Himachal Pradesh is one of India’s most popular honeymoon destinations for all the right reasons. Among the hill stations in this beautiful state, planning for a honeymoon in Dalhousie is still not what many couples even think about. With the beautiful climate, fairy-tale architecture, vast flora and fauna, and scenic appeal, Dalhousie would make all your honeymoon dreams real. Perfect for some quiet time appreciating the scenery with your partner or indulging in adventure activities to take the excitement and adrenaline up a notch, your honeymoon in Dalhousie would be a truly enriching experience.
So, if you are planning for a romantic honeymoon or an adventurous honeymoon, Dalhousie proves to be the best.
Guide if you are planning a Romantic Honeymoon
BOAT RIDES IN CHAMERA LAKE
Chamera Lake in Dalhousie is one of the most popular attractions in the town. Water from River Ravi feeds the lake all year, making Chamera Lake a year-round destination. The destination is known for its romantic boat rides, which offer a picturesque view of the surroundings. Various beautiful and famous places are in the vicinity, such as the Church of Scotland, the Himachal Emporium Rang Mahal, Champavati Temple, and Akhand Chandi Palace.
Best time to visit: Even though the lake is magnificent year long, you can plan your trip according to the place offers in different seasons. In the winter months, the mountains turn white, creating an awe-inspiring view, while the summer months are much greener, and you can indulge in bird watching.
Cost: There is no fee to enter, but you can choose from the two boating options there- normal boating for 30 minutes costs around 400 INR per person, and speed boating for 10 minutes costs 800 INR per person.
Required time: The ride would take about 1 to 2 hours so you can take this off your checklist in a day!
EXPERIENCE THE SCENIC BEAUTY WHILE HORSERIDING
One of the best ways to enjoy the scenic beauty of Dalhousie with your partner is through horse riding. You can sit back and relax while the caretakers guide the horse through the valleys. You can visit Khajjiar too, where horse riding is a common commute mode. The tradition and the beautiful pastures have made horse riding one of the top things to do in Dalhousie.
Best time to visit: Winter months from September to February are the best as the ground freezes and walking gets difficult. You can even take occasional stops for snacks which would provide you with instant warmth.
Cost: Horse riding is a pretty affordable and pleasant experience, and usually, the rates are around 350 INR per person, but the rates are negotiable in most cases.
Required time: Horse riding is conducted regularly from 9 am to 4 pm, so it is up to you if you want to enjoy this thrilling experience once or more than once during your stay.
VISITING THE FAMOUS ST. JOHN’S CHURCH
St John’s Church is a beautiful Protestant church full of historical artifacts and paintings with its Victorian-style architecture. The church is located in Gandhi Chowk and has become one of the most popular places for photography because of its historical significance and architectural aesthetic. The church also hosts a library with a rich compilation of books and rare photographs depicting the culture of Dalhousie. Hold hands and take a peaceful moment to lock your love for each other.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit St John’s church is in the winter season, from September to February. The church is open from 7.00 to 17.00 every day of the week, but for a special experience, you can plan your visit around the Sunday mass service.
Cost: The entry fee is nil.
Required time: Since the church is open for almost 12 hours, you can complete your visit within a day.
VISIT SATDHARA FALLS
Named after the seven springs flowing from the mountains of Himachal, the Satdhara falls offer mesmerizing views nestled among green pine and deodar trees. The tranquillity offered by the place makes it a perfect destination for a romantic picnic with your partner. If you are a couple who cannot sit still, you can trek through the surrounding forests or hike up to Panchpula for a complete day trip. There is nothing more romantic than having a drenched moment under the waterfalls.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Satdhara Falls is during mid-March and mid-October when the weather is perfect for sightseeing tours.
Cost: There is no fee to enter.
Required time: The visit can take up to 2 hours.
Guide if you are planning an Adventurous Honeymoon
JUNGLE SAFARI IN THE KALATOP WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the scenic Khajjiar, an hour away from Dalhousie. If you are a couple who loves jungle safaris and is always interested in wildlife, then this place is perfect for you. Look out for leopards, langurs, jackals, and an abundance of great bird species like Black Headed Jay, the Black Bird, and Eurasian Jay. Surrounded by greenery and snow-capped Himalayan ranges, this stunning sanctuary would be your best acquaintance with the natural beauty of Khajjiar.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is from September to March when the weather is pleasant for safari and sightseeing expeditions.
Cost: The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is affordable, with only 250 INR per person to explore the beautiful flora and fauna reserve.
Required time: The safari’s duration can be about 3 hours. You can spend the whole day at the sanctuary and have a pleasant time amongst flora and fauna.
EXHILARATING PARAGLIDING EXPERIENCE
As you head towards the outskirts of Dalhousie, the popular paragliding spots in the town greet you. The exhilarating experience takes you flying over the serene landscape, ensuring a mix of unparallel beauty and adrenaline rush. Imagine jumping off a cliff with your partner and flying over greenery, valleys, and streams; surely an experience that can become the highlight of your honeymoon in Dalhousie and a wonderful memory for years to come.
Places for paragliding in Dalhousie: The most popular place for paragliding in Dalhousie is Kalatop. It looks over the beautiful Pir Panjal Mountain Range. Khajjiar, around an hour away from Dalhousie, is another famous spot for paragliding and offers a variety of other adventure activities like Zorbing and Horse Riding.
Best time to visit: The best time to enjoy paragliding in Dalhousie is from February to June and September to November when the weather is perfect. Remember to avoid the monsoon months (July to August) since the paragliding spots close because of torrential rains.
Cost: The cost of paragliding in Dalhousie is usually around 1500 INR per person. You may find lower rates of paragliding in Khajjiar from 1000-1500 INR per head.
Required time: You have to travel from Dalhousie to Khajjar for about an hour and the time is taken for paragliding is about 10 minutes. Even though it’s less, it doesn’t match the experience you’ll have!
CAMPING ON DAINKUND PEAK
The Dainkund Peak is the highest in Dalhousie and offers a panoramic view of the amazing landscapes of the place. The peak is located around 10 kilometers from Dalhousie and overlooks the breathtaking 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. An ideal location for the adventure enthusiast couple, Dainkund peak offers numerous camping options to savor the natural beauty around you and spend some quality time with your partner amidst the lush greenery.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit is from March-May and June–to November. If you are planning a trek around the Dainkund Peak, a preferable time is the first half of the day – around 11:00 am to 02:00 pm.
Cost: There is no fee to enter, but couples can opt for one of the trekking tours, which usually start from 1150 INR per adult.
Required time: The base is 14 km from Dalhousie Gandhi chowk and would take around 30-40 minutes to reach in a cab. You can camp there or rent a room for a couple of days.
With the activities mentioned above, you can decide what you wish your honeymoon to look like. However, no matter whether you wish to have a romantic, peaceful honeymoon or an adventurous honeymoon, one thing that all couples love to do is shopping. Therefore, so all you couples planning to visit Dalhousie must plan-
SHOPPING AT THE TIBETAN MARKET
No honeymoon trip is complete without souvenirs. Located in Gandhi Chowk, the Tibetan market is one of Dalhousie’s most popular shopping destinations. Offering everything from rugs and jackets to quaint Tibetan jewelry, the Tibetan Market is the perfect place to buy everything beautiful and memorable for your partner. The place makes up for a great shopping experience with diverse options with restaurants in the vicinity.
Best time to visit: Even though you can visit the market at any time, the best time is usually in the evening when you are tired from the day’s travel and need a pleasant stroll.
BOTTOM-LINE
So if you are planning your honeymoon in Dalhousie & don’t know what things to do in Dalhousie, make it a memorable experience. With various things to do and see in and around Dalhousie & spending nights at one of the most luxurious homestays in Dalhousie, make the most out of your travel experience by creating your dream honeymoon itinerary today.