Top 6 Places to visit Near Dalhousie

Situated at an altitude of 1970m, Dalhousie is one of the favorite tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh. It’s a quaint little place, best suited for a few days of relaxation and calm with some really good company. It has a nice old-world charm, being home to churches and buildings from the colonial era. It is an abode of scenic beauty, surrounded by snow-clad mountains and valleys all around. It is stretched across five mountains – Kathlog, Potreyn, Terah, Bakrota, and Bhangora. It has the Panjula and the Satdhara waterfall for those who like a therapeutic experience in the waters. The town is lined with dense forests and grasslands for you to enjoy some leisurely strolls. The city also boasts of a Mall road of its own like any other hill station. This is where you’ll find the main market and some cozy restaurants for that special date night! Dalhousie is a wonderful experience for a long weekend getaway – something you won’t easily forget!

How to reach Dalhousie – (From Delhi)

By Bus – The cheapest and direct way is to take an overnight bus from Delhi to Dalhousie which will cost you around 1000 to 1500 INR depending upon the dates and seasons. Another option is by train –You can take a train from Delhi to Pathankot, then from Pathankot to Dalhousie, you will have to take a bus. If you have problems getting a direct bus then you can take a bus to Banikhet and from there to Dalhousie main square.

The last option and the easiest one is to travel from Delhi to Dharamshala by air and then from Dharamshala to Dalhousie by a taxi or local bus depending upon your choice and budget. Taking a flight will save you time and will be easier. This is a good option if you are not running very low on budget. The flight ticket will cost around 6000 INR. 

When to go Dalhousie?

The best time to visit Dalhousie depends on what you are willing to experience. If you want to witness snowfall then December to February are the best months. If you are willing to peace out in the greenery then April to mid-June and October are good months. Although you should avoid traveling during the rainy season it looks the greenest during that time.

Places to visit near Dalhousie –

1. Khajjiar –The most talked-about destination is Khajjiar. It grabs the title of most loved travel destination in Dalhousie due to its alluring beauty as well as the title “Mini Switzerland “. Located almost 14km away from the Dalhousie main square it is the best places for a picnic around the Khajjiar lake which is covered by pine trees all around and the Himalayas make the backdrop even more appealing. You can take traditional Himachali outfit pictures, go for paragliding or horse riding as well. Khajjiar looks like a winter dreamland in winter when it’s completely covered with snow.

   

2. Churches – A visit to Dalhousie will be incomplete without the visit to famous churches. This is where Dalhousie gets it’s old school charm from. St.John’s church is the main attraction of Dalhousie as it was one of the firsts churches to be built here. There are more churches that need your attention for example St.Patrick’s church and St.Andrew’s Church. These churches will not only add peace to your trip but the location of all these churches are one of a kind that can blow away your mind by the beauty and charm. These should be definitely in your bucket list.
3. Kalatop wildlife sanctuary- While you’re in Dalhousie, you shouldn’t miss this surreal sanctuary which can show you different flora and fauna that most people are unaware of. Located in the Chamba district it is just a few km away from Dalhousie. If you are an adventure lover, this can be your paradise in Dalhousie as it has multiple hiking routes. The sanctuary is surrounded by coniferous trees on all sides and the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas makes it even more top-notch. There are many wild animals like black bears and Serow that can be spotted here which makes it a must-visit place.
4. Panchpula – If you’re looking for having a little more adventure without sacrificing your peace, Panchpula is the answer to it. Panchpula is one of the most loved destinations because of it’s freshwater streams and exotic waterfalls. This amazing getaway is located only 3km away from Dalhousie’s main square making it even easier for the tourists to visit. The place looks exceptionally beautiful because of the picturesque mountains in the back. On the way to Panchpula waterfalls, you can stop midway to visit Satdhara streams which are said to have medicinal properties as well.
5. Tibetan market – A trip to the Himalayas would be incomplete without a run to the Tibetan market. The market is a small lane packed with numerous shops selling all sorts of warm garments, shoes, Tibetan artifacts, and gifts. This would be the best place to buy souvenirs for your loved ones back home. Besides the Tibetan market, you will also find local Himachali shops that sell famous Kullu shawls and handmade woollen garments. You should play with your bargaining skills to get the best deal out of it.
6. Chamba – While you are already in Dalhousie, you should take out some time to visit some offbeat location in the Chamba district. Chamba is known worldwide for its rich culture and cuisine. You can try the famous Dham which is a Himachali dish mostly served on auspicious occasions but you can also find some food corners selling them. You should not miss out on the most loved place for surreal views in Chamba that is Chamera Lake and Dam. You can find yourself a unique spot near the highway or a tea stall and sip your warm tea while looking at this majestic lake with turquoise blue water. You can also go for boating in Chamera Lake and quench your thirst for adventure.