Kasauli - A Perfect Gateway for Peace

Kasauli is a small town in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh and a very famous hill station all over India. It lies equidistance from Shimla and Chandigarh, i.e., close to 72 km. It is believed that Hindu Lord Hanuman placed his feet here, in order to advance on to the Sanjeevani hill.

Kasauli is a paradise for hikers and another hill station developed by the British Empire during its peak period in India. Even after being nothing short of a paradise, it remains a little deserted and underrated. Far from being urbanized, Kasauli still serves as a peaceful place where people would like to go to spend some quality time and be smitten by nature.

History

There are many theories surrounding the name and culture of the most sought after hill station Kasauli.

* In the early 17^th century, today’s Kasauli was known as ‘Kasul’ when some Rajput families from Rewari, in Haryana, flocked down to the lower Himalayas and settled in the village.

* Another assumed theory is that the name ‘Kasauli’ is derived from Kausalya, a mountain stream flowing near Kasauli.

* Some believe that the name ‘Kasauli’ comes from the word ‘Kusmawali’, which when translated, means flower maiden.

* The most popular belief is that the Hindu Lord Hanuman had placed his feet in the region, in search of the Sanjeevani herb to cure Lakshmana during the war between Lord Rama and the king of Lanka, Ravana, in Ramayana, which led to the creation of the place. There is also a famous Lord Hanuman Temple which is at the top of a high hillock of Monkey Point, at 300 m height. The temple is built at the same place where Lord Hanuman stepped.

Before being annexed by the British, Kasauli belonged to the Gurkha group. The British developed the region as a sanatorium to their army troops. It was established as a cantonment in the year 1842.

Geography

Area: almost 20 km² (7.72204 sq. miles)

Elevation: 1,900 m (6,200 ft)

Languages: Hindi and English (official), Punjabi, Pahari

Population: 4994 (as per Census 2011)

Male: 56%

Female: 44%

Literacy Rate: 80%

Male: 84%

Female: 76%

Climate

Kasauli usually has a moderate climate throughout the year. However, being a part of India, the weather of Kasauli varies with different seasons and has different benefits in each season.

Summer season: Kasauli experiences summers from the month of April to June. The temperature ranges from 14° C to 28° C and in the extreme case, can go up to 32°C. The weather remains pleasant enough to wander around and explore the region properly. The summer season in Kasauli is considered the ‘tourist season’ when the wind blows from south-west to north-east.

Monsoon season: Kasauli experiences monsoon season from the month of June to October. The annual rainfall is around 1020 millimeters.

Winter season: Kasauli experiences winters from the month of November to March. The temperature falls down to 2°C and most likely receives snowfall.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kasauli is during the monsoon season, i.e., from July to October. The already peaceful and beautiful atmosphere looks more splendid amidst cold breezes and rainfall. Do not miss to carry extra jackets and umbrella as it might get cold after a rainfall.

Those who don’t like rains and wetness can opt to visit during the summer season, i.e., from April to June. The weather remains pleasant, giving you much opportunity to roam around and discover more. The natural vegetation looks extra green, giving you a scenic beauty of all times. The best part about visiting in the summer season is that you don’t have to worry about special kinds of clothing, just wear your normal cotton clothes and you’ll be ready for the day.

Culture

Kasauli has a mix of Indian and British colonial culture. Many colonial-era sculptures give a glimpse of colonial culture. On the other hand, Kasauli is a place that welcomes every religion; you’ll find a number of temples, churches, mosques, and gurudwaras, here. Kasauli’s cuisine is comprised of North Indian dishes and some places also serve non-vegetarian food. The most favorite traditional snacks of Kasauli are band samosa, band tikki, and jalebi.

The people of Kasauli celebrate festivals in unity. Some of the traditional festivals and fairs include Lohri, Basant Panchami, Sari Fair, Solan Fair, and Renuka Fair. Lohri and Basant Panchami are observed to celebrate the harvest season and the spring season respectively.

Religions

Places to Visit

• Central Research Institute
• Baptist Church
• Christ Church
• Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Ji
• Krishna Bhavan Mandir
• Kasauli Brewery
• Kasauli Club
• Nahri Temple
• Monkey Point
• Beja State
• Mahlog State
• Gilbert Nature Trail
• Barog
• Timber Trail

What You Can't-Miss

• Trekking in the glorious hills.
• An evening stroll and budgeted shopping at Mall Road.
• Sunset and sunrise point.

How to Reach?

By Air

The nearest airport to Kasauli is at Chandigarh, around 70 km away. Taxis and buses are available from Chandigarh to Kasauli.

By Rail

The nearest railway station to Kasauli is Kalka, at a distance of 25 km. One can easily get a taxi from the station to make it to the desired destination.

By Road

Kasauli is well connected with all the main cities of India by excellent roads. Volvo buses are also available from Chandigarh, Delhi and many other cities in proximity to this beautiful town.

What to Eat?

Having a strong influence from Punjab and Haryana, Kasauli serves delicious and spicy dishes. It also has a blend of Pahari and north Indian food. Madara, poppy seeds halwa and a locally made delicacy sidu are the MUST HAVEs of this place.

Apart from the local food, Kasauli also serves Tibetan cuisine. There are many stalls selling relishing momos and other Tibetan dishes. 

Best places to try amazing food in Kasauli are:

• Shack Restaurant
• Café Rudra (Main Heritage Market)
• Cliff Houzz Restaurant
• Narinder Sweet House
• Hangout, Rooftop Bar, and Restaurant
• NH 22 Dhaba
• Ross Common Resturant
• Gyani Dhaba
• Kasauli Cafe In Hills
• Food Mistri

Where to Stay?

Being a famous and lovable holiday spot and hill station, Kasauli has a number of options when it comes to stay and feel like home, that fits your budget. Few of the places that are worth considering on your trip to Kasauli are:

• Kasauli Castle
• Hotel R Maidens
• Kasauli Exotica
• Treebo Royal Suites
• Hotel Kasauli Continental Resort
• Kasauli Hills Resort
• Birds View Kasauli
• Winnies Holiday Resort
• Whitemushroom - Kasauli
• Sunrise Cottage
• Baikunth Resort Kasauli
• Kasauli Regency Hotel
• Alpine Resort