Kasauli, a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh, has a different charm which is enhanced by the dense timbered woods, the snow-covered mountains, lush greenery, rushing water, and mountain meadows. With its calm and composed environment and the scenic view, with the sweet voice of birds chirping, makes this place a perfect retreat to seek peace from the noise of city life.
Kasauli is a cantonment town settled in the Solan district in the foothills of the Dhauladhar Ranges of the lower Himalayas. The town was developed by the British Empire during the colonial period. The city was developed for the recreation of Britishers, as during the summer season, they used to move to the hills to escape from the heat of the plains. The cold mountainous wind of the hill station has now become one of the best Himachal Pradesh tourist places.
People often come to Kasauli to refresh them physically as well as mentally with the beauty of the hills and valleys. Kasauli offers the best sunset and sunrise views from the majestic hills. The view is irresistible when the golden rays of the sun fall on the colonial architecture and provide the perfect view to capture.
Quick facts about Kasauli
| Location | Kasauli |
|---|---|
| State | Himachal Pradesh |
| District | Solan district |
| Distance from Delhi | 290 km (6-7 hours) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Kalka (40 km) |
| Nearest airport | Chandigarh International airport (65km away) |
| Best known for | Colonial charm, pine forest, scenic view points and peaceful atmosphere. |
| Best Time to Visit | March to June, September to November |
| Famous Attraction | Monkey point, Sunset point, Christ church |
| Budget for 3 Days | Rs. 8,000-15,000 per person |
| Altitude | 1,927 meters |
Why visit Kasauli?
The destination is effortlessly beautiful and has many attractions that are must-visit places. Kasauli is more on a quieter side and has fewer crowds than other hill stations in Himachal Pradesh like Shimla and Manali. The charm of colonial times makes it a must-visit destination.
Kasauli is easily accessible from places like New Delhi, Chandigarh, and Haryana. You can easily reach here within a few hours of driving. A trip to Kasauli offers the best nature walks and trekking trails. The place is full of scenic views, and there are many viewpoints from where you can capture the perfect sunrise and a pristine view of the valley.
Kasauli offers a laid-back life with the slow and peaceful environment and the friendly locals who have a lot to tell about, and with them, you can easily spend your day while talking.
Geography and Landscape of Kasauli
Kasauli is nestled at an elevation of around 1,900 meters above sea level, offering quiet trails, gentle slopes, and dense woods, which create an environment of exploration. Kasauli is a paradise for nature and peace lovers. The topography of the place is defined by lush pine forests, terraced hillsides, and vibrant wildflowers, creating a perfect backdrop for nature lovers. The climate is favorable for travelers as the temperature is good around the year, with mild summers averaging around 25°C and cool winters that can dip to 0°C.
Best places to visit in Kasauli
Monkey point (Manki Point)
Monkey point, the highest peak of Kasauli, is situated in the Air Force station, which falls 4kms away from the Kasauli bus stop. The point offers a view of Chandigarh and the Sutlej River.
The point is associated with the epic Ramayana, as per legends, when Lord Hanuman was returning after getting Sanjeevnibooti for Lord Laxman, his foot touched the hilltop of Kasauli, and this was the reason the point is known as Manki point. A small temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman sits on the top and provides the best views with hopping monkeys.
Gilbert trek
A must-visit place in Kasauli, ideal destination for an adventure enthusiast and a nature lover. The trail is around 2 km from the Kasauli Bus Stand and is also close to the Sunset Point. The trek stretches up to 1.5 km, starting with broad lanes, and later turns to a narrow path. The trek is a bit slippery; it is advised to wear footwear accordingly.
The pleasant weather and scenic view make this trek a lot calmer. You can enjoy bird watching and have a peaceful walk on the trail. Capture the best views with the backdrop of hills surrounded by greenery and colorful birds playing the unpaid actors in your photos.
Christ Church
The oldest church of Himachal Pradesh is a historic landmark of Kasauli. Witness the Neo-Gothic architecture of the famous Church that has a clock tower with a sundial in the front, the main hall, a cruciform floor, beautiful stained glass windows, and an aisle that will lead to the altar sculpture, in which Jesus Christ is bound by Joseph and Mary.
The church is dedicated to St. Francis and St. Barnabas. The Anglican church was constructed in 1853 by the British. It was previously managed by the Church of England till the year 1970. Later, the Churches of North India (CNI) took over the management. The Church is surrounded by the pine and deodar trees.
Sunset Point and Lover's Lane
Sunset point is the most popular point of Kasauli, with the most scenic view and the pine-laid landscape with hills and greenery. Tourists visit there to witness the perfect shades of the setting sun. Watching the sky turn reddish-pinkish is a whole different experience.
Nearby the sunset point, a trail called lovers lane, is a perfect place for couples. Walking in the calmness of the valley with the soothing wind touching your face is what this point offers. Rich in flora and fauna, this place will draw you closer to nature.
Kasauli Brewery
The oldest brewery of scotch whiskey in Asia was set up in the 1820s by Edward Dyer. He himself brought the brewing equipment from England and Scotland in the 19th century.
Here you can enjoy the freshly brewed scotch and take a guided tour of the vineyard, and sip the local spirits.
Heritage Market Mall Road:
The heritage market mall road of Kasauli has a lot to offer, from souvenirs to the famous woolen stuff; this market offers the best of Himachal Pradesh. The market was built in the British era, which still holds the charm of the colonial times. The old famous shops, the atmosphere of the charming ambience, the narrow lanes, lined-up shops and cafes, draw the tourists towards the market.
Not only the shops and the shopping, but the street is also famous for the culinary experience, from the famous Bun samosa to the freshly made gulabjamun and the crispy fried potato are the most famous dishes of Kasauli, and Narinder Sweet House, which has been serving for a long time, is the most famous shop.
How to reach Kasauli
By Road:
Buses, taxis, and cabs are easily available, or you can drive your own vehicle. If you are traveling from Delhi, many buses are available that will take around 7-8 hours to cover a distance of 308 km, depending on the traffic and routes taken.
By Air:
If you are travelling by air, the nearest airport is Shimla airport, which is 35km away, and another option is Chandigarh airport, which is around 65km away. You can book a cab or a shared taxi to Kasauli after reaching the airport.
By Train:
The nearest railway station is Kalka, which is around 25km from Kasauli, and you can easily cover it in 1.5 hours, depending on the route taken.
You can also take the Toy Train (UNESCO World Heritage Site) from Kalka to Dharampur. While watching the narrow dark tunnel and the bright mountains, you will reach Dharampur, from there Kasauli is 9-10km, which you can easily cover by road.
Weather according to season
| Season | Months | Temperature | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | October to march | 4°C to 20°C | Fresh snowfall and Lohri festival. |
| Summer | April to June | 15°C to 30°C | Trekking, Bird watching and BasantPanchami festival. |
| Monsoon | July to September | 20°C to 28°C | Lush green view of the valley and Sari festival. |
Best time to visit
Kasauli offers calm and pleasant weather throughout the year. April to June and September to November are the best times to visit Kasauli. During these months, Kasauli provides a lush green view of the valley, and it is the best time for trekking and sightseeing.
December to January and May to June are the most crowded months, as these months are the vacation period, due to which it receives a huge number of footfall.
Where Can You Stay in Kasauli?
Kasauli offers stays as per your requirements. The place has every option available for every kind of traveller, such as:
- For Families: Family resorts with a play area for children, spacious rooms, Mountain View, pre-planned meals, and pet-friendly resorts are also available.
- For honeymoon couples: Hotels offering cozy rooms with the best scenic views, open balconies, comfortable stays, and fireplaces are provided.
- For backpackers: Affordable stays with clean beds and washrooms with basic amenities. You can also enjoy an open bonfire and other services.
Things to do in Kasauli
- Trekking: The Gilbert trail is a popular trekking spot in Kasauli, where you can witness the most scenic view of the valley.
- Ropeway rides: Witness the lush green valley through a bird’s eye view while being on the ropeway ride to experience the thrill.
- Zip lining: Rushing through the air on the steel cable, feeling the fast wind on your face with joy, and witnessing the serene landscape.
- Rock climbing: Climb on the natural formation of rock and check your physical strength through this activity, and enjoy the cliffs of the valley.
- Paragliding: Glide over the hills of Kasauli and get the adrenaline rush while flying over the valley and having an amazing view of the whole town from above.
- Toy train tour: Get on the heritage site toy train, board from the Kalka station, and move towards Dharampur with the view of the narrow dark tunnel which opens on the green side of the mountain.
Undiscovered places to visit near Kasauli
- Kothkai: The name kothkai referred to kot, which means palace, and khai, which means cliff, which is the illustration of the palace of a king that is situated on a cliff. The rich flora and fauna make the place more attractive. The Lankra Veer Temple and Mahamai Temple are two of the famous temples to visit.
- Naldhera: The name of the town is derived from two words, ‘nag’ and ‘dehra’, which means the ‘abode of the king of snakes’. The place is famous for the Naldhera Golf course. Along with that, the trek to Shaily peak and the bull fight mela are also famous.
- Mashobra: The place is situated on the banks of the Indus and Ganga rivers. Mashobra is a perfect destination for photographers, as the green valley and cold winds will make the surroundings very peaceful. You can also enjoy adventure activities like Paragliding, trekking, and camping.
- Shoghi: A small town popular for its flora and fauna. The Hanuman Temple,Kali Temple, and the Tara Devi Temple are some of the popular temples here. You can also buy local goods like jelly, juices, syrups, and pickles.
- Salogra: A place surrounded by pines and deodar trees that comprises many small villages, such as Top-Ki-Berh, Mahi, Basal, and Mashiwar, where you can easily interact with the locals. A must-visit place is SalograKrolKaTibba, which has amazing views.
Famous food of Kasauli
- Siddu: A local dish with the authentic flavors of Himachali cuisine, in which bread is filled with stuffing and served with Ghee, best for the winters.
- Madra: A yogurt-based curry made with chickpeas or Kidney beans with the Himachali spices.
- Bun Samosa: A nostalgic dish made with samosa between the buns and served with tamarind chutney.
- Wood fire Pizza: Pizza baked in the wood with the local Himachali cheese topping, providing a traditional spark to the global pizza.
- TudkiyaBhat: An authentic Pulao cooked slowly with the great aroma of Himachali spices and Ghee. This dish is generally served on special occasions and celebrations.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Morning: After reaching Kasauli, check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the Kasauli Mall Road for a walk, exploration, and shopping.
- Evening: Explore Christ Church and enjoy the evening view of Kasauli.
Day 2: Sightseeing
- Morning: Visit Monkey Point for panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the Sutlej River. Stay aware of the monkeys as they are very active.
- Afternoon: move forward to your next destination, Gurkha Fort, for a quick glimpse of history and stunning views.
- Evening: Relax at Sunset Point and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Day 3: Nature and Departure
- Morning: Explore Timber Trail for a cable car ride and scenic views.
- Afternoon: Enjoy the local food and buy souvenirs.
- Evening: Head back to your return journey.
Safety and Travel Tips
While visiting Kasauli, there are a few safety and travel tips you must follow:
- If you are driving through your own vehicles, drive slowly and safely, as there are narrow roads and sharp curves.
- Carry a light jacket as Kasauli’s weather is calm throughout the year, so there are chances of a sudden drop in temperature.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you must walk through paths where vehicles are not allowed, and roads are slippery.
- Always remember to carry a small first aid kit in case of any emergency for early assistance.
- Keep some cash handy; some places don’t have a strong network, so you will face problems in paying online.
- If you are travelling in winter, pack warm clothes, socks, bennies, and gloves as the temperature drops to zero, and there is a chance of snowfall.
- Keep a reusable water bottle to avoid frequent purchases of plastic bottles and keep the area clean.
- Carry a power bank as the forest area doesn’t have charging points.
- Do not forget sunscreen and sunglasses, as the mountain sun is not as soft as it appears.
Conclusion
Kasauli is a beautiful hill station that sits in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. The hill station is covered with the essence of pine trees and high peaks. The place is a combination of history, nature, and adventure. If you are visiting Kasauli, you will be experiencing old churches, British colonial architecture, and a green valley.
Kasauli is one of the famous Himachal Pradesh Tourist Places, which offers popular sightseeing places like the Gilbert trail, Monkey Point, Christ church, and Sunset Point. Kasauli is also famous for the cuisine infused with the authentic Himachal spices. Although the place is famous for its beauty, it also offers many adventures like rock climbing, trekking, paragliding, and many more.
Overall, Kasauli is a must visit place for vacation for every kind of traveller weather you are travelling solo, as a couple, or with family. This place has something to offer for everyone. A trip to Kasauli will draw you closer to peace and relaxation.