General Information :

Best time to visit : April To November.

 

Location : Himachal Pradesh

 

STD Code : 01792

Introduction : Kasauli

Kasauli situated at a height of 1927mt., from sea level, is a small town with a strong Colonial influence. Kasauli provide a charming view of Chandigarh, Shimla and the himalayas covered with snow. This place is not so popular with the tourists, It's main attraction lies in it's overall cleanliness, and it's accessibility. Only 15 km from Dharampur, 37 km from Kalka and 65 km from Chandigarh. The narrow winding roads meander their way up and down the hill side and offer some magnificent sights.

History of Kasauli

In the 17th century, many Rajput families from Rewari (present day Haryana) took refuge in the lower Himalayas after fleeing their homes. They finally settled down in a village, named Kasul. Now, we know this small village as Kasauli, and it is no longer just a tiny village but rather one of the popular hill stations in India.Though now we know present day Kasauli as a quiet little hill station, things were different before. This region fell under the Gorkha expansion plans. But later, the Gurkha surrendered the Sabathu Fort (one can take a tour to Sabathu and still see this fort), after which it was turned into a recovering or nursing home for British Nationals.

Another strange event took place in 1857, the Kasauli guard soldiers, about eight of them set out to join the revolt by the Gurkha regiment, after hearing of their revolt against the British. Unfortunately the British got to the Gurkha regiment first, and forced them into submission, and promised them amnesty.Fially, the Kasauli guards were left with no way out, and were severely punished by the British.After hearing all this, it is quite hard to believe that it is the same Kasauli, that saw such chaos and political disturbance, but then Nature is never cruel, it remains the same. It is people who change and wage wars, destroying not only societies and civilizations but also the Nature and its beautiful creatures.

Accessibility

By Air : From Kasauli the nearest airport is Chandigarh. Shimla is nearest airport for Solan.

 

By Rail : Nearest railhead is Kalka in Haryana, which is 40-km from Kasauli and 44-km from Solan. Solan is also connected with narrow gauge railway line from Kalka.

 

By Road : Solan and Kasauli are well connected by road buses, coaches and taxis are also easily available from Chandigarh and Delhi.

Places to Visit

Monkey Point : The highest point in Kasauli called Monkey Point, is just 4-km from the Kasauli bus stand. The Monkey Point commands an excellent view of the distant plains of Chandigarh region and the river Satluj, tracing a silvery trail through the scene. A small temple is also situated on the top of the hill, which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. According to a legend, at the end of Ramayana when Lord Hanuman was returning from the Himalayas after obtaining Sanjivani Booty or the Magical Herb, his foot touched the hill and thus the top of hill is in a foot shape. On a clear and starry night the gorgeous view of Chandigarh can be seen from the Monkey Point.

Sanawar : Just 6-km from Kasauli, Sanawar houses one of the best schools in the country. The Lawrence school is almost one hundred-years-old and a major attraction of the town.

Dharampur : Just 15-km from Kasauli on the National Highway No.22, Dharampur is situated. Amidst the healthy air of the fragrant pines, Dharampur has one of the best hospitals in India for the cure of tuberculosis. It is also connected by Kalka-Shimla railway line.

Sabathu : A little cantonment town has a Gurkha fort built in the early years of the 19th century, situated at an altitude of 1,437m. This cantonment town quartered the British soldiers at the time of British Empire. A diversion road from Dharampur 15-km away leads to the Sabathu town.

Dagshai : Another little cantonment at an altitude of 1,925m just 19-km from Kasauli, it is accessible by a link road, which diverts from Dhrampur. Dagshai is perched on a small hill and comprises of a military public school and numerous military barracks.