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 | Let your spirit soar - Dalhousie |  |  | | | | | | | | | The hill station of Dalhousie is an old time as well as an all time favourite among tourists. The fascinating hill, with the enchanting greenery where the air is still pure and invigorating, bestows this place with an alluring charm.
Dalhousie is situated between the Dauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, in western Himachal Pradesh, between 6,000 and 9,000 feet above sea level. The route up takes you to heights of the majestic mountains, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, leaving behind the verdant valley and the winding River Ravi, like a shining silver rope. Dalhousie is enjoyed more for its climate and serenity than anything else.
| |  | | | | As in the case of most hill stations in India, Dalhousie too was discovered by the British. The colonial architecture and the churches here are proof of the British rule. The hill station is named after the governor general -Lord Dalhousie. This place boasts of some distinguished visitors like Rabindra Nath Tagore, Subhash Chander Bose and Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, who have stayed here and experienced the magic of the mountains.
Being a popular destination, in summer, it is almost impossible to get a foothold here due to the rush of tourists. | |  | | | |
Dalhousie houses a few churches, picnic spots and shopping malls. The malls here are always busy and bustling with activity while the rest of the countryside provides a quiet charm.
The calm country side, the thick forests of cedars and deodars forests, the lofty mountains at times covered with snow, makes this a picture perfect destination. | |  | | | | Places to see | | |  | | | | | | |  | Churches -Dalhousie has four churches popular among the tourists. | | | | St. Andrew's Church, commonly known as the Church of Scotland | | | | St. Patrick's Church at Balun is the largest church in Dalhousie. | | | | St. Francis' Church at Subash Chowk is believed to have been built on the lines of a church in England. | | | | St. John's Church at Gandhi Chowk was the first to be built after the town of Dalhousie was founded. | | | | Panchpula - At a distance of 3 kms from Dalhousie, is a picturesque spot of Panchpula - ideal for a picnic. On | | | | the way to Panchpula is Satdhara springs, a fresh water spring, believed to contain some medicinal properties | | | | Subhash Baoli (1 km) - Supposed to be the spot where Subhash Chandra Bose contemplated and meditated. | | | | The spot is scenic with its lush greenery and beatific surroundings. | | | | Kalatop (10 km) - Situated some 10 kms from Dalhousie is a wild life sanctuary which is home to the 'ghoral' | | | | and Himalayan black bear. | | | | Laxmi Narayan Temple - Built more than 150 years ago, the temple enshrines a beautiful image of Lord Vishnu. | | | | The temple is located in Sadar Bazar approximately 200 mtrs from Subhash Chowk | | | | Banikhet - Known as the gateway to Dalhousie, situated 7 kms before Dalhousie. This small place has gained importance | | | | because of the residential colony of Chamera Hydro-electric Project. | | | | Kalatop - Kalatop and Khajjiar are trekking routes worth exploring. | | | | Shopping - Located on Thandi Sarak is the Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium which houses woolens and handicrafts. | | | | The malls offer plenty of goods for shoppers. | | | | | | | | | | | | | Fact File | | | | | | | | | | | | Dalhousie is 485 km by road from Delhi and 52 km from Chamba. The closest railhead is Pathankot, 80 km away. | | | | The airport at Gaggal in Kangra is at a distance of 135 km. Transportation is easily available from these places. | | | | | | | | | | | | | Best Time to Visit | | | | | | | | | | | | March to June. Winter is also a good time to visit but the temperature can drop below freezing point. | | | | | | | | | | | |