Date: March 26-29, 2015
Venue: Dalhousie and Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
Contents
Dalhousie
Recently, we drove to Dalhousie from Delhi, breaking the journey at Chandigarh. It took us about 13 hours each way. On the way up, we followed the route recommended by Google maps. This route bypassed all the cities (Pathankot – Ludhiana – Ambala etc.) but involved about 6 hours of hill driving on patchy roads in Himachal. The sight of the snow capped Dhauladhar ranges kept our spirits up. Nonetheless, the journey was exhausting. Hence, on the way back, we stuck to the conventional route via Pathankot. The return took us about the same time (13 hours) but involved only 4 hours of hill driving on way better roads.
We took a stopover in Chandigarh on our way to Dalhousie.
Instead of the typical NH1 route we took another route suggested by Google maps. Though the road wasn’t great, the route had state highways with lush green fields on sides.
We had online prior bookings with the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department (“HPTDC”) accommodation at Hotel Manimahesh in Dalhousie. However, since this was off peak season, accommodation was also available on the spot. The rooms here are spacious and the staff very hospitable. The chef served tasty food, customised to our requirements, at very reasonable charges.
The ManiMahesh by HPTDC at Dalhousie
Dalhousie is a place for those who are looking for freshness, peace and a break away from the noise, pollution and hum drum of the city. This is not recommended for people who look for discos, malls and multiplexes. In fact, with a few British era churches thrown in, Dalhousie exudes an old-world charm and it seems that the town is yet to catch up with modern times.
St. Francis Church at Subhash Chowk, Dalhousie
There are not too many sight seeing activities and we spent our time walking up to the local markets at Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk, clicking the churches and pottering in the Tibetan Market.
We spotted this board on our walk from Subhash Chowk to Gandhi Chowk. Exactly our sentiments.
We also drove down to Panchpula and trekked up for about 1.5 km to visit a Kali temple. There is a stunning waterfall on this route. Although this is an interesting activity, given the narrow pathway on the hill, it may not be fun for the faint hearted.
The stunning waterfall en route to Kali Temple at Panchpulla we trekked up to. The trekking was breathtaking in every sense of the word.
Khajjiar
From Dalhouise we drove to Khajjiar which is about 25 kms higher. On route, we were pleasantly surprised to come across snow at various spots on the Dhauladhar range. This was perhaps the last trace of winter on these mountains and we found tourists making the most of it by posing with snowballs for their coolest FB pic!
On the way to Khajjiar from Dalhousie we spotted snow at various places
Once in Khajjiar, we were taken aback by this stunning valley, surrounded by pine forests, with a saucer shaped lake in the middle.
Khajjiar is breathtakingly beautiful, and with the random cattle and sheep grazing on the meadow, it is an illustration straight out of an Enid Blyton book. No wonder, it is called ‘Mini Switzerland’.
Here too we had a booking at the HPTDC accommodation Hotel Devdar. This was a log cabin and like most other HPTDC properties, the rooms were excellent and the window opened to the pine forests and the Dhauladhar range.
Hotel Devdar by HPTDC at Khajjiar. Located right in front of the meadow, Hotel Devdar has the best possible location in Khajjiar
Their intercom system has broken down for some months and for room service we had to call on the designated staff’s mobile number. We actually found this cute and in line with the quaint charm that Khajjiar, as a British era hill station, exudes. However, IT has found its way up here as well and the dining room of the hotel had a free WIFI connection for the guests. A couple of other hotels have also, but these did not look enticing.
Hotel Devdar by HPTDC. A log cabin with window opening right to the meadow and mountains. Right for a perfect relaxing vacation.
By way of activities, we walked around the lake and the thick pine forests, had tea at one of the stalls in the meadow and visited the Khajji Nag temple. This is a 12th century temple dedicated to the Khajji Naag. In fact, Khajjiar is eponymous to this deity. Local drums and trumpets are played during the morning and evening aarati here and the melodious notes can be heard from far.
Khajji Nag Temple, Khajjiar
It rained on one of the days that we spent in Khajjiar and the mist covered meadow seemed surreal.
There are various hill stations in Himachal and we have visited many of them. However, the picturesque and still not touristy Khajjiar was a completely new experience. If there is a heaven on earth, it would probably look like this.
Hi Team,
I would love to be part of this activity, please let me know when its happening and call me @7838873386
Hi Puneet
We are not travel organisers. We travel and blog about it. Here in this blog we shared our experience of visiting Dalhousie and Khajjiar. Do share your travel experiences in the comments. We love to hear travel stories!
Wow! Awesome view may be I will try to visit once. How much it will cost do you have any idea???? By the way nice review.
Travel costs depend on your budget and mode of transport and the kind of accommodation you choose. We traveled by car and stayed in government guest houses. These were quite affordable for a middle class budget traveller.
what is the budget for 2 day 3 night
You are looking at something around INR 10000 including lodging and food.
I use to traval a lot love to see new places.
Ths place luks nyc added in my dairy to vist gonna vist thr once for sure.
Thanks #delhifundos for this post.
budget?
As per google map there is a third road Chandigarh —Roopnagar–anandpur sahib—-nangal–una—jassur—dalhousie
via NH 21 distance is 317 Can you advice about this route , road condition etc.
also the preffered route to be taken ?
we are planning to leave on 28th morning 0600 own car.
Hi. As per our experience NH 1 is the best route. Google may show this alternative route but road quality is not great. Besides it’s difficult to maintain a decent speed.
Thnx dear for ur valued experience, i was lil bit confused with shimla & dalhausie but ur experience made me to take dalhausie finally tomorrow iam going with my spouse on my own car in the occasion of my wedding anniversary…..
thanks bro……
Hi Vikas. Have a great trip and do let us know how did you like Dalhousie. DOn’t forget to visit Khajiaar.
Nice blog !!
Pls suggest if driving with sedan (Honda City) would be fine on route between Dharamshala to Dalhousie.
As per map it looks too curvy.
We drove from Delhi to Dalhousie and the route was fine. We do not have an idea about roads from Dharmshala to Dalhousie. Though we guess, for a seasoned driver it should not be a problem driving Honda City on these roads.
Thanks for following Delhi-Fun-Dos.com
Hi Delhifundos
We group of 12 people are planning for trip to Dalhousie from Chandigarh in last weekend of this September, 2016.
As far as I could gather info about places, we’ve made a plan to cover following places (in 2 days):
-> 1st Day: Start with Khajjiar > Kalatop sanctuary > Dainkund peak > Dalhousie local
-> 2nd Day : Place near Devi Dehra like Jalpa Mata Temple, Rock Garden and then remaning Dalhousie local.
Could you please tell if I have missed any place nearby which is worth visiting?
Regards,
Pranjul
Hi Pranjul
Two suggestions about Khajjiar
1. Try to do Khajji Naag Temple (The priest plays these traditional long brass horns, heavy but rhythmic )
2. Book your stay at HPTDC’s Hotel Devdar at Khajjiar
3. Try Maggi or Omelettes at Rambo Tea Stall in Dalhousie (Cafe on yellow scooter)
Have a great trip! Do share your experience with us.
Sure, Thanks for the suggestions 🙂
Will surely share our trip experience.. !!
Khajjiar is positioned about 25 km away from Dalhousie and offers a superb Himalayan views.
Hi,
Awesome blog,wants to travel khajjiar now.Nice clicks and beautifully elaborated.
Thanks for sharing and really enjoyed this post.