Dalhousie
Set up by British in 1854 and named after the then British Viceroy, Lord Dalhousie, Dalhousie is a hill-station of its own kind. It differs from hill-stations like Shimla and Mussoorie because of its secluded charm.
A trip to Dalhousie takes you away from the hum-drum of a city and is ideal for a quiet vacation which helps you relax and rejuvenate, lets you breathe clean salubrious air and tempts you to go for leisurely long walks where you can catch glimpses of snowcapped Dhauladhars and meandering Ravi, Beas and Chenab rivers.
Spread over five hills acquired by British from the ruler of Chamba state for developing the area as a sanatorium, Dalhousie has preserved its old world charm in the form of prominent colonial architecture and some beautiful old churches built during British Raj.
Places to Visit
Satdhara and PunjPulla(3 km)
Water of Satdhara (7 streams) is said to have medicinal properties and hence helps cure several diseases.
1 km beyond is Punj Pulla, where 5 wooden bridges existed earlier and now stands a tall monument in the memory of Sardar Ajit singh (uncle of sardar Bhagat Singh) who died here of a heart attack.
Subhash baoli
Subhash Chandra Bose is believed to have lived and meditated here for several months.
Things to Do
Trek
Walk – Dalhousie is best explored by foot.
What to Buy and Where
Tibetan market at Gandhi Chowk offers variety of toys, woolens, junk jewellery and Buddhist Paintings.
From Himachal Handloom Crafts Centre on the Poteryn Road you can pick Kullu caps, Kullu and Chamba shawls.
Tibetan Handicrafts Centre on lower Bakrota has some nice bright Tibetan carpets.
DC Khanna Store on Poteryn road is a must visit.
Around Dalhousie
Khajjiar
A rare combination of three ecosystems, all in one place, Khajjiar has an expansive meadow surrounded by deodar forests and with a tiny lake in the centre.
Nestled in the lap of Himalayas, Khajjiar was originally developed by the British as a golf-course. Today it’s a favourite picnic spot for travellers on their way to or from Chamba.
Khajjiar is also famous for its 12th century golden-domed temple dedicated to Khajinag, the local goddess.
Fast Facts
Best Time to Visit : All year round
Distance : 555 km from Delhi
Altitude : 6680 ft above sea level
