Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a hill station in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is located in the Chamba district at an elevation of about 1,900 to 2,100 meters above sea level and comprises several sub-areas and erstwhile colonial cantonments. The town was established by the British in the 19th century as a summer retreat and administrative base for the region. It is named after the Earl of Dalhousie, a British administrator who served as governor-general of India.

Dalhousie lies in the foothills of the Dhauladhar range and offers panoramic views of surrounding peaks. The climate is cool temperate, with pleasant summers and cold winters; it receives monsoon rainfall in the late summer. Winter snowfall occurs on higher elevations, attracting visitors during the colder months.

The town is known for its colonial-era architecture, churches, and scenic viewpoints. Nearby attractions include Khajjiar, a grassy meadow often described as a miniature Switzerland, and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. The area serves as a base for trekking, nature walks, and day trips, with tourism forming a major part of the local economy alongside fruit orchards and small-scale forestry.

Dalhousie University: The name is also associated with Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, a public research university established in 1818 and named after the same British title. The Canadian institution is separate from the Indian hill station, sharing only the etymology of the name.