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Dalhaouji & Khajjiar

The Honeymoon Place Of India

Majestic mountains of the Dhauladhar range culminating in the Pir Panjal mountains of Kashmir, and the beautiful river Ravi meandering its way through the plains together form the identity of Dalhousie. Established in the year 1854 in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie serves as a gateway to the Chamba Hill State. Situated along the western side of the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas, it lies at 6000 to 9000 feet above sea level. Dalhousie is surrounded by five hills, namely- Kathlog, Portreyn, Moti Tibba (formerly known as Tehra), Bakrota and Balun.

As the hill station was named after the famous British Governor General, Lord Dalhousie, it still retains much of the British Raj style.

Khajjiar

Located about 22 km from Dalhousie, Khajjiar is surrounded by dense forest and mountains. It is famous for a small glacial lake at the centre and an ancient temple devoted to Khaji Nag. Often known as 'Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh', it lies at an altitude of about 6,400 feet. It boasts of being one of the 160 locations in the world that resemble the topography of Switzerland and one of its stones became the part of the stone collage around the Swiss Parliament, which represents Khajjiar as the 'Mini Switzerland of India'. The picturesque beauty of the place, along with its nine-hole golf course, has given a boost of its travel and tourism industry.

Rich Vegetation

The high hills are popular for a lush cover of vegetation comprising of towering pines, deodars, oaks, and the beautiful rhododendron plants.

Adventure

Being located at such an altitude, Dalhousie is known for a number of adventure activities and snow sports. Trekking is an evergreen activity at Dalhousie. The Dalhousie-Khajjiar-Chamba triangle offers numerous trek routes.

Prime Attractions At Dalhousie

Subhash Baoli is famous for its spring that provides excellent views of snow-capped mountains. As the place was often visited by the great leader Subhash Chandra Bose, it is named after him only.

Satdhara or seven springs, situated on the way to Panjpulla, are believed to have medicinal powers because of the presence of 'mica' (Gandhak).

Jandhri Ghat has the palace of erstwhile royalty of Chamba. A number of trophioes can be seen here. The streamlets and tall pine trees provide some beautiful picnic spots here.

Panjpulla (2 km), basically a memorial, is a favourite destination among tourists because of its natural tank and small natural pools that are fed by perennial streams. It was built in the memory of Sardar Ajit Singh, the famous freedom fighter of India.

Bakrota Hills draw a number of tourists to see the breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks and the walling circuit around the hill known as the 'Round'.

Dalhousie also has several churches, which are frequented because of religious importance as well as architectural beauty. St. Andrew's Church, St. Patrick's Church and St. Francis Church are the three main christian shrines at Dalhousie.

Prime Attractions At Khajjiar

Khajjiar Lake serves as the lifeline of the town. It is surrounded by saucer-shaped lush green meadow and a floating island. The banks of the lake are spongy because of the dense growth of weed called 'vacha'.

Situated near the famous Khajjiar Lake, is the Khajinag Temple (Golden Devi Temple) built in the 12th century. This is the temple after which the town is named. The architectural beauty of the temple lies in its golden dome and spire. One can see several images of the Pandavas and the defeated Kaurvas on the roof of the circumambulatory path of the temple.

Shopping

The region is famous for shawls, leather chappals, cane baskets, woolens and dolls, which are mainly designed by the artisans of Chamba Valley (located in the same region).

Getting There

By Air

The nearest airport is at Gaggal in Kangra (135 km).

By Rail

The nearest railhead is at Pathankot (Punjab Border; 90 km).

By Road

Dalhousie is 485 km from Delhi and 52 km from Chamba. It is easily accesible by Himachal Pradesh State Transport Buses or private taxis.