When I had first come across pictures of Dalhousie in a travel magazine, I instantly fell in love with the quaint little town. The hill station shone in its full winter glory looking totally enchanting. I had since then longed to visit Dalhousie mostly in winter to personally witness what I had seen in the pictures. So recently when my husband suggested Himachal for a vacation to celebrate my birthday, all I could think of was the beautiful Dalhousie.
Dalhousie
Named after the British Governor General Lord Dalhousie, the scenic hill station was a coveted summer getaway during British Raj in India. Dalhousie is located in the western part of the Himachal Pradesh and is a prominent part of Chamba Valley spanning across five hills. Over the years, Dalhousie has become one of the favorite holiday destinations among Indians. The tall deodar and pine trees, lush forests, scenic drives across hills makes one lost in the world of tranquility, leaving you enthralled with its natural beauty.
We flew from Mumbai to Chandigarh city and then drove down to Dalhousie (which is about 6 and half hours journey) by renting a self-driven car through Zoomcar. We spent a good four days here, exploring the hills, savoring the perfect scenery and enjoying the well-deserved break from the city. Dalhousie has a lot to offer for everyone from trekking to adventurous road trips to relaxing picnics under sturdy pine trees or one can have it all during their trip to Dalhousie. So, here are some of the reasons why one should visit the beautiful hill station of Dalhousie:
Day trip to Khajjiar
One cannot go to Dalhousie and not visit the beautiful Khajjiar. Famously known as the “Mini Switzerland of India” and true its name, Khajjiar is a stunning little village tucked amidst the mountains and tall trees, which will definitely transport you to a magical world of prettiness all around. I cannot think of a better than this to truly enjoy the enchanting valley of Chamba. We spent a lovely day, lazing around in the lush green meadows by the little lake, people watching and letting the time pass by.
Trek to Dainkund Peak
Dainkund Peak is one of the highest peaks in Dalhousie and one can trek up to the top to enjoy the panoramic views of the hills. The trek is comparatively easy with lots of beautiful scenery as you walk up the path to keep you company and also luring you to the top. Up high at 9000 feet above sea level, get lost in the picturesque snow-capped mountains and wind singing a melodious tune.
Related post: Day trek to Dainkund Peak, Dalhousie.
Eat piping hot momos and Maggi at the Market
Well, this has to be culinary must do during your time in the hills. Dalhousie has tons of stalls sells a variety of Momos and Maggi noodles in the street. If you are a fan of street food, do try this and also include a hot cup of tea to beat the chilly weather, if you are a tea lover like me.
Visit the Panchpula and Sathdhara Falls
The Panchpula and Sathdhara Falls located at about 2 km distance from Dalhousie are yet another scenic spot in town. Panchpula is a collection of five bridges built over river streams and one can trek up to Dainkund from here. Sathdhara falls is seven springs, which is said to have medicinal properties, so a dip in the waterfall is good for many ailments.
Drive to the top of Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
We drove to Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary with the sole intention of spotting bears and leopards. However, I wasn’t lucky enough to spot even a bird while we were driving up to the top. But that does not say, the drive wasn’t worth it, it was an incredible yet scary experience driving through the single lane, winding roads. Kalatop is located at 8000 feet high and the view from here simply stunning. Head to any one of the tiny terraced coffee shops, to enjoy a hot onion bhajiyas (fritters) and tea along with an uninterrupted view of the rolling hills.
Stroll through the local market
Explore the local market in Gandhi Chowk, which is the main shopping area in the town still showcasing the inherent colonial charm. The entire street is always bustling with activities as street vendors selling local products to tourists to take back home as souvenirs and eateries serving delicious food all around the day.
Sit back and enjoy the stunning vistas
Dalhousie being a hill station does not lack in pretty scenery. Anywhere you go, beautiful mountains, scenic green landscapes, and gorgeous waterfalls will always surround you. My four days in Dalhousie was filled with such vistas and I have to say I never got tired of watching them. One can easily lose themselves gazing at the beautiful artwork of nature with the perfect weather letting you relax and feel rejuvenated.
I hope the post enticed enough to pack your bags and plan a vacation to the beautiful hill station of Dalhousie. Do share your lovely memories or any other interesting things to do, if ever been to Dalhousie.
So beautiful place. Loved to read about Dalhousie.
Not yet visit, hope soon visit. Thanks for all pics.
Thank you Rupam.
You had a nice experience. I am also planning to visit Dalhousie. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Welcome Manu. Hope you have a great time in Dalhousie :).
Important + Neat & Clean + Readable Information 🙂 Thanks for sharing .. best wishes
Thank you.
I didnt know there is hot air balloon ride in Dalhousie! I would love to do that some day!
The photos are breathtaking! It’s worthy of the name Switzerland of India. I love your itinerary. Will bookmark the page for my trip to Dalhousie. Thanks for sharing!
Your welcome Archana!
Nice shots,the nature,nice place
Thank you!
Dalhousie is beautiful, actually, ‘pretty’ would be the right word. And you have presented it in a wonderful way 🙂
Cheers,
Rajiv
Thank you, Rajiv! I agree with you, pretty is the perfect word to describe Dalhousie.
Beautiful pics!
Thank you!
Wonderful experience! Maggi is so popular in the hills.
During my Kufri trip too I remember every tea stall dishing out this. Not so common in south of India.
Yes, Maggi is a local favourite, you find it almost everywhere in the hills of North India.
I have always wanted to go here ever since I saw the movies Lootera. This is a perfect getaway from the bustling cities.
Dalhousie scene in Lootera stole our heart as well. It is as perfect as it is shown in the movie.
I can see why this is one of the favorite holiday destination for Indians.. <3 This place looks amazing indeed.. Very peaceful and looks so relaxing!
It is a perfect location for a relaxing holiday. Thank you for the love Marvi!
Khajjiar is absolutely beautiful. I love the photo you took of the serene lake. I love visiting local markets when I travel too. Those are some yummy treats you got there!
There’s no place like a local market if one wants to savour yummy food and also a perfect spot for people watching :).
Those views are incredible! I can see why Khajjiar is known as the “Mini Switzerland of India” – the landscape is definitely reminiscent of the mountains in Europe. I’d love to spend a few days traveling through Dalhousie!
Khajjiar gives one a feeling of being the midst the Swiss Alps, definitely an apt name to this gorgeous place.
Dalhousie looks like the perfect getaway to just chill and explore. From your pictures, I have to agree that it looks like it could be the mini-Switzerland of India. Love it and those momos look delish!
The gorgeous weather and the scenic hills definitely reminds one of the Swiss Alps :).
I have been wanting to visit Khajjiar for a long, long time. I’m sure its prettier and greener than it looks in the pictures. Hoping to get there soon. How are the roads from a self-drive point of view?
The roads were a little scary to drive as we were not used to driving in the hills. And, yes Khajjiar is even more stunning in reality :).
There’s something special about staying in the mountains – clean air, unspoiled nature and stunning scenery! And all of that really works up your appetite!! I didn’t know about Khajjiar – it looks amazing. But then the whole Dalhousie Region is full of wonderful attractions – even driving the roads sounds like an amazing adventure!
Oh, it is! the drive through the hills is indeed an adventure of its own. The deep twists and turns and the deep slopes are so scary!
Amazing post
Thank you!
Wow, thanks for this post, it bought my childhood memories. I visited Dalhousie when I was in class 6th with around 10 family members and did and lot of fun. Reading your post I felt nostalgic 🙂
We are glad the post brought back all the happy memories for you :).
This is so pretty, and I’ve seen so many documentaries about these hill stations from the British rule days. I really thought it was Switzerland on first glance! The sanctuary sounds wonderful too, great photos.
Thank you, these hills were a favourite among the British during their rule and also a much preferred holiday destination for the locals currently.
What a fascinating place! The food looks amazing, I’d end up eating from each vendor. And those views! It’s worth a visit just to see those amazing views.
Yes, Dalhousie is definitely worth a visit just to enjoy the scenic beauty!
Dalhousie looks and sounds like such a beautiful place and l can see why you fell inlove with it when you read about it. I would definitely be up for that day hike and those yummy looking dumplings. Definitely adding to my list for next time i head to India.
Oh that’s great. these hills won’t disappoint you :).
Dalhousie looks lovely, the perfect balance of remote nature but with a market nearby it’s not too isolated. The street food looks fab – what are momos? Any indian food goes down well with our family! Thank you for introducing us to a new area of India!
Momos are the other name for steamed dumpling. If you like oriental cuisine we are sure you will enjoy these.
This area is absolutely gorgeous! I love the beautiful scenery. I’m sorry you didn’t see a bear or leopard at the sanctuary, but I agree, the drive is worth it! I’d like to try those momos, and those noodles look pretty good, too! I’m glad you had an amazing trip!
Thank you Stacey! The trip was totally worth it with only a minor disappointment was we couldn;t spot any wild animals.But the gorgeous scenery made up for it :).
What a stunning landscape! Quite breathtaking scenery with the mountains in the background. It would be beautiful to go hiking in this area. I can see why they call Khajjiar mini Switzerland of India! Beautiful.
Hiking in these gorgeous mountains is an amazing experience, I totally suggest it!
I would love to visit Dalhousie some day. I particularly like the panoramic views from the Dainkund Peak and could spend a good amount of time at the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, with that must-have maggi and momo platter, of course. Cheers!!
Oh yes, the hot maggis are a must when you are visiting the hills :).
Dalhousie is such a stunning and picturesque hill-station in North East India. I loved the stunning lake of Khajjiar. Drive to Kalatop wildlife sanctuary would be the most beautiful nature drive. Nice photos!
Kalatop and Khajjiar were my favourite spots in the town. They are so gorgeous!
So, so, so beautiful.
Maggie and Momos, those environs and the mountain air. I’m sure you guys had a lovely four days there. 🙂
Lovely pictures, Suma. 🙂
Thank you Dee! We had a lovely time at Dalhousie :).
This looks stunning! Your pictures are gorgeous and really captivates those views and colours! Would love to visit – looks like you had a great time!
Thanks for the love Katie!
This blog will push any traveler to visit this beautiful place for sure.
Its so much fun and adventure to discover new place and food
Dalhousie is an amazing place and it’s close to nature to visit in this are any time.
The street food looks fab – what are Meggie?
and I want to visit that place.
Thank you for introducing us to the heaven of India!