Dalhousie is a gateway to Chamba, the vale of milk and honey, sparkling and impetuous streams. The north western Himalayas, comprising Himachal Pradesh and the Kangra district of the Punjab, are a kiker's paradise, surrounded, as he is, by lovely valleys and towering mounting in their wildest and most magnificent aspects, From the beautiful valley of Kangra, one rises to steeply rising mountain, where the great rock wall of Daular Dhar towers above the towns in the foot hills. In the rough country-side, as contrasted with luxuriant Kullu and Kangra valleys, a narrow winding road, Dalhousie an off shoot of the main road to Pathankot

leads to the lovely scenic hill resort of Dalhousie, where the Daula Dhar Range just begins to dip into the river Ravi.Built around and upon five little hills, covered with a thick growth of ban oak, conifers and a large variety of trees and shrubs, in nestles amidst stately oaks and pines. Skirting these hills are a number of good roads of which the Upper Bakrota Mall is the finest. Nearly 5 km in length, the road commands a double-barrelled panorama of the plains to the south and the snow capped mountains to the north. Comprising of five districts, Balun, Kathioang, Portreyn, Tehra and Bakrota, at heights ranging from 1,525 metres (5,000ft) and 2,738 metres (7,800 ft) Dalhousie's natural beauty, invigorating air, warm sunshine and quiet surrounding add, enchantment to its open and colourful valleys, level walks and treks amidst the dense forests. On a clear day, once can see the rivers - Chenab, Beas and Ravi, meandering down the rose grey vista of the valley hills while the snow capped ranges of Dhaula Dhar rise to awe-inspiring height of 5,490 metres (18-20,000 ft) to 6,405 metres (21,000 ft).

Sightseeing

Dalhousie offers various sightseeing options including Kynance, the private residential building of Dharamvirs. Subhash Baoli, is a charming natural spot. St. Andrew Church commonly known as the Church of Scotland was built in the year 1903 at Baloon by Protestant Christians. St. Patricks Church is the largest church in Dalhousie having a seating capacity of 300 persons in its main hall. St. Francis Church was built in the year 1894 from the contributions made by Army and Civil Officers and Civilians. Shivkul is an Ashram of Vimala Thakur, a re-knowned religious philosopher lady from Gujarat. Dakshina Murti is a yoga institution created by Dr. R. P. Kaushik of Sonepat/Delhi during mid seventies

Excursions

Dalhousie offers various excursions including Kalatop - Walking along the secluded and forested road through upper Nakorota hills, one reaches Lakkarmandi. Khajiar is often reffered to as Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh. The lush green meadows are surrounded by thick pine and cedar forests. Mani Mahesh - In the month of August/September the famous JATRA of Mani-Mahesh commences from Laxmi-Narayana Temple in Chamba. Banikhet - this small place has gained importance with the setting-up of residential colony of Chamera Hydro-electric Project.

Excursions for Dalhousie

Khajjiar

22 Kms Referred as the Mini Switzerland of India is one of the finest Saucer shaped meadows lined by Tall Deodar Trees and a Lake in the middle with over an 500 year old Wooden Nag Temple near to the Lake.

Kynance

Kynance is a private residential building of Dharamvirs. This building was constructed during the year 1933 by Dr. N.R.Dharamvir of Lahore. This building acquired historical significance due to the reason that Neta Ji Subhash Chander Bose, a class fellow of the wife of Dr. Dharamvir, stayed with them for a period of 7 months beginning May, 1937. Before arriving in Dalhousie, Neta Ji was in British Jail where his health had deteriorated. On the request of his younger brother the British High Court released Neta Ji on parole on health grounds. It brought Neta Ji to the climate of Dalhousie. Kynance is barely 50 kms. from G.P.O. It lies hidden from the public eye below the road. An insignificant looking board bearing the name of Kynance hangs from a tree and is discernible to only those tourists who have an eye for details.

Subhash Baoli

Just approximatly 1 km from G.P.O. is a charming natural spot called Subhash Baoli. 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. This place lies on the G.P.O. – Jandri Gaht Road. A canopy with seating facilities has been created by the local administration at this place.

ST. AU\'S Church

$ST. AU\'S Church$

St. Andrew\'s Church commonly known as the Church of Scotland was built in the year 1903 at Baloon 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 Baloon, 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.

$ST. Patrick\'S Church$

ST. Francis\'S Church

$ST. Francis\'S Church$

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 Cathoilic Diocese of Jalandhar. St. Francis\' Church on Prtrain hill is believed to have been built on the lines of a certain church in England. Beautiful glass work and intricate stone work can be seen in the Church. Service is conducted every Sunda.

Shivkul

Shivkul is an Ashram of Vimala Thakur, a re-knowned religious philosopher lady from Gujarat. Shivkul is on the Mall Road betwen Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk. From here one can enjoy the beautiful panorama of Pir Panjal Hills, connecting Chamba Distt. with Jammu & Kashmir. During summer when Vimala Hi popularly known as Vimala Bahen comes to Dalhousie many foreigners as well as Indian disciples of Vimala Ji from all parts of the coutry and abroad gather in Dalhousie to attend her lectures on spiritualism

Dakshina Murti

Dakshina Murti is a yoga institution created by Dr. R. P. Kaushik of Sonepat/Delhi during mid seventies. Dr. Kaushik travelled all over the world to teach yoga and spiritualism. He died in July 1987. His followers still come to Dalhousie and stay at Dakshina Murti 200 mts away from Subhash Chowk on the small Mall known as Garam Sarak

Khajjiar

Adalaj

Adalaj is situated about 19 km north of Ahmedabad on Sarkhej-Gandhinagar highway. This step-well was built by queen Rudabai in 1499. The well has three stepped entrances that ascend into an open court. From here, a single arched heavily decorated entrance leads to a corridor. The corridor has four pavilions and is five storeys under the ground up to the well. The monument is best seen around noon, when sunlight penetrates the bottom of the five-storey octagonal well shaft, making the exquisite sculptures, the walls, pillars, cornices and niches portray erotica, dancing maidens, musicians, animals and images of Shiva come alive. Stone elephants, horses and mythical animals are seen around the sides of the shaft.

Modhera

Around 102 km north-west of Ahmedabad lies the town of Modhera. The Sun Temple in this town, built by Raja Bhimdev I, is a major source of attraction here. The Temple has been divided into three main compartments. The first is the Surya Kund, a fascinating massive rectangular stepped tank. The tank now stands dry, but in ancient times it was believed to be full of nirmal jal (holy water). Devotees on their way to offer prayers to the Sun God were required to first stop here for ceremonial ablutions. Several small steps from the Kund lead up to the enchanting

Sabha Mandap. The place was meant for religious gatherings and conferences. Open on all sides with four doorways, the major attraction here is its unique walnut-shaped ceiling supported by 52 spectacular pillars. Each of these pillars is intricately carved with scenes form Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Krishna Leela (the childhood antics of Lord Krishna). The Guda Mandap contains a surang (tunnel), the other end of which is believed to emerge at Patan. These tunnels provided the ideal escape routes for the kings and members of the royal family in case of attacks. From Modhera, one can also take trip to the nearby towns of Unjha, where one can find the fragmented ruins of an ancient temple.

Fact File

Area: 98 sq. km

Population:(1991) 39,581

Altitude: 5690 metres above sea level

Best Time to Visit: April till September

Languages:Hindi, English, and Pahari (local lingo)

STD Code: 01890