Trip to Dalhousie | weekend trip | best time to visit Dalhousie | Mini Switzerland of India |
DALHOUSIE - TOURIST PLACE IN HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA
Dalhousie (2036 m) is a hill station full of colonial charm that holds lingering echoes of the Raj. Spread out over the five hills (Kathlog, Potreys, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun) the town is named after the 19th century British Governor General Lord Dalhousie. It was popular with the British Army personnel in 1860's. The town’s varying altitude shades it with a variety of vegetation that includes stately grooves of pines, deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendrons.
Rich in colonial architecture, the town preserves some beautiful churches. St. John church is the oldest one built in 1863, St. Francis was built in 1894, St. Andrew in 1903 and St. Patrick in 1909.
There are also magnificent views of Chamba valley and the mighty Dhauladhar range with its awe-inspiring snow covered peaks filling an entire horizon.
Dalhousie - Places to visit nearby
Subhash Baoli
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose spent a large portion of 1937 contemplating here. A nice secluded place.
Panjpulla
It means five bridges. It is a picturesque spot with water flowing under the five small bridges. A Samadhi of Sardar Ajit Singh, uncle of Bhagat Singh, adds to its importance. A small fresh water spring Satdhara is close by.
Bakrota hills
Visit for a brisk walk round the hills and have a view of snow clad peaks. It is 5 Km from Dalhousie.
Kalatope
It is a picnic spot and a wild life sanctuary, 10 Km from Dalhousie and offers a fine view of the countryside.
Bara Pathar
It is 4 Km from Dalhousie enroute Kalatope. In village Ahla here, there is a temple of Bhulwani Mata.
Dainkund
It is 10 Km from Dalhousie. On a clear day this tall peak (2745 m) affords a bird’s eye-view of the hills, verdant valleys and the Beas, Ravi and Chenab Rivers threading their silvery passage down to the plains.
Chattradi
The temple of Chattradi is regarded as one of the holiest ones competing with well known temples of Lakshna Devi at Bharmour and of Bhawani at Kangra. Some of its idols are believed to have been brought from far South or the State of Orissa.
According to the inscription at Chattradi the temple was built by Raja Meru Varman, by whose order the inscription was engraved along with the names of his father, grandfather and great grandfather as well as that of the sculptor. This epigraph commemorates Meru Varman's victory over his rivals with the help of the Devi.
Chattradi looks most scenic during September and October. Even on other occasions, particularly in spring, Chattradi offers pleasant scenery.
Kynance
Kynance is a private residential building of Dharamvirs. This building was constructed during the year 1933 by Dr. N.R.Dharamvir of Lahore. This building acquired historical significance due to the reason that Neta Ji Subhash Chander Bose, a class fellow of the wife of Dr. Dharamvir, stayed with them for a period of 7 months beginning May, 1937. Before arriving in Dalhousie, Neta Ji was in British Jail where his health had deteriorated. On the request of his younger brother the British High Court released Neta Ji on parole on health grounds. It brought Neta Ji to the climate of Dalhousie. Kynance is barely 50 Km from G.P.O. It lies hidden from the public eye below the road. An insignificant looking board bearing the name of Kynance hangs from a tree and is discernible to only those tourists who have an eye for details.
Manimahesh
In the month of August/September the annual famous JATRA of Manimahesh commences from Laxmi-Narayana Temple in Chamba. A Chhari is taken to the sacred lake of Manimahesh, which is one of the chief tirthas in the district. The lake is situated at the height of 13,500 feet above sea level and at the base of Manimahesh Kailsah peak (18,564 feet), 92 Km from Chamba, where pilgrims take holy dip Manimahesh is 27 Km from Bharmour. During the mela days sufficient bus service is available upto Hadsar, 14 Km from Bharmour. The pilgrimage is generally done in two stages. Between Dhanchho and Manimahesh lake, there are minor places of pilgrimage known as Bandar Ghati, Gauri Kund, Shiv Kalotri and Ganesh Ghati.
During the mela days several BHANDARAS are set-up for the benefit of pilgrims and meals are served free of cost. Pack animals are also available for those who do not want to carry their luggage themselves