Places around Dalhousie

KHAJJIAR

Around Dalhousie are wealth of places which beckon those who have an eye for beauty or a nose for adventure. Khajjiar, just 7 kilometers from Dalhousie is an enchanting saucer shaped meadow fringed by cedar trees of great antiquity and stateliness. In the center of the grassy meadow at Khajjiar lies a small lake. And on it, are two floating islands, sometimes hidden from view by the tall grass that grows on them. Khajjiar, known as one of the "most charming spots in the Himalayas", derives its name it is said from its ancient, golden domed temple of Khajinag. A nine hole golf course is an added attraction at Khajjiar.

CHAMBA
Beyond Khajjiar, a fascinating two hour (56 km) drive from Dalhousie, perched on a ledge overlooking the Ravi river and soaring skywards in a series of tiers, stands the historic temple town of Chamba. Often described as "a jewel of the Himalayas", Chamba, 920 metres above sea level, steeped in legends and guarded by rich forests, is named after a beautiful princess - Champavati. Some say that Chamba was so named because of the abundance of fragrant Champa flowers in the area.

PALAMPUR

A picture of sylvan elegance, Palampur, nestling at 1269 meters in the magnificent shadow of the White Mountains-the mighty snow covered Dhauladhars-is also called Himachal's Valley of Flowers. Avenues shaded by pines and cedars, hedges with wild rambling roses in red and white and pink, flowering wisterias, fragrant gardenias, sprawling tea gardens where smiling hill women deftly pick tea leaves, gurgling brooks, green gold fields of rice swaying in the wind, and stylish bungalows impart a refreshing character to Palampur, lying in the near the point where the Dhauladhars rise sheer from the Palam valley. 

BAIJNATH

Set like a jewel against the splendid backdrop of the legendary Dhauladhars, the spired temple of Baijnath-the abode of the Lord of Physicians-continues to attract people from all corners of India, and the world. Built by two merchant brothers-Manyuka and Ahuka-more than a thousand years ago, in 804 A.D., the temple of Baijnath has acquired an aura of mystic invincibility. Inside, the 'lingam' of Vaidyanatha Lord Shiva has long been a symbol of veneration for the vast numbers who journey to this temple year after year. The temple priests claim a lineage as old as the temple. Month after month, they have observed the motley crowd of people who become unified by the sheer strength of faith as they approach the 'lingam'. Many travel to Baijnath in the hope that the Lord of Physicians will grant a boon and free them of ailments. The water at Baijnath is reputed to possess remarkable digestive properties and it is said that till the recent past, rulers in Kangra Valley would drink only water obtained from Baijnath.

BIR AND BILLING

Above Baijnath, touching the foot of the mighty Dhauladhars, is the ancient, picturesque village of Bir. Once the seat of the powerful Pal Rajputs, Bir is now the venue of an annual fair, traditionally a part of the Holi Festival. The beautiful oak forest of Bir resounds with the joyous sound of dancing and singing and carefree laughter, as Gaddis and Kanets pour in from the mountains around. They bring with them their Gods dressed in all their finery, ceremoniously placed and carried in colorful palanquins. Worship is an important part of the festivities during which huge quantities of lugri (rice beer) are consumed.

TRIUND

The most interesting, the most spectacular trek from McLeod Ganj is the 12 km climb to Triund-a level clearing atop a spur-an exciting 2827 meters above sea level. Massive rocks, exotic mountain plants and ice covered ponds hold one's attention for a while. Below, you can see the Pong Dam in the hazy distance. Above Triund, the Dhualadhars rise in icy splendor. From the Forest Bungalow at Triund, glorious treks of discovery can be made treks that reveal the Dhauladhars in all their many colors and moods. The crisp air, the pristine beauty and mountain splendors of Triund are a fitting finale to a journey through the hill stations of Himachal Pradesh.

DHARAMSALA

The sleepy town of Dharamsala overlooking the Kangra Valley was irrevocably changed when the Dalai Lama claimed it as his residence-in exile in 1959. Although the Tibetan influence is what has made the town famous, the colorful combination of cultures in this mountainside town is what makes it fascinating. Brilliantly smiling Tibetan refugees; a tribe of cholu clad nomadic shepherds known as gaddis and reputed to be descendants of Alexander the great; Hindus from all walks of life; chanting Buddhist monks in unsewn wine colored robes; and a fresh crop of international hippies make up the 17,000 people who inhabit this hill station.