Dalhousie is a
quiet town, with a sense of enchantment. This hill station spreads
over five low-level hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar
range, just east of the Ravi River. The picturesque town is
interspersed with the colonial-era buildings, low roofed stalls and
hotels. The pine-covered slopes around it are intersected with paths
and treks, which are ideal for short undemanding walks.
The gateway to
the
Chamba
Valley,
this colonial town was established in 1854 by
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the
British governor-general Lord Dalhousie. Covering an area of 14
sq.-km and surroundedby alpine vegetation, Dalhausie has charming
architecture and panoramic views of both plains and the whitecapped
views of the mountainous ranges.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Subhash Baoli:
Commanding
a view of the snowcapped mountains, 1.6-km away from the G.P.O.
(check spelling) Square, the spring of Subhash Baoli is
situated
.
Kalatope (2440m):
5
Km from Dalhousie, Kalatope is a pleasant getaway, with a panoramic
view, an enchanting palace, and a forest rest house. Kalatope is
situated 10-km away from G.P.O. Square at an altitude of 8,000-ft.
Walking along the secluded and forested road through upper Nakorota
hills, one reaches Lakkarmandi. The home of dhogri families,
Lakkarmandi is nestled between 8,600 feet high Dayan Kund peak on
its right and Kalatope on the left. The little Kalatope Sanctuary
has a variety of wildlife such as ibex, deer, bears and
leopards.
Dainkund (2745m):
At
an altitude of 2,745 m and 10 km from the town, this tall peak
outside town affords a bird's-eye view on a clear day, of the hills,
valleys and the river Beas, Ravi and the Chenab threading their
silvery way down to the plains.
Bara
Pathar:
Set
amidst thick forest is the small temple of Bhulwani Mata, in the
village of Ahla, on the way to Kalatope. A fair is celebrated in
July to venerate the goddess. It is 4 km away from the town.
Khajjiar (1951m):
Just
27-km from Dhoudar the beautiful little plain of Khajjiar is one of
the favourite retreats for visitors. The saucer-shaped meadow,
ringed by pines, has a lake set in the middle, complete with a
floating bland. A little golden-spired temple of Khajjinag belonging
to the 12th century and a picturesque golf course complete this
pretty picture. A picturesque spot with an emerald, saucer shaped
meadow set amidst a dense deodar forest, it has a lake as it's
centre with a floating island, a forest rest house, a little temple
with a golden spire and a golf course. Accommodation is available at
the tourist bungalow, Hotel Deodar and at Youth Hostel and the PWD
Rest House.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
The
nearest airport is at Gaggal (Kangra), 140-km from Dalhousie.
Rail:
The
nearest railhead is Pathankot, which is well connected to Amritsar,
Jammu, Delhi and Jalandhar.
Road:
Onward
journey from Pathankot to Chamba and Dalhausie is by road. Punjab
and Himachal Roadways run services, as do private operators.
WHERE TO STAY
Being one of the
most famous hill stations of Himachal, Dalhousie is well equipped
with excellent accommodation facilities. One have got the options to
stay from luxury and five star hotels to small budget hotels and
tourist lodges, which offer accommodation at resonalble prices.
CLIMATE
Dalhousie ranges
between 1,525m and 2,378m high from sea level. The maximum
temperature of Dalhousie in summers is 30*C and the winter
temperature comes down to almost O*C. Heavy woollens are required in
winter and light woollens or tropicals in summer.
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