W for Weekend tourist destinations in HP

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.  

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. 

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).

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. 

Shimla

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Aditya Sinha

For other participants in the challenge visit : A to Z Challenge

C for Churches in HP

This post is written as a part of April 2015 A to Z challenge. On the third day the word is C and I would talk of Churches in HP.

Churches in HP

Yes – that’s true. HP not only has temples, Shakti peeths, Gurudwaras, Pagodas, Monasteries, but also some of the beautiful Churches too. Though, Christianity made a late appearance in Himachal Pradesh, after the arrival of the British, only around 150 years back, it dawns tall churches as the relics of the British era especially found in the small hill stations that they created as summer retreats for their leisure. It also holds the second oldest church of Northern India, i.e. Christ Church, Shimla.

Main churches in Himachal Pradesh are Christ Church, Kasauli, Christ Church, Shimla, St. Johns Church and St. Patrick's Church, Dalhousie & Church of St. John in the Wilderness, McLeod Ganj. 

Churches have always fascinated me especially because of the solitude it gives with solidarity. It truly is the place to introspect. The vast Prayer halls, the pin drop silence, the serene remnants, the tall towers – all speak aloud. 

Christ Church – Shimla, is situated on the Ridge in Shimla. Its well maintained and has a very majestic appearance. There are stained glass windows inside the hall which adds to its beauty. It truly represents faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility. 

Christ Church Shimla

Photo courtesy :http://www.toshaliroyalview.com/shimla/churchs-in-shimla.html

Christ Church – Kasauli: Unlike Shimla which has overgrown and got crowded with ongoing commercialization, Kasauli is still unspoilt and very much same as the British left it. A much serene and quite retreat – that which you want when going to a hill station. Just over an hour drive from Chandigarh this offers a better weekend retreat. And the Christ Church here is a must visit. It is a typically angular structure with well proportioned, spires, buttresses and gothic arches framed against the stately deodars.

Christ Church Kasauli

St. John's Church - Dalhousie: Dalhousie has two Churches. St. John’s is situated at the Central Gandhi Chowk, hardly 2 kms. from the main bus stand of Dalhousie and truly seconds the fact that it was the first edifice to be built after the town of Dalhousie was found by the British. The church building stands in a good condition but its surroundings demand much better care. There is a library situated just at the left side of the entrance gate where one can relax research on Dalhousie.

St. John's Church, Dalhousie

Photo Courtesy : http://tourplaces.in/dalhousie

St. Patrick's Church on the other hand is situated in Baloon, Dalhousie Cantt., on Military Hospital road. St. Patrick's Church is the largest church in Dalhousie having a seating capacity of 300 persons in its main hall. It is in a better condition.

St. Patrick's Church, Dalhousie

Photo Courtesy : http://www.honeymoonindia.net/honeymoon-in-dalhousie.html

Church of St. John in the Wilderness, Mc Load Ganj. : It stands just on the main road to McLeod Ganj, hardly half a km before the main city center. This too has stained-glass windows and is one of the few remaining traces of McLeod's days as a British hill station. It’s open on Sunday mornings for a weekly 10am service. The cemetery contains the graves of many victims of the 1905 earthquake, as well as the rocket-like tomb of the Earl of Elgin, 23rd Viceroy of India.

St. John Church in the Wilderness, McLoed Ganj

Chamba Church - situated in the main Chamba market, this beautiful Church unlike other church is not built by Britishers. It was erected by Raja Sham Singh and gifted to the church of Scotland mission for the use of the christian community in Chamba in the end of 19th Century. It is called Scotland Church.

Chumba Church of Scotland

That's for today. Tomorrow would be D. Do visit again to know more.

For other posts on Himachal written as part of Ato Z Challenge : List of post on Himachal Pradesh written as part of A to Z challenge.

Aditya Sinha

For other participants in the challenge visit : A to Z Challenge