Solan
Information About Solan :
Located on the Punjab-Himachal Border, Solan lies on the lower ranges of the Himalayas and is more of an industrial town with various industries.
Solan is a more low-key hill station ideal for travellers looking just some time away from the city rush. A beautiful city in Himachal Pradesh, Solan has ancient temples and monasteries that attract hundreds of tourists and devotees every year. Being set in the backdrop of majestic hills adds and quaint charm to these centres of worship. Solan has one of the oldest breweries in the country and is popularly known as the mushroom capital of the country owing to the number of mushrooms produced every year. Solan is also called as the city of red gold as it produces bulk quantities of tomatoes. This city also has a 300-year old fort located at the top of a hill which is in ruins but has an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the countryside. The Shoolini Mata Temple and jali Shiv Temple are must-visits for both devotees and tourists. One of the most famous monasteries in this region is the Yundung Monastery, which must be visited by everyone travelling to Solan.
Best Time To Visit Solan :
The best time to visit Solan is in Summers from March to July. Sightseeing and outdoor activities can be enjoyed, and summer is the best time to experience Solan's scenic beauty. Monsoons in Solan doesn't bring heavy rainfalls; however, there are occasional storms. July to September is also an ideal time to visit Solan. Winters are chilly and therefore not favourable among tourists as fog can hamper your travel plans. Overall, the months from March to September are ideal to visit Solan.
How To Reach Solan :
The best time to visit Solan is in Summers from March to July. Sightseeing and outdoor activities can be enjoyed, and summer is the best time to experience Solan's scenic beauty. Monsoons in Solan doesn't bring heavy rainfalls; however, there are occasional storms. July to September is also an ideal time to visit Solan. Winters are chilly and therefore not favourable among tourists as fog can hamper your travel plans. Overall, the months from March to September are ideal to visit Solan.
How To Reach Solan By Flight :
There is no airport in Solan. The nearest airport is in the Himachal Pradesh capital, Shimla, almost 45 km away. Cabs and taxis are easily available from Shimla airport to Solan.
How To Reach Solan By Road :
Solan is very well connected to cities like Delhi and Chandigarh by roadway buses. Alternatively, you can drive down to Solan, which makes for a breathtakingly beautiful journey.
How To Reach Solan By Train :
The nearest railway station is in Kalka, almost 40 km away from Solan. Solan also has it's own train station also. Trains like Himalayan Queen, make the city well connected to Delhi.
Places To Visit In Solan :
1. Kasauli :
Less than an hour away from Solan is the quiet and calm town of Kasauli. With Pine trees and hills all around, Kasauli is the perfect getaway from Solan, with just the right amount of hustle and bustle and down its Mall road.
Visit the Manki Top here as well as the Christ (Anglican) Church close by. One can also enjoy a Timber trail and a walk down its simple Mall Road here. There is also a temple and a Gurudwara here that one can visit.
Kasauli
2 . Nalagarh Palace :
Located at the top of a hill, the Nalagarh Palace has well-manicured gardens and a panoramic view of the city below. This majestic structure adorns both Mughal and Indian styles of architecture. The palace has undergone some major restoration work and has been converted into a heritage resort.
Nalagarh Palace
3 . Shoolini Mata Temple :
The Shoolini Temple is dedicated to Goddess Shoolini and is one of the oldest and holiest temples in this region. It also hosts an annual fair in the month of June, each year, celebrated with much grandeur and vibrance.
Shoolini Mata Temple
4 . Chail :
This small village in Himachali is situated at a height of 2250 m above sea level and is known as a hiker's paradise. Surrounded by lush greenery and mesmerizing views from such a great height, Chail is bound to give a tourist a memorable travelling experience to a tourist.
This place is famous for having the world's highest cricket and polo grounds and has a luxurious resort situated on three hilltops. Once the summer capital of the Patiala Kings, the palace has now been converted into a hotel and a tourist destination. This is the quintessential destination for tourists looking for a calm and relaxed vacation away from the more bustling and crowded tourist destinations in this state.
Chail
5 . Kuthar Fort :
Claimed to be around 800 years old, this is the oldest historical monument around this region. The fort is spread over a large area and has a number of fresh-water springs. Walk around this ancient structure to find a few more monuments such as the Gurkha For and more.
Kuthar Fort
6 . Dagshai :
Dagshai or Daag-e-shahi is the oldest cantonment town in the hilly terrains of the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh in India. Perched on the top of a hill 5,689 feet above the sea level, this tiny town is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime, to get a taste of what a real offbeat attraction feels like. The foundation of the township was laid down by the East India Company in the year 1847. This incident occurred after the East India Company took over the five villages of Badhtiala, Chunawad, Dabbi, Jawag and Dagshai from the Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh.
Dagshai
Chail
