 At the foot of the main spurs of the Dhaula Dhar
whose dark, pine covered, mountain-side reaches towards the upper peaks that
soar into the region of eternal show is a scenic British built hill
station' where a young and prematurely ageing British peer sought peace, tranquility
and respite from the wars he was embroiled in. This is Dalhousie, gateway to Chamba, the
"vale of milk and honey'', sparkling and impetuous streams. The north western
Himalayas, comprising Himachal Pradesh and the Kangra district of the
Punjab, are a kiker's paradise, surrounded, as he is, by lovely
valleys and towering mounting in their wildest and most magnificent aspects,
From the beautiful valley of Kangra, one rises to steeply rising mountain,
where the great rock wall of Daular Dhar
towers above the towns in the foot
hills. In the rough country-side, as contrasted with luxuriant Kullu
and Kangra valleys, a narrow winding road, an off shoot of the main road to
Pathankot, leads to the lovely scenic hill resort of Dalhousie, where the Daula Dhar
Range just begins to dip into the river Ravi. Built around and upon five little
hills, covered with a thick growth of ban oak, conifers and a large
variety of trees and shrubs, in nestles amidst stately oaks and pines.
Skirting these hills are a number of good roads of which the Upper Bakrota
Mall is the finest. Nearly 5 km in length, the road commands a double-barrelled panorama
of the plains to the south and the snow capped mountains to the north.
Comprising of five districts, Balun, Kathioang, Portreyn, Tehra
and Bakrota, at heights ranging from 1,525 metres (5,000ft) and 2,738
metres (7,800 ft) Dalhousie's natural beauty, invigorating
air, warm sunshine and quiet surrounding add,
enchantment to its open and colourful valleys, level walks and treks amidst
the dense forests. On a clear day, once can see the rivers - Chenab, Beas and
Ravi, meandering down the rose grey vista of the valley hills
while the snow capped ranges of Dhaula Dhar rise to
awe-inspiring height of 5,490 metres (18-20,000 ft) to 6,405 metres
(21,000 ft). Over 120 years old, it owes its name to Lord jemes
Romsey. |
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