Dalhousie & Khajjiar: The Quiet Corner of Himachal
Where Time Slows Down
While Shimla buzzes with traffic and Manali overflows with backpackers, Dalhousie sits quietly in the Chamba district, wrapped in pine forests and colonial nostalgia. Founded in 1854 by the British as a sanatorium and summer retreat, it remains one of Himachal Pradesh's most charming — and least commercialized — hill stations.
Add Khajjiar, a pristine meadow 22 km away that's been compared to Swiss Alpine pastures, and you have a weekend getaway that feels like stepping back in time.
Dalhousie: Colonial Charm Intact
Gandhi Chowk & Subhash Chowk
The two main squares of Dalhousie, connected by a 2 km promenade called the Garam Sadak (Warm Road — it faces south and catches the sun). This walk, lined with old British-era buildings and tall pine trees, is the soul of the town.
St. John's Church (1863)
A beautiful stone church in the heart of town, still holding Sunday services. The stained glass and wooden interior are worth seeing.
St. Francis Church (1894)
Perched on Subhash Chowk, this Catholic church has a quiet garden with views of the Chamba Valley.
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
A 7 km trek from Dalhousie through dense deodar and oak forest. The sanctuary is home to barking deer, black bears, and a variety of Himalayan birds. The trail is well-marked and the silence — broken only by birdsong — is therapeutic.
Dainkund Peak
At 2,745m, this is the highest point accessible from Dalhousie. A short trek from the road leads to a small Kali temple at the summit with 360-degree views. On clear days, you can see the Pir Panjal range and even the plains of Punjab.
Khajjiar: The Meadow in the Forest
Khajjiar is a saucer-shaped meadow surrounded by dense cedar forest at 1,920m. A small lake sits in the center, and the Khajji Nag Temple (12th century) stands at its edge.
What makes it special: The combination of flat green meadow, surrounding forest, and mountain backdrop really does evoke Alpine imagery. It's small — you can walk across it in 20 minutes — but photogenic and peaceful.
Activities: Horse riding, zorbing, and short nature walks around the meadow. The 6 km trail from Kalatop to Khajjiar through the forest is one of the best short walks in Himachal.
