Dalhousie is known for its breath-taking beauty and ideal climate, but it’s also a place full of significant religious sites that have their roots in the history of the area. These religious places speak to the rich cultural legacy of the town and also act as some of the best tourist places in Himachal Pradesh.

The top 5 religious places in Dalhousie

St John’s Church

St John’s Church is a beautiful example of a Protestant church. There’s something magical about this chapel, nestled among pine trees and verdant slopes. Tourists visit the churches in Dalhousie for a variety of reasons, including their spiritual importance as well as their historical relevance and aesthetically pleasing interiors.

Here, you can see magnificent paintings of St. Peter and St. John as well as the surrounding religious architecture in the church. An excellent resource for learning about the history and culture of this quaint hill station is found in the library, where you’ll see a rich collection of books, paintings, and artifacts. This church is open every day of the week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., so you may stop by whenever you want. With its Victorian-style architecture and stained-glass windows, this church will transport you back in time to the British era. 

Shivkul Ashram

Located on Mall Road in Dalhousie, Shivkul is a well-known ashram. Vimala Thakur, a renowned religious philosopher, and social reformer built this shrine in the Pir Panjal Hills. During the summer months, Vimala Behan organizes lecture sessions on spirituality, which draw visitors to the area.

For a more in-depth experience, you can consider staying for a few days and taking part in the prayers and workshops. The Pir Panjal highlands, which link Chamba District with Jammu and Kashmir, provide stunning vistas while the visual splendor of the hills and pine trees, in addition to the spiritual beauty of the location, adds to the overall grandeur of the trip. Despite the fact that it isn’t the most well-known tourist destination in Dalhousie, visitors from all over the globe go here to experience the mystique.

Norwood Paramdham 

Located on Bakrota hill, only 5 km from Gandhi Chowk, Norwood Paramdham is a mesmerizing site with significant religious and social importance. Swami Satyananda lived in this magnificent home in 1925, where he spent his time composing different devotional works. The house has since been restored. His last moments were spent on the premises of what is now known as Paramdham.

This spot tucked away among the deodars, is not only auspicious spiritually, but it’s also breathtakingly beautiful on the eye. The view from the top is well worth the effort it takes to get there, despite the fact that there are some stairs to climb. Tourists come to this location to take in the picturesque views of the sunset that the area has to offer.

Paramdham is the perfect place to immerse oneself in all things sacred and beautiful since it is situated in a serene setting of quiet, stillness, and serenity. The authorities can tell you when the yearly musical nights are taking place, which would make for an even more memorable experience. This would undoubtedly give a wonderful touch to your vacation!

St Andrew’s church (Church of Scotland)

St Andrew’s church, also known as the Church of Scotland, is a well-known Dalhousie landmark and a place of worship for many local people. Over six years were spent on the construction of the church, which was completed in 1903. Designed by Dr M’Clymont, a Scottish monk, the church has Indo-Scottish architecture and is known for its breath-taking beauty. In spite of its age, the church is still in excellent shape.

When you first arrive at the church, you’ll notice the stark contrast between the simple and welcoming facade and the splendid interiors and glasswork.

Since the church is situated in the heart of the cantonment, only authorized visitors are allowed inside, so you’ll require special permission. However, the stunning interiors and magical aura of the church make the visit worthwhile. One of the best tourist places in Himachal Pradesh, St. Andrew’s Church is a must-visit, especially during Christmas, Good Friday, or Easter, which will allow you to view it in its most enchanting light.

Bara Pather

Near Dalhousie, on the Kalatop road, lies the famous tourist attraction of Bara Pather Temple. In the peacefulness of the Chamba Valley, this shrine honors Bhulwani Mata and is devoted to the revered Goddess. It is a popular tourist destination due to the snow-covered Himalayas and cool, pleasant weather. Although many tourists come to view the Bhulwani Mata shrine in Ahla hamlet, which is surrounded by thick forest, the picturesque splendor of this location shouldn’t be missed.

Many people flock to this 150-year-old temple in July to take part in the villagers’ annual celebration. A Bhulwani Mata idol is procured for Bara Pather at the fair in order to welcome the goddess. Visitors may also see how potatoes are grown and harvested in the temple’s potato field. The best time to see Bara Pather is during the fair and celebrations in July, but if you want to see it in the winter, go between October and February.

Bottom-line

With these beautiful religious places, immerse in the tranquillity and rich heritage of the town while also being close to nature’s bounties.