Dalhousie is an alluring town that is nestled in a high altitude and spread to over 5 hills near the Dhauladhar mountain range in Himachal Pradesh, India. You can find the essence of the colonial era in the architecture of the town including St. Francis and St. John’s churches which have stood in the town since the 1800s. You can trek up to Dainkund Peak which leads to Pholani Devi Temple and if you move to the north, you can find Subhash Baoli which is a peaceful area with pine trees and beguiling views. So, if you are confused about the best things to do in Dalhousie then keep on following the information below.
Top 10 Things to Do in Dalhousie: Exploring Pretty as Picture Town
Dalhousie stands beautifully with pine forests and stunning mountains of Himachal Pradesh. You can experience the colonial charm and feel the tranquil mountain breeze on your face. Due to the closeness of this charming town to the Dhauladhar mountain range, the weather conditions are always pleasing in the town. You will be reminiscing about the past through Victorian architecture embellished with glass paintings, wooden carvings, and intricate details. Here you will find the top 10 things to do in Dalhousie. So be ready to go through the valiant experience of a lifetime.
- Paragliding in Khajjiar: Let Your Dreams Take a Flight
- Boating in Chamera Lake: Take in the Serene Views
- Visiting Satdhara Falls: Taking a Rejuvenating Dip
- Hike to Dainkund Peak: Scenic Bliss
- Offering Prayers in Chamunda Devi Temple: Spiritual Bliss
- Shopping in Tibetan Handicrafts Market: Being on a Shopping Spree
- Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: Get into the Wild
- Hot Spring in Subhash Baoli: Rejuvenating Experience
- Trekking through Ganji Pahari: Enjoy the Serene Vistas
- Meditate At Shivkul Ashram: Finding Inner Peace
1. Paragliding in Khajjiar: Let Your Dreams Take a Flight
Any Dalhousie things-to-do list is incomplete without the paragliding session. This thrilling activity can increase the dopamine level in your body. Khajjiar is embellished at an altitude of 6,500 feet above sea level. This small pristine destination is nestled with a pristine lake at the center of the nine-hole golf course. Adventure freaks reach this place from all around the world to take part in some thrilling activities including paragliding, horse riding, zorbing, and so on. This stunning place remains closed during winters due to heavy snowfall as this “mini-Switzerland” will leave baffled due to its natural beauty and magnificent mountains.
- Cost: INR 2000 – INR 4000
- Activity Duration: 3-10 mins
- Age limit: Above 14 years of age
- Activity Location- Khajjiar Lake
- Distance from Dalhousie: 24 km
- Other Attractions to explore: Khajjiar Lake, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Lord Shiva Statue, Khajji Nag Temple
2. Boating in Chamera Lake: Take in the Serene Views
The lake is perched at 763 meters above sea level. The lake is famous for its breathtaking beauty embellished with picturesque views of marvellous mountains and lush green meadows. A boat ride on this lake is one of the best things to do in Dalhousie, which can rejuvenate your soul and mind with heartwarming memories. The best experience of a boat ride can be experienced during sunrise when the sky is decorated with warm hues. Be prepared to be surprised by the exquisite beauty of the lake.
- Distance from Dalhousie: 25 km
- Best experiences: Boating, river rafting, sunrise watching
- Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
- Boating Charges: INR 400 per Adults and INR 200 per Child for 30 minutes
Suggested Read: Things to do in Khajjiar: It’s Time to Plan an Exotic Holiday in Himachal Pradesh
3. Visiting Satdhara Falls: Taking a Rejuvenating Dip
Taking a dip in the rejuvenating cold water of Satdhara Falls is one of the best things to explore in Dalhousie. It is said that fall water has some medicinal benefits due to the presence of Mica in the water and visitors from different parts of the world come here to take a dip in this magical water. The fall comes out of the lush green forest and makes your trip to Dalhousie worthwhile. The fall is located on the way to Panch Pulla and provides a tranquil experience with the smell of mud and green vegetation. Bless your ears with the sound of water smashing the rocks.
- Best experiences: photography, Swimming, picnicking,
- Timings: Open all day
4. Hike to Dainkund Peak: Scenic Bliss
The hiking trail is located at an elevation of 2755 meters (about 1.71 mi) above sea level and is one of the highest peaks available in Dalhousie. Hiking to this peak is undoubtedly one of the best experiences to have on a Dalhousie trip. Not only will your eyes be blessed with the beguiling views of the mountains and feel the breezy air on your face coming from the mountain as you reach the peak. You can also see the river and waterfall when you reach the peak and get the 360 view of the valley which will leave you amazed, making it to the list of tourist attractions in Dalhousie.
- Distance from Dalhousie: 12.8 km (about 7.95 mi)
- Best experiences: Enjoy views of Khajjiar Lake
- Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Leh Ladakh: Gaze the Stars in India’a Own Moonland
5. Offering Prayers in Chamunda Devi Temple: Spiritual Bliss
The magnificent temple is located in the Chamba Valley and has a significant mythological significance of the place. As per the mythological story, the Goddess Kali killed the demon kings named Shumbh and Nisumbh here. You will find the statues of Lord Hanuman and Lord Bhairav on the two sides of the temple protecting the Goddess. The intricate carvings add to the beauty of the colorfully painted temple. The lush green surroundings compliment the beauty of the temple too.
- Location: Chamba Valley
- Best experience: Trekking
- Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
6. Shopping in Tibetan Handicrafts Market: Being on a Shopping Spree
A vacation is incomplete without a perfect shopping experience and if you are visiting Dalhousie for a vacation and searching for a perfect place to take souvenirs then Tibetan Handicrafts Market is the right place for you to do shopping in Dalhousie. You can find some interesting items including scarves, jewelry, hangings, shawls, carpets, and so on at a very affordable price. Apart from shopping you can also taste some delectable local food to bless your foodie soul. If you are searching for a place to buy souvenirs for your friend, then this market is perfect for you.
- Timings: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
- Distance from Dalhousie to Tibetan Handicrafts Market: 2.2 Km
- Best things to buy hangings, carpets, Buddha statues, scarves, jewelry, shawls
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Kasol: The Mystical Beauty and the Charm of Hills
7. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: Get into the Wild
The sanctuary is surrounded by wild trees and also the grasslands and the view presented here is marvelous. Numerous defined nature trails around the reserve provide opportunities for trekking and peaceful strolls. The Eurasian Jay, Pines, Himalayan Monal, and Firs may also be seen here, in addition to extraordinary scenery that adds to the Fun and adventure. One of the exciting things to do in Dalhousie is trekking, which is something you can do right here.
- Distance From Dalhousie: 8 Km
- Timings: 7 AM-6PM
- Entry Fee: INR 250 for the reserve area
Suggested Read: Best Places to Visit in Chail: Escape to the Charm and Serenity of Hills
8. Hot Spring in Subhash Baoli: Rejuvenating Experience
Subash Chandra Bose, a well-known independence fighter, inspired the name of this Baoli. This is a perennial spring with healing qualities that are thought to aid in the recovery of ill health. This is one of the greatest spots to go for a calm evening and to see the unspoiled beauty of the location because it is surrounded by a lot of trees. These outselling features make this place one of the outselling Himachal tourist attractions.
Distance From Dalhousie: 1kms
Timings: 7 AM-7PM
9. Trekking through Ganji Pahari: Enjoy the Serene Vistas
If you're still wondering about what you should do next in Dalhousie, then one of the nicest activities is the peaceful stroll to Ganji Pahari. Because there is no vegetation at the summit of the hill, it has been given this name. Thousands of trekkers from all over the nation flock to this area every year to take in the vibrant scenery and eye-pleasing mountains. Nobody ever complains about trekking because of the breathtaking vista at the top. This journey is doable for inexperienced as well as experienced hikers with a moderate level of expertise. You should also bring any necessary supplies, such as food, drink, and other items, with you. Additionally, it is recommended to use a guide with Dalhousie tour packages rather than navigating on your own.
Distance from Dalhousie: 6 km
Best experiences: Trekking, sunset viewing
Best time to visit: All seasons except winter
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10. Meditate at Shivkul Ashram: Finding Inner Peace
Shivkul Ashram is a renowned Dalhousie ashram that belonged to Vimala Thakur, an acclaimed religious philosopher, and social reformer, and is situated in the Pir Panjal Hills. When Vimala Behan hosts spirituality-related activities and lectures in the summer, this religious attraction typically sees a surge in visitors. The area is perfect for finding tranquillity because of the continuous courses and the peaceful surroundings. The Pir Panjal mountainous regions, that connect Jammu and Kashmir with the Chamba District, offer captivating panoramic views.
Location: The ashram's prominent location is on Mall Road, which runs between Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk.
The great freedom fighter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose spent some significant time in Dalhousie as he was mesmerized by the beauty of the place. There are certain places in Dalhousie that are dedicated to the great leader including Subhash Baoli and Subhash. With its stunning waterfalls, serene rivers cutting through mountains, deep lush green forest pathways running parallel to massive cliffs with eye-pleasing views of the Dhauladhar range in the distance, and a few churches constructed during the British Raj, the hill station still has an allure for travelers today. Mall Road, cafes, and markets are all equally compelling reasons to consider visiting Dalhousie as it is one of the renowned places to travel in India.
FAQs
The hill town of Dalhousie, which bears the name of Lord Dalhousie, is well-known for being an abode of the refreshing and placid Dhauladhar Mountain Range.
It is advised to take a vacation for 3-4 days to explore some major attractions at your own pace.
Dhaam, Madra, Babru, Kullu Trout Fish, Siddu, etc are some famous food to try in Dalhousie.
Beginning in March and lasting through May, Dalhousie's summer season is typically the most popular period for visitors from other areas of India to come to this hill station because the weather is lovely, and the temperature is below 30 degrees Celsius.
Depending on the season you visited, you will need to pack differently. Pack cozy wool clothing and a thick windproof jacket for the months of October through March. You would also need gloves and a hat to cover your head. Simply pack your everyday cotton and a light jacket if you're coming between April and June.
Dalhousie experiences winter from December to the end of February. Here, snowfall is a frequent occurrence, adding to the town's extreme cold.
In Dalhousie, paragliding costs Rs 1500 per person. Visitors looking for an adventurous sport over the holiday weekend can go paragliding in Khajjiar, which can calm and renew your mind.
The seven lovely springs that pour from a height of 2036 meters, past the magnificent rocks and cliffs of Chamba Valley, give rise to the magnificent Satdhara Fall which is a hidden gem of Dalhousie.
