Originally built as a genteel retreat for British colonists, Dalhousie is your jumping off point for discovering the natural beauty and culture of Himachal Pradesh. Known for its nineteenth century town centre and elegant hillside hotels, it brings a touch of Alpine charm to the Himalayas. Zoom out to explore mountains and waterfalls or look closer to get to know lively markets and cafes made for sampling local flavours.
NATURE
Strewn across five hilltops, it’s no surprise Dalhousie is a hiker’s paradise.
The highest peak in the region is Dainkund – climb to the top for camera-grabbing views stretching up to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The region also boasts enchanting waterfalls, from the misty forest trails of Panchpula park to the seven springs of Sath Dhara falls. And if you’re a keen birder, take your binoculars to Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary.
CULTURE
Dalhousie wears its history on its sleeve, with plenty of 19th-century buildings giving the town its historic character. Take in the peace of St Francis Church or enjoy the buzz of Gandhi Chowk and Mall Street – lined with shops where you can find local crafts such as Himachali shawls. Visit the tranquil Subhash Baoli, where key figure in India’s independence movement, Subhash Chandra Bose, meditated daily during his stay in Dalhousie. Or visit Bara Pather temple, among the peaceful forest trails of the Chamba Valley.
SPORTS
If you’re after something more adrenaline-fuelled than a hike, Dalhousie is also a hub for arranging activities like paragliding or river rafting. Book a horse trek to explore mountain trails from a different perspective. Or to enjoy a more leisurely pace, spend the day at Chamera Lake, a popular spot for fishing and boating.
Take a guided tour to discover Dalhousie through local eyes, stopping off to enjoy flavourful regional cuisine along the way