History

Dalhousie is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, established in 1854 by the British Empire's government in British India as a summer retreat for its troops and officials after annexation of the Sikh Empire, Punjab.It is built on and around five hills, Kathalagh, Potreyn, Terah, Bakrota and Bhangora.[2] Located on the western edge of the Dhauladhar mountain range of the Himalayas, it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Dalhousie is situated between 6,000 and 9,000 feet (2,700 m) above sea level. It was established on the land of the Sikh Empire Punjab after being annexed by British. Dalhousie remained part of Punjab until 1966, when it was excised from Punjab by the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
The best time to visit is in the summer, and the peak tourist season is from May to September. Scottish and Victorian architecture is prevalent in the bungalows and churches in the town. Dalhousie is a gateway to the ancient Chamba Hill State, now Chamba District of the state of Himachal Pradesh of 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. Chamba is the hub of this culture. Bharmour, the ancient capital of this kingdom, is home to the Gaddi and Gujjar tribes. It has 84 ancient temples dating from the 7th–10th centuries AD.

Climate

Dalhousie has a humid subtropical climate (Cwa). Late summer and early spring see torrential rainfall due to monsoonal influence. The city sees over 45 frost days per year and 2-3 snow days.

Culture

People

The people of Dalhousie are great human-beings to be met with. They are very friendly by nature and too polite while speaking. Therefore, the tourists who went their get easily interacted with them and feel much comfortable also. Major part of the population of Dalhousie comprises of tribal people like Gaddis, Gujjars, Lahaulis, Kinnars and Pangawals.

Language and religion

Hindi is supposed to be the main language of Dalhousie but also one could see the Pahari language much on the tongue of people of the hill station. There are many dialects under Pahari language and most of them are commonly used by the people there. Hinduism is the main religion followed in Dalhousie. Though other religions like Christianity and Islam, Sikhism and Buddhism are also equally treated.

Local festivals, music and art

Almost all the festivals celebrated in Dalhousie are quite colorful and celebrated with great joy and bliss. The main festivals are the Summer Festival, BonAmi festival, and many more. People used to perform dances and sing songs for expressing their joy and happiness.
Music in Dalhousie is also wonderful and the theme of the music is basically based on the religion only. People of Dalhousie are quite skilled and artistic. It is clear from the items made by them which are made up of wood, metal, leather and also wool.

Tourism

Subhash Baoli -Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose spent a large portion of 1937 contemplating here. A nice secluded place.

Panjpulla - Panchpula is also one of the main destinations of Dalhousie located only at the negligible distance of 3 kms. Literally , the word “Panchpula” means five bridges and among all the five, the Panchpula stream is the core one which fulfills the entire water supply to the city. One could also see a monument at the spot where all the five stream merges and this monument was erected to show gratitude towards Sardar Ajit Singh. The spot is quite wonderful with mesmerizing scenes and also one could find their lots of means of refreshment there in form of tea stalls and small restaurants. Therefore, don’t miss this awesome spot during your visit to Dalhousie!!

Bakrota hills - Visit for a brisk walk round the hills and have a view of snow clad peaks. It is 5 Km from Dalhousie.

Kalatope - -It is a picnic spot and a wild life sanctuary, 10 Km from Dalhousie and offers a fine view of the countryside.

Bara Pathar It is 4 Km from Dalhousie enroute Kalatope. In village Ahla here, there is a temple of Bhulwani Mata.

Dainkund - It is 10 Km from Dalhousie. On a clear day this tall peak (2745 m) affords a bird’s eye-view of the hills, verdant valleys and the Beas, Ravi and Chenab Rivers threading their silvery passage down to the plains.

Chattradi - - The temple of Chattradi is regarded as one of the holiest ones competing with well known temples of "Lakshna Devi" at Bharmour and of "Bhawani" at Kangra. Some of its idols are believed to have been brought from far South or the State of Orissa.

According to the inscription at Chattradi the temple was built by Raja Meru Varman, by whose order the inscription was engraved along with the names of his father, grandfather and great grandfather as well as that of the sculptor. This epigraph commemorates Meru Varman's victory over his rivals with the help of the Devi.

Chattradi looks most scenic during September and October. Even on other occasions, particularly in spring, Chattradi offers pleasant scenery.

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 Km 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.

Manimahesh - In the month of August/September the annual famous JATRA of Manimahesh commences from Laxmi-Narayana Temple in Chamba. A Chhari is taken to the sacred lake of Manimahesh, which is one of the chief tirthas in the district. The lake is situated at the height of 13,500 feet above sea level and at the base of Manimahesh Kailsah peak (18,564 feet), 92 Km from Chamba, where pilgrims take holy dip Manimahesh is 27 Km from Bharmour. During the mela days sufficient bus service is available upto Hadsar, 14 Km from Bharmour. The pilgrimage is generally done in two stages. Between Dhanchho and Manimahesh lake, there are minor places of pilgrimage known as Bandar Ghati, Gauri Kund, Shiv Kalotri and Ganesh Ghati.

During the mela days several BHANDARAS are set-up for the benefit of pilgrims and meals are served free of cost. Pack animals are also available for those who do not want to carry their luggage themselves

how to reach

By Road - Dalhousie is approachable from Delhi,from Chamba via Banikhet and via Khajjiar. HPTDC buses are regularly available.
By Rail - The nearest railhead at Pathankot is 85 Km away.

BY AIR - By Air -Nearest airport is at Kangra.

Food

Dalhousie is one of the prime hill stations in Himachal Pradesh and allures loads of tourists from all over the world every year. Therefore, the eating out in Dalhousie is quite developed and advanced. The hill station has lots of food joints and restaurants that offer the different types of cuisines. Especially one would love to eat the most-liked dishes of Dalhousie of varied cuisines like Chowmein of Chinese, Momos of Tibetan, fare of Kashmiri and Idlis of South Indian.
There are loads of eating places where the tourists can go for their meals of the day. Among so many, the most demanding and famous ones are Moti Mahal, Kwality and The Preet Palace. Other than these, one should go at the Subhash Chowk and the Gandhi Chowk of Dalhousie for taking their meals as there are numerous restaurants are available that offers delicious and tasty food. Especially, the Subhash Chowk has many Dhabas which offers the spicy Punjabi dishes. Getting the taste buds activated!!
Café Dalhousie is the best pick for eating snacks, south Indian dishes and also if you are longing for having a cup of hot tea. The, for pizzas, sizzlers, burgers and other famous snacks all over the world, one should try Kwality restaurant. But, if you are having mood to eat either Indian or Chinese, then pausing your search, you must try Napoli!!