A Comprehensive Guide to the Top Activities in Dalhousie

A magical little town tucked away in the middle of the mountains, where serene natural beauty meets colonial charm – that’s Dalhousie, a quaint little hill station in Himachal Pradesh in India. Founded by Lord Dalhousie back in 1850 as a summer retreat, the place boasts the most unique blend of culture and aesthetics – one that transports you to a world that appears almost too elegant to be true.

Covering five hills in the Himalayan mountain ranges namely Kathlog, Terah, Bhangora, Potreyn, and Bakrota, Dalhousie is a hugely popular tourist destination, not just because of its breathtaking scenery but also because it hosts thrilling adventure activities. Travellers, particularly solo globetrotters and groups, often indulge in nature-oriented activities in Dalhousie, leaving with a full heart and a full album of adventurous memories. Dalhousie travel packages also often include a good number of adventure activities including hiking, trekking, and forest safaris.

Here we take a deeper look into the top 6 activities in Dalhousie, along with other interesting things to do that will make your Dalhousie holiday package all the more memorable and worthwhile.

Top activities in Dalhousie, places to visit and more

Dalhousie, being a hill station, is home to an array of adventurous activities, as well as calming retreat experiences like nature walks. Featuring stunning colonial architecture, the place also has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing and culture- exploration. 

Here is an overview of the best things to do including adventure activities in Dalhousie.

Explore “mini Switzerland”

Located just 21 km away from Dalhousie is Khajjiar – an endearing little valley often called “mini Switzerland” because of its lush green meadows and rich deodar forests. A trip to Dalhousie mandates a visit to Khajjiar as it offers the most tranquil and serene ambience perfect for soul searching or mental rejuvenation. Its velveteen turf makes the spot ideal for family picnics as well as nature walks, both of which allow you to soak up the surroundings in peace. Zorbing is another one of the most popular activities in Dalhousie, available in Khajjiar. In addition to strolling amidst the scenic elements, you can also explore the famous Khajji Nag Temple brimming with mythological value.

Also Read: Indian Places That Look International: Where Foreign Vibes Meet Desi Beauty

Explore Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, just a short drive from Dalhousie is another one of the best places to visit in the quaint little town. A treasure trove of rich biodiversity, the sanctuary is home to a vast variety of plants and animals such as black bears, Himalayan serows, pheasants, leopards, and many endemic botanicals. Dalhousie travel packages often include a visit to the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary as it offers a unique experience that brings to the awe-inspiring offerings of nature. Wildlife safaris are in fact one of the top activities in Dalhousie that attract nature lovers.

Indulge in adventure sports

Adventure activities in Dalhousie are one of the core attractions that bring tourists from across the nation to this little town. Brimming with picturesque mountain peaks, valleys, meadows, and vantage points, the hill station presents ample opportunities to indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities like paragliding, trekking, hiking, river rafting, and outdoor camping. You can partake in group treks or solo treks according to your personal preference, spend enough time outdoors and soak up the stunning views all around with a tailored Dalhousie holiday package.

Visit St. John’s Church

St. John’s Church, built in 1863, is one of the classic examples of charming Colonial architecture prevalent in the region. Located right in the middle of Dalhousie, it is one of the oldest churches in Dalhousie, boasting stunning architectural details including stained glass windows, brick walls, arches, and a colossal church bell. In addition to these endearing details, the place also boasts peaceful green surroundings making it the perfect retreat for travellers seeking soul searching or reflection. Among the top activities in Dalhousie, the church is also often a must-visit inclusion in Dalhousie travel packages.

Also Read: Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Visit in India in April and May

Shop at Gandhi Chowk

Travel experiences are seldom complete without a real taste of the local culture, and what better way to get that than through a thorough shopping trip. Gandhi Chowk in Dalhousie is a spectacular bustling market housing an array of tasteful shops and restaurants to shop and dine from. The Tibetan Handicrafts Center and the Tibetan Market are some of the prominent shopping centers in Gandhi Chowk where you can purchase authentic Tibetan artefacts and goods such as carpets, rugs, shawls, prayer flags, souvenirs, trinkets, and jewellery. Shopping at Gandhi Chowk in Dalhousie is indeed one of the top activities in Dalhousie that will bring your Dalhousie holiday package experience to a full circle moment.

Hike to the Dainkund Peak

Last but not least on the list of must-do activities in Dalhousie, is a hike to the Dainkund Peak – the highest point in the little town. Boasting stunning panoramic views of the valley and snow-capped mountains on the horizon, the Dainkund Peak offers a thrilling hiking experience. Featuring the Pholani Devi Temple atop the summit, the place is a hot spot for adventure lovers as well as nature lovers alike. Cultural enthusiasts can also find interesting mythological stories and historic facts related to the temple. With a wide range of things to do here, the Dainkund Peak is a core attraction in Dalhousie.

Also Read: Best Hill Station to Visit in April: Shimla, Manali, or Mussoorie?

Wrapping up

Set amidst the majestic Himalayan mountain ranges, Dalhousie is a quaint little wonder of a town that’s brimming with wholesome activities and things to do that bring you closer to nature. Boasting serene landscapes as well as charming Colonial architecture, the place has something for everyone including cultural enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers. 

Look for carefully curated Dalhousie travel packages that cover the experiences mentioned above for a wholesome trip to the picturesque town. Be sure to book cheap flights to Pathankot – Dalhousie’s nearest airport, as well as the best hotels in Dalhousie well in advance to ensure that you take advantage of offers and discounts. Being located in Himachal Pradesh in India, you do not need a visa to visit Dalhousie. 

However, if you are looking for similar exciting international experiences featuring natural as well as architectural marvels, be sure to find countryside international tour packages and apply for your visa online with reliable travel agencies providing online visa services for 180+ countries.

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FAQs: Top Activities in Dalhousie, Attractions, And More

What is Dalhousie best known for?

Dalhousie is best known for its breathtaking mountain landscapes and chic Colonial architecture. The place is home to endearing and picturesque gems like “mini Switzerland” and Dainkund Peak, which offer stunning panoramic views of the hills and the Himalayan mountain ranges in the distance, and lush scenic beauty.

Because it is a hill station, it is also known for a wide array of nature-oriented adventure activities like hiking, trekking, wildlife safaris, and nature walks. 

Which month is best to visit Dalhousie?

The best time to visit Dalhousie is during the summer season from March to June. The town experiences pleasant weather with clear skies and moderate, comfortable temperatures ranging between 15°C and 30°C during these months. This makes it perfect for sightseeing and other outdoor activities like hiking and trekking.

For travellers looking to avoid the peak season, the monsoon and winter seasons are also some of the best times to visit Dalhousie. During these times, the town attracts fewer tourists because of the cold climate. However, if you love a winter wonderland, the colder months are also perfect to experience the beautiful town.

What is the famous food in Dalhousie?

One of the most popular food items in Dalhousie is “Dhaam”. It is a traditional Himamchali meal comprising rice, dal, and a variety of vegetarian side dishes such as rajma, kadi, and chana dal. Blending cultures of Himachal Pradesh as well as Punjab, Dhaam is a unique delicacy served specially during festivals or other occasions. Tourists on well-curated Dalhousie tour packages often indulge in the traditional dish as one of the must-do activities in Dalhousie.

Where to find Colonial architecture in Dalhousie?

Churches in Dalhousie such as St. Patrick’s Church, St. John’s Church, and St. Francis Church feature Scottish and Victorian-inspired architectural elements including glass-painted windows and arches that stand as a testimony of the town’s Colonial heritage. Visiting these churches will let you enjoy the Colonial architecture that Dalhousie is famous for.

What to purchase from Dalhousie?

Dalhousie boasts bustling shopping centers and markets like Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk where you can purchase a variety of things including authentic Tibetan artefacts. Some things that tourists commonly purchase from Dalhousie include handcrafted shawls, Tibetan handicrafts, exquisite home decor items like mats and paintings, Tibetan prayer artefacts, and souvenirs. These places also have tasteful eateries where you can get a taste of the local food in Dalhousie.

Where is mini Switzerland in India?

Khajjiar – a small valley in Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh is known as “mini Switzerland” in India, because of its lush green rolling hills, meadows, and deodar forests, all of which resemble Swiss landscapes.

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