Dalhousie Tourism

Dalhousie – Hamlet of the Heavens

A bowl of nature’s finest ingredients, whisked together with great care. With a dash of history, hint of spirituality and a sprinkling of culture on top... Carve yourself a slice of Dalhousie’s delicious pie. Every bite will introduce you to a new experience. It is the perfect amount of sweetness, spiciness and crispiness, with oodles of fun. Partake in the goodness of Dalhousie tourism, now!

Highlights of Dalhousie: Capturing the Best 

Dainkund Peak 

Daikund Peak is touted as ‘The Singing Hill’. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Dalhousie. Picture this – emerald coated hills, valleys and plains that stretch deliciously as far as the eyes can see. A kaleidoscope of greens, creating a beautiful symphony. Mesmerising and refreshing. But perhaps its best feature of all is the confluence of exquisite rivers – Chenab, Ravi and Beas. The water weaves between the enchanting greens, adding to the aura and beauty of the place. This is the tale of the 3 rivers. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness the magic. 

Panchpula

Panchpula is synonymous with its rainbow-sparkling waterfalls, whooshing-singing streams and meandering paths that will lead you to paradise’s door! A delightful spot for backpackers, trekkers and wanderers. Did you know that the fresh-foamy water is the town’s main source of water supply? Tourism in Dalhousie would be incomplete without a visit to this wonderful nook in nature. So, strap your packs, fill your water bottles and head over to this amazing destination.

St. Francis Catholic Church 

What makes Dalhousie so charming are its quaint and spiritual places. St Francis Church was built in 1894 and exemplifies colonial architecture at its best. You must marvel at the magnificent glass and stonework, illuminating the interiors of the church. Each wall plays to a different tune, pointing to a distinct moment in its colourful history. Draped by the soulful branches of Deodar trees, the façade exudes peace and serenity. It acts as a break from hectic adventure sports and sightseeing.

Rang Mahal 

Rang Mahal is a lovely fusion of British and Mughal architecture. The list of Dalhousie famous places would be incomplete without this gleaming gem! The palace was built by Raja Umed Singh in the 18th century. One of the largest monuments in the region, the edifice is obscured by thick lush greens. The inside of the mahal is adorned with gorgeous paintings, depicting the life of Lord Shiva. You can also glimpse holy scriptures, manuscripts, coins and antique jewellery. Visit the little handicraft shop that sells woollen shawls and ethnic slippers.

Tibetan Market 

Tibetan Market lies at the heart of bustling Mall Road. A tiny, yet stunning market that is laden with all sorts of goodies! Here you will discover handicrafts, hand woven carpets, woollens, home décor ornaments, carved jewellery, slippers, toys and electronics. A shopper’s paradise and a page right out of a cultural book, this exotic bazaar promises excitement and thrill.

Old Sher-e-Punjab Dhaba 

Situated within Subhash Chowk is this delightful restaurant. We recommend this eatery for its authentic North Indian cuisine. One whiff of its aromas is enough to make your mouth water and belly tingle! Here are a few dishes for you to try - Amritsari kulcha, tandoori paratha, channa masala, vegetable biryani and chatpatta buttermilk!

Interesting facts about Dalhousie: Whispers from Above 

• Dalhousie tourism is world famous. In-fact it is home to approximately 600 hotels, providing job opportunities to more than 8,000 locals.
• Late Prime Minister - Jawahar Lal Nehru, stated that Dalhousie was the finest hill station in India in terms of natural beauty. 
• Dalhousie has been visited by numerous imminent personalities such as Rabindranath Tagore and Rudyard Kipling who were both inspired by the immense surroundings.
• It is believed that Subash Chandra Bose was healed from Tuberculosis by regularly drinking water from the Karelanu spring. 

Location: Mini Switzerland  

Dalhousie is an adorable little hill station, situated in the Chamba District of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The region is ensconced by the idyllic ranges of Dhauladhar. It comprises of 5 hills, namely – Balun, Kathlog, Petreyn, Tehra and Bakrota. Perched at an elevation of 1,970 metres above sea level, Dalhousie smiles down at the world.

Click here to view Dalhousie on Google Map

Timings: Best time to visit 

Dalhousie is delightful all year round, its climate favouring different kinds of tourists. Here’s a break up of what each season has to offer. Now your decision regarding when to travel can be made with ease! While the beginning of summer is chilly, the following months are extremely pleasant. March to May experiences temperatures of 15-30 degrees Celsius. Sightseeing is particularly wonderful during this time of year as you can explore Dalhousie and its dream-like locations. The months of June to September witness moderate rainfall. The crystal droplets of rain lend an air of romance to the ever-green landscapes. However, take caution of road blockages and landslides – a common occurrence in hilly regions. October to February basks in wintry winds and bitter biting weather. Occasional snow fall leads to a fairyland like atmosphere. With temperatures averaging 4-11 degrees Celsius, this time is dedicated to those who love the cold. Trekking in the snow is not to be missed! 

How to get to Dalhousie: Trek to the Clouds

By Road – Dalhousie is well connected to the regions of Pathankot and Chamba via road. The drive may be long but the scenery will hug you snugly! You can choose to hire a taxi or opt for the bus. There are also a range of buses that offer routes to and from New Delhi. Deluxe, semi sleeper, luxury and Volvo buses cover a distance of approximately 590 km. Furthermore, they almost always stop at dhabbas that serve delicious food.

By Rail – The most convenient and cost-effective way to reach Dalhousie is by train. The nearest railway head is Pathankot’s Chakki Bank. Super-fast, deluxe and express trains ply to major cities such as New Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad. Upon arrival, you can hire a taxi which will take you 2-3 hours to reach the hill station. 

By Air – The closest domestic airport is in Pathankot, a mere 75 km away from Dalhousie. However, this airport is only connected to New Delhi. Gaggal Airport in the Kangra District is well connected to major domestic and international cities. Located 140 km away, it is your best choice if you’re looking to travel by plane. 

History: Hotchpotch of Facts

The history of Dalhousie can be narrated with the help of certain significant events. It all began, a very long time ago. Post the 1800s, to be exact. After the Sikh war, the state of Punjab was annexed by the British. Lieutenant Col Napier was the chief engineer of Punjab at the time. It is believed that he was the first one to have discovered Dahousie, in the year 1850. 4 years later, Sir Donald McLeod of the British Empire suggested that the region be named after the celebrated Viceroy of India – Lord Dalhousie. In 1861, Dalhousie was incorporated into the Gurdaspur district. In 1959, it acted as a home to thousands of Tibetan refugees. It was only in 1966 that the highly coveted hill station was recognised as a division in Himachal Pradesh.