Located atop five hills in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie is one of the more popular weekend retreats in North India. Named after the erstwhile Governor General of India Lord Dalhousie, this serene, picturesque town leaves many yearning for a longer weekend. Lord Dalhousie had established this town as a summer retreat for British officials. True to its history, tourism in Dalhousie remains the ideal de-stress holiday for the workaholic in you.

Already wondering about travelling to Dalhousie? Read on for a short travel guide to Dalhousie!

By Air:

While Dalhousie doesn’t have an airport, the closest airports are Pathankot (75 km) and Gaggal (135 km). Both have regular flights from New Delhi and Chandigarh.  However, more often, flights tend to get rescheduled or cancelled due to bad weather. So, do make sure to check your flight details till the last moment.

By Rail:

The Indian Railways is the most convenient and feasible option to reach Dalhousie. The closest railhead to Dalhousie is Pathankot's Chakki Bank which has excellent connection with other cities in North India. Many super-fast, Express and Deluxe trains ply daily to Dalhousie from cities of all north Indian states. An overnight train from New Delhi would have you in Dalhousie by morning.

By Road:

Being a popular tourist destination, the roads to Dalhousie are well maintained. A drive down these beautiful roads will be a treat to your eyes and your camera. We suggest avoiding the NH1 through Ludhiana as the unfinished passes in this route bring traffic to a stand-still at times. There are also many state-run and private bus operators that have deluxe and Volvo buses to Dalhousie from nearby cities.

Dalhousie has pleasing temperatures almost all year round. With the beginning of summers being cold, the subsequent months have a pleasant temperature. During monsoons, Dalhousie experiences moderate rainfall with a high chance of landslides. Winters here are bitter and temperatures may fall below freezing point. We advise carrying woolens at all times when you're in Dalhousie.

Khajjiar Valley:

Aptly called the Mini Switzerland of India, the Khajjiar Lake and the surrounding valley will transport you to the lush green meadows of Switzerland. The Lake fed by a stream is located in the centre surrounded by Dhauladhar Ranges in the distance.

Trekking:

For the adventure enthusiasts, a trek in the snow will be an experience of a lifetime. The locals would be able to connect you with the right guides to guide you through the best trekking routes.

Tibetan Handicraft Centre and Market:

Three kilometres away from the GPO, off a slip road, the Tibetan Handicraft Centre has a collection of beautiful carpets and other artefacts. However, you will need to check with the locals if the centre is open at the time you plan to visit.