Location: Solan District, Himachal Pradesh
Altitude: 6,100 feet
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Kasauli is a solitary settlement on a hilltop, in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. It is located about 320 kilometers from New Delhi. The landscape, climate, and terrain of Kasauli are completely different from other hill stations in North India. Located in one of the young Himalayan mountains, Kasauli is rich in flora and fauna. The name Kasauli is derived from a flower called “Kasool,” which grows in this region. The town is most commonly known for its lush foliage, tranquility, and cobbled passages.
The extremely neat town is situated 6,100 feet above sea level. The region is suitable for vegetation such as Himalayan Oak, Chir Pine, and Horse Chestnut trees to grow in abundance. The town also exhibits a unique blend of British Victorian architecture, the Indian Medieval Period, and Modern India. Every year, this small town receives a large number of tourists, especially weekend travelers from neighboring cities.
In the 17th century, Kasauli was home to Rajput families, but it was taken over by the British in the 19th century. Thus, besides Shimla, Kasauli became a summer destination for British generals and soldiers. Today, Kasauli is not only a tourist destination but also a large military cantonment.
This town is slightly on the upper-range (expensive), so most backpackers usually avoid going to Kasauli. Rooms for one night start from Rs. 1,000. In Kasauli, resorts outnumber hotels and guesthouses. Resorts on the Upper Mall Road provide the best view in the whole town. Vacationers love walking on foot to explore the town, but the picturesque Kasauli surroundings can also be explored on rented motorbikes and taxis.
What can you do in Kasauli? Very simple! Take a few good books with you and drink a lot of tea! But if you have plans to explore the town, make sure to carry an umbrella or a rain jacket, as the weather in Kasauli can be very unpredictable.
Places to Visit in Kasauli
Sunset Point
- 1.2 km from Kasauli Club House, 2.5 km from the bus stand.
- Known for stunning sunset views.
- Best visited between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
- Peaceful and serene atmosphere.
- No entry beyond Air Force checkpoint after 7:30 PM.
The first and foremost destination is Sunset Point. This spot is located approximately 1.2 km from the Kasauli Club House (Upper Mall Road) or 2.5 km from the bus stand. Walking on this stretch is very pleasant! In a way, Sunset Point and Monkey Point offer the same view, except that, for security reasons, tourists are not allowed to visit Monkey Point after 5:30 PM. The sunset view is simply wonderful; the entire scene looks like an artwork on a huge wall. Cuddle up, take pictures, or simply enjoy the view — the choice is yours. But make sure you visit this place. The best time to visit Sunset Point is between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM (depending on the season). After sunset, the sky and the earth resemble each other. They look equally beautiful; the sky is full of stars, scattered everywhere, and the same on earth as people living in the low-lying areas turn on their lights. Note: Visitors are not allowed to go beyond the Air Force checkpoint (which is 1 km before Sunset Point) after 7:30 PM, so make sure you are already inside.
Monkey Point
- Highest point in Kasauli, 5 km from town.
- Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
- 0.8 km climb to the temple.
- No electronic devices allowed.
- Panoramic views of Punjab, Shimla, and Satluj River.
This is also the highest elevation point in Kasauli, where a temple is erected in honor of Lord Hanuman (the Hindu Monkey King according to Hindu mythology). It’s a pleasant walk to Monkey Point, which is around 5 km from the main town. Once inside the premises, one has to climb around 0.8 km to reach the temple. There is also a restaurant inside the premises that serves excellent tea and offers a great view of the Punjab plains. All sorts of electronic devices, including phones, cameras, pen drives, music players, etc., are strictly not allowed inside the premises. Make sure you don’t carry them with you, unless you travel by car where you can deposit them safely. Also, carry your passport or an identity card with you. On a clear day, one can see the plains of Chandigarh, the terrain of Punjab, the hills around Shimla, and the silver lining of the Satluj River.
Sunrise Point
- Located on the way to Monkey and Sunset Point.
- Ideal for early risers to witness the sunrise.
- Offers a gradual, beautiful sunrise view.
- A must-see experience in Kasauli.
- Quiet and peaceful spot.
There are a few sunrise points in Kasauli, the most prominent being one on the way to Monkey Point and the other on the way to Sunset Point. For early birds, this is the perfect destination. Most travelers say a trip to Kasauli is incomplete if you fail to witness the sunrise — the crimson sun slowly emerges, and the world becomes brighter and brighter. It feels like the sun will never stop growing in size.
The Markets
- Two small adjoining markets, 150 meters long.
- Sells handicrafts, accessories, and clothes.
- Local snacks like Maggie, Thukpa, Momo available.
- Rudar Café offers food and music.
- Great for souvenirs.
Kasauli has two adjoining markets: Pine Mall and Heritage Mall, which stretch around 150 meters. They are very small markets but sell cute and fancy items such as handicrafts, accessories, and women’s clothes. There are also small eating joints that sell Maggie, Thukpa, Momo, etc. But if you want something different, visit Rudar Café. The café was opened by a few boys a year ago. They play nice music throughout the day, and the food is great too!
Christ Church
- Built in 1844, near the bus stand.
- Anglican style, surrounded by greenery.
- Popular for photography and walks.
- Historical colonial architecture.
- Often crowded with tourists.
Christ Church is nothing fancy but quite attractive! It was built in 1844 and is located right next to the Kasauli bus stand. It was built in the style of Anglican churches. The lush shrubbery and trees around add to the beauty of the church. On a regular day, this church is flooded with tourists taking pictures and walking around.
Strolling through the narrow thoroughfares and birdwatching are very common activities among holidaymakers. Above all, the best thing to do in Kasauli is to simply stroll or strike up a conversation with some strangers over a cup of tea. Remember, they are also travelers like us and are looking to engage in some adventurous activities! One cannot get loud on the street as it’s a cantonment area. Smoking is strictly prohibited in public places, and the penalty can go up to Rs. 25,000. Besides, it’s best to make hotel reservations before arriving in Kasauli.
How to Get There
- By Road: Buses, coaches, and taxis are easily available from Delhi.
- Nearest Railway Station: Kalka, Haryana (40 km from Kasauli).
- Nearest Airports: Shimla Airport (35 km from Kasauli) and Chandigarh Airport (65 km from Kasauli).
Check out: Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages
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