Dalhousie is a charming town located in the laps of the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Spread across five hills, this town is a paradise for tourists seeking tranquillity and peace. With dewy hills, snow-capped pastures, and colonial-era architecture, Dalhousie has the best of everything. A culturally and historically significant place, Dalhousie attracts tourists from all over the world to explore its magnificent landscapes and indulge in an experience that leaves them in awe.
The town is located at an altitude of 1970 meters above sea level and is one of the most popular hill towns in Himachal Pradesh. If you are planning a trip, there are many places to visit in Dalhousie & it would be a worthier experience to visit them & know the wonderful history of Dalhousie in advance. You are not only visiting the current popular destinations, in Dalhousie you are witnessing the remnants of an era bygone and experiencing the beauty of its heritage.
what is the History of Dalhousie?
Established in 1854, the town of Dalhousie was a summer retreat for British officials. The beauty of the area and the pleasant climate enticed the British governor General of the 19th century, Lord Dalhousie, who gave the town its name. In order to develop the area as an expansive retreat, the British acquired five hills, namely Bhangora, Bakrota, Terah (also known as Moti Tibba), Potreyn, and Kathalagh, from the ruler of Chamba. In exchange, the British offered a reduction in the amount of taxes levied on the ruler. Slowly the town became a popular destination to escape the scorching heat of Indian summers, and soldiers, military officials, and Englishmen started visiting the place in large numbers.
After five years of its establishment, the town got recognized as a part of the Gurdaspur district. It was much later, in 1966, that Dalhousie became a division of the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
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WHAT ARE SOME HISTORICAL PLACES IN DALHOUSIE TO VISIT?
- 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 have been eloquently preserved to 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.
If you are someone who loves history and wishes to know the culture of a place for a fulfilled experience then Bhuri Singh Museum is the ideal place for you. With its wonderful collection of memoirs from the past, you would be awe-struck to witness the royalty and magnificence unfold in front of you. Paying as low as 50 INR you can even take your still camera and capture beautiful shots of the exquisite collection. Various events keep happening here too so contact the museum in advance to make the most out of your visit!
Location: H45C+6V4, Chowgan Mohalla, Chamba
2) Church of Scotland
Located in the main market of Chamba, the Church of Scotland is a historical church more than 120 years old. Constructed from 1885 to 1905, the magnificent church took 20 years to build and was headed by Dr. M’Clymont, a Scottish monk. The church is a beautiful testament to old-world architecture and reflects the Indo-Scottish style of architecture. The historical significance of the church combined with its breath-taking beauty makes it a favorite destination among tourists. If you can visit the church on Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, and The Feast of Our Lady, you’ll experience the church at its best as during these festivals the Church becomes all the more magical.
Location: H45F+G8X, Chowgan Mohalla, Chamba
3) Karelanu
One of the popular tourist destinations in Dalhousie is the natural spring at Karelanu which is known for its healing properties. The great freedom fighter, Subhash Chandra Bose is said to have drunk the water regularly and it healed his disease of tuberculosis.
4) Ajit Singh Memorial
Around the beautiful and serene spot of Panchpula, you’ll find Sardar Ajit Singh’s memorial. Sardar Ajit Singh was a pronounced freedom fighter and uncle to Bhagat Singh. The place is visited by many tourists owing to its scenic beauty and rich history.
Location: Panjpula, Dalhousie, Panjpula, Chatryara.
5) Subhash Baoli
Subash Baoli is a popular destination in Dalhousie. This picturesque site was named after, the famous Indian freedom fighter, Subash Chandra Bose who spent a lot of time in Dalhousie and appreciated the beauty of the quaint town. Subash Baoli is said to be the same spot where Netaji used to sit and meditate. To honor him, a seating arrangement has been made for the tourists to come and enjoy the serenity that once appealed to the great freedom fighter.
Location: Near Gandhi Chowk
6) St John’s Church
St John’s Church is a beautiful Protestant church located in Gandhi Chowk. With its Victorian-style architecture and rich compilation of books, rare photographs, historical artifacts, and paintings, the church has become one of the most popular places for photography. Tourists flock to the church not only for its spiritual qualities but also for its historical significance and architectural aesthetic. For a truly enriching experience, you can plan your visit around the Sunday mass service allowing you to imbibe the essence of this beautiful place.
Location: Dalhousie Khajjiar Rd, Moti Tiba, Dalhousie
RETAINING THE COLONIAL CHARM & history of dalhousie – THE BEST LUXURY HOMESTAYS IN DALHOUSIE
Many places in Dalhousie have either been created during the colonial era or have been inspired by colonial-era architecture. Apart from monuments and churches, many properties with such Victorian-era-inspired architecture have been converted into homestays in Dalhousie open to the general public. With modern facilities and the charm of an old British villa, these homestays are sure to add a magical touch to your holiday. Here are some homestays that provide a rejuvenating stay while staying true to their historical roots.
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- Elgin Hall
A luxurious homestay overlooking the Dhauladhar range, the Elgin Hall is a picturesque property that was built in 1857. The homestay pays a tribute to its British heritage with its recreational rooms- a reading room with thick leather-bound covers, a game room that hosts games like the English-inspired Cricket, and a tea room that is reminiscent of the British tradition of high-tea with its classic English teacups and fine chinaware.
2) Brij villa
Brij Villa is a heritage-style house built-in 1939. The charming British architecture and the luxurious hospitality make Brij Villa one of the most relaxing homestays in Dalhousie Brij’s villa would allow you to indulge in a luxurious stay. The rooms are decorated with traditional lamps and beautiful paintings taking you through the heritage of the place.
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3) Irish cottage
Originally built by the European government, the cottage retains an essence of luxury, providing a comfortable stay to its guests. The architecture of the place is a mixture of modern and classic elements allowing the guests to revisit the old charm while relaxing with the abundance of facilities.
We know that traveling is more than just a tourist destination, it’s about the experience of visiting a place and imbibing its beauty and culture. With this brief history of Dalhousie in mind, you would be better prepared to appreciate the place in its entirety. Plan your itinerary around beautiful and historically significant places and spend a relaxing time at some of the coziest cottages in Dalhousie. Allow Dalhousie to truly enchant you with its wonderful background story and the holiday is sure to leave you in awe!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the alluring hill town of Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie, offers the ideal fusion of natural beauty, colonial charm, and historical significance. Founded in 1854, the town has a rich cultural and historical legacy, which is evident in its monuments, churches, and museums. The town is also a centre for luxurious homestays that offer a window into imperial history.
Plan your trip now!