St. John’s Church in Dalhousie

Dating back to 1863, St. John Church is the first religious site to be built in Dalhousie. It holds great historical significance and accounts for the rich cultural heritage of this idyllic hill town. Situated at Gandhi Chowk, St. John Church is a perfect blend of old-world charm and architectural beauty. This is an embodiment of the Victorian era. St. John Church is a beautifully built, calm, and composed chapel, which is also a protestant church in Dalhousie. The complex of the church houses a library, which comprises numerous artifacts and historical collections. One of the best places to visit in Dalhousie St. John Church, nestled amidst lush greenery and pine valleys. This is a perfect place for peace lovers and shutterbugs.

St. John Church belongs to the Protestant community and is an example of the Victorian era. This chapel is dedicated to St. John, who built a permanent church building after he arrived in Dalhousie. Tourists can get glimpses of a rich collection of rare books and photographs in the library, depicting this place’s rich heritage and history. This architectural marvel is built with stones and wooden beams inside. The stunning glass paintings of the church are a treasure of the church. Every Sunday, prayer takes place, which is attended by tourists and locals in a large number.

Location: Dalhousie Khajjiar Road, Himachal Pradesh

Type of Destination: Shopping and sightseeing

Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM

Entry Charges: Nil

Duration: 1 – 2 hours

How to Reach St. John Church

Located just 2 km from the city center, St. John Church is a major tourist destination and is easily accessible from all over the town. Tourists can easily find taxis and auto-rickshaws for the church. The nearest airport and railhead from the church is located in Pathankot, just 90 km away. The government-run and private buses ply from the Pathankot bus stand daily for Dalhousie. Also, tourists can hire a private taxi. After arriving at Dalhousie, they can reach the church without hassle.

Best time to visit St. John Church

St. John Church is a year-round destination and tourists can visit there. However, the best time to visit St. John Church is from September to May, when this beautiful hill town experiences soothing and calming weather, which is perfect for a sightseeing tour. The pleasant climatic conditions of the summer and winter seasons make the excursion enjoyable for every age group of tourists.

Major Highlights of St. John Church

Before 1963, the church was of wooden structure, and later, it was reconstructed to its current design. The stunning glass paintings and intricate carvings inside the church make it a perfect example of the Victorian era. The Baptist and St Peter painting can also be seen in the church. There is a library in the complex, comprising a rich collection of books depicting the past and present era. However, the church has retained the old-world charm. The church’s architecture is the same as the interior of the Roman Catholic Church in England. It is an amazing tourist destination for historians and nature lovers who wish to explore the breathtaking beauty of this marvelous edifice.

Places to visit near St. John Church

There are numerous tourist places situated near St. John Church, including sightseeing places, shopping streets, and natural splendors where one must go. These places are among the top destinations to visit in Dalhousie, where families, couples, kids, and friends can enjoy their time. Some of the popular destinations near the St. John Church that tourists can visit during their Dalhousie trip are:

• Rock Garden
• St. Francis Church
• Satdhara
• Bakrota Hill Point
• Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
• Khajjiar
• Chamba
• Chamera Dam
• Panjpula

Places to Stay near St. John Church

It is one of the oldest churches in Dalhousie and is flocked by a large number of tourists. It is situated in Gandhi Chowk, another popular area of the hill town and brimming with numerous accommodation options. The hotels and resorts near the church range from budget to luxury. Tourists can choose as per their budget and convenience. Some of the best places to stay near St. John Church are:

• Hotel Sunrise View
• Hotel Highland
• Mohan Palace
• Hotel Valley View
• Bear Valley Resort
• Tibet Guest House
• Mongas Hotel
• Hotel Ark Dalhousie
• Hotel Monal