Dalhousie
The colonial soiree

Considered to be the most important church in Dalhousie, St Patrick’s Church takes pride of place within the historic Cantonment area around which the whole town is spread. The architecture of the church is dominated by an imposing prayer hall which will easily accommodate up to 300 people. the inspiration of this church was laid in 1909 by the officers of British Indian Army. Surrounded by towering trees of deodar and rhododendron, the church is nestled amongst rolling pine valleys. Not unlike other colonial-era churches, St. Patrick’s church is additionally maintained by the Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar. Exuding an aura of serenity and crammed with an old-world charm, the church still functions as an area of worship with many flocking to its doors every Sunday. Located only three km from the most bus substitute Dalhousie, a visit to the church requires a special permission.

Situated at an altitude of 6,500 ft, Khajjiar is presented with scenic beauty that’s heightened by two serene lakes, namely the Khajjiar Lake and therefore the Chamera Lake. The scenic grassland is found on the outskirts of Dalhousie and is widely referred to as the ‘mini-Switzerland’ of India. the whole region is roofed with a thick growth of a wildflower referred to as vacha that provides it an almost sponge-like quality. Khajjiar is widely known for adventure tourism and may be a centre for activities like zorbing, paragliding and horse riding. the world is additionally a start line for treks to Chamba, Dalhousie and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. These take scenic routes through the dense forests that surround Khajjiar. Khajjiar takes its name from Khajji Nag Temple, which is claimed to be the oldest within the state. Built around 12th century AD and located near the lake, it’s believed to be one among the foremost revered shrines in Himachal Pradesh.

Lying on the outskirts of Dalhousie, Bakrota Hills are among the foremost picturesque spots within the hill town. Surrounded by enchanting snow-clad mountains and scenic panoramas, they sit at an altitude of roughly 2,085 m above water level . One important attraction is that the Bakrota Mall, a cobblestoned boulevard that’s best fitted to a leisurely stroll while taking within the great thing about the landscape, particularly the majestic Himalayan mountains. because the soft rays of the sun are filtered through the oak, pine and deodar trees, the whole region glows with an ethereal charm. a number of the simplest views of the vistas are often had from Barkota Mall. the simplest time to go to is during the winter months when the hills are covered during a soft layer of snow and boast clear skies with unobstructed views of the mighty Himalayan peaks.

Taking pride of place in Dalhousie’s Subhas Chowk is that the beautiful St Francis Church. it’s a shocking structure boasting exquisite interior stoneworks and multicoloured Belgian glass decorations, making it a favorite haunt of art and architecture lovers. the outside is that the perfect representation of Victorian-era architecture and therefore the church looks picturesque framed against tall deodar trees. Even the inside walls are adorned with words and illustrations narrating the history of the establishment. inbuilt 1894 by the soldiers of British Indian Army, the church may be a popular haunt amongst tourists and locals alike. The Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar maintains and regulates the church. The St Francis Church has been at the centre of the town’s development for overflow a century and has been been preserved by the local authorities.