Known as Switzerland of India, Dalhousie captivates tourists with it’s alluring snow-capped mountains, enchanting natural vista and colonial era buildings made in Victorian-style. The town beautifully blends history, heritage and pristine environment. The town was founded as a summer getaway during the colonial era and was named after Lord Dalhousie and is still people’s favorite summer destination. Nestled in beautiful mountains, Dalhousie is a famous honeymoon destination for couples. The old Hindu temples, handicraft markets, colonial buildings and spellbinding natural sites are the most famous places to visit in Dalhousie.
Glimpse of Dalhousie: Get a Quick View of the Mountain Paradise
How to Reach Dalhousie:
By Road: Dalhousie may be reached by road from all over India. Though the capital city Delhi is around 570km away and it takes 8 to 10 hours to reach.
By Air: The closest airport to Dalhousie is Gaggal Airport, located about 13 km away. Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport is the closest international airport for passengers from all over the world.
By Train: Pathankot Railway Station (80km)
Stay Duration: 2 to 3 days
Things to Do in Dalhousie: Paragliding, Boating, Hiking, Shopping, Strolling in markets and meadows.
Best Time to Visit Dalhousie: Throughout the year
Nearby Attractions from Dalhousie: Dharamshala, Khajjiar, and Kalatop
10 Best Places to Visit in Dalhousie: Escape to the Entrancing Colonial Town
Dalhousie is a scenic hill station in Himachal Pradesh, India, nestled within the Dhauladhar mountain range. Its scenic beauty and quiet ambiance. The town is known for its lovely colonial architecture, abundant flora, and panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Trekking, camping, and paragliding may be enjoyed among the breathtaking natural surroundings. The beautiful places to visit in Dalhousie are must-see locations for anybody wishing to experience the spirit of the Himalayas, with its tranquil ambience, breathtaking beauty, and rich history. Here is a quick list of attractions to see:
- Khajjiar
- Chamba Town
- Daikund Peak
- Ganji Pahadi
- Saach Pass
- Chamera Lake
- Rock Garden
- Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
- Satdhara Falls
- Tibetan Market
1. Khajjiar: A Hypnotic Natural Wonder
Khajjiar is one of the most popular places to visit near Dalhousie with it’s green meadows and, surrounding mountains. The town is well ornamented with hypnotic natural wonders to man-made attractions. People like the town as they get chance to indulge in many things to do in Himachal Pradesh while exploring the mesmerizing destination. One should not miss to explore the beautiful Khajjiar either with family, friends or special one.
Location: Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh
Khajjiar Distance from Dalhousie: 22 km
How to Reach Khajjiar: By public transport or personal vehicle
Stay Duration: 2 to 3 days
Popular Attractions in Khajjiar: Khajjiar Lake, Khajji Nag Temple, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Dainkund Peak, Panch Pandav Tree, and Tibetan Handicrafts Centre
Things to Do in Khajjiar: Zorbing, Jungle Safari at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Trekking, Paragliding, Horseback Riding
Best Shopping Markets in Khajjiar: Tibetan Handicrafts Center, HP State Handicrafts Center
2. Chamba Town: Delightful Tiny Valley
Located on the border of Jammu and Kashmir, Chamba beautifully seats in the lap of Dhauladhar and the Zanskar mountain ranges. The town boasts of having many famous places to visit in Dalhousie in 2 days known for history and heritage. The delightful tiny valley is lined with a multitude of alpine forests, rapid running rivers, brilliant lakes and streams, large, and open meadows. During the winter, one can see massive snow fall in Chamba, making it one of the best places to visit in India in Summer.
Location: Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh
Chamba Distance from Dalhousie: 42 km
How to Reach Chamba: By public transport or personal vehicle
Stay Duration: 2 to 3 days
Popular Attractions in Chamba: Chamunda Devi Temple, The Laxmi Narayan Temple, Bhuri Singh Museum, Saho Village, Jhanwar apple orchards
Things to Do in Chamba: Zorbing, Jungle Safari, Boat Riding, Camping, River Rafting, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Trekking
Best Shopping Markets in Chamba: Tibetan Handicrafts Market, Chaugan Market, Himachal Emporium (Rang Mahal) and Dogra Bazaar
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3. Daikund Peak: Listen to the Singing Hills
Known as singing hill, the Daikund Lake is the highest point in Dalhousie at an altitude of 2755 m above sea level provides breathtaking views of the mountains and the valley. The thin air passing through the woods creates an illusion of a bell sound that gives it the nick name. This place is heaven for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, peace seekers and clickers as this point offers many enthralling Dalhousie sightseeing that you cannot forget.
Location: Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh
Daikund Peak Distance from Dalhousie: 12 km
How to Reach Daikund Peak: By public transport or personal vehicle, 5 km trek from Lakkad Mandi.
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
Stay Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Popular Attractions in Daikund Peak: Chamera Lake, John’s Church, Panjpulla, Satdhara, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Golden Devi Temple
Things to Do in Daikund Peak: Photography, Sightseeing, Hiking, Trekking
Best Shopping Markets nearby Daikund Peak: Tibetan Handicrafts Center, HP State Handicrafts Center
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4. Ganji Pahadi: Climb Above the Clouds
Ganji Pahari is a hill located near Dalhousie that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and because of the barren surface, it is nick named Bald hill. It's a great place for trekking and hiking. If you are looking for adventure in India, trek here, as the snow-clad mountains make the trekking experience thrilling and heart pounding.
Location: Pathankot Rd, Panjpula, Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Ganji Pahadi Distance from Dalhousie: 5 km
How to Reach Ganji Pahadi: By public transport or personal vehicle, 5 km trek from Lakkad Mandi.
Timings: 24 hours
Stay Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Popular Attractions in Ganji Pahadi: Chamera Lake, John’s Church, Panjpulla, Satdhara, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Golden Devi Temple
Things to Do in Ganji Pahadi: Photography, Sightseeing, Hiking, Trekking, Camping
Best Shopping Markets nearby Ganji Pahadi: Tibetan Handicrafts Center, HP State Handicrafts Center
5. Sach Pass: Pass through the Thrill
The connecting point of Chamba district to Pangi valley in Jammu and Kashmir, Sach Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass in Pir Panjal Range is one of the most famous Dalhousie tourist places. Sach Pass is a popular destination among adventure enthusiasts, trekkers, and bikers, who visit the place to experience its rugged and scenic beauty. Sach Pass is one of the best places to visit in Dalhousie in September as the monsoon is gone and winter is about to come.
Location: Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh
Sach Pass Distance from Dalhousie: 148 km
How to Reach Sach Pass: Via Pathankot Dalhousie road, Manali Udaipur road, and Udhampur Kishtwar Paddar Pangi road
Timings: 24 hours
Stay Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Popular Attractions in Sach Pass: Chamera Lake, Chamba, Killar, Keylong, Bairagarh, Dharwas, Parmar, Findar
Things to Do in Sach Pass: Trekking, camping, sightseeing, & nature walk
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6. Chamera Lake: Cherish the Emerald Water
Chamera Lake is a man-made lake made on river Ravi is located near Dalhousie. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains as it is covered with lush pine trees that increase the charm of the lake. Because of the kind of activities it offers, it has become of the most popular tourist attractions in Dalhousie.
Location: Dalhousie Chamba Road, Himachal Pradesh
Chamera Lake Distance from Dalhousie: 25 km
How to Reach Chamera Lake: Public transport or personal vehicle
Timings: 24 hours
Stay Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Popular Attractions in Chamera Lake: Bhalei Temple, Chamera Dam, Chamba, Bhuri Singh Museum, Chamunda Devi Temple, Rock Garden
Things to Do in Chamera Lake: Boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing
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7. Rock Garden: Best Family Outing Spot
Located near the Dalhousie bus stand, Rock Garden is a beautiful garden that features a variety of rock sculptures and waterfalls. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll and offers a peaceful atmosphere. This is one of the most serene and tranquil Dalhousie tourist places to visit where couples, family and kids can spend quality time.
Location: Devi Dehra, Chamba Road, Dalhousie
Rock Garden Distance from Dalhousie: Rock Garden is located 12 km from the city center and is easily accessible by car.
How to Reach Rock Garden: Public transport or personal vehicle
Timings: 7 am to 8 pm
Stay Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Popular Attractions in Rock Garden: Waterfall, Restaurants
Things to Do in Rock Garden: Photography, Birdwatching, Zip Lining, Nature Walk
Best Shopping markets nearby Rock Garden: Dalhousie Shopping Center, Indo Tibetan Market
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8. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: Stroll around the Wild Nature
Spread over an area of 30 sq km, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the Himalayan black bear, barking deer, and leopard and thus is one of the most famous tourist attractions in India. You can take a jeep safari or go for a nature walk in the sanctuary. The beautiful green environs, set against a background of snow-capped peaks, add to the allure of Dalhousie.
Location: Dalhousie Chamba Road, Himachal Pradesh
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary Distance from Dalhousie: 10 Km
How to Reach Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: Public transport or personal vehicle
Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM
Stay Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Charges: 250 per vehicle
Popular Attractions in Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: Bears, leopards, jackals, Pheasants, Eurasian Jay, black-headed Jay, and the Black Bird
Things to Do in Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: Trekking, Picnic, Camping, Hiking, Sightseeing, Wildlife exploration, Jungle Safari
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9. Satdhara Falls: Take a Dip in the Healing Water
Satdhara Falls is one of the best things to see in Dalhousie having medicinal and healing powered water. The falls are surrounded by dense forests and offer a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The famous seven stream fall is popular among honeymooners and families.
Location: Near Panchpula Waterfall, Dalhousie
Satdhara Falls Distance from Dalhousie: Around 5 to 6 km from city
How to Reach Satdhara Falls: Bus from Dalhousie to Gandhi Chowk and hire a taxi for Satdhara Falls, located just 1 km away
Timings: 24 hours
Stay Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Popular Attractions in Satdhara Falls: Panchpula, Rang Mahal, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Garam Sadak, St. John’s Church, St. Francis Church, Subhash Baoli
Things to Do in Satdhara Falls: Sightseeing, Relaxing, Taking a dip
10. Tibetan Market: Celebration of Handicrafts
The Tibetan Market is a bustling bazaar in Dalhousie is one of the most seductive places to travel in Himachal. The market is a popular destination for tourists, who wants to buy a variety of handicrafts, souvenirs, and other goods such as woolen clothes, shawls, carpets, jewelry, and Tibetan handicrafts.
Location: Moti Tiba, Gandhi Chowk, Dalhousie
Tibetan Market Distance from Dalhousie: 1.8km
How to Reach Tibetan Market: Public transport or personal vehicle
Timings: 24 hours
Stay Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Popular Attractions in Tibetan Market: Tibetan and Himachali handicrafts, woolens, colorful hand-woven carpets, jewelry, Chamba slippers, and shawls
Things to Do in Tibetan Market: Shopping, strolling around, Relishing Tibetan cuisine
What to Buy from Tibetan Market: Tibetan souvenirs, Antiques, Clothes, Shawls
Located in the Chamba district, Dalhousie is a picturesque hill station that attracts tourists from all over India. This charming town attracts tourists with its pleasant climate, stunning landscapes, and colonial architecture. With a huge list of beautiful places to visit in Dalhousie, this is a hypnotic destination to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. So, avail yourself of the best Dalhousie tour packages and cherish the enchanting hill station.
FAQs
Dalhousie is an all-year destination for traveling but between April to June is the most ideal months to explore thus gem
Yes, Dalhousie experiences snowfall in the months of December to February when you can see the enchanting face of the hill station.
Khajjiar and Dalhousie are only 22 km away and one can easily travel to the other place in few hours.
The top 5 places to visit in Dalhousie are listed below:
- Ganji Pahadi
- Saach Pass
- Chamera Lake
- Rock Garden
- Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
The most fascinating to places to visit in Dalhousie in winter are:
- Khajjiar
- Panchpula
- Chamera Lake
- Daikund Peak
- Satdhara Falls
The quickest method from New Delhi to Dalhousie is to fly to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (Panjab), then take a cab (6h 32m). The preferred mode of transportation from New Delhi to Dalhousie is by bus, which takes 10h 10m.
Yes, Dalhousie has many places and activities available that one can explore with family and kids, such as:
- Tibetan Market
- Rock Garden
- Chamba Town
- Kalatop Wildlife sanctuary
The most famous shopping destinations to explore in Dalhousie for buying souvenirs are:
- Tibetan Handicrafts Market
- Chaugan Market
- Himachal Emporium (Rang Mahal)
- Dogra Bazaar