Category: Dalhousie - Page 2 - Himachal Travel Guide

Dainkund Peak Dalhousie

Dainkund Peak, also known as Singing Hill, is located at an altitude of 2755 meters above sea level in Dalhousie. Being the highest place in Dalhousie, amazing views of valleys and mountains can be seen from here. A quiet place for nature lovers is like heaven. Dainkund peak in the Dalhousie region is a truly must see place, famous for its beautiful snow-capped peaks and lush green environment. Dankund Peak attracts a large number of tourists from all over the country every year. This is the maximum snowfall during the winter season.

In fact there is also a motorway to go to this hill, but tourists can also trek this distance and can see many stunning natural scenery on the way. The natural attraction of Khajjar Lake situated here amidst greenery and panoramic views of mud houses make the eyes of the tourists very enjoyable.

Dainkund Peak Trek

Trekking to Dainkund Peak can prove to be extremely memorable for tourists and nature lovers. The 4.5 km trek to the peak is an easy trek, on which tourists pass through lush green deodar forests. Explain that the ascent of Dainkund starts after crossing Lakkad Mandi. After driving about 6 kilometers, the motorable road ends, you have to park your car on the barrier of the Indian Air Force. One has to trek 3 kilometers from here, with one kilometer climb quite steep, although this trek is quite safe.

Best Time to Visit Dainkund Peak

You can visit Dainkund in Dalhousie anytime of the year. Each season of this place has its own charm and uniqueness. The summer season here starts from April and lasts till June. If you want to enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and fresh greenery, plan a trip to Dainkund Peak during the winter from October to February.

How to Reach Dainkund Peak Dalhousie

Gaggal Airport in Kangra is the nearest domestic airport to reach Dalhousie by plane. This airport is 13 km from the city and taxis are easily available from here to reach Dalhousie Hill Station. The nearest railhead of Dalhousie is Pathankot. Which is located 80 km from this hill town. Dalhousie is well connected to nearby major cities and places with the help of road. State bus services and luxury coaches connect Dalhousie to all the major places and cities around. Overnight luxury buses are also available from Delhi to Dalhousie. Taxis and private vehicles are also available on this route.

Khajjiar (Mini-Switzerland) Dalhousie

Khajjiar is a picturesque hill station situated in the Chamba Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Nestled amidst tall, lush, green trees of pine and cedar, Khajjiar is one of the world’s 160 mini-Switzerland. Tourists get spiritual peace and mental peace by coming here. If you want to get rid of the scorching heat of May-June after April, then this place is exactly like a city of dreams for tourists. The Khajjiar season has a different fun, the views have a different beauty. This is the reason that people from around the place come here to have a picnic, the number of tourists who come from far and wide is not small.

When Lord Curzon came to this place in 1900, the natural scenery looked like magic to him. Lord Curzon muttered sitting hypnotically, “Oh wow! Switzerland in India “just then Khajijiar (Khajjiar) fame grew and became the favorite place of British authorities.

Khaziyar’s attraction lies in the Khajjiar lake covered with pine and deodar trees. The green soft and attractive grass around the lake adds beauty to Khajiyar. In the middle of the lake, there are two places where tourists get excited by reaching. Although a variety of exciting sports are also organized in Khajjiar, but if you are fond of golf, then this hill station is even better for you.

Activities at Khajjiar

Apart from this, you can enjoy a variety of activities from paragliding to horse riding. The temple of a serpent god is built in the hill style on the banks of Lake Khajiyar. There are also post bungalows and rest houses for staying in Khajjiar and one can stay here.

Best time to visit Khajjiar

You can visit Khajjiar anytime round the year; but the best time to visit Khajjiar is summers (From March till October).

How to Reach Khajjiar

If you go to Chamba or Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar is just an hour away from there, Khajiyar is not only this, Khajiyar is 352 from Chandigarh and just 95 km from Pathankot railway station. The nearest airport here is ‘Gagal’ of Kangra, which is 12 km. Distance to and near the railway station Kangra is 18 km. Is located at a distance of. It can be reached directly by road.

Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary

Kalatop Khajiar Sanctuary, also known as Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh and is one of the major tourist destinations of Dalhousie. The name Kalatop means ‘black hat’, which probably refers to the dense black forest on the highest hill in the sanctuary. Kalatop is very rich in flora and fauna and its natural beauty attracts tourists immensely. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the major places of tourist attraction. It is a natural habitat that displays stunning beauty with Ravi River.

This sanctuary is a good place for those who want to spend some quality time with their family and friends. If you want to make your trip even more special, then you can also have a picnic here amidst the greenery. Keep this sanctuary at the top of your list whenever you visit Dalhousie tourist places. Any tourist who visits Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary remembers this journey throughout his life.

Flora and Fauna at Kalatop Khajiar Sanctuary

The Kalatop Khajiyar Sanctuary has a large variety of flora and fauna. The fauna found in the sanctuary includes black bear, Himalayan black marten, wild cats, deer, barking goral, leopard, sero (goat-like / antelope-like mammal) etc. This sanctuary is like a paradise for ornithologists.

Tips for visiting Kalatop Khajiar Sanctuary

Beware of bears while traveling in this area.
You have to take permission from the District Forest Officer, Chamba to enter the rest house and vehicle.
If you want to visit the nearby tourist places here, you can hire a taxi from Dalhousie.

Entry fee of Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

The entry fee of Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is quite nominal. Visitors who are planning to explore the verdant reserve need to pay about INR 250, and then they can wander around while cherishing the astonishing beauty and exquisite wildlife here.

Best time to visit Kalatop Khajiar Sanctuary

The best time to visit Kalatop Khajiar Sanctuary is the summer months from March to May. It can be uncomfortable to visit this sanctuary during the monsoon months. The weather here is extremely pleasant since September and is the best time to see the beauty of nature.

How to reach Kalatop Khajiar Sanctuary

Chamba travel Guide

On the north-western side of the state Himachal Pradesh, the Chamba town is placed on a plateau on the bank of the river Ravi. It is 915 meters above mean sea level. The valley is located between the grand Dhauladhar and Zanskar range in the southern part of the inner Himalayas.

As a former princely State, it is one of the oldest in the century and dates back to the sixth century. It is well known for its splendid architecture and a base for numerous excursions. It is also the district headquarters.

Chamba blossomed as the ancient capital of the Pahari Rajas; it was named after King Sahil Varman’s daughter Champavati. Today it is the quintessential valley township, famous for its myriad temples, forests and charming hill folk.

Chamba is a delight from a tourist’s point of view. Chamba has many things to offer to a tourist in form of many temples and festivals. Chamba’s main attraction is not only the grandeur of nature in this town but also a number of intricately built temples.

Chamba Weather

In winter, the temperature gets very low because of cold winds, when heavy woolens are required. It is hot in summer and the temperature rises up to 38 degrees

How to reach Chamba

By Air

The airport at Gaggal in Kangra is at a distance of 185 km, this is the nearest airport. It takers around six hours to reach Chamba from this place. As the flights are limited, and location is far off travelers generally avoid air journey.

By Bus/ Taxi: Distance from Chamba

Delhi	600 Kms	Approximate travel time from Delhi to Chamba is 15 hours from Chandigarh to Chamba is 9 hours from Shimla to Chamba is 13 hours from Pathankot to Chamba is 4 hours from Dalhousie to Chamba 2 Hours from Khajjiar to Chamba 1 hours Khajjiar is in between Chamba and Dalhousie Taxis and buses are easily available from these places.
Chandigarh	375 Kms
Pathankot	120 Kms
Shimla	470 Kms
Dalhousie	56 Kms
Khajjiar	24 Kms

By Rail

The nearest railhead is Pathankot, 120 km away. Pathankot is on Delhi Jammu Railway line and there are plenty of trains to choose from at different timings after that you can go by road.

Places of interest in Chamba

Champavati Temple

The main temple of Chamba is the Champavati temple. This temple is dedicated to Champavati who was daughter of the founder of this town.

Laxmi Narayan Temple Complex

This is a small temple complex with six main Shikhara style temples and several smaller shrines, this is renowned for its finely executed classical forms.

Hari Rai Temple

The 11th-century Harirai Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is also made in the Shikhara style and has a triple headed statue of Lord Vishnu made from eight different materials. (Ashtdhatu)

Chowgan

Chamba’s wide concourse is the hub of much of towns activity and also serves as its promenade.

Rangmahal

This old palace is an interesting mix of colonial and local architectural styles.

Bhuri Singh Museum

Named after Raja Bhuri Singh of Chamba, this is a treasure house of Chamba’s rich past. The exhibits include copper plates, murals, doorways, costumes, paintings and stone carvings.

ST. Andrew’s Church

Over a century old, this is a dressed stone structure with lancet windows.

Bharmour (69 Km)

Its 84 ancient temples at a height of 2141m are well known. It is also the summer home of the nomadic Gaddi people.

Manimahesh (98 Km)

This sacred lake (4183m) is associated with Lord Shiva and is a site of annual pilgrimage from mid of August to mid of September each year. Distance from Bharmaur is 28 Km.

Chatrati (45 Km)

An attractive temple to Shakti Devi is located here.

Trekking

Chamba is also an ideal place if one wants to get engaged in mountain sports and trekking. From chamba one can go in to an exciting trekking expedition to dhauladhar and pir pranjal ranges. Chamba is a beautiful town and is a gift to human kind by Mother Nature. The greatest attraction of chamba is its high peaks and the lush green vallys and is a must go for anyone who wants to get away from the regular hustle bustle of city life and find some peace.

Handicrafts

Chamba rumals are moments of ecstasy captured by the Chamba embroiders. It is largely based upon the Kangra and Chamba schools of painting. Worked in details in beautiful colors, the stitches are so closely and finely spaced that no gaps are visible. It may conjure up vision of a handkerchief but to the discerning it is a form of adornment.

The Chamba Rumal or handkerchief about 2 to 6 feet in length is an important part of a Chamba bride’s trousseau. These are also used for covering gifts placed on metal & bamboo trays and baskets on any special occasions as birthdays, weddings, festivals or fairs.

Khajjiar Travel Guide

Often called India’s Switzerland, the exquisite glade of Khajjiar (altitude 1960m, 6500 feet) has a circumference of about 5 km. It is a small picturesque saucer-shaped plateau surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests, Along its fringes, thick forests of deodar climb the slopes, the snow-line rests above these woods.

At Khajjiar there is a 12th century temple dedicated to Khajji Nag (serpent god) from which the name is believed to have been derived. In the mandapa of the temple one can see the images of the Pandavas and the defeated Kaurvas hanging from the roof of the circumambulatory path. The sanctum of the temple has been beautifully carved from wood.Khajjiar has an islet with a small lake surrounding it. The lake has been neglected over the years and its waters, which at one time reflected the clear blue skies, today give its resemblance to a shallow pond.

The lake is unfortunately squeezing due to silting problem and the growth of weeds. Grazing herds of sheep, goats and other milch cattle present a prefect pastoral scenery. The presence of animals provides a rural background to the place and it looks so beautiful to see the herds of animals grazing in the glade.

Khajjiar weather and Climate

In winter, the temperature hovers around freezing point with snowfall and heavy woolens are required. In summer, the climate is mild and light woolens / cottons are recommended.

How to reach Khajjiar