Top 10 Things to Do in Dalhousie – An Ultimate Guide

Also called the Switzerland of India, Dalhousie is a picturesque hill station surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar ranges in Himachal Pradesh. Nestled in the Chamba Valley, with gorgeous landscapes of the Himalayas, Dalhousie is a popular destination for those looking forward to escaping the city noise and monotony of everyday life. This quaint town is a testament to mesmerising natural beauty, old-world charm, Scottish architecture, and Victorian-style mansions. From spectacular misty mountains to pine-covered valleys, serene lakes, and glistening rivers, Dalhousie is filled with attractions that cater to every traveller’s interests. It is a year-round destination, so any season is the best season to visit Dalhousie.

Whether you want to experience the rich history of the colonial era, seek solace in nature’s embrace, or enjoy moments of serenity, Dalhousie promises a memorable experience amidst the Himalayan magnificence.

Best Things to Do in Dalhousie

Here is a comprehensive list of things to do in Dalhousie.

1. Seek Blessings at Chamunda Devi Temple
2. Enjoy Trekking at Dainkund Hill
3. Get a Glimpse into Colonial History with St. John's Church
4. Enjoy the soothing sights of Refreshing Waterfalls in Panchpula
5. Meditate at Shivkul Ashram
6. Go for Boating at Chamera Lake
7. Explore the Tibetan Handicrafts Market
8. Enjoy Paragliding in Khajjiar
9. Try Hiking at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
10. Go Back in Time with Rang Mahal

Seek Blessings at Chamunda Devi Temple

Situated amidst the striking surroundings of the Himalayas, Chamunda Devi Temple is a renowned holy shrine in Himachal Pradesh. Also called the Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the fierce avatar of Goddess Durga Devi. With an exquisite backdrop of woody forests of Lahl and Pathiar, Chamunda Devi Temple makes a must-visit place in Dalhousie. The temple is built using white marble, featuring intricate carvings that showcase the expertise of the artisans. It is believed that prayers offered in this temple are heard and answered by the Goddess Chamunda Devi. So, visiting this temple is amongst the top 10 things to do in Dalhousie.

Enjoy Trekking at Dainkund Hill

Perched at a height of 2,755 metres above sea level, Dainkund Peak is one of the highest points of Dalhousie, offering tourists panoramic sights of snow-capped mountains and gorgeous valleys. Also known as the singing hill, Dainkund Hill boasts lush green valleys, calm deodar forest, and colourful flowers, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. The tranquillity of this place is combined with fresh air, making it a paradise for photographers. If you love adventure and trekking, the Dainkund Hill trek should not be missed in your itinerary of the best activities to do in Dalhousie.

Get a Glimpse into Colonial History with St. John's Church

Established in the year 1863, St. John's Church is one of the oldest churches built during the British colonial era in Dalhousie. An example of the Gothic style of architecture, this iconic building is surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil ambience, enhancing its charm. The striking stained glass windows and panoramic views of the surrounding hills make this church a major attraction for art enthusiasts and photographers. There is a library inside the church having a rich collection of rare books and snaps, depicting the history of Dalhousie. Visiting St. John's Church is one of the best things to do in Dalhousie, India, especially for those interested in history and architectural marvels.

Enjoy the Sights of Refreshing Waterfalls in Panchpula

A perfect spot for a refreshing getaway in the lap of nature, Panchpula waterfall, is surrounded by lush green mountains, beautiful flowers, and snow-covered mountain ranges. Panchpula refers to five bridges in Hindi as it is formed by the confluence of five streams. This place is also known as a historical and cultural site. Panchpula is the place where freedom fighter and uncle of Bhagat Singh, Sardar Ajit Singh, breathed his last. You can pay your respects and learn more about his legacy by visiting the memorial dedicated to Sardar Ajit Singh. Another highlight Panchpula is known for is Satdhara Springs, a natural source of medicinal water with healing properties. Visiting Panchpula is one of the best things to see in Dalhousie.

Meditate at Shivkul Ashram

A renowned ashram, perched on the Pir Panjal mountain ranges, Shivkul ashram is a place for meditation and peace lovers. The ashram belongs to an acclaimed religious philosopher, Vimala Thakur. Here, the Pir Panjal hills, connecting Chamba District with Jammu and Kashmir, offer fascinating panoramic views of the surroundings. With a peaceful backdrop, the scenic beauty of the pine trees and mountains, and continuous meditation courses, Shivkul Ashram is perfect for finding serenity away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This calm religious place is mostly visited by tourists in the summer to attend lectures on spirituality.

Go for Boating at Chamera Lake

A beautiful artificial lake in the Chamba, Chamera Lake is a serene reservoir, that offers irrigation facilities to the villagers nearby. Formed by the Chamera Dam on the Ravi River at an elevation of 1700 m, Chamera Lake is a popular picnic spot and site for various water sports activities like kayaking, boating, canoeing, and river rafting. Surrounded by green trees and gorgeous valleys, Chamera Lake makes a postcard-perfect background for nature lovers and photographers. One of the best things to see in Dalhousie is to visit this lake during sunrise or sunset, allowing sufficient time to soak in the quiet ambience and stunning views.

Explore the Tibetan Handicrafts Market

Shopping is one of the best activities to do in Dalhousie. Known as a shopping paradise, the quaint town is dotted with many popular shopping markets, allowing tourists to shop for unique items as souvenirs. Those who love Tibetan and Himachali handicrafts should visit the Tibetan Handicrafts Market in Dalhousie. Located at Moti Tibba, Gandhi Chowk, this beautiful market is home to traditional and antique artefacts representing the detailed artistry of Tibetan artisans. Here you can buy supreme quality products, including handlooms, bags, wall hangings, carpets, mats, ornaments, and more.

Enjoy Paragliding in Khajjiar

Famous as the Mini Switzerland of India, Khajjiar is the place to experience an incredible paragliding ride in the skies of Dalhousie. With lush green meadows and dense pine forests surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks, Khajjiar makes a perfect setting for adventure seekers, especially for paragliding. You will be passing through the striking landscape of Himachal, which looks like the Swiss countryside. The cool wind brushing against gliders and panoramic views of snow-covered mountains makes it a thrilling adventure.

Try Hiking at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread over an area of 3069 hectares, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Kalatop means Black Cap, referring to lush, thick forests covering the hilltop in the sanctuary. The park boasts well-maintained trekking trails with diverse species of the Himalayan region, ideal for experiencing ultimate beauty and adventures in Dalhousie. Here, you can spot many wild animals like Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, colourful birds, deer, and more. One of the most popular trekking trails is the Kalatop-Khajjiar trek, taking people through the thick forests of the sanctuary to the beautiful Khajjiar town. Do not forget to include hiking at this wildlife sanctuary in your plan of things to do in Dalhousie, India.

Go Back in Time with Rang Mahal

Located in a beautiful area called Surara Mohalla in Dalhousie, Rang Mahal is one of the largest historical monuments in Himachal. Built by Raja Umed Singh in the 18th century, this striking palace showcases a unique combination of Mughal and British architecture. Once served as the residence of royal women, Rang Mahal is now a major highlight for tourists in Dalhousie. The palace is known for beautiful frescoes, vibrant colours, and intricate carvings on the wall narrating the tales from Lord Krishna's life. Rang Mahal is home to a handicraft shop where tourists can buy items like woollen shawls, handmade handkerchiefs, crafts, and ethnic slippers.

With so many things to see and do in Dalhousie, you need to plan your vacation right away! Veena World offers a wide range of all-inclusive Dalhousie tour packages that you can choose from.