Location:
Himachal Pradesh
Discovered In: 1854.
Founded By: Lord James Ramsay, Marquis Of
Dalhousie, Khajjiar.
Best Time To Visit: Mid-May to Mid-October.
In
western Himachal Pradesh, the hill station of Dalhousie is full of
old world charm and holds lingering echoes of the 'RAJ'. It covers
an area of about 14 sq. km. and is built of five hills Kathlog,
Patreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun. it is named after the British
governor General of the 19th century, Lord Dalhousie. The town's
heights varies between ,525m and 2,378ml, and it is surrounded by
varied vegetation-pines, deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendron.
Dalhousie has charming colonial architecture, including some
beautiful churches. Its location presents panoramic views of the
plains- and like a long silver line, the river Ravi twists and turns
below Dalhousie. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains
are also visible form this enchanting town.
ACCESS:
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 . Taxis and buses are easily
available from these places.
CLIMATE:
In winter, the temperature can drop to freezing point when heavy
woollens are required. the summer temperature are mild and light
woollens/cottons are recommended.
CITIES
Subhash Baoli: Commanding a view of the snowcapped mountains,
1.6-km away from the G.P.O. (check spelling) Square, the spring of
Subhash Baoli is situated at an altitude of 2,085 metres (6,678
ft.).
Satdhara: On the way to Panjpulla, at an altitude of 2,036m.
(6,678 ft.), these seven springs are reputed to have great
therapeutic value as they contain mica with medicinal properties.
Panjpulla: Just 2 km away from the town lies the 'five
bridges' memorial, built in memory of Ajit Singh, one of India's
well-loved freedom fighters. A natural tank and creams give the spot
a fitting serenity.
Jandhri Ghat (2036 m): Around half a kilometre away from the
Subhash Baoli, Jandhri Ghat enfolds an elegant palace in the midst
of tall pine trees. Chamba's erstwhile rulers governed from here
till the advent of Lord Dalhousie. The palace houses a number of
shikhar trophies. Beside the palace, Jandhri Ghat offers heavenly
spots for picnicking-gushing streamlets in the midst of fragrant
pine-scented breezes.
Bakrota Hills and the 'Round' (2085m): Less than 5 km from the
town centre, the Bakrota Hills frame a breathtaking view of the
further snow-clad peaks. The 'round' is a walling circuit around the
hill, very popular with residents.
Kalatope
(2440m): 5 Km from Dalhousie, Kalatope is a pleasant getaway,
with a panoramic view, an enchanting palace, and a forest rest
house. Kalatope is situated 10-km away from G.P.O. Square at an
altitude of 8,000-ft. Walking along the secluded and forested road
through upper Nakorota hills, one reaches Lakkarmandi. The home of
dhogri families, Lakkarmandi is nestled between 8,600 feet high
Dayan Kund peak on its right and Kalatope on the left. The little
Kalatope Sanctuary has a variety of wildlife such as ibex, deer,
bears and leopards.
Dainkund
(2745m): At an altitude of 2,745 m and 10 km from the town, this
tall peak outside town affords a bird's-eye view on a clear day, of
the hills, valleys and the river Beas, Ravi and the Chenab threading
their silvery way down to the plains.
Bara Pathar: Set amidst thick forest is the small temple of
Bhulwani Mata, in the village of Ahla, on the way to Kalatope. A
fair is celebrated in July to venerate the goddess. It is 4 km away
from the town.
Khajjiar (1951m) : Just 27-km from Dhoudar the beautiful
little plain of Khajjiar is one of the favourite retreats for
visitors. The saucer-shaped meadow, ringed by pines, has a lake set
in the middle, complete with a floating bland. A little golden-spired
temple of Khajjinag belonging to the 12th century and a picturesque
golf course complete this pretty picture. A picturesque spot with an
emerald, saucer shaped meadow set amidst a dense deodar forest, it
has a lake as it's centre with a floating island, a forest rest
house, a little temple with a golden spire and a golf course.
Accommodation is available at the tourist bungalow, Hotel Deodar and
at Youth Hostel and the PWD Rest House
