Compared to other hill stations, Dalhousie, 80 winding kilometers from Pathankot, is markedly 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. Pink and red rhododendrons are in bloom. The trees are dressed in different shades of green. There is no swirl of traffic. The shops are small and trim. Whistling softly to himself, a shopkeeper arranges embroidered Chamba shawls in his showcase. Tourists appraise Chamba chappals embroidered with gold thread, cane baskets, colorful woolens, and life-like Chamba dolls - all specialties of the region. Piles of walnuts and red, black and green Chamba chilies adorn many shop fronts. We pass children joyfully picking strawberries from a hillside decorated with alpine flowers.

Though spread over five distinct hills - Kathlog, Portreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun, covering an area of 13 sq km - the main center continues to be at Portreyn. The Figure of Eight of Portreyn is the most popular walk in Dalhousie. Starting from the Portreyn Mall, it crosses the meeting places of Subhash Chowk and Gandhi Chowk. Along the rocks on the way, Tibetans have carved colorful pictures in relief.

One of the best views of the glorious surroundings of Dalhousie can be obtained from Kalatope, 8 km from the center of Dalhousie. At Panchpulla (Five Bridges) - a good spot for picnics - can, if one is lucky to run into an old Dalhousie resident, be heard interesting snippets that intertwine India’s freedom struggle with Dalhousie. Satdhara has long been known for its mineral water which was once shipped to England on a regular basis. Dalhousie also has Dainkund - the Singing Hill. The passage of mountain winds through the forest at Dainkund produces a series of effects - depending on the wind’s velocity - ranging from a gentle humming to an eerie wail.