7 Hill Stations Near Dalhousie To Ensure A Great Trip In 2022
Blog summary
During my time in travel so far, I have been to more than a handful of hill stations. But I must say, one hill station that took my breath away is Dalhousie! The place is surrounded by lush, magnificent hill stations that will surely sweep you off your feet! Read on to add some beautiful views to your list when you visit Dalhousie!
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Dalhousie – Close To The Mountains, Closer To The Heart!
I came across Dalhousie by chance when surfing for my next destination. I wanted to visit someplace off-beat, but at the same time, pleasant and quiet too. Little did I know that this colonial beauty would sweep me off my feet while making me feel warm and at home.
On my trip, I also visited hill stations near Dalhousie, and words are truly failing me as I write this blog to describe the beauty that Dalhousie and its surrounding hill stations came bearing!
Located in Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie was named after Lord Dalhousie, the then Governor-General of India, in 1854, during the British Raj. The hill station still carries forward the echoes of colonial rule to date, with iconic building structures heavily influenced by British-style architecture. Dalhousie is also surrounded by hill stations that serve picturesque, panoramic views for your eyes and a sense of calm for your soul.
How Can You Reach Dalhousie?
Pathankot railway station, which is 80 kilometres from Dalhousie, is the nearest railway station with access to major cities, including Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Jammu, and Jodhpur. You can also check for flights from your location to Pathankot as there is an airport in the city.
If you are planning a trip to Himachal, do not miss out on the beauty of this place and add hill stations near Dalhousie to your itinerary! Here’s a list of the hill stations near Dalhousie that I was able to visit while on my trip there.
7 Hill Stations Near Dalhousie For A Great Trip In 2022
Begin your new year with the mountains that feed your soul with a great sense of tranquillity and quiet. If you are a fan of mountains as well as archaic architecture, Dalhousie is the right place for you! Apart from the ever-popular colonial landmarks like St. Francis and St. Thomas churches, and more, there are hill stations near Dalhousie that one must not miss out on!
If you want to experience the local flavour of the mountain life, these hill stations will serve you just that! From meeting locals, experiencing the local culture, food, and more, to the mind-blowing views, these hill stations near Dalhousie I visited gave me a wholesome experience.
1. Khajjiar – For A Serene Experience
Located just 25 kilometres from Dalhousie, Khajjiar is one of the nearest hill stations near Dalhousie. Filled with rolling valleys that paint the region rich with green, Khajjiar stands for serenity and peace. Of all the hill stations near Dalhousie, I was able to access Khajjiar easily.
While stationed in Khajjiar, I visited the Khajji Nag Temple, a snake-themed temple built in the 12th century, and the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. I was also able to visit Khajjiar Lake and spend some quality time in the cedar woods.
Distance from Dalhousie: 25 kilometres
Popular tourist attractions: Khajji Nag Temple, Khajjiar Lake, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, etc.
Best time to visit: December to March
2. Dharamshala – For A Spiritually Heightened Experience
This is a popular destination for families, honeymooners, and even bachelors. Dharamshala is a hill station near Dalhousie, best suited if you are spiritually inclined. The region is serene and rich in spiritual culture, filled with ancient monasteries and temples. The hill station, which is 118 kilometres from Dalhousie, also houses the residence of His Holiness Dalai Lama.
The region is so spiritually rich that the whole vibe of the place is extremely quiet, peaceful, and calmingly slow. Another tourist attraction is the well-known Dal Lake.
Distance from Dalhousie: 118 kilometres
Popular tourist attractions: Dalai Lama Temple Complex, Namgyal Monastery, Dal Lake, Tibet Museum, Bhagsunag Temple, etc.
Best time to visit: November to January
3. Mcleod Ganj – For A Locally Rich Experience
McLeod Ganj is one of the most vibrant hill stations near Dalhousie. I am a fan of small-town culture rich in local flavour, and McLeod Ganj, located 125 kilometres from Dalhousie, fulfilled my urge to spend time in a Tibetan-culture-infused hilly region!
McLeod Ganj is popular for quaint yet peppy cafes and restaurants that serve authentic Tibetan food, and of course, my all-time favourite monasteries! If you want to experience staying in a hill station that is a small, cosy Tibetan-influenced community, do not miss out on adding McLeod Ganj to your list!
Distance from Dalhousie: 125 kilometres
Popular tourist attractions: Bhagsu falls, Tushita Meditation Centre, Dal Lake, Naddi viewpoint, etc.
Best time to visit: March to June
4. Dharamkot – For An Off-Beat Experience
Dharamkot is one of the most unexplored hill stations near Dalhousie! It was my favourite destination, simply for its off-beat nature. Filled with magnificent views of the popular Kangra valley and Dhauladhar ranges, Dharamkot is a lush, calm, and very quiet hill station near Dalhousie, thanks to its unexplored trails. One has to be present to experience this first hand! Words won’t do justice to explain the aura it exudes.
Distance from Dalhousie: 121 kilometres
Popular tourist attractions: Triund, Kangra Lake and valley, Kareri Lake, etc.
Best time to visit: September to June
5. Palampur – For A Vibrant Experience
If you plan to visit hill stations near Dalhousie, then Palampur should be on your list! It is one of the most vibrant hill stations near Dalhousie, allowing nature to paint the region with lush tea gardens, waterfalls, nature parks, and of course, sprawling views of the Dhauladhar range! Tucked away in the gorgeous valley folds of Kangra, Palampur is truly nature’s canvas.
I absolutely loved the couple of days I spent at this hill station. It was refreshingly happening, with breathtaking views and a great climate!
Distance from Dalhousie: 145 kilometres
Popular tourist attractions: Chamunda Devi Temple, Tea Gardens, Saurabh Van Vihar, etc.
Best time to visit: September to June
6. Kasol – For A Multicultural Experience
Kasol! One of the most popular tourist destinations and hill stations near Dalhousie is known to be almost always buzzing with mountaineers, adventure enthusiasts, and backpackers. It is also known for being a major tourist attraction for Israelis. Kasol is busy all year round and is one of the most happening hill stations near Dalhousie.
It is a great place to meet new people of different cultures. In addition to the key tourist attractions there, this is one of the major highlights of my visit to Kasol.
Distance from Dalhousie: 307 kilometres
Popular tourist attractions: Kheer Ganga, Choz bridge, Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib, Grahan Street, etc.
Best time to visit: March to June
7. Mandi – For A Pleasant Experience
Located amidst the lofty Himalayan ranges, Mandi is one of the lesser-known and visited hill stations near Dalhousie. The hilly region, which is 236 kilometres away from Dalhousie, is known for its gorgeous views and pleasant climate. I made sure to pay a visit to Mandi on my trip to Dalhousie only because it was lesser known and unexplored, and I must say, Mandi didn’t disappoint me!
Distance from Dalhousie: 236 kilometres
Popular tourist attractions: Pandoh Dam, Jalori Pass, Parashar Lake, and more.
Best time to visit: October to November and March to May
These are some of the popular and the most recommended hill stations near Dalhousie. For me, this trip to Dalhousie was all about taking time off for myself and giving my body, mind, and soul the rest they needed. But Dalhousie gave me all this, along with a very serene and tourist-y experience. It was an unexpected win-win for me, haha! If you are a nature lover and are looking for some slowness in life, a trip to these hill stations near Dalhousie is what you need! Open your notebook, make that list, and take the trip right away!
FAQs – Hill Stations Near Dalhousie
Is Dalhousie worth visiting?
If you are looking to go on a pleasant vacation surrounded by picturesque hills, then yes, Dalhousie is a beautiful place to visit. Make sure to include hill stations near Dalhousie for a tranquil and cultural experience.
Which are the must-visit hill stations in Dalhousie?
Dalhousie, a hill station by itself, is surrounded by lush, magnificent mountain ranges that are sure to give you an experience of a lifetime. Therefore, when you plan a trip to Dalhousie, make sure you are able to cover a few hill stations near Dalhousie. Some of the hill stations you can add to your itinerary are Khajjiar, McLeod Ganj, Dharamkot, Palampur, Kasol, Mandi, and more.
Which place is good, Dalhousie or Manali?
Both Dalhousie and Manali are great picks for a vacation in the mountains. But if you are into exploring more than just one range, then Dalhousie is an ideal destination. Surrounded by lush mountain ranges that offer breathtaking views and an exposure to rich culture, you can explore more than one hill station on your trip to Dalhousie. And what’s better? Each of the hill stations you visit will give you a unique experience!
Which is the best hill station near Dalhousie?
Dalhousie by itself is a great hill station that offers an array of exciting activities for visitors and tourists. But while on a trip to Dalhousie, you can visit a range of other hill stations, including Khajjiar, McLeod Ganj, Dharamkot, Palampur, Kasol, Mandi, and more. Of these hill stations, McLeod Ganj, Dharamkot, and Kasol seem to be the most popular ones amongst tourists.
What are the best places to visit In Dalhousie?
Dalhousie is a hill station that offers a sneak-peek into life in the mountains, the culture, local practices, people, and more that will make for a unique experience. When in Dalhousie, the must-visit places would be Khajjiar and Panchpula waterfalls to satisfy the hydrophile in you, Sach Pass, for a refreshing trek, and more! We’ve published a blog post covering all the best places to visit in Dalhousie. Read here.
About The Author
Gulshan Bafna
Gulshan Bafna is one of the luxury travelers in India. He, along with his wife, has traveled to many exotic places that one could dream. With their travel journey, they bring us the best face of those places. He compiles all of his travel journeys to give the taste of traveling to his readers. In his writing, he jots down the best things to do in all those places that he has visited. Reading these would help one know better about the place. He is also a seeker who loves exploring and discovering new places and share his experiences with everyone.