Introduction:
Dalhousie has charming architecture, including beautiful churches.
Its location presents panoramic views of the plains - and
like a long silverline, the river Ravi twists and turns below
Dalhousie.Dalhousie is built by the British as per their own
style as they wanted to establish a sanatorium for Europeans
on the outer slopes of the Dhauladhar range. The then Maharaja
of Chamba was offered handsome amout for this place.The amout
Rs 2300 was decided to be paid as a compensation to the Chamba
state for the transfer of this place and its nearby places
like Bakrota,Tehra,Kathlog etc... to the Government of India.Sir
Donald McLeod recommended the British to name, the new sanatorium
as Dalhousie, after Lord Dalhousie, the first British Governor
General of India in the year 1854. Thus, this beautiful hill
station came into being covering an area of 14 sq kms.
Dalhousie is a quiet town, with a sense of enchantment. This
hill station spreads over five low-level hills at the western
edge of the Dhauladhar range, just east of the Ravi River
. Easily accessible from the plains, Dalhousie is 90 km away
from Pathankot. Built around five hills, Dalhousie is home
to towering green groves of deodar and oak. The forest trails
are a travellers delight and the views of the Chamba Valley
and the Dhauladhar range are truly spectacular. The pine-covered
slopes around it are intersected with paths and treks, which
are ideal for short undemanding walks.
Major Attractions in Dalhousie
There are so many major attractions, which draws the attention
of tourists in Dalhousie. Few of them are -
Subhash Baoli - This spring is a scenic walk from
the GPO square and offers panoramic views of the snow capped
mountains.
Satdhara - These seven sparkling springs
are rich in mica and noted for their medicinal properties.
Panjpulla - The water from a natural tank
flows under five small bridges at this scenic spot.
Kalatope - The scenic beauty and panoramic
views of the surrounding countryside make this an ideal spot
for a weekend getaway. The Kalatope Sanctuary also has a variety
of Himalayan wildlife.
Bara Pathar - It is on the way between the Kalatop sanctuary
and the Dalhousie Municipal limits. It is a good place for
a break on the way to Kalatop. This place has a outdoor temple
of Bhuvani Mata.
Dainkund - This tall peak outside Dalhousie offers
a panoramic of the hills, valleys and the rivers Beas, Ravi
and Chenab winding their silvery way down to the plains.
Chamba - Just 56 km from Dalhousie, Chamba
was founded in 920 AD by Raja Sahil Varma, and named after
his favourite daughter Champavati. Isolated by the high mountains
in its beautiful valley, Chamba has developed its own rich
style of Pahari art and architecture. Much of this heritage
has been preserved and Chamba is known today for the splendour
of its temples and its exquisite handicrafts.
Six ancient stone temples with tall vimanas, dedicated to
both Shiva and Vishnu, can be seen. The richly carved Lakshminarayan
temple is the oldest and its architectural beauty merits a
visit by every traveller.
Best Time to Visit : May to October
How to reach
Dalhousie can be easily accessed through air, train or road.
By Air : Amritsar is the nearest airport.
Jammu airport is 188 kms. Both are connected to Delhi by Indian
Airlines and by Vayudoot flights.
By Rail : Pathankot about 80 kms, the nearest
railway station and is connected to all of the major cities.
By Road : Network bus services is from Dalhousie
to Manali 402 kms, Khajjiar 27 kms, Amritsar 188 kms, Pathankot
80 kms, Delhi 563 kms, Chandigarh 352 kms, Dharamshala 143
kms, Jammu 188 kms. Chamba 56 kms, Jalandhar 192 kms.
So, what are you waiting for.. Just pack your bags and Get
going for the most adventurous vacation of your lifetime in
Dalhousie with us.
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