Dalhousie is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh, that covers an area of around 14 sq.km, and is sprawled over five hills Kathlog, Portreyn, Moti Tibba (formerly known as Tehra), Bakrota and Balun. The gateway to the Chamba Valley, this colonial town was established in 1854 by the British governor-general Lord Dalhousie, and is named after him. A resort that still exudes an old worldly charm, Dalhousie has retained much of the British Raj style.

Dalhousie is a quiet town, with a sense of enchantment. This hill station spreads over five low-level hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range, just east of the Ravi River. Dalhousie is situated at 6000-9000 feet above sea level. Its location presents panoramic views of the plains - and like a long silverline, the river Ravi twists and turns below Dalhousie. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains are also visible from this enchanting town.

The picturesque town is interspersed with the colonial-era buildings, low roofed stalls and hotels. The pine-covered slopes around it are intersected with paths and treks, which are ideal for short undemanding walks. Scottish and Victorian architecture is prevalent in the bungalows and churches in the town. Dalhousie is a gateway to the ancient Chamba Hill State, now Chamba District of the Himachel Pradesh. This hill region is a repository of ancient Hindu culture, art, temples, and handicrafts preserved under the longest running single dynasty since the mid-6th century.

Places to Visit:

Churches
There are four beautiful churches in Dalhousie. These are St. Andrew's Church and St. Patrick's Church at Balun, St. Francis' Church at Subash Chowk and St. John's Church at Gandhi Chowk.

Jandhri Ghat
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. 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.

Satdhara
On the way to Panjpulla, at an altitude of 2,036mts. (6,678 ft.), these seven springs are reputed to have great therapeutic value as they contain mica with medicinal properties.

Subhash Baoli
It was at this enchaining spot surrounded by majestic trees, that Subhash Chandra Bose spent a lot of time in 1937, contemplating and mediating.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.).

The Catholic Church Of St. Francis
Dalhousie is another hill station with a number of old churches. The Church near the G.P.O looks untouched by time. The Catholic Church of St.Francis, built in 1894.

Bara Pathar
(4Km.)
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.

Dainkund
(10Km.)
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.

Panjpulla
(2Km.)
This is picturesque spot where a stream feeds a series of pools. 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.

Kalatop(10 km)
This wild life sanctuary is home to the 'ghoral' and Himalayan black bear.

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