Delightful Expedition: The 10 Best Places to Visit in Dalhousie for the Perfect Travel Experience

There are a plethora of places to visit in Dalhousie, and all of them will leave a lasting impression on you. People who love the mountains and the comfortingly cold atmosphere will have a gala time in this hill station. At an elevation of 1970 metres above sea level. Dalhousie rests on five hills and gives you the most captivating views of the Dhauladhar mountain ranges and the surrounding valleys. No matter when you visit this place, there is always something to surprise you. From the geographical point of view, this place more or less looks like Switzerland and thus earns its title ‘Mini-Switzerland of India’. If you want to enjoy making snowmen and catching fresh snowflakes, then you must visit Dalhousie in winter!

Have your tickets booked to Dalhousie? Your next best choice should be to reserve your accommodation in Treebo Hotels. The properties are spread across the hill station, and you can filter out rooms that will keep you closer to the Dalhousie tourist places that you want to go see.

There are so many places to visit in Dalhousie, but we narrowed down the 10 gorgeous ones that are a sure must-visit. Plan your itinerary in such a way that you can include all of them. 

Also Read: a Slice of Mountain Paradise: 15 Most Intriguing Things to Do in Jammu

Unmissable Places to Visit In Dalhousie 

1- Dainkund Peak

Daikund Peak is one of the most bewitching places to visit in Dalhousie owing to its high elevation and the breathtaking visages that it offers. Situated at a height of 2755 metres above sea level, you can see the mountains, green vegetation, depth of the valley, and the dense pine forests in the region. The bird’s eye view is too mesmerising. Keep your eyes open to spot the three rivers – Ravi, Beas and Chenab that are clearly visible on a clear day. You can see them weaving around the valley and flowing down on their respective paths. As the breeze blows through the trees and hilly barriers, it creates a rhythmic tune that your ears will easily hear. Thus, Dainkund Peak is also called the ‘Singing Hill’. 

2 – St. Francis Catholic Church

St. Francis is one of the oldest tourist places in Dalhousie. This church is known for its ethereal English architectural style that resembles the British church structure. It was built by the army body and civilians way back in 1894, and even today, it looks new and absolutely enthralling. The signature window panes are adorned with paintings narrating the story of Christ, and as the light hits these openings, the whole church glows in vibrancy. Near the church, you will also find the abode of the priest. The whole place is surrounded by deodar trees that add much-needed beauty to the religious site. 

3 – Khajjiar

Khajjiar remains to be one of the best places to visit in Dalhousie. This small establishment is known for its peaceful atmosphere and quaint appearance. The silence here is so soothing, and you can almost communicate with nature. Remember how we said that Dalhousie is popularly known as the Mini-Switzerland of India? It gets the name because of Khajjiar! With a pristine lake on one side, wide-spread snow-laden mountains in the background and lush vegetation in an impressive parrot green colour – this is the complete picture of Khajjiar. The place is even more beautiful in real than in pictures. 

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4 – Ganji Pahari

The word ‘Ganji’ translates to ‘Bald’ in English, and ‘Pahari’ means ‘Mountain’. This is called the Bald Hill because once you reach the peak, it is completely devoid of vegetation. You will not find any trees, no exotic flowers, or even wild grass! You will have to trek for an hour to reach the top, and from here, you can see a charming view of the surrounding valleys, forests, and flowing rivers, and you can smell the soil that’s moist because of the mist. The fresh mountain air is so therapeutic that you will not want to step down at all. There is also a Durga Mata Temple on the peak, and you should definitely seek blessings there. 

5 – Kalatop Wildlife Reserve

Kalatop Wildlife Reserve is one of the most sought-after places to visit in Dalhousie. However, it is also a well-protected space that you can only access after seeking permission from the Chamba district’s forest department. The forest is filled with rich trees of deodar and pine; the Rhododendrons are splattered around, and other exotic wild plants that you might have never seen before. Here, you can find the Himalayan Black Bear that is only found at such elevation. Leopards also reside in this reserve, along with Barking deer and species of Pheasants. There are hiking trails that will lead you to off-beat sceneries and picture-perfect locations. The authorities will offer walking trails that are tranquil and peaceful. Seeing how the reserve is only 6 km away from Dalhousie, this is one of the perfect places to visit in Dalhousie in 1 day. 

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6 – Panchpula Waterfalls 

Panchpula waterfall is famous for the five bridges that converge near the waterfall. Each of these bridges will bring you closer to the pristine, cascading waters of the natural wonder. The waterfalls on rugged rocks and finally gather in a pool below. When the sunlight escapes the veils of trees and clouds and hits the water, the droplets shine like diamonds, and the mist created due to impact acts like a layer of pixie smoke. The waterfall also acts as a source of water for irrigation and daily activities for the nearby villages. Here, you will find a monument that holds the samadhi of the famous freedom fighter – Sardar Ajit Singh. Hiking to the waterfall is a great experience for tourists who crave adventure! 

7 – St. John’s Church 

If you love the aesthetics of a silent church, then St. John’s Church is one of the best places to visit in Dalhousie. This church is a revered religious place in Dalhousie and is very popular for its Victorian-style architecture. When you step inside, you can feel the positive energy emanating from the stone walls; the painted glass windows depict the biblical scenes, and you will enjoy seeing the intricate carvings on the wooden surface. The church’s design exudes a serene and contemplative atmosphere, and that is why it is not just a religious place but a cultural hub that tells us about our rich ethnic history. Right next to the church, you will find a graveyard where the graves of the colonial era’s British soldiers are present. Inside the church, you will also find books and scriptures that preach Christianity and its purely positive influence on human existence. 

8 – Chamera Lake

Chamera Lake serves as the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of corporate life in your metropolitan cities. If you are searching for places to visit in Dalhousie in 2 days, then surely include Chamera Lake in it. Seeing how the Ravi River cannot be used directly for the purpose of irrigation and water supply, a dam was built to regulate its speed during the high flow months. From this dam, an artificial lake is built to channel the water to nearby villages. This is Chamera Lake. You can come here for interesting adventure activities like boating, kayaking, and canoeing. The lake is surrounded by the heavenly Bhandal valley. From an elevation, the lake looks like it’s emerging from the courtyard of the Godly palace in the ethereal lands. 

9 – Garam Sadak

Garam Sadak is one of the best places to visit in Dalhousie if you want to go on an uninterrupted walk on a road that has limited vehicle movement. The Garam Sadak, or the Hot Road, gets its name because of its relatively warm atmosphere. Seeing how this road is much closer to the sky and the sun, the temperature here is certainly hotter. This remains the same in all seasons. Here, you will find abundant sunlight and the pathway is lined by olive-green trees of different kinds. Despite the warm sun, you can still feel the chill in the air. Mornings are misty and pleasantly cold. The afternoons can get scorching hot, especially during summer, while the evenings bring back the perfect blend of hot and cold. You do not need thick woollens on this road, so sticking to a regular sweater would suffice. 

10 – Tibetan market 

You will find a Mall Road in almost all hill stations that you visit in North India. However, only the ones who are aware of the local scenes will know about dedicated markets that sell things that are not available elsewhere in the country. In the Gandhi Chowk area of Dalhousie, you will find the Tibetan market that sells everything from accessories, prayer items, and home decor to textiles. If you are interested in Tibetan culture, then you will surely love to shop here. The prices are reasonable, but you must bargain a little to get the best deals. The shopkeepers try to sweet talk you into paying a higher price, so always be alert. We personally recommend you buy the jewellery and Chamba special footwear from this market. It is one of the ideal places to visit in Dalhousie in the evening hours, so plan the timing accordingly. 

When is the best time to visit Dalhousie?

You can visit Dalhousie anytime, all year round! 

In summer, the skies are clearer, the temperature is soothing, and you will find the lush greenery to stand out against the pristine blue skies. In winter, you are sure to encounter snowfalls in this region. The entire valley and the trees will be covered by snow, and you can enjoy activities like paragliding and skiing during this time. Monsoons can prove to be a problem because the showers are indeed overwhelming and will restrict your site-seeing activities. Moreover, landslides are not uncommon, so you should always double-check the weather conditions and local updates. But if you want to stay in your hotel room and enjoy the picturesque views while relaxing with a cup of hot beverage, the rainy season is the best time to come to Dalhousie. 

Dalhousie is the perfect hilly town that is named after Lord Dalhousie. What was once a widespread land of rough vegetation was turned into a splendid valley that used to remind the British of their Scottish lands. Here, you will find several examples of world-class Victorian-style architecture, colonial influence in the local habits, and picturesque landscapes that are stunningly gorgeous.

 There are several places to visit in Dalhousie and a few more in the surrounding regions. If you are coming here, we’d say a week-long vacation would be apt to cover everything. If you are short on time, you can make a 1-day or 2-day itinerary using the list we mentioned above. Happy vacationing!