In western Himachal Pradesh, the hill station of Dalhousie is full of 'Old world' charm and holds lingering echoes of the 'Raj'. It covers an area of about 14 sq. km and is built on five hills - Kathlog, Potreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun.It is name after the British Governor - General of the l9th century, Lord Dalhousie. The town's height varies between 1,525 m and 2,378m, and it is surrounded by varied vegetation - pines, dodders, oaks and flowering rhododendron. Dalhousie has charming colonial architecture, including some beautiful churches. Its location presents panoramic views of the plains - and like a long silverline, the river Ravi twists and turns below Dalhousie. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains are also visible from this enchanting town.

Churches
There are four beautiful churches in Dalhousie. These are St. Andrew's Church and St. Patrick's Church at Balun, St. Francis' Church at Subash Chowk and St. John's Church at Gandhi Chowk.

Panchpula(3 km)
This is picturesque spot where a stream feeds a series of pools. A monument has been built here in memory of the freedman fighter, Sardar Ajit Singh

Subhash Baoli (1 km)
It was at this enchaining spot surrounded by majestic trees, that Subhash Chandra Bose spent a lot of time in 1937, contemplating and mediating.

BaraPathar (4 km)
There is a small temple amidst a thick forest.

Kalatop(10 km)
This wild life sanctuary is home to the 'ghoral' and Himalayan black bear.

Excursions

Numerous trek routes lead out of the Dalhousie - Khajjiar - Chamba triangle and there are several within it. Some important ones are - Chamba to Bharmour, Chamba to Palampur (over the Dhauladhar ranges), Chamba to Pangi and Bharmour to Keylong via Kugti Pass.

Access

Dalhousie could be reached by a combination of air, rail and roadways or just by taking to the roadway.

Airways

There is no direct flight for Dalhousie. You can end your air travel at Delhi, Shimla or Chandigarh. From there onwards you can avail the bus or the taxi services. Other options are Gaggal (near Dharamsala), Amritsar (Punjab) and Jammu (J & K) lying with 130-200 km.

Roadways

Lying on the Chamba-Pathankot main road. For those heading from Pathankot should divert at Banikhet, which is just 5-6 km away from Dalhousie. Otherwise also, the places is well connected from a number of centres.

Road distances to important places (km about)

• Chamba via Banikhet : 55 km
• Chamba via Khajjiar : 50 km
• Pathankot : 80 km
• Dharamsala via Banikhet/Chakki/Nurpur : 145 km
• Dharamsala via Bakloh, Lahru, Sihunta, Shahpur : 130 km
• Jammu : 190 km
• Mandi : 275 km
• Manali : 380 km
• Chandigarh via Pathankot : 320 km
• Shimla : 340 km

Taxi

Taxi stand at Dalhousie provides services to and from Pathankot, Chamba, Khajiar, Brahmaur, Kalatope and Dharamsala. Rates are as follows (Rs approx):

• Brahmaus : RS 1400 one way
• Chamba : RS 600 (one way) and RS 850 (return via Khajiar)
• Dharamsala : 1400 (one way)
• Kalatope : RS 400 (return)
• Khajiar : RS 450
• Pathankot : RS 850

Bus

Bookings can be made at the bus stand at Dharamsala, Pathankot, Chandigarh and Shimla. The booking office at Dalhousie opens at 900 am and works till 500 pm (in the evening). Approximate fares are as :

• Chamba : RS 40 - 3 hrs
• Dharamsala : RS 90 - 6 hrs
• Khajiar : RS 20 - 90 minutes
• Pathankot : RS 50 - 4 hrs

For Pathankot, which is just around 80 km from Dalhousie, there are buses, almost every year. For Dharamsala, the bus is these only in the early morning hour. Alternatively, people opt for the bus heading to Pathankot, and change midway at Chakki. Two or three buses start for Shimla as well as Manali. Private buses are also available for Khajiar.

Railways

There is no direct rail connection to Dalhousie. One can head for Pathankot in Punjab and therefrom use the bus/taxi services for Dalhousie. Important trains from Delhi, Jodhpur and Moradabad are as follows :

Food

Bengal Sweet Shop : Famous for its Bengali sweets like Ras Malai, Rasogolla and Gulab Jamun. Located at Gandhi Chow

Dhabas : Alishan, Amritsari and Sheki Punjab dhabas are worth check out.

Glory Restaurant : A Gujarati thali costs RS 75 (approx). Located near bus stand

Kwality Restaurant : Located near Gandhi Chowk. Good services come with reasonable prices.

Lovely Restaurant : South Indian and Chinese cuisine are served here.

Moti Mahal Restaurant : Near Subhash Chowk. South Indian food is served. A bar is also there.

Preet Palace Restaurant : One of the joints where Mughalai cuisine is available. Also served are Kashmiri and Chinese foods.

Shopping

Located on Thandi Sarak, the Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium has a collection of woolden shawls. Made to order Tibetan carpets can be procured from the Tibetan Handicrafts Centre. Besides carpets, Tibetan handicrafts centre showroom sells bags, purses and other memorabilia. Private shopkeepers, too, sell items of art and craft and woollen shawls including Kashmiri.

Accommodation

Climate Conditions

In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. During the summer the climate is mild and light woo!lens /cottons are recommended.

Best time to visit

November to February.