This post is written for A to Z Challenge.
W for Weekend tourist destinations in HP
Himachal is at a very approachable distance from the plains. It is also connected by one of the best roads. So many of its hill station becomes an apt weekend destination when you can just rush away from the city life and spend a day in peace and scenic beauty, then return for your work fresh and rejuvenated.
Dalhousie is about 120 km from Pathankot in Chamba. Being very close to the plains of Punjab it was established in 1854 by the Britishers in India as a summer retreat for its troops and bureaucrats. It is situated in the Dhauladhar mountain range at height of 2700 mt and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The best time to visit is in the summer, and the peak tourist season is from May to September. Scottish and Victorian architecture is prevalent in the bungalows and churches in the town. It is the gateway to the ancient Chamba Hill State (now Chamba district).
One can just relax in Dalhousie and stroll in the mall to rejuvenate or do shopping in the Sadar Bazaar. The Churches especially St. Patrick church, here are also worth spending some time. Aside one can always spend time in the following places as well.
Khajjiar : Often referred to as Mini Switzerland is worth a visit for its mesmerising scenic beauty.
Dainkund Peak: is the highest mount in Dalhousie from where one can enjoy 360° view of the entire valley. The sound of the breeze passing through the trees makes a musical sound, due to which this peak has also acquired the name, the singing hill.
The top of this hill is occupied by the Indian Air Force and from there a left turn takes us to the Pholani Devi Temple. One of the most interesting facts about this temple is that, except a trident there is nothing inside the temple premises. In addition, one can also enjoy trekking on this hill.
Kalatop and Kalatop Forest : It is a wildlife sanctuary just 6 km from Dalhousie. The entire forest is covered with the thick foliage of deodar trees and is inhabited by Leopard, Bear, Deer, Squirrel, Barking Goral, Serow, Langur, Jackal and Himalayan Black Marten etc.The other vegetation in this sanctuary are blue pine & fir.
Manali can also be reached as a weekend destination from Chandigarh. It is at about 250 km and can be reached by overnight Volvo buses.
All these location can be reached by overnight Volvo (and private tourist buses) from Delhi as well.
W for Weekend tourist destinations in HP
Himachal is at a very approachable distance from the plains. It is also connected by one of the best roads. So many of its hill station becomes an apt weekend destination when you can just rush away from the city life and spend a day in peace and scenic beauty, then return for your work fresh and rejuvenated.
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| Dharamshala Cricket Stadium |
Some of these sites are Dharamshala, Mcleodganj and Dalhousie in Kangra and Chamba region. All these are at a distance of about 110 KM from Pathankot in Punjab and can be reached in about 2 to 3 hrs drive. I have already discussed about the activities and places of interest in these Dharamshala, Mcleodganj in my earlier posts. Dharamshala / Mcleodganj can also be reached in five hours drive from Chandigarh which is about 270 kms.
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| Mc Leod Ganj Market |
Dalhousie is about 120 km from Pathankot in Chamba. Being very close to the plains of Punjab it was established in 1854 by the Britishers in India as a summer retreat for its troops and bureaucrats. It is situated in the Dhauladhar mountain range at height of 2700 mt and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The best time to visit is in the summer, and the peak tourist season is from May to September. Scottish and Victorian architecture is prevalent in the bungalows and churches in the town. It is the gateway to the ancient Chamba Hill State (now Chamba district).
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| Gandhi Chowk Dalhousie |
One can just relax in Dalhousie and stroll in the mall to rejuvenate or do shopping in the Sadar Bazaar. The Churches especially St. Patrick church, here are also worth spending some time. Aside one can always spend time in the following places as well.
Khajjiar : Often referred to as Mini Switzerland is worth a visit for its mesmerising scenic beauty.
 |
| Khajjiar |
Dainkund Peak: is the highest mount in Dalhousie from where one can enjoy 360° view of the entire valley. The sound of the breeze passing through the trees makes a musical sound, due to which this peak has also acquired the name, the singing hill.
The top of this hill is occupied by the Indian Air Force and from there a left turn takes us to the Pholani Devi Temple. One of the most interesting facts about this temple is that, except a trident there is nothing inside the temple premises. In addition, one can also enjoy trekking on this hill.
Kalatop and Kalatop Forest : It is a wildlife sanctuary just 6 km from Dalhousie. The entire forest is covered with the thick foliage of deodar trees and is inhabited by Leopard, Bear, Deer, Squirrel, Barking Goral, Serow, Langur, Jackal and Himalayan Black Marten etc.The other vegetation in this sanctuary are blue pine & fir.
From Chandigarh one can also go to Kasauli and Shimla in about four hours.
Kasauli : is a cantonment area just 65 km from Chandigarh en route to Shimla. and can be reached in hardly 2 hrs drive from here. One can enjoy the colonial architecture of the british era or can stroll on the lower and upper mall here. Aside from this one can temples like Monkey Point, Nihri Temple, Churches and Gurudwara.
Manki point is situated in 'The Air Force Station' near the Lower Mall region about 4 kilometer from the center of town. According to myth at the Ramayana while Lord Hanuman was returning from the Himalayas after acquiring "Sanjivani Booty",touched the hill by one of His foot. Therefore top of the hill is in foot shape. On starry and clear night the stunning view of Chandigarh is seen from Manki Point. Cameras And Cell phones are not permitted inside the station and need to be given at the station gate.
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| Shimla |
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| Kasauli |
Manki point is situated in 'The Air Force Station' near the Lower Mall region about 4 kilometer from the center of town. According to myth at the Ramayana while Lord Hanuman was returning from the Himalayas after acquiring "Sanjivani Booty",touched the hill by one of His foot. Therefore top of the hill is in foot shape. On starry and clear night the stunning view of Chandigarh is seen from Manki Point. Cameras And Cell phones are not permitted inside the station and need to be given at the station gate.
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| Manki Point |
Manali can also be reached as a weekend destination from Chandigarh. It is at about 250 km and can be reached by overnight Volvo buses.
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| Manali |
All these location can be reached by overnight Volvo (and private tourist buses) from Delhi as well.
So plan your weekends in these hill retreats. I can bet even if you visit repeatedly there would something new to be done always.
That's all from W. Next is X.
For other posts on Himachal written as part of A to Z Challenge : List of post on Himachal Pradesh written as part of A to Z challenge.
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