The Dalhousie buildings are situated on five elevations, at almost height 2000 m. When India was under the British Empire, the city played the role of a secondary mountain recreation center, which was visited mainly by the inhabitants of Lahore (Lahore), not so wealthy, they could afford to stay in Śimli. The city was founded by Lord Dalhousie, serving as the governor general of India in 1848-1856.
Orientation and information
Dalhousie is very extensive. Most of the stores are centered around Gandhi Chowk (cauk). The city center is close to Subhash Chowk (Subha Cauk); there is a street that winds steeply uphill from the bus stop. Residential houses are built so close together, that they give the impression of tightly packed blocks.
travel agency (2136) it is located on the top floor of one of the buildings near the bus stop. Money can be exchanged at the Punjab National Bank, next to the Aroma-n-Claire Hotel.
Sightseeing and entertainment
Most of the inhabitants of Dalhousie are Tibetan refugees. Following the path connecting Subhash Chowk and Gandhi (GPO) Chowk, we will see bas-reliefs made by the Tibetans, decorating roadside walls. It is also worth going to the shop with handicrafts they run, near Gandhi Chowk. The carpets sold here are exceptionally beautiful, decorated with fancy patterns depicting images of rabbits and elephants.
Dalhousie is rarely visited by tourists, and perhaps not quite rightly. Magnificent forests, old English buildings and the fascinating Tibetan culture suffice, to plan an interesting and varied stay in this city. Almost two kilometers walk from Gandhi Chowk along Ajit (Ajit) Singh Road, leads to Mrs. Pulla (Panch Pulla; Five Bridges). This picturesque place takes away the charm of the nightmarish concrete stairs and benches built by the stream. On the way, we will see the Satdhana spring; hard to see them, therefore only the most perceptive tourists find them.
People who like beautiful landscapes should go to the located one 8,5 km for GPO Kalatope. You can stay overnight at Forest Housc. The panorama of the higher parts of the mountains also provides unforgettable impressions, admired from Lakhi Mandi, situated 15 km away, On the height 3000 m.
Accommodation
Tourists planning a longer stay in Dalhousie should not have problems with finding accommodation. Accommodation prices vary depending on the season. The peak season is here from mid-April to mid-July, from mid-September to mid-October and from mid-December to early January. The prices listed below are for double rooms (singles are rare) rented out of season. This should be taken into account in the high season, that prices will rise by at least 50-100%.
The cheapest accommodation is in a youth hostel (ir2189). Overnight in a dorm room costs 10 INR (for people who are not members of tourist organizations 20 INR). There are also two double rooms with a bathroom for rent, balcony and a beautiful view (40 INR). The hostel is open all year round.
Hotel Satpushp is one of the few budget hotels in Dalhousa. It is located near the bus stop and offers double rooms with private bathroom too 80 INR; you pay for a bucket of hot water 5 INR.
Hotel Geetanjali is situated on the hill above the bus stop (2155). Exceptionally large rooms with a specially dedicated living area cost here from 190-250 INR. The hotel has a nice atmosphere, an additional advantage is also the beautiful scenery outside the window.
W hotel Shivali (o2229), at Subhash Chowk, we rent rooms with a bathroom, constant supply of hot water, TV and a small cooker behind 150 INR. Similar prices for accommodation are offered by hotels on Panch Pulla Road, m.in. Moon Light (5239) and Kings (02450).
The Shangrila Hotel is now housed in an old refurbished building near Gandhi Chowk (2314). Staying in a double room with TV and hot water costs money 240 INR. Modern Kumar's is much more expensive, located near the bus stop. You have to pay 300INR for a double room with a bathroom.
The Aroma-n-Claire Hotel is located on the Court Road, offering large rooms with private bathroom, TV and fridge behind 350 INR.
More affluent tourists can stay at the elegant Chaanakya Hotel (2670), not far from the Shangiiila Hotel. This place is popular among Indians staying on holiday. Double rooms included 760 INR.
The Grand View Hotel is also an expensive hotel (2123), near the bus stop. A double room costs here 500 INR, a luxury apartment 700 INR. Some rooms are separated only by a paper screen, therefore, relaxation can sometimes be disturbed by the sounds of the TV, coming from the next room. The highlight of the hotel is the beautiful view of the snow-covered Pir Panjal range. The Mount View Hotel, located a little higher, offers an opportunity to admire even more magnificent views; prices similar to those of Grand View.
Gastronomy
Most Dalhousie restaurants are closed after the season. One of the few, among those open all year round, is an excellent Kwality Restaurant at Gandhi Chowk. The restaurant specializes in Chinese and North Indian dishes. Half a tandori chicken costs money 38 INR. The equally popular Lovely Restaurant is located in the same part of the city, serving mainly dishes from Punjab and South India. When the weather is nice, the tables are also placed outside.
On Subhash Chowk recommendable are Shere-e-Punjab Dhaba and the usually crowded Khosla Restaurant. The prices in both restaurants are similar, you pay approx. 35 INR.
Connections
Most buses to Dalhousie depart from this one 80 km from Pathankot. The journey takes approx 4 hours and costs 34 INR.
Buses run from Dalhousie to Amritsar, Dźammu, Dharamsali (10 time.) i Śimli (16 time.). The journey to Dharamsala and Simli will be much shorter, if we start our journey from Pathankot. There are four buses a day from Dalhousie to Chamba (2 time., 18 INR).
You can also get a taxi from Dalhousie to Pathankot. The journey takes two hours and costs money 620 INR.