Nestled on the Western edges of the Himalayan range of Dhauladhar, Dalhousie is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Spread over an area of 14 sq KM with the background of snow-capped mountains, pine and oak forests and beautiful landscapes all around, Dalhousie has mesmerized visitors for many decades now. To add to the charm of this hill beauty, the town is dotted with Victorian-style and Scottish colonial buildings. The quaint Ravi river, which flows along the town adds an extra charm to this town in Himachal Pradesh.
History of Dalhousie
This sleepy little hill station became a tourist hotspot under the British Raj. Infact, the town was named after after a British Governor-General in India, Lord Dalhousie. During the colonial rule, Dalhousie became an ideal hill station for the British officers. Dalhousie provided them respite from the grueling summer heat of the subcontinent and they would flock in numbers. Many colonial era government buildings and mansions still bear testimony to the love Britishers had for this hill station.
The Filmy Escape
The mesmerizing beauty of Dalhousie has time and again attracted many filmmakers to shoot substantial portions of their movies here. Recently, some scenes of an upcoming Bollywood movie, Running Shaadi.com was shot in Dalhousie. This Romantic-comedy as been co-produced by Shoojit Sirkar, of Piku fame. The movie features Taapsee Pannu, Amit Sadh and Arsh Bajwa. The main protagonists of the movie start an unique concept of helping people run away with the love of their life and get married. And while helping couples, they end up in this Himalayan paradise.
SEE THE VIDEO AND ENTER OUR FUN CONTEST
Tourist attractions of Dalhousie
Panchpula
Situated some 3 KM away from main town of Dalhousie, Panchpula (meaning “five bridges”) is known for its streams that flow in-land creating several pools. Filled with green valleys, one of the major attractions of the town is mesmerizing Satdhara spring fall.
- Must See: Sardar Ajith Singh Memorial, Satdhara spring
- Best Time to visit: March – July
- Adventure Activities: Many trekking routes are available near Panchpula
Dainkund Peak
It is the highest mountain peak in Dalhousie. Tourists can enjoy marvelous 360 degree views of the entire valley from this peak. When the breeze passes through the trees, at this peak, it creates a musical sound earning the area a name of being Singing Valley. Apart from trekking up to the peak, the tourists can also visit the unique Pholani Devi temple.
- Must See: Pholani Devi Temple, Indian Air Force base
- Best Time to visit: March – November
- Adventure Activities: Trekking uphill to reach the Peak
Khajjiar
Nicknamed as “Mini Switzerland”, Khajjiar has impressed every type of traveller over the years. Situated at an altitude of 6,500 feet and 24 KM away from Dalhousie, Khajjiar has an unique mixture of green pastures, unexplored forests and serene lakes. Apart from enjoying the landscape dotted with dense deodars and pines, tourists can also venture to the Khajjiar Lake and Khajjinag Temple.
- Must See: Khajjiar Lake & Ground, Khajjinag Temple, Kailash View, Panch Pandav Tree
- Best Time to visit: March – May
- Adventure Activities: Horse riding at Khajjiar Ground
ALSO READ: Tourist attractions of Pin Valley, Haunted destinations of Himachal
