 Dalhousie, named after Governor-General (1848-56), was developed on land purchased by the British in 1853 from the raja of Chamba. It sprawls out over five hills ranging from 1600-2400m, just east of the Ravi River. By 1867 it was a sanatorium and reached its zenith in the 1920s and 30s as a cheaper alternative to Shimla .Rabindarnath Tagore wrote his first poem in Dalhousie as a boy and Subash Chander Bose came secretly to plan his strategies during the Second World War. Its popularity declined after 1947 and it became a quiet hill station with old colonial bungalows, surrounded by thick pine forests inter-spersed with oak and rhododendron .It remains a popular bolt hole for tourist from the plains but its importance today is due to the number of good schools and the presence of army.
Dalhousie is also a gateway to the ancient Chamba Hill State, now Chamba District of the Himachal Pradesh, India. 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.
SIGHTS
Panchpula
Panchpula, a beautiful spot, is barely 3 kms. from G.P.O which commemorates Ajit Singh, a supporter of Subash Bose and the Indian national Army during the second World War. On the way you can see the Satdhara springs which is said to contain mica and medicinal properties.
Subhash Baoli
Just approximately 1 km from the square is a charming natural spot .It is an easy climb and offers good views of the snows. Neta ji Subhash Chander Bose during his 7 months sojourn in Dalhousie in 1937 is believed to have spent most of his days by the side of this water body, meditating amidst dense woods of Cedar and meeting his party workers.
Kalatop
Kalatop is 9 km away with, mountain views, is a level walk through a forest sanctuary.
Khajjiar
Khajjiar is 22 km further along the motor able road, is along, wide glade ringed by cedars with a small lake. You can explore the area is a pleasant three day walk.
IMPORTANT FACTS
Accessibility Local Transport – Taxis, Buses.
By Air Nearest airport is Amritsar 200 km away .
By Rail The convenient rail head is at Pathankot at a distance of 85 km .
By Road Dalhousie is directly linked by all road with Dharamshala , Pathankot , Amritsar .
STD Code 01899
Altitude 2030 m
Climate Summer max. 30O c min. 22O c Winter max.14.5O c and min 0O c.
Clothing Heavy woolens in winter and light woolens in summer.
Best season May - October
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