Located in the outer slopes of hill Dhauladhar range is another important hill resort in the district Chamba. A number of picturesque walks run through the oak, pine and deodar forests around the town and offer excellent views of the Chenab, the Ravi and the Beas valleys. It is thickly wooded with stately pines and oaks and has lovely picnic spot all around. Dalhousie is the gateway to Chamba. Originally conceived as a sanitarium by its founder Lord Dalhousie, it is today one of the most quiet hill stations. Extending over an area of 13 sq. km., Dalhousie comprises five distinct hills, Balun, Kathlog, Petreyn, Tehra and Bakrota with heights ranging between 1,525 and 2,378 meters. It is known for its Church buildings and other landmarks erected by the British. The town has old Churches like St. John’s Church (made in 1903 A.D.), and St. Patrick’s Church (1909 A.D.)

Dalhousie : General Information

Altitude: 2,040 meters
Headquarter: Chamba (altitude 1006 meters)
Location: In district Chamba.
Access by Air: Nearest airport is Gaggal ( Kangra ) 135 km. and Amritsar 191 km.
Access by Rail: – The nearest broad gauge railway station is at Pathankot 120 km.
Access by Road: Almost each and every part of the state is linked by roads.
Distance: Amritsar 191 km., Chamba 56 km., Chandigarh 300 km., Delhi 563 km., Jammu 188 km., Jalandhar 192 km., Manali 360 km. and Pathankot 80 km.

Famous Places around Dalhousie :

St. Andrew’s Church: – St. Andrew’s Church commonly known as the Church of Scotland was built in the year 1903 at Balloon by Protestant Christians. The Church is approximately one and half kms. From Dalhousie’s bus stand. The Church building is in good condition; recently a brick boundary wall has been erected around it to save the building from mischief mongers.

St. Patrick’s Church: – This Church is situated in Balloon, Dalhousie Cantt., on Military Hospital road approximately 2 kms. From main bus stand. St. Patrick’s Church is the largest church in Dalhousie having a seating capacity of 300 persons in its main hall. The Church was built in the year 1909 and the dressed-stone building is still in good condition. This Church was built exclusively from contribution made by officers and ranks of the British Army. At present the Church is managed and maintained by the Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar.

St. Francis’ Church: – This Catholic Church is a very prominent monument on the Subhash Chowk. This Church was built in the year 1894 from the contributions made by Army and Civil Officers and Civilians. This Church is managed and maintained by the Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar. St. Francis’ Church on Pertain hill is believed to have been built on the lines of a certain church in England. Beautiful glasswork and intricate stonework can be seen in the Church. Service is conducted every Sunday.

St. John’s Church: – This Church stands on the Gandhi Chowk approximately 2 kms. From the main bus stand of Dalhousie. This Church was the first to be built after the town of Dalhousie was founded. The church building stands in a good condition but its surroundings demand much better care. Service is conducted on every Sunday.

Bakrota Hills: – (2,085 meters) 4.8 km) The fascinating and bewitching Bakrota Hills offer to the tourists the brisk walk round the hills besides a grand view of snow-clad peaks.

Dainkund: – (2,745 meters) 10 km.) This is a towering and beautiful peak that offers panoramic views, especially on a clear day, of the three main rivers – Beas, Ravi and Chenab.

Kalatop: – (2,440 metres) 8.5 km.) The spot commands a beautiful and grand panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and eye travels wide over hill and dale, field and forest, smooth and ruggedness, till in the direction of Jammu and Kashmir, it meets a horizon of snow peaks.

Khajjiar: – (2000 metres) 27 km.) A little out of Dalhousie is a beautiful, charming retreat that makes an ideal day excursion or even an overnight visit. Far from any major town, this tranquil spot has a small lake in the centre, on which is a floating island. The local people hold the lake for in legend, it is associated with Khajjinag, the deity that is enshrined in the temple here. The temple here has a golden dome.

Panchphulla: – Sardar Ajit Singh, a great freedom fighter, breathed his last on the day India gained independence, 15th August, 1947. His ‘Samadhi’ is located at Dalhousie’s Panjphulla, a picturesque spot with a natural tank and water flowing under small bridges from which the place takes its name. Sardar Ajit Singh was the uncle of martyr Bhagat Singh. At Panjphulla, there is a ‘Samarak’ in the memory of Sardar Ajit Singh. On the way to Panchpula is Satdhara springs gurgling with refreshing water, believed to contain some medicinal properties. Panchpula stream is the main source of water supply to Dalhousie and Bahloon. The stream springs from the north side of DayanKund and runs down a picturesque ravine to the waterworks of Panchpula.

Subhash Baoli: – (1.6 km.) A lovely spot for picnic, commanding a good view of snow covered hills. This has been named after the indomitable man of Indian politics, before the independence days, Shri Subhash Chandra Bose. It is said that he used to drink water from this place during his stay in Dalhousie.

Jandri Ghat: – (2 km.) place of the rulers of erstwhile Chamba State, is located and surrounded by tall pine trees, is a place worth visiting.

The Round: – (4.8 km.) the Bakrota Hills offer a brisk walk on ‘The Round’ besides a grand view of the surrounding countryside.