Dalhousie is located on the western edge of the Dhauladhar mountain range of the Himalayas,is built on and around five hills. This beautiful hill station in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh is located at the altitude of 2036 Meters and surrounded by lush green forest of deodar and pine wood. The Ravi river flows nearby and has a large 750 Mw. hydro-electric station and dam. Scottish and Victorian architecture is prevalent in the bungalows and churches in the town. Dalhousie is the gateway to the Chamba Valley. Comprising of five districts, Balun, Kathioang, Portreyn, Tehra and Bakrota, at heights ranging from 1,525 metres (5,000ft) and 2,738 metres (7,800 ft) Dalhousie's natural beauty, invigorating air, warm sunshine and quiet surrounding add, enchantment to its open and colourful valleys, level walks and treks amidst the dense forests. There is no swirl of traffic. The shops are small and trim. Chamba shawls, Chamba chappals embroidered with gold thread, cane baskets, colorful woollens, and life-like Chamba dolls - all specialties of the region.

Weather

In Summers the temperature is max 26.5 degrees C and min 15.5 degrees C And in Winter the temperature is max 10 degrees C and min 1 degrees C The best time to visit is in the summer, and the peak tourist season is from May to September.

Places of Interest :

Khazziar, Panchpula , Kynance, Subhash Baoli, St. Andrew's Church, St. Patrick's Church, St. Francis' Church, St. John’s Church, Laxmi Narayan TempleShivkul, Dakshina Murti, Banikhet , Kalatop Bharmaur, Mani-Mahesh, Chhartrari

Khazziar

Khajjiar is a small grassy meadow located in the picturesque Chamba valley. 23 kms from Dalhousie by road and 13 kms from Kalatop is the mini Switzerland of India at a height of 6400 ft. It is one of the finest Saucer shaped meadows lined by Tall Deodar Trees and a Lake in the middle with over an 500 year old Wooden Nag Temple near to the Lake. There are two floating islands in the middle of the pond; they are sometimes hidden from view by the tall grass that grows on them. The best entertainment in Khajjiar is to walk around the lake or to go for long walks in the thick pine forests. Children enjoy this place because of the freedom of movement and the slopy terrain which permits them to roll down to the lake without getting hurt. Another attraction like any other hill station is horse riding.A little away from the lake is the temple of Khajji Nag belonging to 12th C. AD. In the mandapa of the temple one can see the images of the Pandavas and the defeated Kaurvas hanging from the roof of the circumambulatory path. The sanctum of the temple has been beautifully carved from wood. There used to be a golf course in Khajjiar which is not maintained. Khajjiar is among the 160 locations in the world that bear topographical resemblance with Switzerland.

Weather

The climate of Khajjiar is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters (November-February) are cold and bitter. It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September.The best time to visit Khajjiar is between March and June

How to reach

Khajjiar is a small tourist spot, and can only be reached by road. It is well connected with other towns in the Chamba valley. Buses from Chamba (1½ hour) and Dalhousie (1½ hour) stop at this picnic spot. Travellers can also hire taxis from either Dalhousie or Chamba to reach here. Bus service to and from Khajjiar is limited and timings change according to local demands.

Place of Interest

Kalatop-Khajjiar Sanctuary

Kalatop-Khajjiar Sanctuary lies between Dalhousie and Chamba townships at the north-western extremity of Daula Dhar in Chamba District. The Dalhousie-Chamba road runs through the sanctuary. The area under this Sanctuary is 3,069ha using digitised maps with an altitude ranges from 1,185m to 2,768m. The terrain is steep and typical of the Outer Himalaya. The sanctuary is drained by several tributaries of the Ravi River, which lies just to the north. There is a lake at Khajjiar. Conditions are monsoonal. Mean annual precipitation is 2648mm, of which about 40% falls during the main monsoon period of July-August and 25% falls as snow. Temperatures range from 10 C to 35 C. There is a 'golden' domed temple of Naga Raja on the Khajjiar meadow, where an annual fair is attended by several hundred people. There are 15 villages inside the sanctuary, having a total population of 1,766 people. The adjacent area has 35 villages with a population of 5,760. There is a tourist bungalow and rest house at Khajjiar and three other rest houses inside the sanctuary. There is a visitor centre outside the sanctuary at Banikher. One watchtower exists for wildlife viewing and more are under construction.

Panchpula

Panchpula, a beautiful spot, is barely 3 kms. from G.P.O. On the way to Panchpula is Satdhara springs gurgling with refreshing water, believed to contain some medicinal properties. Panchpula stream is the main source of water supply to Dalhousie and Bahloon. The stream springs from the north side of DayanKund and runs down a picturesque ravine to the waterworks of Panchpula. There is an elegant monument erected at Panchpula where several streams meet at one point. This monument, a samadhi was built in memory of great revolutionary Sardar Ajit Singh who breathed his last in Panchpula. There is a Tourism restaurant and several chai shops in Panchpula, that offer hot and cold beverages and snacks.

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 kms. 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.

Subhash Baoli

Just approximatly 1 km from G.P.O. is a charming natural spot called Subhash Baoli. Neta ji Subhash Chander Bose during his 7 months sojourn in Dalhousie in 1937 is believed to have spent most of his days by the side of this water body, meditating amidst dense woods of Cedar and meeting his party workers. This place lies on the G.P.O. - JandriGhat Road. A canopy with seating facilities has been created by the local administration at this place.

St. Andrew's Church

St. Andrew's Church commonly known as the Church of Scotland was built in the year 1903 at Baloon by Protestant Christians. The Church is approximately one and half kms. from Dalhousie's bus stand. The Church building is in good condition, recently a brick boundary wall has been erected around it to save the building from mischief mongers.

St. Patrick's Church

This Church is situated in Baloon, Dalhousie Cantt., on Military Hospital road approximately 2 kms. from main bus stand. St. Patrick's Church is the largest church in Dalhousie having a seating capacity of 300 persons in its main hall. The Church was built in the year 1909 and the dressed-stone building is still in good condition. This Church was built exclusively from contribution made by officers and ranks of the British Army. At present the Church is managed and maintained by the Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar.

St. Francis' Church

This Catholic Church is a very prominent monument on the Subhash Chowk. This Church was built in the year 1894 from the contributions made by Army and Civil Officers and Civilians. This Church is managed and maintained by the Cathoilic Diocese of Jalandhar. St. Francis' Church on Prtrain hill is believed to have been built on the lines of a certain church in England. Beautiful glass work and intricate stone work can be seen in the Church. Service is conducted every Sunday. By the side of the Church is the residence of the Priest. The building is called Alverna better known to the local people as "Lambe Chole Wale Padri Ki Kothi".

St. John’s Church

This Church stands on the Gandhi Chowk approximately 2 kms. from the main bus stand of Dalhousie. This Church was the first to be built after the town of Dalhousie was founded. Prior to 1863 a wooden structure stood at this place. The idea to build a stone structure took birth with the arrival of Rev. John H. Pratt who came to Dalhousie on 11-04-1863 and inspired the Christian community to build a permanent church building at this place. Building of this church is a copy of Roman Catholics church of England but this church belongs to Protestants. The church building stands in a good condition but its surroundings demand much better care. Service is conducted on every Sunday.

Laxmi Narayan Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built more than 150 years ago. The temple enshrines a beautiful image of Lord Vishnu. The temple is frequented by local devotees. The temple is located in Sadar Bazar approximately 200 mtrs. from Subhash Chowk.

Shivkul

Shivkul is an Ashram of Vimala Thakur, a re-knowned religious philosopher lady from Gujarat. Shivkul is on the Mall Road betwen Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk. From here one can enjoy the beautiful panorama of Pir Panjal Hills, connecting Chamba Distt. with Jammu & Kashmir. During summer when Vimala Hi popularly known as Vimala Bahen comes to Dalhousie many foreigners as well as Indian disciples of Vimala Ji from all parts of the coutry and abroad gather in Dalhousie to attend her lectures on spiritualism.

Dakshina Murti

Dakshina Murti is a yoga institution created by Dr. R. P. Kaushik of Sonepat/Delhi during mid seventies. Dr. Kaushik travelled all over the world to teach yoga and spiritualism. He died in July 1987. His followers still come to Dalhousie and stay at Dakshina Murti 200 mts away from Subhash Chowk on the small Mall known as Garam Sarak.

Banikhet

Seven kms short of Dalhousie is Banikhet - the gateway to Dalhousie. At Banikhet the road bifurcates for Chamba and Dalhousie. This small place has gained importance with the setting-up of residential colony of Chamera Hydro-electric Project. There is a PWD rest house at Banikhet. A Nag temple in Padhar Maidan now called mini stadium is a place of worship for the people of Banikhet and villages around. The temple is approximately 150 years old.

Kalatop

Kalatop and Khajiar are best explored if you take a three days walk from Dalhousie to Kalatop, Khajjiar and back Dalhousie.The trek is more or less level and requires good health, a pair of sturdy walking shoes. Kalatop is 10 kms from G.P.O. at an altitude of 8000 feet. Walking along the secluded and forested road through upper Nakorota hills, one reaches Lakkarmandi. Between G.P.O. and Lakkarmandi lies the Dalhousie water system, Tibetan Handicraft Centre and Dalhousie Potato Farm at Ahla. Lakkarmandi is nestled between 8600 feet high DayanKund peak on its right and Kalatop on the left. Dayan Kund has military installations and is closed to civilians except the local people who visit Bhulwani Mata temple near DayanKund.

Bharmaur

65 kms from Chamba is the land of legendary Gaddies, i.e. Bharmaur. Bharmaur is known for some very old archaeological remains, primarily the temples. All these temples stand on a level area which call the Chaurasi after the 84 Siddhas who are believed to have meditated in Bharmaur over 1000 years ago. These Siddhas hailed from Kurukshetra and visited Manimahesh. The oldest temples in the complex are those of Lakshna Devi and Ganesh. Both these temples are made in the hill style with gable roofs and rubble masonry. The outer facade, the inner facade of sanctum, circum ambulatory path and the ceiling are exquisitely carved. The idol of Lakshna Devi in her incarnation as Mahisasurmardini is magnificent.

The tallest temple in the whole complex is of Manimahesh built in Shikhara style of architecture. The temple has a Shivalingam on a raised platform. The other temple in Shikhara style is of Nar Singh. Lord Vishnu in his avtar as Nar Singh has been cast vividly. There is a bronze Nandi of life size which stands facing the Manimahesh temple. Inscriptions on the pedestal of the bull and on the idols of Lakshna Devi and Ganesh date back to the reign of Raja Meru Varman. These idols are believed to be the work of master craftsman Gugga. There is a small water source called Ardh Ganda in a corner of the temple complex. Bathing in its water is considered religiously significant. The country around Bharmour is regarded as belonging to Shiva and is sometimes called Shiv-Bhumi. Being the home of nomadic shepherds Gaddies it is also called Gadderan.

Just 4 kms above Chaurasi temples is the hill temple of Bharmani Devi. A trek to this temple refreshes the visitors as it unfolds the green woods before him.

The best period to visit Bharmour is between July and September.Bharmour is also known for its delicious apples and local blankets.

Mani-Mahesh

In the month of August/September the famous JATRA of Mani-Mahesh commences from Laxmi-Narayana Temple in Chamba. The CHHARI is taken to the sacred lake of Mani-Mahesh, which is one of the chief tirthas in the district. Off late people from north India and beyond have started visiting this sacred lake. According to an estimate nearly one lakh people visit this sacred lake every year and take a holy dip. The lake is situated at the height of 13,500 feet above sea level and at the base of Mani-Mahesh Kailsah peak (18,564 feet). Mani-Mahesh kailash is a virgin peak. In 1968 an Indo-Japanese team led by Nandini Patel made an unsuccessful attempt to scale the peak. The devout attribute the failure to the divine prowesses of the holy mountain. On the margin of the lake is a small marble Shivlaing called CHAUMUKHA.Mani-Mahesh is 28 kms. from Bharmour

Chhartrari

45 kms from Chamba via road is this famous village of Chhartrari. The village is inhabited mostly by the Gaddies who are semi-postral lot engaged in rearing of sheep and goats. This village, situated at a height of 6000 feet, its famous for its remarkable hill-style temple of Shamti Devi.

Kugti Sanctuary

Kugti Sanctuary lies in Chamba District some 87km east of Chamba township. The area under Kugti Sanctuary is 33,000ha using digitised maps with an altitude ranges from 2,250m to 6,044m.. Kugti encompasses the catchment of the upper Budhil Nala, a tributary of the Ravi River. It is surrounded by high mountain ranges on all but its western side. The topography is diverse and features several peaks above 5,000m and numerous glaciers. Lying in an inner Himalayan valley, conditions are drier than on the southernmost slopes. Mean annual precipitation is 445mm. Temperature ranges from 10 C to 25 C. The annual pilgrimage to Mani Mahesh Temple is attended by thousands of people.There are two villages (Kugti and Upril Kugti) inside the sanctuary with a total population of 651, and a further nine villages with 1,255 people in adjoining areas. The sanctuary is remotely located, being two days walk from the roadhead at Brahmaur. It is a thoroughfare for trekkers travelling to Lahul and Spiti via Kugti Galu (Pass). There is a forest rest house at Kugti and another on the outskirts of the sanctuary at Sandi.

Gamgul Siahbehi Sanctuary

Gamgul Siahbehi Sanctuary lies in Chamba District, 75km from Chamba, the nearest town. The northern boundary of the sanctuary adjoins the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The area under thios sanctuary is 10.546ha using digitised maps with an altitude ranges from 1,800m to 3,919m. The Siul Nal flows along the western boundary of the sanctuary. Temperatures range between 10 C and 35 C. Mean annual rainfall is 1430mm, and mean annual snowfall 1143mm.Three villages (with a total population of 400 people) are located inside the sanctuary, together with several Gujjar settlements. There are 55 villages, with a total population of 4,953, surrounding the sanctuary. Tourists rarely visit the sanctuary. There are two Public Works Department rest houses inside the sanctuary, and one outside.

Sechu Tuan Nala Sanctuary

Sechu Tuan Nala Sanctuary lies in Chamba District, 113km from Chamba, the nearest town. Access is from Kilar by foot to Sechu (15km) or, alternatively, via Kishtwar in Jammu & Kashmir to Sarsu and onwards by foot to Sechu (85km). The area under this Sanctuary is 65,532ha using digitised maps with an altitude ranges from 2,550m to 6,072m. A surrounding area of 4,570ha is regarded as a buffer zone. There are several glaciers. Temperatures range from 20 C to 27 C. Mean annual rainfall is 500mm. Hindu and Buddhist temples are located at Bhat, Tuan, Hilu, Chrroti and Kalichor. There are 11 villages inside the sanctuary with a total population of 1,049 people. Fourteen villages with a population of 2,853 are located in the surrounding area. There are three rest houses inside the sanctuary and a forest range rest room is under construction at Tuan.