Hotel Monal, G.P.O Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, India

Our Campsite & trekking groups

2009-05-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

Hotel Pictures

2009-04-09T21:46:00.001-07:00

Few of our actual Hotel Pictures

2008-10-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

www.dalhousieadventure.com

Chamba - Divine Painting

2008-03-23T04:19:00.000-07:00

Pahari Chamba

The art of miniature painting was introduced in Chamba, it is believed that the beginnings in this art were made in the early seventeenth century. There were probably no regular ateliers at that time at Chamba but the presence of some itinerant artist can safely be assumed, from the evidence of portraits of the princes of that period. It seems that some artists working at Nurpur had migrated to Chamba in the first half of the seventeenth century. At first a naturalistic style of painting having affinities with Mughal painting of the Jehangir period may have been introduced at Nurpur and not long afterwards at Chamba. Thereafter the migration of painters from the centres of the Mughal painting who were not first rate artists of Imperial atelier and the presence in the Hills of the pre-Mughal style of manuscript illustration, resulted in the evolution of a style which is peculiar to the Hills. Gradually the naturalistic style gave way to stylization while more vivid colour tonalities were preferred.

In the beginning of the eighteenth century the facial type becomes slightly heavier but soon thereafter a longish facial type was evolved which remained popular for some decades. Mid-eighteenth century paintings from Chamba have a distinctive style of their own as can be seen in both dated and signed works. Trees crowned with triangular foliage and irregular trunks rows, are a common features of the paintings of this period. The backgrounds are generally plain. There is no attempt at perspective. Architectural features though not very intricate have resemblances to contemporary Mughal architecture. The drawing is competent though human figures are stylized.

Durga slays asura

Chamba, an important centre of Pahari painting, is situated in the Ravi Valley in the heart of the Himalaya mountains. To its north-west lies the State of Jammu-Kashmir. Chamba was till recently the capital of a small principality. Being protected naturally, and too small to attract an invasion, its archaeological wealth is well preserved. As a result of the explorations carried out by J. Ph. Vogel in the opening years of this century, a museum was established at Chamba in 1908. Raja Bhuri Singh, of Chamba after whom this museum is named, presented a large number of Pahari miniature paintings from the palace collection to the museum. The gift included an extensive set of paintings on the Ramayana.

The historicity of the Ramayana epic has received the attention of several scholars. Monier Williams and Arthur Berridale Keith were of the view that the original portion was written around 400 B.C. Valmiki Ramayana is a great classic and in content more than an epic. Rama the hero of the story, as depicted by Valmiki is a human being possessing unique valour and endowed with divine powers.

All ancient Indian scriptures hold a man’s character above all else. In fact, ‘the central idea of old Hindu civilization… was that of dharma which was something much more than religion or creed; it was a conception of obligations, of the discharge of one’s duties to oneself and to others’. The epic is encyclopedic in its content and it has been said that there is no situation or circumstance, one face in life, which does not occur in this story and thus it guides its hearers to righteous action on all occasions and for all obligations and duties in different situations and circumstances. Countless versions of the Ramayana exist in local dialects and folk songs peculiar to small areas and communities. Chamba is no exception and it, too, has a beautiful loka Ramayana in a long poem, known as anchali of Rama, which is sung for the whole night on auspicious occasions. It is simple and is usually sung in chorus. Noteing a literary work of a single poet, it is hardly possible to ascertain the antiquity of this folk poem.

Siege of Lanka

Although for want of adequate material it is difficult to say exactly when the art of miniature painting was introduced in Chamba, it is believed that the beginnings in this art were made in the early seventeenth century. There were probably no regular ateliers at that time at Chamba but the presence of some itinerant artist can safely be assumed, from the evidence of portraits of the princes of that period. It seems that some artists working at Nurpur had migrated to Chamba in the first half of the seventeenth century. At first a naturalistic style of painting having affinities with Mughal painting of the Jehangir period may have been introduced at Nurpur and not long afterwards at Chamba. Thereafter the migration of painters from the centres of the Mughal painting who were not first rate artists of Imperial atelier and the presence in the Hills of the pre-Mughal style of manuscript illustration, resulted in the evolution of a style which is peculiar to the Hills. Gradually the naturalistic style gave way to stylization while more vivid colour tonalities were preferred.

Thereafter for a decade or so, two broad styles seem to have been in vogue at Chamba, one having its roots in the local style yet disclosing some influence from other centres and the other considered to be an off-shoot of the Guler style till its development into the Kangra style.

Phill Gill - Travel, Dalhousie, Hotel Monal

2008-03-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

Please check

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Travellers Diary

2008-03-22T03:43:00.000-07:00

And so to Dalhousie - about a week later than I had planned but surely once you get there thats all that really counts. A quite enthusiastic reception committee welcomed me off the bus - it probably ranks just behind the reception I received in Jaisalmer for sheer frenzied shuffling of feet. About 8 lads with brochures open showing off their rooms at rock bottom prices. It does come as a bit of a shock especially after a fairly substantial bus journey but once you regain your composure it really has to be looked at as a very positiive situation. You have virtually the choice of the accomodation and have a very strong bargaining position. I had a look at what was on offer and went with Hotel Monal. The walk there was tough though, through a pine forest uphill most of the way. While I am not in the worst of shape the backpack on my back certainly made the going harder than normal. Dalhousie being a hill station set up for the british administrators in nearby lahore is a very quiet town perched ontop of 4 hills each over 2000 metres. Altitude!!! Lungs were in bits by the time we rolled up to the hotel…

The price quoted for the room was 400 rupees. The room was worth 10 times that amount, god bless the off season. The balcony alone had the most wonderful view. Perfect for reading a book while warming ones hands with the odd pot of chai. Tired after the journey and the trek up there I ordered some room service and had an early night.

The next day I got up at a reasonable hour and went out to explore. Dalhousie is really nice, really quiet and serene. Two words you would never associate with india. After a lunch with some local folk I explored the region, for 6 hours I walked around the place. On one side of the town you can see the vast expanse of the himalayas while on the other you can see the foothills level off till they eventually hit pakistan and kashmir. As hillstations go you really have to hand it to the brittish planners for picking this place. At one point along the way I was beckoned over to a family having a picnic on their weekend break. They were from the state of punjab and pretty well off it seemed. One of the spent alot of his time globetrotting managing a few restaurants they have set up here there and everywhere. They have one in san francisco, I told them my old man was from there. They liked that fact so paddy joe be sure to drop the name the next time your back in your old stomping ground - might be worth a free naan with your tikka masalla!! They were very nice people, very welcoming and even let me tuck into some of the food which they had ordered.

I did have plans to visit the local wildlife park the following day but a weather front came in from somewhere and covered the place in one massive blanket of cloud. It was impossible to see more than 50 yards. Bit of a bummer, spent the day planning out the rest of my trip. I have a little over two months left in india and I have to decide whether I can dedicate some time to nepal in that time. In order to fit that in I will need to speed things up a little bit. I will give the mountains of Himachel Pradesh another 2 weeks or so then it really is time to move up the gears, grab that ellusive passport and get a little further east. My next destination is Mandi at the mouth of the Kullu valley. 12 hours on a public bus, 6 o’clock start. Can’t wait!!!

Koladhi - 13 K.M from Dalhousie

2008-03-08T07:28:00.000-08:00

The get together - II

2007-11-26T03:52:00.000-08:00

Dalhousie - At its very best

2007-11-24T06:57:00.000-08:00

The Buri Sing Museum - Chamba

2007-11-08T03:18:00.000-08:00

Yogi

Prov. Chamba town, 12th c. CE

The Buddha Head

Get together at Dalhousie

2007-11-08T03:05:00.000-08:00

The town of Chamba

2007-11-04T06:45:00.000-08:00

An introduction to the History of Chamba

2007-11-04T06:16:00.000-08:00

The Chamba District is situated between north latitude 32° 11΄ 30″ and 33° 13΄ 6″ and east longitude 75°49 and 77° 3΄ 30″, with an estimated area of 6528 square Kilometers and is surrounded on all sides by lofty hill ranges. The territory is wholly mountainous with altitude ranging from 2,000 to 21,000 feet.

Regarding the early history of this region it is believed that this area was at time inhabited by certain Kolian tribes, which were later, subjugated by the Khasas. The Khasas too after a time came under the sway of Audumbaras (2nd centaury B.C.). The Audmabaras had republican form of government and worshiped Shiva as their principal deity. From the Gupta period (4th Centaury A.D.) the Chamba region was under the control of Thakurs and Ranas who considered themselves superior to the low tribes of Kolis and Khasas. With the rise of Gurjara Pratiharas ((7th Centaury A.D.) the Rajput Dynasties came to power.

In circa 500 A.D., a legendry hero called Maru migrated to north-west from Kalpagrama (a mythical place from where majority of the Rajput dynasties claim their descent) and founded Brahamputra (Bharmour) in the valley of the Budhal river, seventy five kilometer to the east of present Chamba town. His successors continued to rule over the country from that capital city for over three hundred years until Sahilla Varman shifted his capital from Brahamputra to the more centrally located plateau in the lower Ravi valley. He named the town after his beloved daughter Champa. His rani voluntarily offered herself as a scarifies to bring water for the town’s people through a running channel which takes origin at a place called Bhalota. The layout of the plan of Chamba seems to be in conformity with the ancient texts. From then on the rajas of Chamba continued to rule from here in an uninterrupted and direct line of descent.

Chamba is the only state in northern India to preserve a well-documented history from circa 500 A.D. Its high mountain ranges have given it a sheltered position and helped in preserving its centuries old relics and numerous inscriptions. The temples erected by rajas of Chamba more than a thousand years age continue to be under worship and the land grant-deeds executed on copper plates by them continue to be valid under the law.
The Muslims never invaded Chamba, though it had its occasional fights with the neighboring states in the hills having similar cultural background. Thus, the damage to Chamba from these invasions was seldom serious and never beyond the possibility of repair. Even the powerful Mughals were kept at bay on account of difficulties involved in communications and long distances. Akbar tried to extend a loose control over the hill states including Chamba and attached fertile tracts of these states to the imperial territory south of Dhauladhar. Aurangzeb once issued orders to the Raja of Chamba Chatter Singh (1664-1694AD) to pull down the beautiful temples of Chamba. But instead the raja in clear defiance to the Mughal ruler placed glided pinnacles on the temples. He was ordered to come down to Delhi to face the imperial wrath. But Aurangzeb himself had to leave for the Deccan from where he could not disentangle till the end of his life. On the whole, the northern India experienced comparatively peaceful condition during the Mughal regime Raja Prithvi Singh (1641-1664 AD), a handsome and a gallant knight was favourite of Shahjahan and visited the imperial court many times. He introduced the Mughal style of court life including Mughal-Rajput art and architecture in Chamba.

By the last quarter of 18th centaury the Sikhs forced the hill states to pay tribute to them. Maharaja Ranjit Singh systematically deposed the hill prices including the more powerful Kangra ruler Sansar Chand Katoch but spared Chamba in lieu of the services Wazir Nathu (of Chamba) had rendered him on two occasions. In 1809 A.D. the Wazir had made himself useful to the Maharaja by negotiating his agreement with Raja Sansar Chand Katoch, of Kangra. Again in A.D.1817 he had saved Ranjit Singh’s life by offering his horse at a critical moment during formers winter campaign in Kashmir. After Ranjit Singh’s death Chamba became un-protected and was drawn into the vortex of the disintegration of the Sikh Kingdom. The Sikh army invaded the British territory in A.D. 1845 and the troops of Sikh army, which were stationed in Chamba, were with drawn. When Sikh’s were defeated it was decided to merge Chamba in Jammu and Kashmir but on account of the timely intervention of Wazir Bagha (of Chamba) it was taken under the British control and subjected to the annual tribute of 12,000 rupees. The Raja’s who saw something of British hegemony were Sri Singh, Gopal Singh, Sham Singh, Bhuri Singh, Ram Singh and laxman Singh. Their relations with the British political officers seem to be cordial and Chamba witnessed many reforms.

On 15th April 1948 merging three principal states formed A.D. Himachal…. Chamba, Mandi-Suket, Sirmour and all the other state falling in Shimla hills.

Before Raja Sahilla Varman came on the same the Chamba region was divided into bits and pieces of territory called Rahnu occupied by numerous Ranas and petty Chieftains who carried on relentless warfare with each other. Raja Sahilla Verman subjugated the Ranas and unified the territory. Rajas, therefore, for better administration divided Chamba into five zones known as Mandlas. These Mandlas were later reamed as Wizarats. This five fold division of Chamba region continues till today. The Wizarats are now called Tehsils. These are Bharmour, Chamba, Bhattiyat, Churah and Pangi.

For more details please visit http://hpchamba.gov.in/

The Chamunda Devi Temple, Chamba

2007-11-02T21:29:00.001-07:00

One of the most enchanting temples in chamba, this temple hags on a cliff

The best time ever

2007-11-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

Some more pics of Dalhousie - From Hotel Monal, Dalhousie

2007-11-02T00:25:00.000-07:00

Dalhousie - Discover youself

2007-11-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

Was my first trip to Dalhousie...really a quite and enchanting palce...if you want to go for trekking for to gangi pahari to Dankund to kalatop to khijjar to Chamba to Bharmore

Staying at Hotel Monal, Dalhousie was great...i'll miss this place

We had so much fun

2007-11-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

Some of our pics from Dalhousie...we stayed at Hotel Monal, Dalhousie...The best hotel in town

Rajan, Sumit, Raju & Rajat

Magnificent balcony

2007-10-26T08:27:00.001-07:00

Clean Room

2007-10-22T01:34:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely time here. Very nice and clean rooms upstairs
Uruli & Josephine, Germany
19.10.07

Kalatop National Forest Sanctuary

2007-10-18T01:27:00.000-07:00

Kalatop Sanctuary was recognized as a game sanctuary on July 1, 1949. It lies between Dalhousie and Chamba at the northwestern extremity Daula Dhar. Dalhousie-Chamba Road runs through the sanctuary, which contains about 15 villages. In 1982-1983, there was a total of 1766 people living inside the sanctuary.
This reserve covers an area of 3069 hectares. Its altitude varies from 1185 meters to 2768 meters (3910 ft-9134 ft.) The terrain is steep and typical of the Outer Himalayas. It is drained by several tributaries of the Ravi River which lies just to the north. There is a lake at Khajjiar. The temperature varies from -10°C to 35°C. The mean precipitation is 2648 mm, one-fourth of which falls as snow.
Khajjiar, Kalatop, Dain Kund, Lakarmandi, and Bara Pathar are the tourist attractions that fall in this sanctuary. From Gandhi Chowk, a steep, uphill walk will take you to the scenic Bakrota Circle. After walking about 2 kilometers, the road to this sanctuary starts near the Municipal Water Resivoir.
Kalatop is at an altitude of 2440 meters, and it is 8.5 kilometers from the GPO. From Lakarmandi, a jeepable road through the dense forest leads to the Kalatop Forest Resthouse. This is a perfect spot for a weekend retreat. The panoramic views of Pir Panjal Range and countryside are breathtaking.

About Dalhousie

2007-10-17T04:53:00.000-07:00

Dalhousie is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Established in 1854 by the British Empire in India as a summer retreat for its troops and bureaucrats, the town was named after Lord Dalhousie who was the British Viceroy in India at that time.Dalhousie is built on and around five hills. Located on the western edge of the Dhauladhar mountain range of the Himalayas, it is surrounded by the beautiful scenery of snow-capped peaks. Dalhousie is situated at 6000-9000 feet above sea level. The best time to visit is in the summer, and the peak tourist season is from May to September. Scottish and Victorian architecture is prevalent in the bungalows and churches in the town.Dalhousie is a gateway to the ancient Chamba Hill State, now Chamba District of the Himachel Pradesh, India. This hill region is a repository of ancient Hindu culture, art, temples, and handicrafts preserved under the longest running single dynasty since the mid-6th century. Chamba is the hub of this culture. Bharmour, the ancient capital of this kingdom, is home to Gaddi and Gujjar tribes and has 84 ancient temples from 7th-10th century AD. Pangi Valley is remote and highly inaccessible most of the year. It is located between the Pir Panjal and the Greater Himalayan ranges. It is home to Pangwal and Bhot tribes. Rivers Ravi and Chandrabhaga (Chenab) take origin and nourishment from its glaciers. There are several hydroelectric projects and dams being developed. There are several national forest and wildlife sanctuaries including Kalatop-Khaijjar located within its confines. Pilgrimage to Mani Mahesh Temple and Lake is an annual trekking event. Many trekking routes over Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges present a challenge to the serious trekker, while there are ample opportunities for the budding trekker.

The speechless - Pir Pangal Range

2007-10-17T03:42:00.000-07:00

When you for on a walk on the Cold Road (thandi sarak) do check the breathtaking Pir Pangal range

Monal - The best in town

2007-10-17T03:25:00.000-07:00

The Hotel is very good, the best in town, ofcourse, the best in Town and it'nice that you can order food. The room 301 is very good with really nice balcony.
Adrian SWA
Greece, Belgium, Singapore & so on
16.10.07

Dalhousie - Black and White

2007-10-15T02:51:00.000-07:00

Kala Top - Wild life reserve, at Dalhousie

2007-10-14T23:53:00.000-07:00

I clicked these one from Room No. 302

2007-10-14T23:43:00.000-07:00

Fun place Dalhousie

2007-10-14T21:56:00.001-07:00

Never knew about Dalhousie. Fantastic views, fun place Hotel Monal, Good place

Gavin, U.K

13.10.07

Vist to Dalhousie

2007-10-14T21:40:00.000-07:00

This is my first visit to Dalhousie. Hotel Monal is a great place to stay, mostly from the very helpful personal. Rooms are nice with nice view. I'll miss this place.

Claude, Candaa

2007-10-14T10:27:00.000-07:00