Mesmerising Waterfalls And Surreal Lakes: The Best Places To See In Dalhousie

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If a trip to Himachal organically means Manali to you, then it might be time to switch things up. And our recommendation would be to do it with Dalhousie. The perfect destination to find snowcapped mountains, lakes, valleys, and European architecture that has a rich history and heritage. So embrace the slow life, away from all the city's hustle and bustle, and mainstream tourist spots to revel in tranquillity, peaceful valleys, mesmerizing waterfalls and peaks. Here are the best places to see in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh.

Best Time To Visit: The summertime, from March to June, is the best time to visit Dalhousie.

How To Reach: The nearest airport is Pathankot Airport, located 75 km away. From here, you can easily head to Dalhousie by a cab or a bus.


Khajjiar

Khajjiar is one of the most recommended places to see at Dalhousie and should be at the top of your itinerary. It's a small saucer-shaped plateau covered by tall, dense pines. This mini Switzerland offers surreal views and beauty and would be most enjoyed by nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. The place is named after the serpent god, so their Khajji Nag Temple is a definite visit. Along with that, Dainkund Peak, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Lord Shiva Statue, and Khajjiar Lake should also be on your list as well.

Timings: Open 24 hours.

Entry Fee: Free

Panchpula Waterfall

Panchpula Falls is a popular spot among tourists. There are several waterfalls and streams all around this location, and people come here for picnics and to spend time with their families. Some streams here contain medicinal properties, and some require scenic moderate-level treks, but you'll find picturesque views all around. We highly recommend this place if you love photography.

Timing: Open 24 hours

Entry Fee: Free

St. John's Church

Dalhousie has quite a lot of churches because of its colonial history. St. John's Church is the first church built here, in the middle of lush greenery and pine valleys. The architecture of it is inspired by the Roman Catholic Church of England, and it carries the rich history of the Victorian Era in India.

Timings: 7 AM - 7 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Ganji Pahari Trek

Translated to 'Bare Mountain', this one is a beginner-level trek that attracts all kinds of tourists and is often recommended as the first trek one should go on. Its location is fairly close to Dalhousie, and it is built quite impressively for the ease of trekkers. You will find Burma Bridge, river crossings, beautiful sites, and lovely views on your way. Although the best time to go on this trek is from October to February, we found this service that will take care of everything for you.

Timings: Open 24 hours

Entry Fee: Free

St. Francis Church

This nearly century-old church is surrounded by deodar trees on all sides. It's considered one of the finest examples of stonework and glasswork, and its architectural ingenuity truly makes it one of a kind. This church is a beautiful space, pretty vast compared to all the other churches, and is now regulated by the Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar, a definite visit. 

Timings: 7 AM - 7 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Garam Sadak

Garam Sadak is named after the fact that this place gets direct sunlight, making the weather extremely pleasant. It's a favourite among tourists and locals alike for long walks and strolls amidst nature. If you decide to visit the place during the evenings, then don’t forget to carry a flashlight. 

Timings: Open 24 hours

Entry Fee: Free

Subhash Baoli Road

This peaceful place is named after Subhash Chandra Bose, who spent a lot of his time in Dalhousie. The place is encapsulated by towering trees and snow-capped mountains. The roads near the area also lead to beautiful springs, meadows, and rivers, making it a perfect destination to revel in the beauty of Himachal.

Timings: 6 AM - 7 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Chamera Lake

For those who are looking for a boating adventure with the family, Chamera Lake is the perfect option. The place is 25 kilometres away from Dalhousie and is essentially a reservoir formed by the Chamera Dam. Many exquisite valleys surround this artificial lake, which is the sub-centre of all the water sports, including canoeing, kayaking, river rafting, fishing and boating.

Timings: 9 AM - 7 PM

Entry Fee: Free; boating starts at INR 300

St. Patrick Church

Located in the prehistoric cantonment area of Dalhousie, St. Patrick Church has an old world charm and signifies life under British rule. It is the largest and highest church built on the grounds of Dalhousie and is also on the list of the most beautiful churches in India, attracting tourists from across the nation.

Timings: 7 AM - 7 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Bara Pathar Temple

Situated amongst the thick pine forest, Bara Pathar Temple is just four kilometres away from Dalhousie. People visit the place to pay their respects to Bhulwani Mata, and every July there's a fair that welcomes the goddess of the village. You can also take one of the many trekking routes to reach this place.

Timings: 4 AM - 11 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Chamunda Devi Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Kali, Chamunda Devi temple is known to be 750 years old. You'll find the Baner River flowing adjacent to the temple, and the excellent location with gorgeous views makes it super popular all year round. The temple is 50km away from Dalhousie, and we highly recommend you visit it once. 

Timings: 7 AM - 8 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Beeji's Park

Denoting the history of the Indo-Pak War in 1971, Beeji's Park is one of the newer sites that was developed by the state of Himachal. The place is curated by Dr. G.S. Dhillon and displays tanks and other high-tech defence equipment that played a key role in the 1999 Kargil War as well. We recommend visiting this place, especially with kids. 

Timings: Open 24 hours

Entry Fee: Free

Bhuri Singh Museum

Famous for its miniature paintings of Chamba and Kangra, carvings and weapons that represent the history of Chama Valley, Bhuri Singh Museum is another place in Dalhousie that shouldn't be missed if you're on a family vacation with kids. The space is named after King Raja Bhuri, who donated his family heirlooms, paintings, and other antiques that reflected Chamba's culture. 

Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM

Entry Fee: INR 20

Satdhara Falls

Deriving its name from the seven springs that fall from a height of 2036 meters, Satdhara Falls evokes the beauty of Dalhousie in the most surreal ways. The waterfalls have great therapeutic value and crystal-clear water, making it a truly serene destination that allows one to enjoy the everlasting beauty of Dalhousie.

Timings: Open 24 hours

Entry Fee: Free

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