| DALHOUSIE / KHAJJIAR
 Dalhousie
is a quiet town, with a sense of enchantment. This hill station spreads
over five low-level hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range,
just east of the Ravi River. The picturesque town is interspersed with
the colonial-era buildings, low roofed stalls and hotels. The pine-covered
slopes around it are intersected with paths and treks, which are ideal
for The gateway to the Chamba Valley, this colonial town was established
in 1854 by the British governor-general Lord Dalhousie. Covering an area
of 14 sq.-km and surrounded by alpine vegetation, Dalhousie has charming
architecture and panoramic views of both plains and the whitecapped views
of the mountainous ranges.
Khajjiar
 2000
metres, 22 km. from Dalhausie and 23 km. from Chamba. A little out of
Dalhausie is a beautiful, charming retreat that makes an ideal day excursion
or even an overnight visit. Far from any major town, this tranquil spot
has a small lake in the centre, on which is a floating island. Fed by
slim streams, this small lake rests in the centre of the large glade of
Khajjiar.
The glade and the lake are held sacred to Khajjinag - after whom the
place is named. Khajjiar has the thick forest of the Kalatop sanctuary
surrounding its soft green grass. It is 1.5 km long and 1 km wide. It
is surrounded by cedar (deodar) forest. This is like a magical paradise.
A temple dedicated to Khajjinag is also located there. Khajjiar is also
called "Mini Switzerland". The lake remains full of water in
all the seasons and requires no rain water for survival.
Attractions of Dalhousie & Khajjiar
Jandhri Ghat
Around half a kilometre away from the Subhash Baoli, Jandhri Ghat enfolds
an elegant palace in the midst of tall pine trees. Chamba's erstwhile
rulers governed from here till the advent of Lord Dalhousie. The palace
houses a number of shikhar trophies. Beside the palace, Jandhri Ghat offers
heavenly spots for picnicking-gushing streamlets in the midst of fragrant
pine-scented breezes. Bakrota Hills and the 'Round' (2085m): Less than
5 km from the town centre, the Bakrota Hills frame a breathtaking view
of the further snow-clad peaks. The 'round' is a walling circuit around
the hill, very popular with residents.
Satdhara
On the way to Panjpulla, at an altitude of 2,036m. (6,678 ft.), these
seven springs are reputed to have great therapeutic value as they contain
mica with medicinal properties.
Subhash Baoli
Commanding a view of the snowcapped mountains, 1.6-km away from the G.P.O
Square, the spring of Dalhousie is situated at an altitude of 2,085 metres
(6,678 ft.).
PANJPULLA : Located at a distance of 2 kilometers from
Dalhousie, Panjpulla or a memorial with five bridges is a popular tourist
attraction. It has a natural tank and calming surroundings. There are
several small natural pools here that are fed by perennial streams. It
was built in the memory of Sardar Ajit Singh, the famous freedom fighter
of India.
BAKROTA HILLS : Quite close to Dalhousie, the Bakrota
Hills provides breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks and the walling circuit
around the hill known as the 'Round' is a popular destination among locals.
ST.ANDREW’S CHURCH : Built in the year 1903, St.
Andrew's Church is a popular tourist attraction in Dalhousie. It was constructed
due to the efforts of Protestant Christians. The Church is located at
a distance of approximately one and half km from the bus stand of Dalhousie.
Though quite old, the building of the church is still in a very good condition.
ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH . : St. Patrick's Church
is situated in Baloon, falling under the area known as the Dalhousie Cantonment.
It lies approximately two km from the bus stand and holds the distinction
of being the largest church of the hill station. St. Patrick's Church
dates back to the year 1909 and its main hall has a seating capacity of
300 persons. The funds for the construction of the Church were contributed
by the officers and ranks of the British Army.
ST. FRANCIS CHURCH : Situated on the Subhash Chowk,
St. Francis Church is one of the prominent monuments of Dalhousie. Army
officers as well as civilians contributed money for the construction of
the church. Built in the year 1894, the church is being maintained by
the Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar. Beautiful glass work and intricate
stone work serve as some of the major attractions of the St. Francis Church.
KHAJINAG TEMPLE: The town of Khajjiar has been named
after its ancient temple of Khajinag. Situated near the famous Khajjiar
Lake, this temple dates back to as far back as the 12th century. The temple
stands adorned with a golden dome and spire, which has led to the temple
often being called as the 'Golden Devi' temple. It has wooden sanctum
with intricate carvings. The 'mandapam' of Khajinag Temple has images
of the Pandavas and the defeated Kaurvas, seen on the roof of the circumambulatory
path of the temple. The temple attracts many devotees and tourists alike.
KHAJJIAR LAKE : Khajjiar Lake is a small lake, surrounded
by saucer-shaped lush green meadow and a floating island. The dense growth
of weed called 'vacha' has made its earth spongy. Now the banks stand
covered by a thick layer of earth, formed by the years of dust settling
down on the weeds.
KHAJJIAR GOLF COURSE : One of the major attractions
of Khajjiar is its huge nine-hole golf course. People visiting the valley
of Chamba make sure to visit Khajjiar and enjoy the sport for a while.
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