A summer hill resort par excellence,
Dalhousie takes its name from its founder, Lord Dalhousie.
In the British days, it served as a sanatorium. It is situated 563 kms from
Delhi and lies on the outer slopes of the Dhaula Dhar Range of the
Himalayas.
Apart from its own considerable scenic attraction,
it is the gateway to Chamba, the valley of milk, honey, springs and
streams. Dalhousie, covering an area of only 14 Sq. kms, is a
beautiful hill-station and popular spot with honeymooners.
History of Dalhousie 
In
1851, the princely state of Chamba was approached by Lord Napier of Magdala.
The British wished to establish a sanatorium for Europeans on the outer
slopes of the Dhauladhar range. There, the sun shone warmly on scented
forests of pine and oak, the air was crisp and invigorating, the scenery
beautiful.
Negotiations were carried on with the Raja of Chamba
and in 1853, the plateau of Kathlog, Portreyn, Tehra and Bakrota were
transferred to the Government of India against a compensation of Rs. 2000 to
be paid as an annual tribute to Chamba state. On the recommendation of Sir
Donald McLeod, the new sanatorium was named Dalhousie, after Lord Dalhousie,
the first British Governor General of India. In 1866, the cantonment area of
Balun was also taken over and remains a cantonment to this day.
| » Major Attractions of Dalhousie |
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Jandhri Ghat : 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.
Khajjiar
: Around Dalhousie are wealth of places which beckon those who have an
eye for beauty or a nose for adventure. Khajjiar, just 7 kilometers from
Dalhousie is an enchanting saucer shaped meadow fringed by cedar trees of
great antiquity and stateliness. In the center of the grassy meadow at
Khajjiar lies a small lake.
And on it, are two floating islands,
sometimes hidden from view by the tall grass that grows on them. Khajjiar,
known as one of the most charming spots in the Himalayas , derives its name
it is said from its ancient, golden domed temple of Khajinag. A nine hole
golf course is an added attraction at Khajjiar.
| » Places to Stay in Dalhousie |
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Being one of the most famous hill stations of Himachal,
Dalhousie is well equipped with excellent accommodation facilities. One have
got the options to stay from luxury and five star hotels to small budget
hotels and tourist lodges, which offer accommodation at resonalble prices.
| » Climate of Dalhousie |
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Dalhousie ranges between 1,525m and 2,378m high from sea
level. The maximum temperature of Dalhousie in summers is 30*C and the
winter temperature comes down to almost O*C. Heavy woollens are required in
winter and light woollens or tropicals in summer.
| » How to Get there |
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Air : The nearest airport is at Gaggal
(Kangra), 140-km from Dalhousie.
Rail : The
nearest railhead is Pathankot, which is well connected to Amritsar, Jammu,
Delhi and Jalandhar.
Road : Onward journey
from Pathankot to Chamba and Dalhausie is by road. Punjab and Himachal
Roadways run services, as do private operators.
North
India Tour Packages | Hotels
in Dalhousie
Hotels
in Dalhousie
