Are you planning a trip to Dalhousie but unsure how to reach Dalhousie from Mumbai?! Well, Dalhousie is well-connected by road to Pathankot that leads to various other important cities. There is also a railway station and an airport within a 150-kilometer radius, for people to come from farther cities. In this article, we will discuss in detail on how to reach Dalhousie by road, train, air, etc., and the best time to visit Dalhousie as well!
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Where is Dalhousie?
Dalhousie is a beautiful hill station that lies among the Dhauladhar mountain ranges in the northern part of Himachal Pradesh. The hill station is about 560 km away from the country’s capital, Delhi, and takes about 12 hours to reach from Delhi. Dalhousie is about 1970 meters (6460 feet) above sea level and has a chill climate making it one of the best spots in Himachal Pradesh tourism!
How To Reach Dalhousie From Mumbai?
By Air
1. Fly to Dharamsala: The quickest way to reach Dalhousie is by taking a flight from Mumbai to Dharamsala (Gaggal Airport). From Dharamsala, you can hire a taxi to Dalhousie. This journey typically takes around 7-8 hours in total, making it the fastest option.
2. Fly to Amritsar or Jammu: Alternatively, you can fly to Amritsar or Jammu. Both cities are well-connected to Mumbai by air. From either Amritsar or Jammu, you can take a taxi to Dalhousie, which will also take around 7-8 hours.
By Train
Train to Pathankot: For those who enjoy train journeys, you can take a train from Mumbai to Pathankot Cantt. Once you arrive in Pathankot, hire a taxi to Dalhousie. The entire journey takes approximately 27-28 hours, offering a scenic and comfortable travel experience.
By Bus
Bus via Amritsar: If you prefer traveling by bus, you can take a bus from Mumbai to Amritsar. From Amritsar, you can either take another bus or hire a taxi to Dalhousie. This option is the longest, taking around 33 hours, but it can be a budget-friendly choice.
By Car
Drive: For the adventurous souls who love road trips, driving from Mumbai to Dalhousie is an option. The distance is about 1,144 km, and it takes roughly 27 hours to drive. This route allows you to enjoy the changing landscapes and make stops along the way
How To Reach Dalhousie From Other Cities
By Road
The total distance between Delhi and Dalhousie is about 560 km. If you wish to visit Dalhousie, reach Delhi which is well-connected to almost all cities. So, reaching Delhi shouldn’t be a problem. If you ask me how to reach Dalhousie by road from Delhi, well there are two possible ways. Here they are:
- Route Name: Delhi – Ambala – Ludhiana – Jalandhar – Pathankot – Dalhousie
- Important Cities Covered: Ambala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Pathankot
- Distance: 573 km
- Duration: Around 10 to 11 hours
- Important Highways: NH44 and NH154
- Alternate Route: Delhi – Ambala – Jassur – Nurpur – Dalhousie
- Important Cities Covered: Chandigarh, Jassur, Nurpur
- Distance: 487 km
- Duration: 9 to 10 hours
- Important Highways: NH44 leading to NH503.
By Train
If you are wondering how to reach Dalhousie by train, well, you can come by train and reach the Pathankot railway station which is the nearest one located about 85 km away from Dalhousie. The Pathankot station has good rail connectivity to other important cities. Here are the train details to Pathankot from various cities.
From Delhi to Pathankot:
- Train Name: DAULADHAR EXPRESS
- Train Number: 14035
- Departure Time: 23:20
- Arrival Time: 08:10 (Next day)
- Duration: 8 hours 50 minutes
From Ahmedabad to Pathankot:
- Train Name: Sarvodaya Express
- Train Number: 12473
- Departure Time: 14:25
- Arrival Time: 05:40 (Next day)
- Duration: 15 hours and 15 minutes
- From Chennai to Pathankot:
- Train Name: Andaman Express
- Train Number: 16031
- Departure Time: 05:15
- Arrival Time: 06:05 (On day 3)
- Duration: 54 hours and 5 minutes
From Kolkata to Pathankot
- Train Name: Jammu Tawi Express
- Train Number: 13151
- Departure Time: 11:45
- Arrival Time: 06:05 (On day 3)
- Duration: 42 hours and 20 minutes
By Air
How to reach Dalhousie in the fastest way? Well, it is by air. The nearest airport to Dalhousie is the Dharamshala Airport (DHM). It is also called Khangra Airport or the Gaggal Airport. But if you search for flights online, only the Dharamshala Airport (DHM) appears and the other two names don’t. This airport is about 100 km away from Dalhousie and you can reach Dalhousie by taxi or a local bus.
Flight Details from Various Cities to Dharamshala Airport (DHM):
From Delhi to Dharamshala Airport:
- Airline: SpiceJet
- Flight Number: SG 2950
- Departure Time: 6:00 AM
- Arrival Time: 7:30 AM
- Duration: 1h 30m
From Ahmedabad to Dharamshala Airport:
There are no direct flights from Ahmedabad to Dharamshala Airport. The fastest flight with 1 stop at Delhi is:
- Airline: IndiGo
- Flight Number: 6E-2736/7485
- Departure Time: 7:05 AM at Ahmedabad
- Arrival Time: 12:55 PM at Dharamshala
- Stops at: Delhi, at 08:40 AM
- Duration: 5h 50m
From Bangalore to Dharamshala Airport:
- Airline: SpiceJet
- Flight Number: SG-529/2939
- Departure Time: 06:00 AM at Bangalore
- Arrival Time: 1:05 PM at Dharamshala
- Stops at: Delhi, at 08:45 AM
- Duration: 7h 5m
From Chennai to Dharamshala Airport
- Airline: IndiGo
- Flight Number: 6E-456/7483
- Departure Time: 02:30 AM at Chennai
- Arrival Time: 08:25 AM at Dharamshala
- Stops at: Delhi, at 05:20 AM
- Duration: 7h 5m
Best Time To Visit Dalhousie
Well, now you know how to reach Dalhousie by all modes of transport. However, you might have another doubt which is the best time to visit Dalhousie? Right? To answer this question we must look into the features of Dalhousie in different seasons. To be precise, the best time to visit Dalhousie depends on what kind of experience you would like to have.
Dalhousie in Summer
If you want to get rid of the heat of sunny days in your city, Dalhousie is the right place that I would suggest. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C (March to June), which is the perfect one to escape from the heat of the plains. Moreover, in summer, this hill station is adorned with lush greenery and a clear sky offering a beautiful view of the Dhauladhar hills.
Things To Do in Dalhousie in Summer
- For a breathtaking view of the valley, trek to the summit of Dainkund, the highest peak in Dalhousie.
- Boating on Lake Chamera is a peaceful place perfect for relaxation and water sports.
- Visit Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary to see the diversity of plants and animals in the cedar forest.
- Walk through Garam Sadak, which is a charming street ideal for evening walks and local shopping.
- Explore the colonial-period architecture of St. Louis. Francis and get to discover Dalhousie’s past.
Dalhousie in Monsoon
The monsoon season in Dalhousie brings a mystical charm to the hill station with its mild showers and misty landscapes. The rain enhances the beauty of the city, making it a romantic getaway for couples. The daytime temperatures in monsoon range from 23°C to 25 °C (July To September), ideal for enjoying the peacefulness of the greenery. Moreover, Dalhousie doesn’t have any floods or landslides like other hill stations, so it is safe to visit places around without any hesitation!
Things To Do in Dalhousie in Monsoon
- Witness the beauty of Panchpula, a beautiful place with waterfalls that look great during monsoon.
- Relax at Subhash Baoli, a historical spring surrounded by tall pine trees.
- Take a leisurely walk at Moti Dune, with a beautiful view of the mountains and a peaceful environment.
- Visit the rock gardens of Jandrighat to see the royal touch of the former rulers.
- Enjoy the beauty of Khajjiar, often called the ‘Little Switzerland of India.
Dalhousie in Winter
If you wish to experience the snowy Dalhousie, then I would say that the best time to visit Dalhousie is from October To February. In winter, the hill station looks more delightful, as it gets covered in snow, and temperatures range from a freezing 1°C to 15°C. This is when Dalhousie shows its quieter side, with fewer tourists. The snowfall begins in December and lasts until late February, making it a haven for snow lovers.
Things To Do in Dalhousie in Winter
- Experience the thrill of skiing and snowboarding in Khajjiar, where snow provides the perfect canvas for adventure.
- Shop at Tibetan Market and discover unique local handicrafts and handmade clothing, the perfect souvenir from Dalhousie
- Explore the beauty of Dalhousie’s winter landscape on a journey along its quiet roads.
- Enjoy building snowmen and make memories with family and friends on soft snow.
FAQ
FAQ1. Can we go to Dalhousie by flight?
As there is no airport in Dalhousie, you can’t go to Dalhousie directly by flight. Instead, fly to Dharmasala airport and then reach Dalhousie by road.
2. Is Dalhousie near to Shimla?
Dalhousie is about 375 km away from Shimla, which is quite far.
3. Why is Dalhousie famous?
Dalhousie has become famous because of its Victorian architecture, beautiful greeneries, and the Dhauladhar mountain ranges.
4. Is 2 days enough for Dalhousie?
Yes. 2 days is enough to visit all the tourist places in Dalhousie.
Also Read: Places to Visit in Darjeeling
Also Read: Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh
