Ajit Singh Memorial

Sardar Ajit Singh, a great freedom fighter, breathed his last on the day India gained independence, 15th August, 1947. His 'Samadhi' is located at Dalhousie's Panjpulla, a picturesque spot with a natural tank and water flowing under small bridges from which the place takes its name. At Panjpulla, there is a 'Samarak' in the memory of Sardar Ajit Singh. On the way to Panjpulla is Satdhara springs gurgling with refreshing water, believed to contain some medicinal properties. Panjpulla stream is the main source of water supply to Dalhousie and Bahloon.

 Kalatop

The spot commands a beautiful and grand panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and eye travels wide over hill and dale, field and forest, smooth and ruggedness, till in the direction of Jammu and Kashmir, it meets a horizon of snow peaks. Kalatop in Chambiali dialect means a 'black cap'. A beautiful Forest Rest House with a chowkidar redidence stands amidst the thick forest. The place comes under a Wild life sanctuary known as Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary.

 Khajjiar

20 Kms from Hotel Mount View referred as the Mini Switzerland of India is one of the finest Saucer shaped meadows lined by tall Deodar Trees and a Lake in the middle with over an 500 year old Wooden Nag Temple near to the Lake. Khajjiar has the thick forest of the Kalatop Khajjiar sanctuary surrounding its soft green grass. The moment one enters the picturesque Khajjiar, one is welcomed by a yellow Swiss sign for ‘hiking path’ which reads “Mini Switzerland”.

 Kalatop - Khajjiar Sanctuary

13 km. from Hotel Mount View, this small sanctuary lies in the catchment of the Ravi River, and contains patches of good coniferous and Oak forests. A motorable road to Kalatop Rest House leads from the Dalhousie - Khajjiar - Chamba road at the point named Lakkad Mandi. The track from Lakkad Mandi to Kalatop Rest House is plain and the walk through the dense forest is amazingly refreshing. To obtain permission to ply the vehicle and stay in Rest House, one can contact Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife, Chamba.

 Jandari Ghat

( 2 km. ) place of the rulers of erstwhile Chamba State, is located and surrounded by tall pine trees, is a place worth visiting. Jandari Ghat commands a panoramic view of snow covered Pir Panjal Range and other surrounding hills.

 Churches

Dalhousie is well known for its church buildings and other landmarks erected by the British. The town has old churches like St. John's Church ( 1853 ), St. Francis' Church ( 1894 ), St. Andrew's Church ( 1903 ) and St. Patric's Church ( 1909 ). St. John's Church, the oldest is located at Gandhi Chowk, about 2 km. from the bus stand. This church was the first to be built after the founding of Dalhousie.

 Devi Dehra

18 Kms is from Hotel Mount View, Devi Dehra, Rock Garden and waterfalls again a must see place. The environs and topography of the place is just beautiful.

 Bhalai Mata

32 km. from Hotel Mount View, the mighty bhadrakali temple of Bhalai Mata, the local deity, is much respected and revert place of Chamba district. It is known fact that a visit to the shrine grants all wishes that one might have in mind. It is a worth seeing site and must be visited.

 Chamera Lake

30 Km. from Hotel Mount View and on the way to Chamba. This is the reservoir of the Chamera dam built over the river Ravi. Chamera lake is an artificial lake came into existence as a consequence of Chamera Hydroelectric project. The Dam site enjoy very sharp fluctuations in climate between April to June. During the day it can get very hot (around 35 degree centigrade) though by the evening, temperatures fall to between 18 to 20 degree centigrade.


photographs and material used with permission from Shankar.