The Charms of Dalhousie Hill Station in India's Himachal Pradesh

[Hruday Chand]

Surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains at an elevation of 1,970 meters, Dalhousie is one of the most popular destinations of India's bucolic western Himalayan state Himachal Pradesh. Spread over the five hills (Katalagh, Potreyn, Bakrota, Terah and Bhangora), it's especially beloved of honeymooners. A ten-hour drive from Delhi and just over six hours from state capital Shimla, the town was established in 1854 under the British Raj's governor-general the Earl of Dalhousie as a summer retreat for troops, today has a population of just over 7,000, and while the town's core is full of charming Victorian and Scottish-style architecture, it also makes a wonderful base for exploration of nature and the history of the ancient Chamba kingdom in the hills surrounding.

Here are five particularly noteworthy Dalhousie attractions:

Khajjiar

Just 22 kilometers from Dalhousie, Khajjiar is another charming, and even smaller hill station in the foothills of the Dhauladhar range. Often referred as the Switzerland of India, it's a magnificent spot with an emerald saucer shaped meadow amidst a dense forest which has a lake with a floating island at its center and a temple with a golden spire. Also called the Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar is a popular getaway for adventure sports.There is a hotel and some cottages run by Himachal Pradesh Tourism at Khajjiar, as well as two rest houses and a couple of private hotels.

Chamera Lake

An artificial lake at an altitude of 1,700 meters, it's an excellent spot for fishing, angling and boating. One of the main hydroelectric projects of Himachal Pradesh, Chamera Hydel Electric Project is situated nearby. Formed by Chamera Dam, it is a major source of water supply for the villagers and is continuously fed by the Ravi River. 

Ganji Pahari

This quaint and serene hill is one of the town's most popular nature walks with mesmerizing views of the surrounding snowcapped hills and valleys. The trek is an easy to moderate one- around 20 to 30 minutes to reach the top of the hill.

Dainkund Peak

This area's highest peak is one of the most popular places to visit in Dalhousie. An Indian Air Force base and the Pholani Devi temple are the other two main attractions of this place. Although trekking is the most common activity with lush green trees and tranquil mountains, the peak offers a clear view of the flow of the rivers Ravi, Chenab and Beas.

Panchpula

Originating up on Dainkund Peak, this stream surrounded by picturesque mountains and green valleys is another popular destination, as well as the main source of water supply for Dalhousie and nearby villages. There is a waterfall on the way to Panchpula, Satdhara, whose waters are believed to have healing properties.