Looking for a place to de-stress yourself? Want to be surrounded by peace and calmness? Then the place you are thinking of is Dalhousie. Situated in the Chambal district, Dalhousie is an old school hill station in India. Wondering why we call it old school? Well for starters, Dalhousie is not a place which has any night life so one can say that everything winds up here as early as seven in the evening. Again Dalhousie is not exactly shoppers paradise either, yes one can purchase items of interest here but there are no malls or multiplexes.
One may question then what makes the hill station a tourist destination to which the only reply is that it is nature's home. If you are simply looking to get away from the distractions of modern day life, Dalhousie is the place. So those looking for de-stressing your self and those who just want to get away from a mundane life, come as we glimpse into what are the places one must visit and see in Dalhousie.
Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary
Located in the Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh is the Kalatop Khajjar Sanctuary. It is a must visit tourist destination here as it houses many a wild animals like leopards, barking goral, serrow, himalayan black marten and more. Also the forest is a thick foilage of blue pine, fir and deodar trees.
Photo Courtesy: Tambako The Jaguar
Rang Mahal
Rang Mahal built by Raja Umed Singh is a must see tourist destination here at Dalhousie. The palace architecture is a blend of British and Mughal design. One cannot stop themselves from admiring the beauty of the palace. There is a small Emporium situated here from where one may purchase handmade kerchiefs, shawls and more.
Dainkund Peak
Dainkund Peak is the highest peak in Dalhousie and is a tourist attraction. One can see the entire valley from the peak. A perfect trekking site, one can trek their way up to the peak. It is at time referred to as the 'Singing Hills' due to the musical sound it makes when a breeze passes through them.
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Bhuri Singh Museum
A place one can visit to know more of the history of the region is the Bhuri Singh Museum. Named after King Raja Bhuri, the museum houses items like armor and arms, coins, jewellery, traditional wear and more.
Chamunda Devi Temple
On the banks of the Baner River is the Chamunda Devi Temple which is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Believed to be 750 years old, the temple is visited by pilgrims everyday. One can come here and pay homage to the Goddess and thereafter enjoy the scenic beauty it has to offer.
Photo Courtesy: Varun Shiv Kapur
Khajjar
Known as the 'Switzerland of India', Khajjar is another must see place in Dalhousie. It is a three day trek from Kalatop and has many an activities for the tourist. One can just stand here and admire the beauty that is before them. It is advised that people coming here should carry woolen clothes here even during the summer months as it has cold weather.
Food
Do not forget to try out the local cuisine here. While there are few restaurants that are multi-cuisine, its the small shops that serve the local favorites like Sidu and Patande.
Himachal is famous for apples. Do not forget to check out these tempting green and red delicacies in the local markets.
Photo Courtesy: CIAT