days vacation in this heavenly land, which is known as 'Switzerland of India', will give you colorful memories to keep in your heart for the rest of the life.

Also Read
Hotels in Dalhousie|Restaurants in Dalhousie