Headquarter : Chamba (altitude 1006 metres )
Location : In district Chamba.
Located in the outer slopes of hill Dhauladhar range is another important hill resort in the district Chamba . A number of picturesque walks run through the oak, pine and deodar forests around the town and offer excellent views of the Chenab, the Ravi and the Beas valleys. It is thicky wooded with stately pines and oaks and has lovely picnic spot all around. Dalhousie is the gateway to Chamba. Originally conceived as a sanitorium by its founder Lord Dalhousie, it is today one of the most quiet hill stations. Extending over an area of 13 sq. km., Dalhousie comprises five distinct hills, Balun, Kathlog, Petreyn, Tehra and Bakrota with heights ranging between 1,525 and 2,378 metres. It is known for its Church buildings and other landmarks erected by the British. The town has old Churches like St. John's Church ( made in 1903 A.D. ), and St. Patrick's Church ( 1909 A.D. )
Prime Attractions of Dalhousie
Bakrota Hills : ( 2,085 metres ) 4.8 km ) The fascinating and bewitching Bakrota Hills offer to the tourists the brisk walk round the hills besides a grand view of snow-clad peaks. It is one of the finest and soul refreshing places in Dalhousie. The matchless beauty of Bakrote Hills haunt you in a different way and leaves you speechless. Thick 'Deodar' forests seem like a beautiful green carpet covering the surrounding hills. Soul refreshing pure mountain air refreshes you at every turn and you just begin to mix your inner heart with the beauty of nature. Dalhousie experiences heavy snowfall during winter and then majestic Bakrota Hills start the white magic of snow and enjoy.
One of the best thing about walking through Bakrota Hills is the unpredictable come and go of the sunshine through 'Deodar' trees. Every turn comes up with a new scene showing the hide and seek of the sunshine. A journey to Dalhousie is incomplete if you do not take a walk through this magical paradise. It is surely one of the must visiting places in the world.
St. Andrew's Church : St. Andrew's Church commonly known as the Church of Scotland was built in the year 1903 at Baloon by Protestant Christians. The Church is approximately one and half kms. from Dalhousie's bus stand. The Church building is in good condition, recently a brick boundary wall has been erected around it to save the building from mischief mongers.
St. Patrick's Church : This Church is situated in Baloon, Dalhousie Cantt., on Military Hospital road approximately 2 kms. from main bus stand. St. Patrick's Church is the largest church in Dalhousie having a seating capacity of 300 persons in its main hall. The Church was built in the year 1909 and the dressed-stone building is still in good condition. This Church was built exclusively from contribution made by officers and ranks of the British Army. At present the Church is managed and maintained by the Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar.
St. Francis' Church : This Catholic Church is a very prominent monument on the Subhash Chowk. This Church was built in the year 1894 from the contributions made by Army and Civil Officers and Civilians. This Church is managed and maintained by the Cathoilic Diocese of Jalandhar. St. Francis' Church on Prtrain hill is believed to have been built on the lines of a certain church in England. Beautiful glass work and intricate stone work can be seen in the Church. Service is conducted every Sunday.
St. John's Church : This Church stands on the Gandhi Chowk approximately 2 kms. from the main bus stand of Dalhousie. This Church was the first to be built after the town of Dalhousie was founded. The church building stands in a good condition but its surroundings demand much better care. Service is conducted on every Sunday.
Bakrota Hills : ( 2,085 metres ) 4.8 km ) The fascinating and bewitching Bakrota Hills offer to the tourists the brisk walk round the hills besides a grand view of snow-clad peaks.
Dainkund or Dayankund: ( 2,745 metres ) 10 km. ) This is a towering and beautiful peak which offers panoramic views, specially on a clear day, of the three main rivers - Beas, Ravi and Chenab.
Kalatop : ( 2,440 metres ) 8.5 km. ) The spot commands a beautiful and grand panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and eye travels wide over hill and dale, field and forest, smooth and ruggedness, till in the direction of Jammu and Kashmir, it meets a horizon of snow peaks.
Khajjiar : ( 2000 metres ) 27 km. ) A little out of Dalhousie is a beautiful, charming retreat that makes an ideal day excursion or even an overnight visit. Far from any major town, this tranquil spot has a small lake in the centre, on which 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 here. The temple here has a golden dome.
Panchphulla : Sardar Ajit Singh, a great freedom fighter, breathed his last on the day India gained independence, 15th August, 1947. His 'Samadhi' is located at Dalhousie's Panjphulla, a picturesque spot with a natural tank and water flowing under small bridges from which the place takes its name. Sardar Ajit Singh was the uncle of martyr Bhagat Singh. At Panjphulla, there is a 'Samarak' in the memory of Sardar Ajit Singh. On the way to Panchpula is Satdhara springs gurgling with refreshing water, believed to contain some medicinal properties. Panchpula stream is the main source of water supply to Dalhousie and Bahloon. The stream springs from the north side of DayanKund and runs down a picturesque ravine to the waterworks of Panchpula.
Subhash Baoli : ( 1.6 km. ) A lovely spot for picnic, commanding a good view of snow covered hills. This has been named after the indomitable man of Indian politics, before the independence days, Shri Subhash Chandra Bose. It is said that he used to drink water from this place during his stay in Dalhousie.
Jandri Ghat : ( 2 km. ) place of the rulers of erstwhile Chamba State, is located and surrounded by tall pine trees, is a place worth visiting.
The Round : ( 4.8 km. ) the Bakrota Hills offer a brisk walk on 'The Round' besides a grand view of the surrounding countryside.
Ajit Singh Memorial : Sardar Ajit Singh, a great freedom fighter, breathed his last on the day India gained independence, 15th August, 1947. His 'Samadhi' is located at Dalhousie's Panjphulla, a picturesque spot with a natural tank and water flowing under small bridges from which the place takes its name. Sardar Ajit Singh was the uncle of martyr Bhagat Singh. At Panjphulla, there is a 'Samarak' in the memory of Sardar Ajit Singh. On the way to Panchpula is Satdhara springs gurgling with refreshing water, believed to contain some medicinal properties. Panchpula stream is the main source of water supply to Dalhousie and Bahloon. The stream springs from the north side of DayanKund and runs down a picturesque ravine to the waterworks of Panchpula.
Tourism in Dalhousie :
Dalhousie with its breath taking mountain chains and thick forests of deodar trees attracts a lot of tourists from near and far. Tourism in Dalhousie is soul refreshing because Dalhousie is the quietest hill station in India. Dalhousie falls in district Chamba and offers tourists the moments of unforgettable fun. Tourism in Dalhousie is in its full swing in the winter. Dalhousie experiences a very heavy snowfall. In winter a lot of people visit Dalhousie for everlasting fun. Tourism in Dalhousie is also in its full swing in summer when the beauty of majestic Bakrota Hills and other areas of Dalhousie cast a magical spell on the visitors. Tourism in Dalhousie offers a very calm and quiet holiday time and gives you a chance to enjoy the beaty of nature in a relaxed manner. Tourism in Dalhousie is also for those who love to go for camping in the wilderness of Himalayas.
How To Get There - Dalhousie
By Air
The nearest airport is at Gaggal (Kangra), 140-km from Dalhousie.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is Pathankot, which is well connected to Amritsar, Jammu, Delhi and Jalandhar.
By Road
Onward journey from Pathankot to Chamba and Dalhausie is by road. Punjab and Himachal Roadways run services, as do private operators.