Famous Places and Places to visit in and 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 Cant., 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 Jullandhar.

St. Francis' Church:- This Catholic Church is a very prominent monument on the Subhash Chownk. 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 Jullandhar. St. Francis' Church on Pertain 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 Sunday.

St. John's Church:- This Church stands on the Gandhi Chownk 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.

Panjphulla:- (4 km.) 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 Panjphulla is Satdhara springs gurgling with refreshing water, believed to contain some medicinal properties. Panjphulla stream is the main source of water supply to Dalhousie and Balloon. The stream springs from the north side of Dain Kund and runs down a picturesque ravine to the waterworks of Panjphulla.

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

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. It was once one of the favorite places for the rulers of Chamba as this place has a spacious residence built in 1871 to be used as a summer residence by Chamba Rajas. It is still in occupation of Royal House of Chamba. It commands a panoramic view of surrounding hills.

Dain Kund:-( 2,745 meters 10 km. ) This is a towering and beautiful peak which offers panoramic views specially on a clear day, of the three main rivers - Beas, Ravi and Chenab and gives you the feeling of being at the top of the world. The view from top is breathtaking. On a clear day, you can have the bird's eye view of the three main rivers - Beas, Ravi and Chenab from here. It is rare and you should bring a binocular with you to truly enjoy the panoramic views. You can also trek down through some outskirts (called Pagdandi) to enjoy the wilderness. You can clearly notice a deep quietness in the environment all around you. It is right that Dalhousie is the quiet most tourist place in India yet so full of life.

Kalatop:-( 2,440 meters 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. On the left side is the photograph of the Kalatop Rest House. Kalatop experiences heavy snowfall during winter and therefore should be visited during summer or before December. And not to mention the deep quietness in the environment that is one of the main features of Dalhousie.

Khajjiar:-( 2000 meters ) 24 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.

Chamba:-(1006 meters 52 km.) Chamba is the most attractive and ideal valley for various types of tourism. It is situated at 996mts in the bosoms of the Himalayan Mountains on the bank of the Ravi River and is known for its scenic beauty, landscapes. the valley has its own cultural heritage with rich art and culture due to cool climate and peace atmosphere, considerable flow of tourist from all parts of country and abroad poured into the valley to see its glamour. conjures up picture of distant land known for enchanting folklore unspoiled life style and cultural heritage, at once, unique and abundant. The landscape with its rugged beauty beckons the restless spirit.

Bharmour:-( 2,195 meters 121 km. ) Bharmour was the original capital of the state of Chamba. It has several ancient temples and monuments that reflect its erstwhile glory. Some of the important temples are of - Manimahesh, Lakshna Devi, Ganesh and Nar Singh. This region is also home to Semi-nomadic Shepherds, the Gaddis. Once called Brahmpura, still retains its 84 ( Chaurasi ) ancient temples and the monuments of its one time glory, some of which date back to the 7th century A.D. As the ancient capital of Chamba State for probably four hundred years, Bharmour proper is now the headquarters of Bharmour sub- division. The site Kothi destroyed in the earthquake of 4th April 1905, was believed to occupy the site of old places. Situated at an altitude of 7000 feet in the Budhil valley (32' 26" and 76' 32" E), forty miles to the south- east of Chamba, Bharmour is known not only for its scenic beauty but also for ancient temples.

Rock Garden:-(17 km.) Rock Garden is situated in the way of Chamba and Dalhousie. The Rock Garden is beautifully designed and constructed with the stones with the natural water flowing inside the garden. there is also a restaurant for enjoying the natural view of Rock Garden any one can enjoy the nature and the beauty of Rock in Rock Garden

Chamera Lake:-(36 km.) This is the reservoir of the Chamera dam built over the river Ravi. Chamera lake is an artificial lake came into existence as a consequence of Chamera Hydroelectric project. The Dam site is 36 kms from Dalhousie and located at a height of approximately 892 meters above sea level. At its top the Dam is 765 meters High. The Dam site enjoy very sharp fluctuations in climate between April to June. During the day it can get very hot (around 35 degree centigrade) though by the evening, temperatures fall to between 18 to 20 degree centigrade. Between July and September the area is with heavy rainfall and temperatures vary below 20 to 26 centigrade during the day and 8 to 12 centigrade at night time. The project area enjoys a maximum of around 15 degree centigrade between October and December and some times the temperature are known to fall below freezing point.

Pangi Valley:-(105 km. from Dalhousie via Chamba) Pangi valley is a rugged country, severe in its topography, with high steep mountains and little vegetation. Pangi is the house of beautiful people and of colorful folk dances. The headquarters of the Pangi Sub-Division is at 'Killar' located in deep, narrow hills by the Chenab river.

Bhalai:-(63 km.) The Bhalai is only know for the temple of Bhader kali popularly known as Shri Bhalai Mata is located on a beautiful square of 3800 feet height at a place called Bhalai which is now a sub-Tehsil headquarters. The temple can be approached either from Chamba or from Dalhousie side and is at a distance of 40 kilometers from Chamba and 35 kilometers from Dalhousie. The deity is in the front of an image of black stone of two feet height and is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Bhader Kali draw a large number of pilgrims from far and wide. A big havan ceremony is performed during navratras of Ashwin and Chait months. The temple of Bhader Kali seems to have been built originally by Raja Partap Singh during his reign. He was a religiously disposed king and has to his credit construction, repair and renovation of many temples in the district. The legend is that the deity appeared to Raja Partap Singh in dream and told him that she was lying hidden in a place called Bhran about three kilometers from the present site of temple.

Sahoo:-(67 km.) The Sahoo is only know for Chandrasekhar Temple at Sahoo and for Apple Orchards. There is a beautiful temple devoted to Lord Chandershekhar in the heart of Sahoo village. According to one belief , this temple was constructed by Raja Sahil Varman and according to the other belief, the temple was constructed by Satyaki, the son of King Bhagota. the inscription on a slab discovered from the village now preserved in Bhuri Singh Museum in Chamba town unfolds that Satyaki had married to Somprabha, a daughter of Kishkindha royal family. Kishkindha finds mention in Ramayana as the realm of the monkey king Sugriva but here it denotes Himgiri pargana. Satyaki is said to have built this temple to establish unshaken friendship between Somprabha and mountain daughter, Parvati.

Sarol:-(60 km. ) A picnic spot in a landscaped garden on the left bank of Ravi river. A tourist can get lot of information and also pleasure in visiting the sprawling horticulture farm, with many species of Cirrus plants, Sheep breeding farm, Poultry farm, Bee keeping farm and canning unit of Sarol.

Salooni:-(56 km.) with an excellent views of the surrounding hills, Salooni is located on a ridge at the entrance to Bhandal valley.

Bhandal:-( 78 km. ) A lush green place, this is the meeting point for the borders of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Surgani:-(67 km.) A place where the Lavender Crop is used as the main source of Agriculture and the Lavender is directly purchased by the foreign visitors directly from the village. One should go to watch the Lavender Crop there.

Sanctuary Area in Khajjiar:- Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary :Altitude : varies from 1185 meters to 2768 meters. Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 800 mm. Temperature: varies from -10 to 35°C. Area : 2,026.89 hectares ( 20.27 sq. km.) Location: 13 km. from Dalhousie Approaches : Dalhousie to Lakkar Mandi (inside the sanctuary 10km.) then to Kalatop 3km.This small sanctuary lies in the catchments of the Ravi River, and contains patches of good coniferous and Oak forests. A lovely bowl-shaped meadow at Khajjiar, with a lake and a ‘floating’ island, is a popular tourist spot. There is a ‘golden’ domed temple at the edge of this meadow, dedicated to the deity ‘Khajjinag’, from whom the area derives its name. Kalatop place 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. A motor able road to Kalatop Rest House leads from the Dalhousie to Khajjiar to Chamba road at the point named Lakkar Mandi. The track from Lakkar Mandi to Kalatop Rest House is plain and the walk through the dense forest is amazingly refreshing. To obtain permission to ply the vehicle and stay in Rest House, one can contact Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife, Chamba. Flora Mixed blue pine and Deodar forest with some green oak and Fauna (Mammals) Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear, Leopard, Cat, barking Deer, Goral, Jackal, Laungur, Marten, Kashmiri and common giant flying Squirrel

How to Get There:- Delhi to Sonipat-Karnal-Kurukshetra- Ambala -Ludhiana-Jullander- Bhogpur- Mukerian- Damtal- Pathankot- Chakki- Dhar-Nainikhad-Banikhet-Dalhousie

Air and Train Route:-The nearest Airport is is Gaggal (Kangra) 135 km., Pathankot (80km.), Jammu (200 km.) and Amritsar (191 km.) and The nearest Railway station is at Pathankot/ Chakki Bank Railway Station (80 km.), Amritsar(200km.), Jullandhar(200km.).

From the mouth of History:-The late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru has said "One of the finest hill stations in India is Dalhousie from the point of view of beauty, climate and agreeable surroundings. For my part, I would rather go to Dalhousie than almost any hill station in India, Kashmir apart". The key features of Dalhousie are the gorgeous valleys, level walks on the Mall roads and interesting tracks amidst the dense forests. On a clear day, you can see the three rivers, the Satluj, Beas and Ravi, meandering down the beautiful valleys.