Isolated by high mountain ranges, the valley of Chamba is noted for the magnificence of its scenery. The British Governor General, Lord Dalhousie, visiting this area around the middle of the 19th century for a quiet retreat, came upon a charming spot on a ridge overlooking the plains. This was to become the attractive little hill town that was named after him.

Set amidst thickly wooded hills, clothed in deodar and pine, Dalhousie has marvelous forest trails and picnic spots with splendid vistas over the Chamba Valley. A touch of the "Raj" still lingers in the little unspoilt town.

Around Dalhousie

Subhash Baoli (2,085 m)
Not far from the G.P.O. Square is the spring at Subhash Baoli with panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. (1.6 km)

Satdhara (2,036 m)
Sparkling springs close to town, rich in mica and other minerals, are noted for their medicinal properties.

Panjpulla
Beyond Sathara is another pretty spot where the water from a natural tank flows under five little bridges. (2 km)

Bakrota Hills (2,085 m)
The Bakrota Mall, a popular walking circuit around these hills has a spectacular view of the mountains.

Kalatope (2,440 m)
An ideal weekend retreat with forest rest houses and beautiful spots for picnics, in a little wildlife sanctuary. (8.5 km)

Bara Pather
En route to Kalatope is the temple of Bhulwani Matha, in the village of Ahla. (4 km)

Dhainkund (2,745 m)
The high peak of Dhainkund offers a bird's-eye view of the verdant valleys of the Beas, Chenab and Ravi rivers. (10 km)

Khajjiar (1,851 m)
While it is possible to go by road, Khajjiar is just a pleasant one day walk from Dalhousie. An emerald, saucer shaped meadow at Khajjiar, surrounded by dense deodar forests, has a lake at its centre with a floating island, a forest rest house, a little temple with a golden spire and a golf course. (22 km).