The
dream destination of Dalhousie is a spectacular hill resort
in the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh. Here, the deodars
and the pines, the cottages and the villas come together
for a unique summer retreat. Beauty captures the hearts
of the tourists that flock to Dalhousie year after year.
The ravishing pink and red rhododendrons, the gorgeous greens
and the pristine air further add to its attraction.
Compared to other hill stations, Dalhousie is distinctly
different and off the beaten track . Spread over five hills
, Dalhousie has a serenity |
|
with its own distinctive flavor. Attractive cottages and
villas cling to the deodar and pine mantled hills of Dalhousie.
Here at Dalhousie, nothing seems to matter except the beauty
and the moment. There is no swirl of traffic. The shops
are small and orderly. Piles of walnuts and red, black and
green Chamba chilies decorate many shop fronts. We pass
children joyfully picking strawberries from a hillside decorated
with alpine flowers. |
Dalhousie still retains much of its colonial air. Buildings
and cottages from that period still stand spread across the forest
cover. Today one finds a newer shade of ethnicity that Tibetans
brought along with them to this valley while migrating from their
homeland.
The Mall is a much-favored place during the tourist
season. It has two roads - one completely pedestrian, running
higher than the other. Most of the tourist action is concentrated
around two squares, the Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk. You can
also shop around for traditional handicrafts at the Tibetan Market
above the bus stop.
The valley is rich in wildlife with some spectacular
Himalayan views. The forest cover, unlike many other hill resorts,
is still pretty lush and for those in search of the great green
outdoors, this place is the perfect mountain retreat.
|