9 offbeat Things To Do In Dalhousie – A Quaint hill town in Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie is the perfect destination for tourists seeking tranquillity and peace. The snow-capped mountains, magnificent valleys, lush greenery, and colonial-era architecture have made the place one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and are among the top attractions for Dalhousie sightseeing. With an abundance of places to see in Dalhousie, tourists often find themselves looking for offbeat spots and unique things to do in Dalhousie that offer an amazing exclusive experience.
top recommendations for lesser-known things to do in Dalhousie
1) Shopping at Bhuttico
Bhuttico is a shopping place established in 1944. Shopping in Bhuttico is the best thing to do in Dalhousie. It is one of the oldest and most renowned shopping places in Dalhousie and is known for its Kullu shawls made of authentic raw materials like lambswool, angora, and a pashmina. Established by a group of local women as a co-op society, Bhuttico has since then grown into a reputable place in Dalhousie.
For quality-conscious shoppers, Bhuttico is the perfect place to shop as it also holds an ISO 9001: 2008 certificate for maintaining quality and conforming to international standards. With a range of prices starting from as low as 300, the shopping place has something for everyone. However, remember that your bargaining skills would be of no use here as the prices are fixed, but the collection is worth every dime. Shopping at Bhuttico is among the must-do activities in Dalhousie. The enriching experience as the place has the essence of a local community and natural production. It would allow you to not only help the local artisans but also bring back beautiful souvenirs from your trip.
Read More: 9 Offbeat Things To Do In Dalhousie
Points to Ponder:
- It hardly takes 5-10 mins to reach Bhuttico via Thandi Sadak.
- If you are up for leisure shopping, you can easily spend like 3-4 hours exploring the market. However, it takes a minimum of 1 hour to explore Bhuttico.
- If you are someone who loves buying souvenirs or can bargain well, Bhuttico is the best.
2) Experiencing Scenic Views While Doing Horse Riding
Even though there are many things to do in Dalhousie, one of the best ways in which you can experience the quaint town is through horse-riding. If you aren’t an experienced rider or not riding the horse for the thrill of it, you can sit back and relax while the caretaker takes you on a tour of Dalhousie sightseeing which is famous for its mesmerizing landscapes. The experience is even better in winters when the horse occasionally stops to pick up hot snacks like peanuts or Maggi.
Numerous options for horse-riding are available in Dalhousie and also in Khajjiar where it was a common mode of commute. Just an hour away from Dalhousie, Khajjiar is a great spot for horse-riding that leads you through the beautiful pastures and is a break from the adrenaline-inducing sports activities. The rates are pretty affordable too, usually starting around INR 300 but negotiable.
Points to Ponder:
- Khajjiar is about 20 km from Dalhousie and it takes 30 mins to reach.
- A visit to Khajjiar would need like a day so that you can do all the activities
- Khajjiar is a place that is suitable for all age groups as it offers a wide range of activities that cater to all age groups.
3) A Walk At Bakrota Hills
A Walk At Bakrota Hills can be one of the preferred adventures when in Dalhousie. One of the highest places to see in Dalhousie, the Bakrota hills is a wonderful destination. With an abundance of picturesque sights, these snow-capped mountains are sure to provide you with a rejuvenating retreat. For the best views, head to the Bakrota mall during the daytime and you’ll witness the entire place glistening under the sun. Around the hills, a roadway encircles leading to Khajjiar. Walking around this path you’ll be acquainted with nature and also explore two of the most beautiful destinations in Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie, and Khajjiar.
Read More: Explore The Top 7 Exciting Adventure Activities In Dalhousie
Points to Ponder:
- The place is only 1 kilometer away from the main town of Dalhousie and can be reached through Kalatop.
- Surrounded by deodar trees and overlooking the beautiful hills, this place is perfect for hiking, and all who love to stroll around the place would provide you tranquillity and leave you in awe.
4) Boating At Chamera Lake
Chamera Lake is an artificial lake in Dalhousie known for its romantic boat rides. With its picturesque views and proximity to other tourist destinations, the lake is slowly gaining popularity as a great tourist spot. The lake is fed all year long by the river Ravi ensuring a flock of tourists the entire year. Beautiful and culturally significant places surround the lake including Himachal Emporium Rang Mahal, Champavati Temple, Church of Scotland, and Akhand Chandi Palace. If you love snow, the best time to visit the lake is in winter when the mountains turn a pristine white. If you prefer a much greener landscape and are interested in bird-watching, opt for the summer months.
Points to Ponder:
- It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the Chamera Lake
- It is a place that everyone can visit.
- You can either choose normal boating for 30 minutes at INR 400 per person or Speed boating for 10 minutes at INR 800 per person
5) Meditate At Shivkul Ashram
Placed amidst the Pir Panjal Hills, Shivkul ashram is a famous ashram in Dalhousie belonging to Vimala Thakur, an eminent religious philosopher, and social reformer. This religious destination usually witnesses a flock of tourists in summers when sessions and lectures on spirituality are organized by Vimala Behan. The ongoing workshops and the serene environment of the place make it the ideal location to immerse yourself in tranquillity. You can enjoy the mesmerizing panoramic views of Pir Panjal hills that connect Chamba District with Jammu and Kashmir.
Apart from the spiritual significance of the place, the scenic beauty of the hills and the pine trees add to the magnificence of the entire visit. Even though this place isn’t among the popular tourist destinations in Dalhousie, you will find travelers from all over the world visiting to experience the mysticism of the place.
Read More: What is The Best Time to Visit Dalhousie & Why?
Points to Ponder:
- The ashram takes about a 3-hour drive towards the Pir Pinjal hills
- The travel is worth it for only those who wish to sit and meditate or are up for some spiritual experience.
6) One Night Stay At Elgin Hall
The exquisite experience of Dalhousie where you feel yourself witnessing natural beauty at its best is amplified by a range of homestays located in the town. The architecture of the places is usually inspired by the Victorian era as some of the luxury homestays were originally built for British officials but retained their charm. If you are traveling to Dalhousie to get a break from the hustle-bustle of city life, then a beautiful homestay can help you rejuvenate while also adding to the cultural experience of your trip. Various recreational rooms and activities allow you to unwind with a book or play a game of badminton with your loved ones.
Replete with modern facilities and extra care for hygiene and privacy, these homestays would add a great touch to your holiday experience and provide a relaxing stay after spending a long day in Dalhousie sightseeing. Ditch the conventional hotels, and opt for a personalized exclusive experience at some of the best homestays in Himachal Pradesh.
Points to Ponder:
- Elgin Hall is in the heart of Dalhousie town
- The place is a perfect stay for couples and families who wish to experience luxury and leisure.
7) Explore The Culture & History Of Dalhousie At Bhuri Singh Museum
Founded in 1908, the Bhuri Singh museum is a significant historical and cultural site in Dalhousie. Initially established to collect and preserve the heritage of Chamba, the museum has since then grown as a tourist spot in Dalhousie for travelers willing to explore the roots of the town. Various artifacts representing the art, craft, and cultural history of the area would take you through the life of the past. A rich collection of 8500 antiquities and art objects including carved doors, copper plates, miniature paintings, and frescoes is sure to leave you in awe.
Travelers visit the Bhuri Singh Museum to not only explore its wonderful collection of memoirs but also to witness the royalty and magnificence unfold in front of them. Paying as low as 50 INR you can even take your still camera and capture beautiful shots of the exquisite collection. To make the most out of your trip, plan your visit around the various art and cultural events happening in the museum by contacting the authorities.
Points to Ponder:
- It’s about 1.5 hour’s drive to the Bhuri Singh museum
- This place is perfect for those who love to look back on the history
8) Spend Quality Time At Panchpula
Located above the Kalatop Wildlife sanctuary, Panchpula is one of the most serene spots in Dalhousie. It is the place where five different streams come together and are hence called Panch (five) Pula (bridges). A combination of a magnificent waterfall and a beautiful picnic location, the destination is ideal for spending some quality time. Along with its popularity as a tourist destination, Panchpula is also an integral part of Dalhousie as the mainstream of Panchpula is a source of water to many localities in the town.
The place has something for everyone- undisturbed beauty for the nature-lover, trekking options for the adventure enthusiast, and a serene picnic spot for tourists who are traveling in groups. You can also visit the Samadhi of the great revolutionary leader, Sardar Ajit Singh which is built close to the place. In monsoons, the experience becomes all the more magical when the waterfall takes its most stunning form.
- It takes about 15 mins to Panchpula and about 2 hours minimum to explore the place.
- For those who love exploring places on foot, Panchpula is a must-visit.
9) Trek To The Dainkund Peak
For all who love trekking, Trek To The Dainkund Peak is something that you shouldn’t miss. Dainkund peak is the highest peak in Dalhousie offering panoramic views of the amazing landscapes. Located around 10 kilometers from Dalhousie, the peak overlooks the mesmerizing Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. Due to the musical serenade produced by the wind hitting the trees, the place is popularly known as Singing Hill. With its numerous trekking and camping options, Dainkund peak is an ideal place for adventure enthusiasts to savor the natural beauty.
The exhilarating experience of reaching the top and watching rivers and hills below you is unmatched. If you want the best of nature and adventure, then Dainkund Peak is the perfect place for you.
With these offbeat places to see in Dalhousie, you will be able to experience Dalhousie at its best. Even though there is a long list of things to do in Dalhousie, plan your itinerary in advance to make sure that you make the most out of your time in the beautiful town & Elgin Hall is always there to serve you a comfortable stay.
Points to ponder:
- From Gandhi Chowk, it takes about 35-40 minutes to reach the base of the peak from where the challenging journey begins.
- The most preferable time to trek is the first half of the day – around 11:00 am to 02:00 pm.
- This place is perfect for trek lovers.
Hope you enjoyed the article. Happy Travelling!