Dalhousie City Guide

Dalhousie, a beautiful hill station is named after Lord Dalhousie who was the British Viceroy in India at that time. Spread out on the crest of the five hills of Kathlog, Portreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun on the western edge of the Dhauladhar Range is the sleepy hill resort of Dalhousie. Dalhousie has a pretty charm and serenity that makes it a hit with regulars on the Himachal summer circuit. The lovely tree clad slopes around Dalhousie are dotted with colonial bungalows, pretty holiday homes and cottages with flower filled gardens that offer splendid views of the Himalayan ranges and fertile valleys.

Khajjiar ? Khajjiar is Popularly known as the ?mini Switzerland of India?. This grassy marg, or meadow, is 22kms from Dalhousie towards Chamba. In the center of the grassy meadow at Khajjiar lies a small lake. And on it, are two floating islands, sometimes hidden from view by the tall grass that grows on them. It is one of the most charming spots in the Himalayas. Khajjiar derives its name from its ancient, golden domed temple of Khajinag.

Panchpulla - Panchpulla is another pretty spot where the water from a natural tank flows under five little bridges. It is one of the famous picnic spot of Himachal Pradesh. A monument dedicated to the great freedom fighter, Bhagat Singh's uncle, Sardar Ajit Singh, has been built.

Kalatope - Kalatope is situated at an altitude of 8,000 feet above sea level. A wildlife sanctuary, Kalatope, houses many species of animals, which include the ghoral, barking deer (Kakar) as well as an abundant bird life, Himalayan black bear and a large avianfauna population.

Chamba - Chamba is often described as "a jewel of the Himalayas". Chamba is located at 920 metres above from sea level, steeped in legends and guarded by rich forests, is named after a beautiful princess - Champavati. Three temples in the Lakshminarayana temple complex are dedicated to Shiva and three to Vishnu. The image of Vishnu-in white marble adorned with gold-is outstanding.

Dian Kund: Dian Kund is an excursion from Dalhousie of 10kms. A small temple built by the locals on the grassy hilltops all covered with snow during the winters and it also offers a eye view of the whole town of Dalhousie.

By Train: Nearest Railway Station is Pathankot (Punjab) around 80km from Dahousie and well connected by rail to various cities in India.

By Air: Nearest airports are Pathankot, which is about 75 km from Dalhousie and Jammu. Pathankot is connected to Delhi only, while Jammu has more frequent air services to Delhi and other destinations in North India.

By Road: Dahousie is well connected by road. Buses, taxis and coaches regularly plying from Chandigarh and Delhi. Dalhousie is 563 km from Delhi and 353 km from Chandigarh.

Dalhousie ranges between 1,525m high from sea level. The maximum temperature of Dalhousie in summers is 30? C and the winter temperature comes down to almost 0? C. The best time to visit Dalhousie is between March and June, before the onset of the monsoons. It really is quite pretty in winter as well, so if you like the quiet and the cold, take advantage of this time.