DALHOUSIE - At a height of 2,000m approximately, nestled in the thick pine forests of the Shivalik Ranges, is the quaint little town of Dalhousie. Though this is the most frequented hill station in the Chamba valley it has retained all it's old-worldly charm. The town itself is spread over five hills and is characterized by a winding road that connects at focal points or Chowks. The British bought the area of Dalhousie from the Raja of the princely state of Chamba in 1853. Thereafter, the town was named after Lord Dalhousie, the Governor General of Punjab (1849-56).

In 1867, it became a municipality and in the 1920s and 20s it became a cheaper alternative to the hill station of Shimla. Today, it provides a cool retreat for the traveller. The best way to see Dalhousie is to walk; there are umpteen number of short walks that one can take. Most of these have splendid nature views and are far from the crowded streets that form Dalhousie's centre. Walks around town which interest tourists are the rather piquantly named Thandi Sadak (Cool Street) and Garam Sadak (Warm Street). Both take you off the Mall and show you the quieter side to Dalhousie.

The walk around the Sacred Heart School at Subhash Chowk is also great fun. The road forms a figure of eight from Sacred Heart to the GPO. The old quarters of Dalhousie too give the town a musty, nostalgic air. Dalhousie has four old churches which you will encounter during your walks; do look inside, they are worth a look. The Subash Chowk and Gandhi Chowk are the main market areas.

Tour Programmes That Include : DALHOUSIE

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