Welcome to Dalhousie !!

Situated in and around five beautiful and densely wooded hills Kathlag, Potreyn, Terah, Bakrota and Bhangora ranging from 1525 meters (5000 ft.) to 2738 mts. (7800 ft.) on the western foot of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, Dalhousie is a popular hill station in Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh. The gorgeous Dalhousie town is much quieter than the other two famous hill stations in Himachal Pradesh (Shimla and Manali).

Dalhousie retains much of the ambience of the Raj. The town spreads around five hills – Kathlog, Portreyn, Tehra, Bakrota, and Balun – and is clothed extensively in stately groves of deodar and oak. Its two busy points, Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk, are connected by the Mall which is actually two roads intertwined like the figure of eight. You’ll probably find yourself at the bus stand on reaching here first, which is the scruffiest part of the town. The main parts of Dalhousie lie above this terminus. Its tin-roofed, half-timbered houses present the most delightful sight.

There are some churches and temples to see in town, but the best sites are outside it. It really pays to take long walks to places like Subhash Baoli, Jhandri Ghat, Satdhara and Dainkund Peak. These are marvellous forest trails and picnic spots with splendid vistas over the Chamba Valley. But the best sites around Dalhousie are Khajjiar(22km) and Kalatope(9km). Its no wonder that some people say that Dalhousie is a cheaper, but arguably more attractive, alternative to Shimla. The best time to visit is autumn which has sunny skies and clear nights.

The flora and fauna of Dalhousie is something worth of mention. While trekking through the various forest routes of Dalhousie, tourists often get mesmerized by the beauty of the colorful flora of the place. Beautifully surrounded by five majestic hills, Dalhousie is literally a paradise on earth. Located 6000 feet to 9000 feet above the sea surface, Dalhousie is dotted with many Victorian and Scottish bungalows.

Dalhousie Hotel Packages :

Attractions - In & Around 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 (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.

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. ) :
It is 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.

Travel Information :

Best Time to Visit :

Summer (May to November)

How to reach Dharamsala :

By Air: Nearest airport is Gaggal ( Kangra ) 135 km. and Amritsar 191 km.

By Rail: The nearest broad gauge railway station is at Pathankot 120 km.

By Road: Almost each and every part of the state is linked by roads. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation is running its buses covering the whole state. There is huge network of HRTC to cater the needs of the people.