Dalhousie, located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, is set at an altitude of about 1970 meters. This hill station is a sight to marvel, with its mountains covered with a blanket of snow, and can be visited at any time of the year. Set upon the five hills of Kathalagh, Potreyn, Terah, Bakrota and Bhangora, it is also an architectural kernel, with many intricate styles of buildings and culture imbibed within it. The climate, art and heritage of the locality makes it a favorite among tourists from all over the country. Let’s look into some of the best activities to do in Dalhousie and the best timings to pursue them.
| Months | Conditions | Our Recommendations |
| March to May | Mild summer, perfect for outdoor activities | Popular tourist time |
| June to September | Light rainfall | Ideal time |
| October to February | Freezing, and good for snow lovers | Off season |
Weather Conditions
- March to May
The summer is when the place is swarmed by tourists from every nook of the country. The temperature averaging 30 degrees, is a pleasant time for all the sightseeing to be done. With the snow melting away to give way to summer, this is the perfect time for activities like trekking, hiking, rock climbing, rafting and camping to be carried out.
- June to September
The monsoon isn’t heavy around the region with coolness starting to creep in. Only a slight shower is experienced, and tourist activity is still prevalent around the locality. The wetness of the place, with its greenery is another mood of the place to be experienced.
- October to February
The temperature starts dropping and falls below zero degrees during the months of December and January. This is the perfect time to see the place in all its glory. The snow-capped mountains and chillness is a definite ethereal experience in itself and is perfect for adventure lovers.
How to Reach Dalhousie
Dalhousie does not have an airport of its own. The Gaggal airport in Kangra is the nearest airport to Dalhousie, present at a distance of about 130 kilometers away. The Pathankot railway station, present at about 75 kilometers away, is the nearest railway station. This is well connected to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Jammu, Jodhpur etc. Dalhousie has a good road network, with regular buses and cab services. Driving around the scenic area is also a fun activity which can be carried out by visitors.
What to Do and See
- Satdhara Falls
Set at an elevation of about 2040 meters, this place derives its name from the seven springs having water, with medicinal properties, flowing through it. The mesmerizing beauty of the area surrounding the falls, and the gushing of water through its domain, makes it a serene place to relax and enjoy.
- Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
The diverse biodiversity of the place, can be vividly seen in this wildlife sanctuary. The trek through the pine and deodar trees, with its greenery and panoramic vistas makes it a dazzling experience. Moreover, sightings of animals like langur, deer, bear etc. also adds to the experience.
- Panch Pulla
The Panch Pulla, meaning the five bridges, is present near the Satdhara Falls. A phenomenal spectacle awaits visitors, with nature showcasing its pure beauty. The Samadhi of Sardar Arjit Singh, a famous freedom fighter, is present in Panjpulla, which is around the area.
- Laxmi Narayan Temple
This architectural spectacle, built for both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, has been built in the Shikhara style. The calm, positive vibes in this place of worship makes it a definite place to visit, unwind and soul-search.
- Khajjiar
This pretty village, set at an elevation of about 2000 meters, is famously nicknamed ‘Mini Switzerland’. The mind-blowing backdrop of this place, makes it a favourite amongst visitors to picnic, trek and sightsee. The lovely Khajjiar Lake, the historic Khajji Nag Temple and the surrounding Deodar trees add to the glory of the place.
- Tibetan Market
This is the place to visit in order to satisfy the shopaholic in you. The multitude of handicrafts, jewellery, clothes etc. are a colourful sight to capture indeed! Locally made shawls and slippers can also be bought here for good bargains.
Dalhousie, with its mixture of spectacular sublimity and breath-taking natural beauty, cannot be missed out by any person wanting to have a life-changing travel experience.
