Dalhousie - Oneness with nature

If you are thrilled with the sights of towering mountains and snow caps along with a gush of fresh air that intensifies your senses, relaxing all your nerves, then Dalhousie is the best place to be in.

As soon as we got down at the Pathankot station we were greeted with a chill in the air and made us sure of what to expect at this time of the year. We took a tempo traveller for our onward journey. One can enjoy hot tea and fritters at any of the dhabas that fall alongside the road. The cold weather and hit tea compliment each other very well. If you are in a group it is better to hire a tempo traveller which though will take more time than small cars, but will etch wonderfull memories of the journey in your mind. The road to Dalhousie is lined with scenic beauty. Each turn gives you a new beauty to click.

We reached Dalhousie after a drive of about 3 hours. But trust me every lethargy of the journey will calm down into the serneity of the place. A beautiful view of the valley lying between humongous snow capped mountains makes you forget the worldly problems.

Photo of Dalhousie - Oneness with nature 1/1 by Mihir Sharma

Grand View Hotel

Our choice of hotel was Hotel Grand View. This hotel is a perfect combination of the colonial area and the modern world. This property and their services tend to remind you of how the Britishers would have felt enjoying the hospitality of the Indians. The hotel is true to its name and gives you a palatial stay. They have three categories of room- Deluxe, Garden Deluxe and Luxury Room(they also have suits but we did not get to experience them). As our group was large, we had to choose from all the three kinds. I personally felt that the best of the three was the Garden Deluxe Room. The room has a wonderful room+visitors gallery+garden in the front+a wonderfull scenic beauty of the mountains.

The first day was spent in exploring local options. The main attraction are the Gandhi Chowk and Shubhash Chowk dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose respectively. Both chowks have interesting food options. Also both these chowks are just at a small trek of 2-3 kms. The local area isn't so happening but the scenic beauty is mesmerizing with tonnes of fresh air.

Day 2

Subhash Chowk

After a rest on the first day and local market visits, we began the next day with an early morning walk right from our hotel to Subhash Chowk, to Gandhi Chowk and back. You will never run out of breath and the wonderful sunrise will scatter the sun rays into far away places and over the snow capped mountains making the scene heavenly. Whenever in places like Dalhousie always try the pipping hot teas from local stalls. Post the morning fun, we left for Khajiar. The place had received fresh snowfall recently and all of us were eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the white beauty. The journey to Khajiar Lake did not disappoint.

Khajjiar

The tempo travelers dont usually cover the full journey. The drop you to a common point from where small cars ply up till the Khajiar Lake. The lake is very famous for various adventure activities and horse riding. The lake is situated in the center of a flat piece of land that lies atop the mountains. Usually if the tourists are enthusiastic for para gliding then the cars take you to a temple from where people have to trek to reach the paragliding point.

Following a very busy day we came back to our hotels to enjoy the cozy programs planned by the hotel along with a scenic view through a telescope placed by the hotel in the viewing gallery. One can gaze at the stars while soothing songs playing through the speakers. You will most definitely forget all other cares and will just delve in the moment.