Once a summer retreat for the British, Dalhousie is now a perfect tourist hotspot with abundant attractions. Whether you want to spend some quiet time surrounded by scenic beauty or indulge in adventure activities to take the excitement up a notch, the abundance of places to visit in Dalhousie ensures that you keep coming back for more. So here we bring you a detailed travelers guide to Dalhousie.
Before we get to the details of what is to be explored, here is a sneak peek of the town.
Dalhousie was established in 1854 as a summer retreat for the British. These roots are reflected in the culture and architecture of Dalhousie, which are reminiscent of the British era. Places like St. Francis and St. John’s churches showcase this old-world charm. Compared to other hill towns in Himachal Pradesh, the town is relatively untouched by commercial activity. Everything here has the essence of a local community and would leave you feeling warm and rejuvenated.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DALHOUSIE
Located at an altitude of 1970 meters above sea level, Dalhousie has pleasant weather throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Dalhousie is in the winters when the town is glistening with snow and there is relatively less crowd.
ACCESSING DALHOUSIE
- By Air
Dalhousie does not have an airport. The nearest airport is in Pathankot, around 75 km away from the town. Located in Punjab, Pathankot airport is only connected to New Delhi, and a flight journey from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Pathankot takes about 1.5 hours.
The nearest railway station to Dalhousie is Pathankot’s Chakki Bank, about 82 km away. Pathankot Railway Junction is well connected with Delhi and other prime cities, including Bhatinda, Jammu, Ahmedabad, and Jodhpur.
- By Road
Dalhousie can be reached through the Pathankot route, which covers cities Karnal, Ambala, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar, and finally Pathankot from where the hilly terrain starts. The entire journey from the capital city of Delhi to reach Dalhousie takes about 10-11 hours on the road.
You can take a cab or opt for a budget-friendly bus ride. There are daily buses that are provided by the Haryana Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and the Himachal Roadways and can be directly taken from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi.
THE PANDEMIC ALERT
During the pandemic, the town followed strict covid restrictions. However, with most cities and towns easing Pandemic restrictions, Dalhousie has also eased out. However, it is suggested that you continue to wear a mask when you are in a crowded place like the shopping area.
You may be asked to show your vaccination certificate somewhere, so it is better to keep it handy.
Now that we know the town, it’s time to know what to do when in Dalhousie.
Trek To Daikund Peak
Located around 10 kilometers from Dalhousie, Dainkund Peak is the highest peak in Dalhousie, overlooking the mesmerizing Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. The place is popularly known as Singing Hill due to the musical serenade produced by the wind hitting the trees. With its numerous trekking and camping options, a Dainkund peak is an ideal place for adventure enthusiasts to savor the natural beauty. From Gandhi Chowk, it takes about 35-40 minutes to reach the base of the peak from where the real journey begins. The exhilarating experience of reaching the top and watching rivers and hills below you is unmatched.
Khajjiar Visit
Known as Mini Switzerland, Khajjiar is a house for many attractions as mentioned below:
Chamera Lake
Known for its romantic boat rides, Chamera lake is an artificial lake in Khajjiar boasting picturesque views. 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, such as the Church of Scotland, Himachal Emporium Rang Mahal, Champavati Temple, and Akhand Chandi Palace. Winters are the best time to visit as the mountains turn a pristine white in the season.
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
The biggest attraction of Khajjiar is the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. The beautiful sanctuary is home to Himachal’s exotic animal and bird species including leopard, bear, Black Headed Jay, the Black Bird, and Eurasian Jay. Surrounded by greenery and snow-capped Himalayan ranges, this exotic reserve is your gateway to the natural beauty of Khajjiar.
Paragliding
After a relaxing time, if you wish to pump up your adrenaline, paragliding is one of the most exciting things in Dalhousie. Right on the outskirts of Dalhousie, you’ll find many paragliding spots that would welcome you to this enthralling sport. The experience would take you flying over the serene landscape offering panoramic views of the landscape. Among the various paragliding spots, Kalatop is one of the most popular places and looks over the magnificent Pir Panjal Mountain Range.
Other must-see places in Dalhousie
Satdhara Falls
Nestled among green pine and deodar trees, the Satdhara falls offers mesmerizing views, making it an ideal location for a serene picnic. Named after the seven springs flowing from the mountains of Himachal, the falls provide a rejuvenating escape amidst nature. After spending some quality time at the falls, you can even trek up to Panchpula for a complete day trip.
St. John’s Church
St John’s church is a beautiful protestant church in Dalhousie and reflective of the town’s aesthetic of Victorian-era architecture. The church is replete with books, rare photographs, historical artifacts, and paintings, making it both culturally rich and aesthetically pleasing. Sunday mass is the most special event so plan your trip to Dalhousie accordingly.
Shopping in Dalhousie
Apart from sightseeing, the traveler’s guide to Dalhousie would be incomplete without mentioning the shopping zones in Dalhousie. In fact, no travel is complete without shopping. So, all you shopaholics here is a list of places that you must shop.
From budget-friendly shopping places to exquisite luxury shopping, an abundance of famous shopping spots in Dalhousie ensure that there is something for everyone. Shopping from these beautiful locations would allow you to take parts of this quaint town back home with you and help the local artisans continue an ongoing expression of craftsmanship. Being a hill station, Dalhousie also has a lot of local confectionary items like jam which are both tasty and sustainable.
Gandhi Chowk Plaza
One of the most popular shopping places in Dalhousie, Gandhi Chowk Shopping Plaza is a hustling and bustling market offering a diversity of quality goods from traditional handicrafts to electronic goods.
Bhuttico
It is one of the oldest and most renowned shopping places in Dalhousie and specializes in Kullu shawls made of authentic raw materials like lambswool, angora, and a pashmina.
Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium
One of the high-end shopping places in Dalhousie, the Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium features an exquisite collection of Kashmiri woolen shawls.
Tibetan Handicrafts Centre
Located about 2 km away from Bakrota Hill, Dalhousie, the Tibetan Handicrafts center is home to some of the finest traditional artifacts including Tibetan carpets, decent handlooms, and exquisite mats.
Banikhet Bazaar
Banikhet Bazaar is a haven for shopaholics and boasts of a great collection of clothes and souvenirs at reasonable prices. A wide range of shops would satisfy all your clothing needs be it casual, formal, or even bridal wear for weddings.
PLACES TO EAT IN DALHOUSIE
The vibrant culture of Dalhousie is reflected in delicious local food that would keep you coming for more. This traveler’s guide to Dalhousie can help you find a wide range of places to eat in Dalhousie that would truly enrich the travel experience.
Here are some cafes and restaurants in Dalhousie and their specialties-
Kwality Restaurant
Located in the bustling Gandhi Chowk, Kwality Restaurant is one of the most popular places to eat in Dalhousie. The restaurant specializes in Asian and Indian cuisines and has options for all meals- from breakfast to dinner and even for some evening snacks. Some of the must-try dishes here include Noodles, Starter Platters, and Aloo Paranthas.
Bon Appetit
Bon Appetit is a small restaurant famous for its delicious snacks and a wide range of non-vegetarian food made with great quality chicken and offered at an affordable price. A restaurant is a great place for delicious finger food, including French fries, sandwiches, and grilled toast.
Mongas Café
Located near Gandhi Chowk, Mongas Café is a popular eating joint specializing in western flavors. Some of the favorite items include pizza, burgers, and other fast food. The café is among the few places in Dalhousie which are vegetarian and vegan friendly.
Old Sher-e-Punjab Dhaba
Old Sher-e-Punjab Dhaba is a popular restaurant famous for its specialization in the exquisite flavors of Punjab. The most famous dishes here include Amritsari kulcha, tandoori parathas vegetarian biryani, and chana masala.
Café Dalhousie
Located on the lower floor of Hotel Dalhousie, Café Dalhousie is one of Dalhousie’s oldest and most popular cafes. The beautiful café offers South Indian, Chinese and Indian dishes and specializes in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies. The desserts here are a must-try, especially Homemade cakes and Pancakes.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN DALHOUSIE
Dalhousie has a vast array of homestay options. Among the best in the country, it offers you a cozy and delightful stay in Dalhousie, especially in the Covid-19 scenario when travelers are apprehensive about sharing their space in a hotel.
Here are some of the luxury cottages in Dalhousie for a relaxing stay.
Elgin Hall
Elgin Hall is among the best places to stay in Dalhousie. Elgin Hall is a luxurious homestay in Dalhousie, replete with modern facilities with the charm of a vintage British villa. Along with seven rooms each with its own aesthetic identity, the property has various nooks and corners for recreational purposes. The facility has a reading room that is perfect for unwinding with a book, a game room that hosts exciting indoor games, and a tea room reminiscent of the British tradition of high tea. The outdoor lawns are perfect for private gatherings, lazy brunches, and wonderful barbeques.
The Brij Villa
The Brij Villa is a heritage-style hotel set against the majestic Dhauladhar range. Although built in a modern style, the Bungalow retains its old-world charm. An expansive green lawn and an abundance of indoor games would allow you to spend quality time with your loved ones. The property also hosts a restaurant, coffee shop, and bar, providing a fulfilling experience to travelers.
Aamod at Dalhousie
Perched on a mountain ridge, Aamod at Dalhousie lies on the road leading to the mini-Switzerland of India, Khajjiar. The resort consists of 10 mud cottages/rooms, all spacious, aesthetically pleasing, and rustic. The property values ecotourism which is reflected in the build of the resort and an untouched natural experience. With sit-outs and Panoramic windows, you can enjoy magnificent views of the snow-clad Pir Panjal range.
Bottom-line
Apart from these luxurious options, Zostel Dalhousie is one of the best places to stay in Dalhousie if you are traveling on a budget. With its quaint and scenic location and an in-house cozy café, Zostel Dalhousie would leave you in awe.