Whether you are an adventure junkie or a shopaholic, or a food lover, Dalhousie has something for everyone. This ultimate guide will take you through the top activities in Dalhousie, must try foods of Dalhousie and the best shopping places in Dalhousie. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this scenic beauty.
Activities In Dalhousie
Trekking & Hiking: For trekking enthusiasts, Dalhousie is nothing less than a paradise on earth. The green landscapes, dense forests and beautiful trails make it an ideal place for trekking & hiking.
Ganji Pahari: Ganji Pahari is one of the most popular treks in Dalhousie, named after its bare look, which translates to “bald hills”. It offers a panoramic view of surrounding hills and valleys that take anyone’s breath away. The trek is easy and can be done throughout the year except for monsoons when they get slippery.
Dainkund Peak: Another must-visit trekking point is Dainkund Peak, which stands at an elevation of 2,755 metres, making it the highest peak around Dalhousie. Trek to Dainkund peak is moderate with intermittent steep ascent but takes you across dense forest cover and beautiful meadows where you may also spot some migratory birds if lucky enough. The top offers mesmerising panoramic views from all sides, making this a favourite choice among trekkers.
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary, is a protected area that covers 30.69 square kilometres in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located between 1,185 and 2,768 metres above sea level. The dense deodar and fir forests with some patches of oak and rhododendron trees are the main attractions of this sanctuary. This wildlife reserve lies on the banks of the Ravi River and is situated nearly six kilometres away from Dalhousie.
The park harbours many species, including Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard, Barking Deer, Serow (a kind of goat-antelope), as well as Himalayan Black Marten which are found here only in Himachal Pradesh state. Bird watchers can see Western Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, among other pheasants, while Eurasian Jay is common here. Some snakes, such as the Himalayan Pit Viper and Common Indian Krait, have been reported, too.
Tourists can do trekking on laid trails or go for bird watching besides taking wildlife safaris. The sanctuary remains closed during monsoon season (July-September) because roads become slippery, but one may visit anytime from April to October. Timing for entry into the Sanctuary is seven am to six pm daily.
To reach Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary by train, Pathankot is the nearest railway station, which is at a distance of around 86 km, whereas Gaggal airport serves as the closest airport, being situated about hundred 34 km away from this point. From Dalhousie, one can hire a taxi or take a bus service to this place.
Boating & Water Activities
Khajjiar Lake: Khajjiar Lake, also known as the mini Switzerland of India, is a beautiful high altitude lake surrounded by dense forest and green meadows. Boating in the calm waters of Khajjiar Lake is a favourite activity among tourists visiting Dalhousie. The lake provides the perfect setting for picnics and leisure walks around.
Chamera Lake: Created by Chamera Dam, Chamera artificial lake offers numerous water sports, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, and more. One can also just sit back and relax and enjoy the serene surroundings because it’s the most peaceful place in the whole of Dalhousie.
Sightseeing
Satdhara Falls: Satdhara Falls is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Dalhousie, which literally means seven springs. These falls are formed by the confluence of seven beautiful springs, and their water is believed to have some medicinal properties, thus making them popular among people who come here for sightseeing or picnic purposes.
Panchpula Waterfall: Panchpula Waterfall is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh. It is called “Panchpula” because it represents five bridges that merge to form this waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by pine and deodar forests, which makes it look more like heaven on earth than any other place can imagine. Trekking, ziplining, and picnics are some of the activities that can be done around this area, apart from just enjoying its scenic beauty all day long. In addition to being peaceful and serene, Panchpula also houses a memorial of Sardar Ajit Singh, who was an Indian freedom fighter.
According to local belief systems, healing powers are contained within these waters. Hence, they provide relief for people suffering from different ailments while at once refreshing them mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Foods in Dalhousie
The Dalhousie Holiday Packages has a mix of traditional Himachali and British food. Himachali cuisine is generally quite heavy and flavourful, with lentils, rice, vegetables and breads being common ingredients for most dishes. Some of the more well-known traditional meals are Madra, which is a chickpea dish cooked in yoghurt based gravy and Tudkiya Bhath, a rice dish with lentils, potatoes and yoghurt seasoned with spices such as mace and star anise.
If you love seafood, then do try out Kullu Trout, which offers fresh fish from the region cooked using minimal seasoning so that its natural flavour can be savoured best. Aktori, a buckwheat pancake served with ghee and honey, is another local favourite, especially during festivals.
Famous Restaurants in Dalhousie
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes scattered all over Dalhousie where one can enjoy good food coupled with a great ambience.
Kwality Restaurant: Situated in the Gandhi Chowk area, Kwality Restaurant happens to be among the most frequented eating joints within Dalhousie town limits. Specialising in other Asian and Indian cuisines, the restaurant offers warm interiors that give inviting vibes.
Bon Appetit Bakes n Fries: Bon Appetit Bakes n Fries is a small eatery that serves snacks and non-veg food. Known for its finger-licking good taste, this place is famous for its French fries sandwiches, grilled toast, and chicken dishes, which are cooked very nicely using high-quality meat.
Old Sher-e-Punjab Dhaba: Located on Subhash Chowk Rd, Old Sher-e-Punjab Dhaba is another popular joint where you can have some great-tasting Punjabi cuisine. They offer authentic Punjabi food such as Tandoori Parathas, Amritsari Kulcha, Chana Masala, and Vegetarian Biryani at reasonable prices and are accompanied by warm hospitality.
Shopping Places in Dalhousie
In Dalhousie, shopping can be a lot of fun as there are many different local bazaars and markets where you will find unique handicrafts, shawls, souvenirs, etc.
Gandhi Chowk Shopping Plaza: Gandhi Chowk, or GPO is the main shopping area and the heart of Dalhousie. It is a vibrant plaza with many shops and restaurants lined up on both sides of the street, which makes it always crowded with people.
Bhuttico: Founded in 1944 by a few native women, this place is famous for its high-quality Kullu shawls. These are fabricated from wool, pashmina, or angora, among other things, and come in many different designs and costs. Its prices vary from INR 300 to INR 7000, and the quality standards are very high, so you can be sure to get genuine Himachali textiles here without any doubt.
Tibetan Market: If you are a shopaholic, then Tibetan Market is the place for you. This market offers bags, dolls, purses, carpets, etc. These are beautifully crafted and designed by skilled craftsmen who know how to present their talent to tourists visiting over there. Here in this market, one can easily find such things that reflect the rich cultural heritage associated with the Tibetan community living in different parts of India itself.
Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium: The Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium must be visited if someone has an interest in traditional crafts because it offers shawls, mats, and wooden artefacts, all of which are made through handlooms only. Besides being souvenirs or gifts, these items are also known for their quality and authenticity.
There are many ways to plan your trip to Dalhousie and this can be done by using various types of Dalhousie holiday packages which are being offered. These packages range from budget friendly ones up to those considered luxurious so that every person can get something according to their preference.
Festival of Dalhousie
Dalhousie is a scenic hill station in Himachal Pradesh, India, which is famous for its lively culture and plethora of festivals celebrated with great zeal. These festivals are a reflection of the rich cultural heritage and customs of this region and hence attract both locals as well as tourists. Here are some of the major festivals celebrated in Dalhousie:
Lohri: Lohri is an important harvest festival that falls in January, at the end of winter, when days are getting longer again. It is marked by bonfires, songs and dances symbolising warmth and joy.
Halda: Halda is observed in January to welcome the New Year in Lahaul Valley through family gatherings and traditional rituals for prosperity.
Mahashivaratri: Mahashivaratri takes place during February when fasting and praying dedicated towards Lord Shiva happens. People from all age groups participate in this festival, seeking blessings along with spiritual growth.
Basant Panchami: Basant Panchami is celebrated in February as a precursor to spring. Kite flying and various cultural activities are carried out to represent liveliness and rejuvenation of nature.
Holi: Holi, also known as the festival of colours, occurs only during March. It’s one of the happiest Indian festivals where people apply colours on each other, dance, eat festive food items, and celebrate victory over evil powers.
Minjar Fair: Minjar Fair held during August week-long event held at Chamba Valley. It involves a grand procession starting from Akhand Chandi Palace leading up to river Ravi where offerings are made commemorating the victory of Raja Chamba over Trigarta king 935 AD.
Mani Mahesh Festival: Mani Mahesh Festival is also held in August and has tremendous religious significance. A large number of devotees undertake pilgrimage to the Mani Mahesh Lake, believed to be Lord Shiva's abode; this has also been declared a state-level fair by the Himachal Pradesh Government.
Dussehra: Dussehra falls in October, wherein the victory of Lord Ram over demon king Ravana is celebrated all across India. Here, effigies are burnt, cultural performances take place, sweets are distributed, etc.
Diwali: Diwali festival of lights is celebrated during November month, when Dalhousie is illuminated with lamps, fireworks, crackers, and burst skies that look like a million stars. Families gather for prayers, feast, and exchange gifts, symbolising triumph over darkness.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve
December brings festive cheer with Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Being a colonial town, Dalhousie celebrates Christmas with carols sung in churches, feasts served at homes and hotels alike, and an ice skating carnival. Parties are organised on New Year’s Eve, making it a popular destination for tourists.
Summer Festival: The summer festival is a two-day event that occurs either in May or June and marks the beginning of the summer. People from different parts of the state, as well as visitors from other states, come together at Gandhi Chowk to display their arts, culture, food habits, music and dance forms, thereby giving a true feeling of Chambyali tradition.
Suhi Mela (Fair): Suhi Mela is an exclusive women's affair commemorating Queen Sunaina’s supreme sacrifice for making water available to her subjects. It is a unique cultural festivity that showcases Dalhousie’s historical importance and fosters communal harmony among its residents.
Being among the favourite honeymoon destinations, Dalhousie offers several romantic getaways in the form of Himachal honeymoon packages, where couples can have a hassle-free experience. Such packages often include accommodation services, meal plans, and sightseeing tours, thus making everything easier for people who wish not to worry about anything during their stay there.
Those who want more adventure while exploring different parts of the Himalayan region could take advantage of various Himachal Pradesh tour packages that include places like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, etc., in addition to visiting only one destination, such as Dalhousie.
