Solan doesn’t need an introduction. Not for travellers at least. But for those who’ve heard the word for the first time, Solan is a beautiful and lively town in Himachal Pradesh. It is nearly 46 km from Shimla. Situated at an altitude of 1,550 meters, the town is spread across an area of 33 km sq. Solan is a popular tourist destination as well as a place of great religious significance. Solan also holds great historic significance as it served as the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Baghat. Also known as the “City of Red Gold” , Solan is also very important from an agricultural point of view.
How To Reach Solan?
The town lies between Chandigarh and Shimla and is well connected to both the cities.It falls on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway 5 and can also be reached through the narrow gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway.
From several Hindu temples to ancient first and from the view of mountains to dense vegetation, Solan has a lot of places worth exploring. The vibe here is amazing for travellers and backpackers. The climate here is pleasant for most of the time of the year. The history of Solan can be traced back to the Mahabharata period and has a connection with the Pandavas. Hence, Solan is also a great place to explore for history buffs.
Best Places To Explore in the beautiful Solan
Kasauli:
Just 13 km from the market area of Solan, lies the quiet town called Kasauli. Surrounded by green hills and guarded by dense pine forests, Kasauli serves as a perfect getaway from the urban setup of Kasauli. You can rent a small homestay here for a peaceful stay amid the mountains and untouched natural beauty. It is a cantonment town and the colonial-era buildings add to the charm of an already gorgeous place. It is an ideal spot for activities like camping and hiking with a lot of places to explore.
Also Read, Mashobra: A Beautiful Village Hidden to a Normal eye
Chail:
Just 12 km far from the city centre, Chail is a picturesque village that one many people dream of visiting. Situated 2250 metres above the sea level, Chail is another gorgeous hill station in the Himalayas that is guarded by the dense Pine and Deodar forests. The greenery and the amount of plantation ensures that you get fresh air to breathe round the clock. It can get a little chilly during the winters but if you are a winter person, you won’t be disappointed with the weather during the winters.
Kuthar Fort:
You can’t claim to have explored Solan without learning about the history of this place. Kuthar Fort is a magnificent historic monument said to be at least 800 years old. It is said to be the oldest monument in the region. The fort has several fresh water springs and the entire fort complex is spread over a large area. It is a perfect place for history buffs to get to know more about the local traditions and culture. Kuthar Fort is a magnificent example of ancient Himalayan architecture and it’s story must be told.
Dagshai:
If you want to get deeper into the mountains to witness the untouched natural beauty without any filters, Dagshai is the place to explore. Perched atop a hill at an altitude of 5,689 feet, Dagshai is the oldest cantonment town in Solan district. It is also known as Daag-e-Shahi. It is a must visit place that is known for towering mountains, vast greenery, adventurous trails and scenic landscapes. For nature photographers, Dagshai is like a hidden treasure. The town was founded during the time of the British East India Company and hence there are several Colonial structures that will attract your attention towards them.
Menri Monastery:
Solan also has a lot of monasteries and Menri Monastery is the most famous among them. Located barely 6 km from the city centre, Menri Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in India. It is a hub of spirituality and Buddhist practices in the region. Among the key attractions at the monastery is a large statue of Lord Shenrab Mibo.
Solan Brewery:
Located 3 km from the city centre, Solan brewery is one of the oldest breweries in the country. The brewery was started in 1855 and has now been converted into a distillery. The distillery is now run by Mohan Meakin Ltd. Solan Brewery is located very close to the railway station and it is one of the places that you can visit while exploring the city.
Darlaghat:
Darlaghat is 40 km from the city centre. It is a wildlife sanctuary where you can spot several animals including Black Bear, Leopards, Sambars and barking deers. The wildlife sanctuary is located on the Shimla Bilaspur road. You can also take an eco trek organised by the HPTDC. For any nature lover, Darlaghat is a perfect place to visit.
