Hill stations are often compared to Switzerland, which is considered the best of the best in terms of hill stations. Given that a trip to Europe costs approximately an arm and a leg, can you not experience the beauty like that of the famed alps somewhere in India? Yes, you can! Dalhousie, which is a small town in the state of Himachal Pradesh, can help you fulfil your dreams.
How to reach Dalhousie?
By Train: Dalhousie does not have a railway station of its own. The closest railway station to Dalhousie is the Pathankot railway station which is around 80 km away from Dalhousie. You can easily get cabs or buses from outside the railway station to get to Dalhousie. The journey should take no longer than 3 hours. The Pathankot railway station is well-connected to important cities in India, and you can get direct express and mail trains to Pathankot from various parts of the country.
By Air: The closest airport to Dalhousie is the Gaggal Airport of Himachal Pradesh. It is located around 130 kilometres away from Dalhousie. You have to get a cab or bus from outside the airport to reach Dalhousie. The Gaggal airport is not an international airport, so you will not get international flights directly there. You can, however, find domestic flights to and from Gaggal airport easily.
By Road: To get to Dalhousie by road, you must have your own vehicle or get a government bus from Delhi or other parts of Himachal Pradesh. Both the Himachal Pradesh government and Haryana government run buses to and from Delhi to Dalhousie. Buses take less than 12 hours to reach Dalhousie from Delhi covering a distance of over 550 km.
Top 10 Dalhousie places to visit and fun things to do
You probably don’t know much about this town, which is why this guide will help you learn more about the best places to visit in Dalhousie. Make sure to bookmark this guide, as it will help you make the most of your next trip to Dalhousie.
Khajjiar
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As promised, a mini Switzerland right here in India. Khajjiar is a small village close to Dalhousie, which is known to be the spitting image of the valleys of Switzerland. Known as the Switzerland of India, this beautiful hamlet can be an amazing place for you to spend your holiday. With the lush greenery around you and the majestic Himalayas towering over you at every point, the scenic beauty of Khajjiar is simply incomparable.
You can spend your vacation relaxing and enjoying your time in this quaint hamlet. As Khajjiar is still quite offbeat for tourists, you can enjoy your trip in peace in the lap of nature, allowing you to enjoy a perfect nature retreat. This beautiful town is located close to the city centre of Dalhousie at a distance of less than 1 km. You can easily stroll to this hamlet and enjoy its exquisite natural beauty.
Paragliding at Khajjiar
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So you still can’t believe you’re experiencing the beauty of Switzerland in India? Why don’t you take an aerial view of your surroundings to make yourself believe that, yes, all of this is, in fact, real? Paragliding at Khajjiar is one of the best things to do in Dalhousie.
Regardless if you are an adrenaline junkie, you will not be offering Rs. 200 extra to land quickly once you are up there. (It’s a reference to a meme. If you know, you know!). So, not only do you get to enjoy the beauty of Switzerland in India, but you also get to experience the thrill of an adventure sport. So, make sure you check out paragliding at Khajjiar.
Satdhara Falls
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Satdhara falls are said to be formed by seven therapeutic natural springs. The water of this waterfall is considered medicinal with the ability to cure certain ailments. The water has a high concentration of Mica which is known to have health benefits for people suffering from certain conditions.
It is one of the premier Dalhousie tourist places that you absolutely must visit on your next trip. The Satdhara falls are also located close to the city centre of Dalhousie at a distance of less than a kilometre from the spot. So, be sure to take a nice walk down to these falls and enjoy the beautiful Satdhara falls.
Dainkund Peak
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The Dainkund peak, which has a height of over 2,700 metres, is one of the highest peaks in Dalhousie. You can trek this peak and get a complete aerial view of the entire valley and the Pir Panjal mountain range surrounding you. If you love nature and want to find a place in Dalhousie where you can be close to nature, this is perhaps one of your best choices.
When it comes to tourist places in Dalhousie, people often skip the hassle of trekking to the peak of Dainkund. However, if you take on the challenge and choose to do so, you will be thoroughly rewarded with a breathtaking view and serenity that you will seldom find in other parts of the world. The Dainkund peak is a great trekking adventure that you can embark on at Dalhousie. The peak is only 5 km away from the city centre of Dalhousie, so you can easily travel to and from the peak to the city by foot or using available transport.
Panch Pulla
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Located amidst the lush greenery of Deodar and Pine trees, Panch Pulla is famous among Dalhousie tourist places as a perfect picnic spot. While you are mesmerised by the flora and fauna of Panch Pulla, you will also encounter the Satdhara waterfalls mentioned previously in the article.
The combination of the gentle sound of flowing water, greenery all around you, and the atmosphere that is enriched with life is nothing short of heavenly. Panch Pulla is very easily accessible, making it a popular tourist destination. Panch Pulla is located almost at the city centre of Dalhousie at a distance of less than 1 km from the city centre. So, you will have no problem navigating to and from these beautiful woods.
Chamera Lake
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The Chamera lake is an artificial lake created by the Chamba dam. It is a popular tourist destination because of the unique shape of the lake. The lake also hosts various water sports for your pleasure. You can choose to spend a leisurely day picnicking beside the lake among the mountains. You can go canoeing or kayaking in the lake as well.
If all these options seem too tame for you, there is also boating on the lake using speed boats and rowboats to allow you to explore the thrill as you please. The Chamera lake is located around 10 km away from the city centre of Dalhousie. You can easily get transport to get to and from the lake for a quick day trip.
Rock Garden
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The rock gardens of Dalhousie are also a famous spot for sightseeing and activities. You can get a great view of the mountains and the valley from the park. Apart from that, you also have access to various adventure sports in this park, such as ziplining. If you love adventures, this garden is a great place to get your hands on various adventure sports in a single location. Do you know the best part? This garden is quite easily accessible from the city centre, making it perfect for a quick trip at any time during your vacation in Dalhousie.
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
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The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful piece of nature that is almost completely undisturbed by human activity. You can experience nature very closely at this wildlife sanctuary, where animals live fearlessly in their natural habitat. You will also be greeted with lush greenery and snow-capped mountains presenting views the likes of which you will not see anywhere else in the world.
Beautiful rolling hills with gentle streams rolling down from it, it’s nothing short of being absolutely picturesque. So, if you are visiting Dalhousie, visiting the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is certainly a must. This enthralling wildlife sanctuary is located just 4 km from the city centre of Dalhousie, so make sure you visit this place during your leisure days at Dalhousie.
Ganji Pahari
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The name may seem odd, but Ganji Pahari is one of the premier tourist attractions of Dalhousie. The name of this hill/mountain comes from the absence of greenery on its surface. The lack of flora on this hill makes it ideal for trekkers to embark on exciting adventures. The Ganji Pahari trek is a popular trekking route in Dalhousie, which takes around an hour or two to complete.
From the top of the hill, you are greeted with an aerial view of the Switzerland of India that is unparalleled. So, when you are visiting Dalhousie, make sure you embark on this exciting and rewarding trip to Ganji Pahari. The iconic Ganji Pahari of Dalhousie is located just over 2 km from the city centre of Dalhousie.
Cafe Dalhousie
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The exceptional scenic beauty of Dalhousie is the perfect food for your soul, but what about your stomach? To aid your hunger, you have Cafe Dalhousie, which is one of the most popular cafes in the city. Both the ambience and food of this cafe are unparalleled, and it is also a must-visit spot on your trip to Dalhousie. You can enjoy a choice of global cuisine at the cafe while you are overlooking some of the best views of the city. With great food and views, Cafe Dalhousie will fill your heart with happiness and create a picture-perfect end for your Dalhousie trip.
FAQs
Is Dalhousie a good location for honeymooners?
Yes, Dalhousie is perhaps one of the best locations for Honeymooners as it allows you to enjoy an offbeat location with fewer crowds. You can spend your time in the lush greenery all around you and grow your love with your partner. You can also engage in adventure activities at Dalhousie with your partner to make the most of your experience.
What is the best period to visit Dalhousie?
The best time to visit Dalhousie is during the summer months of March to June. During this period you can enjoy the best weather at Dalhousie. You may not get snow, perhaps, but the cool weather and the summer sky above you will make you feel like you are in Europe, so make sure you plan your trips in that period.
What is the ideal length for your Dalhousie trip?
To properly travel and experience Dalhousie, a trip of 3 days and 4 nights would suffice. In this period you can easily travel to and from the popular destinations of Dalhousie. Given all the popular locations in and around Dalhousie are located fairly close to the city centre, you can easily have a fun and leisurely trip of 4 days to enjoy and experience Dalhousie at its best.
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