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Things to do in Kasauli
Kasauli has managed to maintain its rustic charm and serenity despite being close to the tourist-heavy destination of Shimla. Here are some of our curated things to do in case you decide to plan a trip.
- Take a cab to Dharampur, get into a toy train up to Barog, and return on the train to Kasauli. This toy train ride encapsulates the beauty of the region perfectly.
- The Timber Trail is a popular activity among all kinds of tourists. The trail is lined with pine and coniferous trees. The two mountains of the trail are connected by a 1.8 km cable car. A ten-minute ride in this cable car is bound to be a memorable one.
- Trek from Kalka to Kasauli. While this can be a strenuous trek, the vistas it offers can be mesmerizing.
- The Mall Road is a shoppers’ paradise. From locally handcrafted products to books and clothes, there is a lot to keep the shopper inside you interested.
- If you are traveling with your significant other, then a walk at Lover’s Lane should not be missed. This is a 1.5 km serpentine trail that is lined by trees and an abundance of flora and fauna.
Places to visit in Kasauli
Being a small town, Kasauli does not have a lot of options except the endless vistas of the Himalayas. Here are some of the viewpoints and sights that are noteworthy:
- Gilbert Trail – A stone walkway that stretches for around 1.5 km beginning from Lover’s Lane and taking you through amazing flora. This is also a great place for bird watching and sightseeing.
- Sunset Point – If a breathtaking sunset takes your breath away or if you are a photography enthusiast and can’t wait to capture the 50 shades of orange that adorn the sky during sunset, then a visit to Sunset Point is a must.
- Manki Point – This is the highest point in the region and offers some picturesque views of the surroundings and a bird’s eye view of the Air Force Station.
- Christ Church – This is the oldest church in Himachal Pradesh and has a gothic architecture with a cemetery around it.
- Sunrise Point – There are few places in Himachal Pradesh that offer a spectacular view of the sunset and sunrise and Kasauli is one of them. Located at the Lower Mall Area, the Sunrise Point is a must-visit for a blessed start to your day.
- Gurkha Fort – A historical fort surrounded by pristine nature, the Gurkha Fort has ancient frescoes on the walls and 180-year-old cannon.
- Kasauli Brewery – Established in the 1820s, this Brewery is the oldest scotch whiskey distillery in Asia.
Places to visit near Kasauli
Here are some places nearby that you might consider while creating your travel plans:
- Shimla – Located at a distance of around 70 km. In case you are travelling from Chandigarh, here is a detailed road trip guide from Chandigarh to Shimla.
- Kufri – Located at a distance of around 85-95 km.
- Solan – Located at a distance of around 28 km.
- Chail – Located at a distance of around 68 km.
- Dharampur – Located at a distance of around 10 km.
- Parwanoo – Located at a distance of around 23 km. You can read more about it here.
- Salogra – Located at a distance of around 36 km.
- Mashobra – Located at a distance of around 85-90 km.
Places to eat in Kasauli
While Tibetan food is a special delicacy in Kasauli, there are many places to enjoy different cuisines too. Here are some places where you can eat including street food places and the best restaurants in Kasauli.
- Ross Common Restaurant, Lower Mall Road – Indian and Asian food and vegetarian-friendly
- Gyani Dhaba, NH22-Dharampur – For Dhaba-style Indian food
- Shelly Restaurant, Near Kalka Railway Station – Indian and Asian food with vegetarian and vegan options
- Narinder Sweet House, Lower Mall Road – Indian fast-food
- Rudra Cafe, Heritage Road – Italian, Chinese, Fast Food, and vegetarian-friendly
- Cliff Houzz Restaurant and Bar, Winnies Holiday Resort – Continental food with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
How to Plan a trip to Kasauli
How to reach Kasauli
Kasauli has good connectivity with most parts of India by road, rail, and flights.
By Train
Kasauli does not have a railway station of its own. The nearest railway station is Kalka, at a distance of around 25 km. You can get a train from most major cities to Kalka. Once there, you can alternatively take a taxi from Kalka to Kasauli and reach your destination within 60-70 minutes.
By Road
Kasauli has excellent road connectivity with most cities and towns in North India. Here are some route suggestions from major towns nearby:
- Chandigarh – Located around 60 km. You can take a taxi from Chandigarh to Kasauli and reach there within 1.5 to 2 hours via NH5.
- Shimla – Located around 70 km. You can book a cab from Shimla and reach there within 2-3 hours via NH5 and/or SH16.
By Flight
There is no direct flight connectivity to Kasauli. The closest airport is in Chandigarh. You can catch a flight to Chandigarh and then hire a taxi from Chandigarh Airport to Kasauli.
Best time to Visit Kasauli
The best time to visit Kasauli, is between April to June if you want the summer experience and again from September to November if you want a winter experience.
Overall, the town has a warm and calm temperature. The summers are gentle and moderate, while winters are very cold and monsoon are muggy and oppressive.
About Kasauli
While India has a plethora of options for city dwellers to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, this paradise for hikers holds a special place. This colonial-era town, nestled in the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas has cobbled streets, beautiful gardens, architectural marvels, and mesmerizing avenues making it a top pick for people looking to spend time in the hills. The town is also famous for being the birthplace of the famous writer Ruskin Bond.
History & Culture
There are many beliefs behind how the town got its name:
- Some people believe that the name ‘Kasauli‘ was derived from a nearby mountain called Kausalya.
- Others believe that the name was derived from the word ‘Kusmawali’ that translates to flower maiden.
- Another belief of this magical town is that the Hindu Lord Hanuman had placed his foot here when he had come to the Himalayas looking for the Sanjeevani herb. This led to the creation of the town. In fact, there is a Hanuman Temple at the place where it is believed that Lord Hanuman had stepped.
Kasauli has a mix of British Colonial and Indian cultures. It also welcomes all religions and you can find temples, mosques, churches, and gurudwaras at all times.
Interesting Facts about Kasauli
Here are some interesting facts:
- The people here are also called ‘Pahadis’ and live an extremely simple life, harmonious with nature.
- Hindi is widely spoken in Kasauli and the neighboring regions.
- It is one of the few places in Himachal Pradesh that is relatively popular but still unspoiled by commercial tourism.
- It is home to the famous children’s author Ruskin Bond.
- The Kasauli Brewery is the oldest distillery for scotch whiskey in Asia.
Geography
Kasauli lies in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh and is spread across an area of around 20 square kilometers and at an altitude of 1900 meters or 6200 feet above sea level.
Kasauli Weather
Kasauli has moderate weather throughout the year. While the temperature during the summer months can range between 14 and 28 degrees C, winters can be chilly with temperatures falling down to 2 degree celsius with snowfall. The town also receives moderate rainfall during the monsoon. Summers are the best time this quaint little town.
Homestays in Kasauli
Homestays are one of the best ways to experience life in this laid-back town. Here are some options to consider:
- Wildleaf -Valley Homz, Brewery Road
- Sai Homestay, Jagjit Nagar
- Sai Home: 3BHK Complete Cottage, Dharampur
- Headntail Homestay, Dochi Road
- Whispering Pine Homestay, Dharampur
- The Hideaway, Sanawar Village
Share this travel guide with your travel buddy to get started on your journey to the mountains! What are your fondest memories from a trip? Let us know in the comments below.
Best Road-Trips to Kasauli
| Route Name | Distance | Time |
| Delhi to Kasauli | 287 km | 5 hours and 42 minutes |
| Chandigarh to Kasauli | 58 km | 1 hours and 30 minutes |
| Shimla to Kasauli | 69 km | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
| Dehradun to Kasauli | 207 km | 5 hours and 10 minutes |
| Manali to Kasauli | 263 km | 7 hours and 30 minutes |
| Amritsar to Kasauli | 267 km | 5 hours and 14 minutes |
Last Updated on November 3, 2022 by Sanchit Parashar
