How To Plan A Trip From Shimla To Dalhousie?

The north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is a growing popular travel destination, and for all the right reasons. With the abundance of hill towns, all closely located but each with its unique traits, Himachal Pradesh has a lot to offer. Two of the most beautiful destinations of the place are Shimla and Dalhousie, which are both equally beautiful but have their own diverse cultures, places, and scenic views. Here is how you can plan a trip from Shimla to Dalhousie -

Reaching Shimla through Kalka-Shimla train ride

Built in 1898, the Kalka-Shimla train ride is a narrow-gauge railway that is one of the highlights of Shimla tourism and was also added to the mountain railways of India World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Passing through the scenic Shivalik Range foothills at Kalka (Haryana) to Shimla, the ride offers mesmerising panoramic views of the peaks, valleys, and villages. The train also stops at beautiful locations of Solan, Dharampur, Taradevi, and Barog, among others, making it a full-fledged experience in itself.

Shimla:

Known as the summer capital of India, Shimla is a small hill town in Himachal Pradesh. Evergreen forests, the popular Mall road, the colonial legacy, and the abundance of tourist attractions make Shimla an ideal choice for travel.

Places to see in Shimla:

• Mall Road, Shimla

One of the most popular places in Shimla, the Mall road is a bustling spot where you can find the best of shopping places, restaurants, stores, and many other spots. With a wide range of handicrafts, jewellery, books, and memoirs, Mall Road has something for everyone. In the vicinity of the road are popular places like Kali Bari Temple, Town Hall, Gaiety Theatre, and Scandal Point. Even if you don’t want to shop anything, an evening stroll on the road after a day of sightseeing feels amazing in itself.

• Viceregal Lodge

Located at the second-highest point in the city, the Viceregal Lodge is one of the best places representing the colonial legacy of Shimla. The lodge was home to the Viceroys who governed the country between 1888 and 1946 and who came to Shimla, the summer capital of India to escape the brutal heat of the cities. The majestic structure and the well-maintained gardens of the place would leave you mesmerised. Along with this, you can find a rich collection of ancient antiques and photographs that would take you through its iconic past.

• Kufri

A visit to the hill station isn’t complete without witnessing snow and what better place to do that than Kufri? A scenic place just 40 minutes from the city centre, Kufri is a small hill station famous for ski runs and majestic views of snow-capped peaks. The natural beauty of the place perfectly complements the adventure activities it offers which include training and facilities for exciting winter sports like ice skating and skiing. Known as the winter sports capital of India, Kufri is definitely a must-visit. Other places to see in Shimla- The Ridge, Jakhoo Hill, and Temple, Himachal State Museum, Chadwick Falls

Shimla to Dalhousie

Shimla is 326 km away from Dalhousie. To travel from Shimla to Dalhousie, you can either take a direct cab which would take around 9h 14m to reach. If you are travelling on a budget and are looking for the cheapest way, then you can opt for a bus to Chandigarh, then a cab to Dalhousie, which takes a total of 10h 47m. 

Dalhousie:

Nestled amidst lush pine and oak trees, Dalhousie is a quaint hill town, one of the least commercialised in Himachal Pradesh. Characterised by its snow-covered peaks, pleasurable weather, adventure activities, and rich culture, the town is a must-visit when in Himachal Pradesh.  

Places to see in Dalhousie:

• Dainkund Peak

One of the highest places in Dalhousie, Dainkund peak is located at 2,745 meters above sea level. Also known as the singing hill, the place is known for its tranquillity and natural experience that is accentuated by the sound of the wind hitting the trees. An ideal place for adventure enthusiasts, Dainkund peak offers numerous activities like trekking and camping. The panoramic views of the surrounding hills along with the view of the three rivers – Chenab, Ravi, and Beas, make the experience entirely magical.

• Chamera Lake

Built over the river Ravi, Chamera lake is an artificial lake that is also the site for the Chamera dam. Located just on the outskirts of Dalhousie, the lake is known for its boat rides and is the perfect place to spend some quality time with your loved ones. Enjoying an ideal weather, serenity, and the proximity of popular tourist destinations, Chamera lake has a lot to offer.

• John’s Church

The oldest church in Dalhousie, St. John’s church is a beautiful Protestant church that was built in 1863. The architecture of the church has been inspired by the Victorian-era and the stained-glass windows donated by Lady Elgin are a highlight. Apart from enjoying a religious and spiritual significance, the church is also culturally important as it hosts a rich collection of artefacts representing the town’s history and culture.

• Khajjiar

Known as the mini-Switzerland of India, Khajjiar is a popular tourist spot located just an hour’s drive away from Dalhousie. A picturesque town, Khajjiar makes up for an ideal spot for one-day picnic spot with its natural splendour and array of adventure activities. Travellers can take a leisurely walk around the Khajjiar lake, take pictures on the vast green land, or add a thrilling touch with paragliding, zorbing, and horse riding.

Other places to see in Dalhousie- Kalatop wildlife sanctuary, Satdhara falls, Tibetan handicrafts market, Moti Tibba

With this plan, you can make the best out of both Shimla and Dalhousie. Happy travelling.