Dalhousie is in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It is built on five hills Kathlog, Potreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun. It’s a very beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh. It is surrounded by the beautiful scenery oh snow – capped peaks. It was established in 1854 by the British Empire in India as summer retreat for its troops and bureaucrats. It is located on the western edge of the Dhauladhar mountain range of the Himalayas. Out of five hills, the main hub of Dalhousie is portreyn. The most popular place in Dalhousie is the figure of eight at portreyn.
Dalhousie is known as the ‘gateway to Chamba’. Chamba is only 56 km from Dalhousie. Dalhousie is famous for its rains and cool weather in summer. Chamba chappals are very famous among the tourist embroidered with gold thread, can baskets, colorful woolens and life like Chamba dolls and also the Chamba shawls are very popular. There are several places of tourist interest near the hill resort of Dalhousie like Khajjair and Chamba. Ponies and dandies (local palanquins) are used for short distance trips. Taxis and jeeps are also available
Climate
In summer, the maximum temperature of Dalhousie is 30º and in winter temperature comes down to almost 0º. Heavy woolens are required in winter and light woolens or tropical in summer, and the peak tourist is from May to September. The rains hit Dalhousie between December and February.
Area
The hill station of Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh is surrounded by the beautiful scenery of snow – capped peaks covers an area of about 14 sq km and is built on five hills – Kathlog, Portreyn, Tehra, Barkota and Balun.
Language
The languages spoken in Dalhousie are Pahari (local dialect), Hindi and English.
Attraction Point In Dalhousie:
St. Andrew’s Church:
St. Andrew’s Church was built in the year 1903 at baloon by protestant Christians and commonly known as the Church of Scotland.
St. Jonh’s Church:
The church is approximately 2 km from the main bus stand and it stands on the Gandhi chowk. Rev. John H. Pratt came to Dalhousie in 1863 and inspired the Christian community to build a permanent church building at this place.
Panchpula:
Panchpula is almost 3 km. there is a very beautiful monument erected at panchpula where several streams meet at one point. That is Samadhi monument was built in memory of great sardar Ajit Singh.
Khajjiar:
Khajjiar is 27 km from Dalhousie. Khajjiar is one of the famous retreats among the visitors. Khajjiar is famous for the popular Khajji Naga shrine dedicated to the serpent god from which the name is believed to have been derived. The temple dates back to the 10th century and is interspaced with different patterns and images on the ceiling and wooden posts.
Dainkund:
Dainkund is only 10 km. one can enjoy the beautiful view of the hills, with the rivers Ravi, Beas and chenab threading through the distance. A Devi Temple is also situated on the hill.
Jandrighat Palace
This palace belongs to the Raja of Chamba. Wild varieties of strawberries can be seen all along the way. Also, Jandrighat palace shows the royal life of the Raja of Chamba.
Kala Top Wildlife Sanctuary
The wildlife reserves, provides shelter to various species of flora and fauna. Kala top is a pleasant getaway, only 5 km from Dalhousie, with a panoramic view and a forest rest house. Kala Top is situated at an altitude of 8000 ft and 10 km away from G.P.O jquare. It has a variety of wildlife such as Deer, Bears & Leopards.
Bakrota Bakrota is famous in producing Tibetan carpets. From the Bakrota round also you can get a very good view of mountains. Round means a walking circuit around the hills, very popular among the residents. It is less than 5 km from the town centre.
How To Go:
By Rail
The raiway station at Pathankot is at a distance of 80 km and is the nearest station to Dalhousie. Where as Chamba is 122 km from Pathankot and the neaest broad gauge rail head which is linked by direct trains to Amritsar, Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta.
By Road
The road network of Himachal Pradesh is very convenient. It provides a very good network of highways and national highways connects almost all the major town and cities. Dalhousie is 80 km from Pathankot and Bharmaur is 65 km from Chamba. Both Dalhousie and Chamba are well connected with places in and outside the state.
By Air
The nearest airport is at Gaggal (Kangra) which is 180 km from Chamba and 140 km from Dalhousie. Other two airports are Amritsar airport which is 192 km and Jammu airport which is 190 km.