Everyone loves to take a break from work. But most are not sure where to head.

We have a suggestion for you: Dalhousie.

This charming hill station in Himachal Pradesh is heaven on earth and a HOT (figuratively speaking) holiday destination during the months from May to September.

Named after the former British Governor-General, Lord Dalhousie, it is built on and around five hills and located on the western edge of the Dhauladhar mountain range.

And picture this: Being the gateway to the Chamba Valley, Dalhousie is surrounded by snow capped peaks and lots of pine, oak and deodhar trees! 

If this sounds like your idea of a dream holiday destination, then read on.

• Your Say: The hottest holiday destination

When to go

The best time to visit is in the summer, and the peak tourist season is from May to September.

What to see

Kalatop-Khajjiar Trail

Kalatop-Khajjiar is best explored on a trek. The Kalatope Sanctuary has a variety of wildlife, while Khajjiar is a picturesque spot with a saucer shaped meadow set amidst a dense deodhar forest. It also has a lake at its centre with a floating island, a forest rest house, a little temple with a golden spire and a golf course.

Punjpula and Satdara

Punjpula is a popular picnic spot on a stream. On the way to Punjpula are the seven springs of Satdara. The water from this spring contains Mica and other minerals. It is known for its medicinal qualities.

Churches

Dalhousie has some very beautiful churches like the St Andrew's Church and St Patrick's Church at Balun, St Francis' Church at Subash Chowk and St John's Church at Gandhi Chowk.

Subhash Baoli

A walk from the GPO square leads up to the spring with its panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains.

Bakrota Hills

A popular walking circuit with splendid views of the mountains.

Bara Pather

Set amidst thick forests is the temple of Bhulwani Mata, in the village of Ahla, on the way to Kalatope.

Dainkund

This tall peak affords a birds eye view on a clear day, of the hills, valleys and the rivers Beas, Ravi and the Chenab threading their way down to the plains.

• Need a break? Get adventurous

Love to shop?

The Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium has a collection of woollen shawls.

Made to order Tibetan carpets can be procured from the Tibetan Handicrafts Centre. You even get bags, purses and other items of art and craft there.

The Tibetian market near the GPO sells Tibetan handicrafts including pullovers, carpets and other memorabilia.

How to get there

By Air

The nearest airports Amritsar [Images] (118 kms) and Jammu (188 kms) are connected to Delhi by Indian Airlines and Air Deccan flights.

Delhi-Jammu is also connected by Jet Airways [Get Quote] and Spice Jet flights.

Train

The nearest railway station is Pathankot, 80 kms away, which is connected by rail from New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Calcutta.

From Pathankot, regular buses and taxis are available to Dalhousie.

Road

Dalhousie is also well connected by road to Chamba (56 kms), Delhi (559 kms), Shimla (400 kms), Chandigarh (300 kms), Mandi (250 kms), Manali (360 kms), Amritsar (190 kms) and Jammu (190 kms)

Where to stay

All rates below are for a double room and valid till September 30, 2006. You will have to pay extra for food.

Alps Holiday Resort
Upper Bakrota
Phones: (01899) 240775, 240781
Tariff: Rs 1,800 to 2,100

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Aroma-N-Clairs
Court Road
Phone: (01899) 242193
Tariff: Rs 7,00 to 1,350

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Dalhousie Palace
Pathreni Road
Phones: (01899) 240374
Tariff: Rs 700 to 1,100

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Geetanjali HPTDC
Thandi Sadak
Phone: (01899) 242155
Tariff: Rs 550 to 800

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Grand View
Near Bust Stand
Phones: (01899) 240760, 242823
Tariff: Rs 1,500 to 3,000

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Manimahesh, HPTDC
Near Bus stand
Phone: (01899) 242793
Tariff: Rs 800 to 1,500

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Peace Channels
Panchpula
Phones: (01899) 242123, 242259
Tariff: Rs 3,000 to 3,500
Web site: http://www.peacechannels.com/

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Dalhousie Heights
Lovers Lane
Phones: (01899) 242810, 240742
Tariff: Rs 1,800 to 3,500
Web site: http://www.dalhousieheights.com/

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Lalji Tourist Resort
Club Road
Phone: (01899) 240934
Tariff: Rs 1,300 to 3,100
Web site: http://www.lalljiresortindia.net/

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Mount View
Near Bust stand
Phone: (01899) 242120
Tariff: Rs 1,800 to 3,000

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Hotel Mongas
GPO
Phone: (01899) 240646
Tariff: Rs 600 to 1,100
Web site: http://www.hotelmongas.com/index1.htm

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Tourist information

Himachal Tourist Information centre
36, Chandralok Building
New Delhi

Phones:

Delhi: (011) 23324764, 23325320
Bombay: (022) 22181123
Chandigarh: (0172) 2708569
Chennai: (044) 28272966
Dalhousie: (01899) 242136
Kolkata: (033) 2219072
Manali: (0190) 1252175
Shimla: (0177) 2652561

Have you been to Dalhousie? Post your experiences.

Do you love to travel? Do you have a favourite holiday destination/weekend getaway? Be it Goa [Images] or Mauritius, the backwaters or snow-clad mountains, adventure sports or treks -- tell us about your adventures in travelling.

How you got there, where you stayed, how much you spent, what you saw and felt... We want to hear it all.

Don't forget to add your full name, age, location, profession and contact details.

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