Dalhousie
Overview
Dalhousie is in the western side of Himachal Pradesh. Its name is credited to the former Governor General of India Lord Dalhousie, who intended to make his summer retreat in India. This influence can be vividly seen in Dalhousie’s old monumental churches and buildings. Dalhousie town’s major topography is formed of five major hills namely, Kathlog, Portrayers, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun hill. They collectively form the tourism centre with their diverse tourist places steered by tour guides. Khajjiar and other hills also form the tourism in Dalhousie. The Tibetan Market can be explored near Gandhi Chowk and it is a standout amongst the best shopping spots in Dalhousie and furthermore one of the mainstreams among tourist places. For somebody who is keen on Kashmiri handiworks and woollens, travel to Dalhousie’s Handloom Industry that offers customary shawls - one of a kind and flawless painstaking work. Other intriguing things that you can purchase from Dalhousie are Buddhist artistic creations, an assortment of copper and silver, floor coverings, and trinkets.
Places of Attraction
Thandi Sadak: Thandi Sadak is a small market that is mainly called Dalhousie Bazaar. Thandi Sadak remains cold and shops sell many souvenirs and local stuff. There are other markets as well, around Subhash Chowk and on Pathankot road.
St. John’s Church: It was constructed in 1863. The St John’s Church is wholly made of stone in old days. Its stone structure was rebuilt after taking down the wooden church. The inside environment is calm and feels holy. Before 1863, the church was made of wood which was renovated in stone.
St. Patrick Church: It was carefully constructed in 1909 on Balun Hill as the biggest church in Dalhousie. Its construction is credited to the best of the British Indian Army officials.
St. Andrew’s Church: It falls on the way to St. Patrick’s Church, very near Tagore Chowk. It was built in 1903 and has a steep sloping roof to prevent snow from burdening the structure.
St. Francis Church: The church is very close to the Subhash Chowk. It is made of red brick in 1894. At present, Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar is the management of the church.
Kalatope: Kalatope has a reserve forest which is beautiful tourist place for short trip. The hill has many plants throughout the whole landscape and the tour becomes worthwhile.
Khajjiar: Mini Switzerland of India is the name given to the pasture of Khajjiar. It is a welcoming sightseeing place with no crowding of hotels and restaurants. It has many pastures and a water body in the middle that is best of the selfie tourist places. The honeymooners and families travel here for eco-walk and horse riding on their trip to Khajjiar.
Chamera Lake: Chamera Lake is built near Chamera Dam. It is loved by visitors for boating and fishing.
Weather
Dalhousie gets heavy snowfall in winter, that is, in December, January and February. March and April are good months for sightseeing. A tour guide will suggest you to come in peak summer in May and June. Hotels and restaurants become rushed with tourism. After that, rainy season arrives till winter.
How to Reach
By Air: Gaggal Airport is 140 km and gets frequent flights from main cities of India.
By Train: Pathankot Railway Station is the nearest railway station- 78 km to reach Dalhousie.
By Road: Dalhousie has a connecting national highway to major nearby towns including Dharamshala, Chamba and Pathankot.
Best Time to Visit
Plan your tour in December, January and February to enjoy snow in Dalhousie. Choose March to June and mid-September to mid-December to get the best of sightseeing.