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Compared
to other hill stations, Dalhousie, 80 winding kilometers from
Pathankot, is markedly different and off the beaten track.
Spread over five hills, Dalhousie has a serenity with its
own distinctive flavor. Attractive cottages and villas cling
to the deodar and pine mantled hills of Dalhousie. Here at
Dalhousie, nothing seems to matter except the beauty and the
moment. Pink and red rhododendrons are in bloom. The trees
are dressed in
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different
shades of green. There is no swirl of traffic. The shops are
small and trim. Whistling softly to himself, a shopkeeper
arranges embroidered Chamba shawls in his showcase. Tourists
appraise Chamba chappals embroidered with gold thread, cane
baskets, colorful woolens, and life-like Chamba dolls - all
specialties of the region. Piles of walnuts and red, black
and green Chamba chilies adorn many shop fronts. We pass children
joyfully picking strawberries from a hillside decorated with
alpine flowers.
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| Attractions
in Dalhousie |
| Subhash
Baoli |
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Commanding a view of the snowcapped mountains, 1.6-km away
from the G.P.O. (check spelling) Square, the spring of Subhash
Baoli is situated at an altitude of 2,085 metres (6,678 ft.).
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| Satdhara |
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On
the way to Panjpulla, at an altitude of 2,036m. (6,678 ft.),
these seven springs are reputed to have great therapeutic
value as they contain mica with medicinal properties.
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| Panjpulla |
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Just
2 km away from the town lies the 'five bridges' memorial,
built in memory of Ajit Singh, one of India's well-loved freedom
fighters. A natural tank and creams give the spot a fitting
serenity.
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| Jandhri
Ghat |
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Around
half a kilometre away from the Subhash Baoli, Jandhri Ghat
enfolds an elegant palace in the midst of tall pine trees.
Chamba's erstwhile rulers governed from here till the advent
of Lord Dalhousie. The palace houses a number of shikhar trophies.
Beside the palace, Jandhri Ghat offers heavenly spots for
picnicking-gushing streamlets in the midst of fragrant pine-scented
breezes.
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| Bakrota
Hills |
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Bakrota
Hills and the 'Round' (2085m): Less than 5 km from the town
centre, the Bakrota Hills frame a breathtaking view of the
further snow-clad peaks. The 'round' is a walling circuit
around the hill, very popular with residents.
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| Kalatope |
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5 Km from Dalhousie, Kalatope is a pleasant getaway, with
a panoramic view, an enchanting palace, and a forest rest
house. Kalatope is situated 10-km away from G.P.O. Square
at an altitude of 8,000-ft. Walking along the secluded and
forested road through upper Nakorota hills, one reaches Lakkarmandi.
The home of dhogri families, Lakkarmandi is nestled between
8,600 feet high Dayan Kund peak on its right and Kalatope
on the left. The little Kalatope Sanctuary has a variety of
wildlife such as ibex, deer, bears and leopards.
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| Dainkund
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At
an altitude of 2,745 m and 10 km from the town, this tall
peak outside town affords a bird's-eye view on a clear day,
of the hills, valleys and the river Beas, Ravi and the Chenab
threading their silvery way down to the plains.
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| Bara
Pathar |
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Set
amidst thick forest is the small temple of Bhulwani Mata,
in the village of Ahla, on the way to Kalatope. A fair is
celebrated in July to venerate the goddess. It is 4 km away
from the town.
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| Attractions
From Dalhousie |
| Khajjiar
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27-km from Dhoudar the beautiful little plain of Khajjiar is
one of the favourite retreats for visitors. The saucer-shaped
meadow, ringed by pines, has a lake set in the middle, complete
with a floating bland. A little golden-spired temple of Khajjinag
belonging to the 12th century and a picturesque golf course
complete this pretty picture. A picturesque spot with an emerald,
saucer shaped meadow set amidst a dense deodar forest, it has
a lake as it's centre with a floating island, a forest rest
house, a little temple with a golden spire and a golf course.
Accommodation is available at the tourist bungalow, Hotel Deodar
and at Youth Hostel and the PWD Rest House. |
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