Dalhousie is a unique place with a mix of quietness and liveliness that attracts tourists. Dalhousie Tourism has something for everyone, be it peace or adventure. In this guide, we will explore the best Places to Visit in Dalhousie that will help you make the most of your trip to this beautiful hill station.
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the most famous tourist places in Dalhousie is Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 30.69 square kilometers and houses various species of flora and fauna. It is covered with thick deodar and fir trees, which make perfect homes for many animals such as Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard, Barking Deer, Himalayan Black Marten, etc. Bird lovers can also look at birds like Eurasian Jay, Black Headed Jay, or Chestnut Billed Rock Thrush here. Situated on the path of the Ravi River, it is surrounded by coniferous oak forests, which add to its beauty.
There are numerous trekking trails present inside the sanctuary that pass through dense woods, offering panoramic views of the mountains around them. One such trek much liked by adventure seekers is from Dalhousie to Kalatop. Apart from this, one can also take a jungle safari to explore the rich biodiversity of the park, where animals are left free in their natural habitat. The ideal period when the weather remains pleasant enough for safaris and treks would be September through March; however, it is open around the clock (07:00 AM till 06:00 PM) throughout the year.
Satdhara Falls: Satdhara Falls is another must-see attraction in Dalhousie. It is a beautiful waterfall formed by the combination of seven springs at an altitude of about 2,030 meters. Hence, the name ‘Satdhara’ means seven springs. The falls are famous for their curative power due to the fact that there is mica in the water, which is believed to have healing properties. These falls are enclosed by green trees and white mountains, offering peace and refreshment to its visitors. For relaxation and meditation, this place provides calmness with the sound of falling waters mixed with an alluring environment.
Chamera Lake: Chamera Lake is a man-made lake constructed during the execution of the Chamera Hydroelectric Project. It is situated at an elevation of 763 metres above sea level. This beautiful lake is surrounded by dense green forests and provides astounding views of nearby mountains. The lake offers boating facilities and is a popular spot for other water sports, too. You can take a peaceful boat ride on Chamera Lake’s still waters that reflect the hills and woods around it in its bosom.
This reservoir has many species of fish, which makes fishing one of the major attractions here. Thus, if you enjoy this activity, then spend your day quietly sitting beside its banks, waiting for some fish to get caught while losing yourself in the tranquility surrounding this place.
Paragliding at Khajjiar
Paragliding in Khajjiar is a must for anyone who loves adventure. Sometimes referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of India”, Khajjiar is a small town located 21 km from Dalhousie. The emerald meadows, dense forests and panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range make it an ideal place for paragliding. Fly over the lush green fields and enjoy the stunning vistas of the mountains around you. It is an experience not to be forgotten, the mix of adrenaline from paragliding with beautiful sceneries.
This activity has stringent regulations set by its authority, which ensure that experienced instructors are in charge until completion. It uses very high-quality safety gear that guarantees this fun yet secure eventuality. Take a shot at capturing some eye-catching scenes like the Khajjiar and Dhauladhar ranges that can be seen up to a height of 5000 feet above sea level. March -June and September- December can be considered as some of these months when favourable flying conditions prevail.
Sach Pass: At 4420 metres above sea level, Sach Pass is situated in the Pir Panjal Range, connecting Dalhousie to Chamba and Pangi Valleys. It offers breath taking vistas and thrilling landscapes. As you ascend towards Sach Pass, you will find yourself facing awe-inspiring sights like snow-capped peaks, green meadows and crystal clear rivers flowing across them. This ruggedness, together with picturesque beauty, makes it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts as well as photographers.
Having challenging terrains and situated at great heights above sea level, Sach Pass has gained fame among adventure lovers from all over the world. It provides opportunities for trekking, biking, or even off-roading. While travelling towards Sach Pass, one comes across unknown villages that give an insight into their culture and lifestyle. The best time to visit Sacha Pass is between June and October when it remains open due to favourable weather conditions for trekking or any other outdoor activities.
River Crossing and River Rafting: The good thing about Dalhousie is that it offers a lot of opportunities in terms of river crossing and river rafting. The rivers Ravi and Saal set the perfect environment for these activities. River crossing and rafting in Dalhousie are something you cannot afford to miss, whether you are an adventure lover or a newbie in this field because they guarantee a thrill. You can either choose to go for rope-way crossing or struggle with rapids in the rivers of Ravi or Saal; both will give you an adrenaline rush coupled with an achievement feeling.
Everything is handled under the watchful eyes of trained personnel, thereby ensuring safety throughout the entire process, so you need not worry much about anything going wrong while on such trips like this one. Necessary equipment such as helmets and paddles, among others, are given out freely to people engaging in these events, thus alleviating any fears associated with the lack thereof. When planning on visiting Dalhousie for river crossing and river rafting expeditions, March through June or September to December should be considered since water levels favour most activities related to flowing waters during these months.
Rock Garden, Dalhousie: Dalhousie’s Rock Garden is a pretty garden as well as a favourite picnic place. It is enclosed by verdant greenery and provides magnificent sights of the hills, thus making it an appropriate place for rest and relaxation. This position becomes more visually appealing due to its rocks and waterfalls. Moreover, explore the garden that beautifies Jandri Ghat Palace when in town. Furthermore, this garden offers different types of extreme sports, which makes it suitable for families with children and those who love adventures. The fact that there are thick forests all around this garden from where one can have breathtaking views of mountains should not be forgotten too.
Chamba: In the 10th century, Chamba was built on the banks of the Ravi River, which once served as the capital of the former Chamba State. This town is famous for Lakshmi Narayan Temple complex and traditional Pahari paintings. Colourful festivals like Minjar Mela and unique handicrafts, including Chamba Rumal embroidery, reflect the culture of Chamba. Being surrounded by the Dhauladhar and Zanskar mountain ranges, it has magnificent views, with Khajjiar and Dalhousie being some of the scenic spots that can be reached here. While adopting modernization, this district keeps its age-old customs alive, too.
Trekking in Dalhousie
Among those who love outdoor sports, Trekking in Dalhousie is a well-known activity. There are many footpaths in the city that cross thick woods, green pastures and picturesque landscapes. No matter if you are an amateur or professional hiker, there’s always something for everyone in Dalhousie.
Trek to Dainkund Peak: This moderately difficult 14 km trek offers a panoramic view of the Dhauladhar Range.
Khajjiar Trek: This is an easy 14-km trek through deodar forests that leads to the picturesque "Mini Switzerland of India."
Kalatop-Khajjiar Trek: A beautiful forest trail covering 6 km between these two places.
Ganji Pahari Trek: Wildlife sighting at Kalatop Sanctuary combined with Dainkund Peak.
Manimahesh Lake Trek: Challenging pilgrimage trek to the sacred high-altitude lake.
The best months for trekking are March to June and September to November. The treks vary from simple day walks to long expeditions lasting several days. Guides and camping equipment can be hired locally.
Rock Climbing in Dalhousie
Rock climbing in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, is a common adventure sport that offers excitement to thrill-seekers. Among the rock climbing sites, Khajjiar is the most popular one, and it is famous for its beauty and appropriate terrain. Professional instructors organize this event, and they give all the necessary safety gear and guide the participants through it.
Apart from Dainkund, Sach Pass and Panchpula are other places where people can enjoy rock climbing around the Dalhousie region. The best months for undertaking this activity in Dalhousie are March till May, but it can be done at any time of the year if weather permits. Typically, INR 1200 per person is charged for doing this activity, which includes everything needed during such events like ropes, etc., while beginners should train themselves before trying difficult climbs.
Chamunda Devi Temple: Situated near Dalhousie, the Chamunda Devi Temple is an important religious place of worship. It is a very old temple located on the banks of the river Baner and is dedicated to Goddess Kali, who is a fierce form of Durga. This was built by Raja Umed Singh in 1762. The Chamunda Devi Temple has unique architectural features with wooden supports and exquisitely decorated gable roofs, as can only be seen in the Chamba region. Overlooking thick pine and deodar forests and towering mountains, it provides breathtaking views of Chamba Valley. This temple attracts many devotees as well as tourists, especially during the Navratri festival.
If you want to enjoy your trip to Dalhousie, it is advisable to choose Himachal Pradesh Holiday Packages. These packages are designed to ensure that you have a stress-free, pleasant travelling experience, covering all the main attractions and activities in and around Dalhousie.
