Hill Stations

History of Dalhousie

Established in 1854 as a summer retreat by the Earl of Dalhousie, Dalhousie straddles the five hills of the Dhauladhar range. With an elevation of around 2,700 meters, the hill station was built on the land provided by the Sikh Empire of Punjab. Today, it lies in the Chamba District which is famous for ancient temples.

Weather in Dalhousie

The best time to visit Dalhousie is during the summer season from March to May when the weather is pleasant and cool. The sun melts the snow-capped mountains of this hill station providing some breathtaking scenery that make this the perfect time to indulge in some sightseeing and go on fun strolls around this magnificent hill town. Another popular time to visit is the winter season when the snowfall in Dalhousie (December through February) beckons thousands of couples and families.  

Shopping in Dalhousie

Garam Sadak and Mall Road in Dalhousie are lined with cafes, restaurants, and local vendors selling their goods. Tourists in Dalhousie can shop for woolens, textiles, Tibetan souvenirs, and handicrafts while shopping in Dalhousie. Gandhi Chowk is another popular area to stroll around for souvenirs.

If you are a shopaholic you will love this hill station as you can pick up several items like purses, dolls, handicrafts, bags, trinkets, carpets, silver and copper diyas and many other such souvenirs here. Some of the most popular markets here are the Himachal Hand loom and Crafts Centre, Tibetan Handicrafts Centre, the Mall of Dalhousie and the Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium.

Paragliding in Dalhousie

There are also several things to do in Dalhousie including boating, horse riding, trekking, hiking and paragliding. Khajjiar, about 30 minutes away from the hill station, is the most popular spot for enjoying paragliding in Dalhousie. This adventure activity allows a perfect opportunity to discover the beauty of hill station from a bird’s eye view. March through May is the best time to enjoy paragliding in Khajjiar.

Top Places to Visit in Dalhousie

Dalhousie provides the perfect escapade for any kind of traveler as it is filled with scenic spots like lush green pastures, snow-capped mountains, quaint villages and mystic lakes. Travelers can view the beauty of the Dhauladhar range of mountains here and enjoy the peace and serenity of the five hills namely Bakrota, Balun, Patreyn, Kathlog and Tehra.

Travel back in time when you view the Victorian-style mansions, charming colonial buildings, Scottish architecture and quaint churches. Soak in the fragrance of the oaks, pines and rhododendrons of this hill station which also offers spectacular views of the Pir Panjal mountain range in Jammu and Kashmir, Chamba’s Pangi Valley and Sach Pass. You can spend time browsing through the various markets along the three mall roads in Dalhousie. A Dalhousie travel guide takes you to scenic attractions mentioned below:

Dainkund

The highest peak in Dalhousie offers splendid panoramic views of both the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. Tourists can enjoy a 30-minute hike to the top of the peak from the taxi stand through a beautiful trail.

Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary

Home to plenty of birdlife, deer, and more animals, Kalatop is wonderful place to explore natural surroundings of Dalhousie.

Subhash Chowk

It’s a buzzing square lined with restaurants, hotels, and attractions. Tourists can check out churches, a library, and a few temples.

St. John’s Church

This Victorian-era church is one of the main attractions in Dalhousie. Tourists can admire its colonial architecture and a misty setting. 

A Dalhousie trip guide will also include treks to places like Dainkund and Ganji Pahari. These hilly areas and valleys are covered with snow and look nothing short of a fairyland. View the thick forests of fir and deodar where you can have scrumptious picnics with your loved ones. This hill station takes you far away from the buzzing city life and transports you to a land exuding old world charm and historical significance.

This hill station provides the perfect break from the scorching summer heat and the busy city life and you can actually just soak in the beauty of nature all around here. There are several spots you can visit in this historic hill station including the picturesque Khajjiar that is filled with lush greenery and breathtaking landscapes. You can also play golf at the nine-hole golf course or try adventure sports like trekking and zorbing. Other scenic spots include the mesmerizing Panchpula waterfall, the Satdhara falls that have therapeutic value, the pine-laned Dainkund peak and the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary.

Travel and tourism in Dalhousie also includes boat rides at Taleru that take you across the scenic shores of Chamera Lake. Board a Kashmiri Shikara-style boat and cruise along the glistening waters of this lake and enjoy the cool misty climate of this hilly region. Other fun activities include horse riding at Subhash Chowk, trekking uphill to Sach Pass and gliding across snow-capped peaks.

Savor some local Himachali delights and delicious North Indian food at restaurants along Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk. If you are a momo fan, head to Garam Sadak where you will get to enjoy delicious Tibetan momos and chowmein. Some restaurants worth visiting are Cafe Dalhousie, Kwality Restaurant, Nepoli Restaurants and Old Sher-e-Punjab.

Plan your holiday to Dalhousie now to have a memorable and exciting trip!