Sandwiched between the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal Ranges in the beautiful land of Himachal Pradesh is the hill station of Dalhousie. Though it is not as celebrated as the other hill stations of Shimla and Darjeeling, but it does have been successful is stirring the hearts of some tourists, who love to sojourn in this town again and again.
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Take Dalhousie tourism in Himachal Pradesh, also eloquent as 'dull and lousy' this town is anything but dull. With five functioning British churches, British style country houses that now have been converted into hotels, nine terraced cemetery and several colorful rock frescoes painted by the first blood of Tibetan emigrates, these attractions make up for this quiet town. However, for most visitors Dalhousie is a place to caprice and gives the tourists a chance to explore the nearby attractions.This gateway to the Chambal valley spreads over five low level hills an creates a deep sense of enchantment on anyone who visits it. In fact, it is one of those places where an intrepid traveler can, like Rabindranath Tagore in 1873 and Subhash Chandra Bose in 1937, make his or her own private discovery. Enjoy a stay in to see the various major attractions of Dalhousie town in Himachal Pradesh.
The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar Mountains are also visible from this enchanting town.
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The history of this town dates back to 1854, when it was discovered the British governor-general Lord Dalhousie. Named after him, this town emerged as a favorable destination of many leaders throughout history. This town has a special significance in context of Indian history as many of our illustrious leaders have visited and stayed in this town.
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This is indeed the district that had a huge impact on the Indian laureate Rabindranath Tagore, who has described Dalhousie it his famed autobiography. Many national leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nelhru and Shaeed Ajeet Sings have too stayed at Dalhousie at some point of their lives and have said and written something in its appreciation. |
Manali is well connected by road to Delhi through NH-21 which goes on the Leh and is the world's highest motorable road. Leading up to Manali from New Delhi are the towns of Panipat and Ambala in Haryana, Chandigarh(Union Territory), Ropar in Punjab, and Bilaspur, Sundernagar, and Mandi in Himachal.
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Dalhousie has tremendous heritage attractions that resides in the churches, hotels which seems to be drenches in cultural fervency. You should see the Trah and Potreyn hills that form the central part of the town. Take a walk on the 'Thandi and Garam sadaks' and enjoy the view of Pangi Hills that are marred by the presence of monkeys. |
You should see the Jandhari Ghats, lying half a kilometer from Subhash Baoli. There is a grand fort here, that still has the remains of the Chamba rulers. Here one can indulge in picnicking-gushing rivulets in the interior of redolent pine-scented zephyrs.
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Take a trip to Satdhara and Panchpullah that are believed to have medicinal properties in the seven tiny streams that converge on this spot. Panchpullah on the other hand, offers two impressive waterfalls at touching distance. Here you should see the five wooden bridges and the monument commemorating the freedom fighter, Sardar Ajit Singh.
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While the Subhash Baoli, also promises the tourist of commanding panoramic vista, visit the Kala Tope, a hilltop dedicated to Shiva which boasts of a grand view of the Pir Panjal Range. Children too can enjoy themselves in Dalhousie, as for them too the option is varied. There is a mall that offers enough activity like pony rides and eating outlets. An excursion to Kala Tope or Khajjiar, will add to their excitement.
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While talking about the major attractions of Dalhousie, the churches deserves a special mention. There are five churches in Dalhousie that demand your attention. Visit St. John's Church, the oldest church in Dalhousie that was built in 1863. built on Romanesque lines, this protestant church contains the 19th century stained glass paintings of Jesus flanked by St. John and St. Peter. Another church that you should not miss is the St. Francis Church on Subhash chowk, that was built in the year 1893. See the intricate craved wooden ceiling and here you should also see the old residence of a Belgian priest Alvera.
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By Air : Nearest airport is Amritsar- 118 km & Jammu- 188 km.
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By Rail :Nearest railhead is Pathankot- 80 km.
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By Road :Amritsar- 188 km, Jalandhar- 192 km, Pathankot- 80 km, Chamba- 56 km, Manali- 402 km, Delhi- 563 km, Chandigarh- 352 km, Dharamshala- 143 km, Khajjiar- 27 km, Jammu-188 km. |
| Tourist Places In Dalhousie |
| 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 Dayan Kund 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. 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.
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| 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. 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.
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| 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. A Nag temple in Padhar Maidan now called mini stadium is a place of worship for the people of Banikhet and villages around. This temple is approximately 150 years old.
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| 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 Catholic 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 glasswork and intricate stonework 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 pe ople as "Lambe Chole Wale Padri Ki Kothi". |
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| St. Jonh'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. Service is conducted on every Sunday. |
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| Khajjiar |
Khajjiar is a forest glade of great beauty, 6400 feet above sea level". Khajjiar is often reffered to as "Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh". The lush green meadows are surrounded by thick pine and cedar forests. Grazing herds of sheep, goats and other milch cattle present a prefect pastoral scenery. There is a small lake in the center of the saucer shaped meadow which has in it a floating island. Much of the lake has degenerated into slush because of heavy silting during rains. Still the landscape of Khajjiar is picturesque and a photographer's delight. A little away from the lake is the temple of Khajji Nag belonging to 12th C. AD.
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| 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. |
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