Enveloped by the lush green forests of pine and oak trees, and nestled against the backdrop of the impressive Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas, the quaint hamlet of Dalhousie is one of the must-visit places in Himachal Pradesh for an unforgettable vacation. A fairytale like land which resembles the site of your favorite Disney stories, Dalhousie is characterized by its luxuriant Himalayan slopes, majestic colonial architecture, sparkling rivers, unspoiled natural charm and stunning vistas that offer you a complete sensory delight. A spectacular landscape that boasts surreal greenery, vast open spaces, cool mountain breeze and surrounded by snow clad Himalayan peaks, Khajjiar, also known as the mini-Switzerland of India, is undoubtedly Dalhousie's biggest tourist attraction and truly a nature lover's gateway to heaven. Add to it the pristine beauty of the Khajjiar Lake and you have the perfect setting for a rejuvenating vacation in the laps of the Himalayas.
For wildlife lovers, Dalhousie promises to be an adventurous and joyous escapade owing to its Kalatop Wildlife Reserve, home to a rich and exotic blend of magnificent blue pine, oak and deodar trees, and the Himalayan Bear. A relaxing stroll through the colorful Dalhousie Community Garden where you can seek your inner peace away from the chaos of civilization and in the company of blooming flowers, should definitely be in your 'things to do list in Dalhousie'.
Dalhousie is also the ideal destination for those looking for the healing touch of peace and spirituality. The St. Francis Catholic Church, with its marvelous European architecture and décor, majestic grandeur and tranquil ambiance, attracts tourists in large numbers. Then there is St. John’s Church, a photographer's delight. A perfect embodiment of the Victorian era, the St. John's Church, with its ancient and storied history, great religious significance, and a fabulous home décor adorned with breathtaking glass paintings, is one of the best sightseeing spots in Dalhousie.
A short and scenic hike from Dalhousie takes you to Panchpula, where you can witness a stunning waterfall and numerous glistening streams. On your way to Panchpula, you’ll come across a picturesque waterfall called the Satdhara Falls, whose waters are known for their medicinal and healing properties. An ideal spot for rejuvenation and relaxation, the Satdhara Falls is truly delightful artwork of nature.
If your eyes get more greedy after being pampered with the incredible vistas of Dalhousie and its mighty Dhauladhar mountains, you can just trek to the nearby Ganji Pahari situated in the Bakrota Hills and treat your eyes to some of the most panoramic and intoxicating views you'll ever see!. History nerds can take a wonderful trip down the pages of history books by visiting the Rang Mahal. A fascinating building, the Rang Mahal is one of the few historical structures in India that display the influences of both Mughal and British architecture. This massive palace is home to a wide array of vibrant wall paintings which make it an alluring destination for art connoisseurs. A short distance away from Dalhousie lies the artificially built but still, tremendously mesmerizing Chamera Lake. Apart from being a haven for nature lovers and honeymooners, the Chamera Lake is also a famous hotspot for adventure lovers. Its numerous river rafting, motor boating, canoeing and kayaking activities make this an ideal place to experience an adrenaline rush.
The Subhash Baoli, popular for being the site where the great Indian freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose took refuge to cure his ailing health in 1937, is another famous tourist attraction near Dalhousie.
A visit to Dalhousie is incomplete without taking a stroll through the Mall Road and soaking in the idyllic vistas of the towering mountains. From gorging on lip smacking Indo-Tibetan cuisines and shopping for local handicrafts to buying exquisitely designed artwork, jewelry and home décor items, the Mall Road is as exciting a place as it can be.
There's also another pedestrian road running through Dalhousie known as the Garam Sadak. Dotted with numerous cafes, restaurants and shops, the Garam Sadak also provides tourists a sight of the beautiful Tibetan rock paintings.
Dalhousie is also the starting point of the exhilarating trek to the 4420 meters high Sach Pass, which is known for its scintillating snowy magnificence and jaw -dropping high Himalayan vistas. Dalhousie is also a place of grand cultural fairs and festivals. The Minjar Fair and the Summer Festival of Dalhousie are the most popular festivals celebrated in this scenic town.