Dalhousie, hill station, Chamba Cultural hub and Kalatop Khajjiar, Wildlife Sanctuary

Do you wish to spend your vacation in a splendid location coupled with adventurous activities, amicable sceneries and multi-cultured arts and crafts? Here is Dalhousie, an undulating destination, situated in Himachal Pradesh state, India. Dalhousie is situated at an elevation between 6000 and 9000 feet above the sea level, to the west of the Dhauladhar mountain range in the Himalayas.

The splendid sight of the snow-capped pinnacle is a treasure to watch. The right time for a vacation in Dalhousie is between May and September and the crowd is inestimable. It is an entrance to the Chamba Hill, a prehistoric state now referred to as the Chamba district, a Cultural Hub. This hill region is a warehouse of the primordial Hindu sculptures, ethnicity, temples and craftworks.  This hill station had been built in the middle of the 18th century.

To enjoy the ancient scottish and victorian structural designs, the churches and the bungalows in the town would be the right spots. Bharmour is the ancient capital of this kingdom and is said to be the home ground of Gaddi and Gujjar tribes. It has 84 ancient temples that belong to the period between 7th and 10th centuries and spiritually enlighten its visitors.

Between the Pir Panjal and the Greater Himalayan ranges, is the Pangi Valley, where Pangwal and Bhot tribes dwell. This valley is isolated and is unapproachable most of the time. Pangi Hills is situated at an altitude of 18000 to 21000 feet. The river Chenab originates and is nurtured by glaciers. This location acts as the centre for Hydro-electric power generation projects.

Kalatop Khajjiar, a wild life sanctuary is located here surrounded by dense forests. Close to this location, an exciting path for trekking exists. The Mani Mahesh Temple and its lake are places where trekking events are conducted every year. Budding trekkers have a wide and an explorative prospect for trekking in Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges.

Dalhousie is fully covered with chunky oaks, rhododendrons, cedars, pine trees and shrubs. The Tehra hills, is the centre of the town. Thandi Sarak lies to the north, underneath lies a valley providing a splendid sight.

To the East of Tehra hills, lies the Aka Gandi Chowk and is considered as the centre for shopping. To its west, lies the Subhash Circle. The Potrein and Tehra hills, when viewed together, constitute circles of eight, in which the tourists go for a walk. Rock frescoes are seen in large numbers in a spot called Garem Sarak which lies to its south.

For shopaholics, a Tibetan market for imported products in Garem Sarak and Sadar Bazaar sited at the base of the Patreni Chakkar hills would be the right choice. Arya Samaj, Masjid and Gurudwara are the local places of worship. Local transportation includes taxis, horses and buses. Activities like horse riding, promenading, playing golf and mountaineering would help tourists explore the scenic beauty.

Khajjiar is a picturesque location at an elevation of 6400 ft and is 22 kms from Dalhousie. The green paddock with a tiny lake at its centre, embraced by thick forest and crag, makes the place resemble a fairy land coming down from heaven. For its beauty, Khajjiar has been declared the mini - Switzerland of India.

Punjpula is yet another place one should not miss visiting, for its unique rock formations. There are seven springs known as the Satdara on its way and this path leads to Dain Kund Range. These springs are known to contain Mica and other minerals of high medicinal value.

Jandrighat Palace is a palace that had once belonged to the King of Chamba. On the way to Chamba, Karelu Khad and Chail Kothi are two other attractive spots to enjoy.