Places to visit in Solan and things to do

Solan is a picturesque hill town that is found in the Outer Himalayan foothills. It is completely encircled on all sides by Deodar woods and mountain ranges with beautiful scenery. The destinations that you may visit in Solan provide the atmosphere that is ideal for a holiday that will be rich in opportunities for relaxation and refreshment, in addition to offering a wide variety of breathtaking vistas to take in.

People who like spending time in the midst of breathtaking natural scenery will find Solan to be the ideal location for a nature getaway. If you’ve been seeking a peaceful area to get away from it all, then there is no other location on earth that can compare to Solan. You may get to this breathtaking location by any one of many different routes.

By air: Shimla, which is located 55 kilometres to the south, is home to the closest airport. There are flights departing Shimla for both Delhi and Kullu. From the Shimla airport, it is not difficult to get a taxi that will take you to Solan. 

By train: The Kalka-Shimla railway, which is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, provides convenient access to Solan. The city itself is connected to a number of other significant cities by Kalka, which has a wide gauge. To get into the city from the train station, travellers may use taxis provided by the local company. 

By road: Shimla and Chandigarh both have roads that go to Solan, making it accessible from those two cities. Both of these cities may be reached from Solan with the city’s consistent bus service.

13 Solan tourist places you must not miss on your trip

Nalagarh Fort

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Himachal Pradesh is home to some of the world’s most renowned historic buildings, including the Nalagarh Fort. At the base of the Himalayas, construction began on it in the year 1421. It is the perfect place to go away on vacation, owing to its location in the midst of verdant vegetation and the fact that it is endowed with contemporary conveniences. Additionally, it offers a breathtaking panorama of the Shivalik Hills. It is located on a wide property that spans 20 acres and is graced with trees, orchards, and gardens that have been artfully groomed.

The Nalagarh Fort may be reached from Solan City by travelling a distance of 76 kilometres. Travelling by vehicle or bus is always a viable option for getting to the location of your choice.

 

See also: Escape sweltering summers by visiting the top 15 India’s coldest places

 

Chail

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Nearby Shimla, Chail is a tranquil hill station famed for its cricket facility and a historic hotel, Chail Palace. Chail, at the height of 2,250 metres above sea level, is nestled among pine and deodar trees.

Chail is an excellent day excursion from Shimla since the Mall road takes just approximately two hours to get there. However, if you want a more rewarding experience, consider staying at one of the nearby resorts. Solan, another significant city nearby, is just 45 kilometres from Chail.

Trekking and camping opportunities abound in Chail, making it a popular destination for intrepid travellers. In addition to its location on the shores of the Sadhupul River, Chail is home to a number of other riverfront camping choices. Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is another attraction for tourists to check out in this area.

Driving, which takes 58 minutes and is the least expensive option, is the best method to go from Solan to Chail. There is a distance of 38.3 kilometres between Solan and Chail.

Kasauli

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Solan district’s hilltop village of Kasauli, on the route from Chandigarh to Shimla, is a tranquil refuge for a weekend retreat or longer vacation. Because of its proximity to Delhi and Chandigarh, Kasauli is mostly renowned for its lovely villas and tranquil surroundings rather than for any specific destinations or events.

Many of the opulent Victorian structures in Kasauli date back to the British colonial era and were constructed at that time when the town was still a cantonment. The picturesque community has nature walks as well as stunning overlooks. Some of the world’s greatest authors have sought inspiration at Kasauli, the hometown of Ruskin Bond.

It is well known for its hiking routes due to Kasauli’s location in the southwestern corner of Himachal Pradesh, which is on the margins of the Himalayas that are lower than their interiors. It is tucked away in the middle of breathtakingly gorgeous cedar woods, pine forests, and herb forests.

Kasauli may be reached from Solan by travelling a total distance of 26.5 kilometres. Buses that are owned and operated by the state will carry passengers between Kasauli and Solan. Kasauli is serviced by a large number of super rapid and super deluxe buses, all of which make a stop there.

Mohan Shakti National Park

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Mohan Shakti National Park is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most beautiful picnic sites, located in the Himalayan foothills. The park is located in an area that is characterised by dense oak trees and garden terraces. Due to its location at the base of the hills, the park provides visitors with stunning and beautiful vistas of the mountains in the vicinity.

Attractions in the park include a number of Hindu temples and carvings that are evocative of Delhi’s Akshardham temple. In order to visit Mohan Park, you must be able to run down a hilly and risky route.

The Mohan Shakti Heritage Park can be found near Chambaghat, which is located in the district of Solan. It is situated around 44 kilometres away from the heart of Shimla, the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. The hours of 10 am to 5 pm throughout the day are when this location is at its most enjoyable for guests.

Dagshai

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This little settlement is well worth seeing to get a sense of what it is like to visit a genuine unconventional site. It is a military cantonment, and many of the structures date back to the British era. While the town has a few interesting sights, such as the cathedral as well as the Dagshai cellular prison, visitors may still enjoy themselves and learn something new.

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a picnic with friends and family, Dagshai is a great place to go. At night, one can see all of Chandigarh and Panchkula from these vantage points. Tourists may also enjoy a vast playing field in the vicinity.

Dagshai is located 14 kilometres from Kasauli and 18 kilometres from Solan. You’ll have the option of hiring a private cab or boarding a local bus from the Solan city centre that will take you around 30 minutes to cover this distance. 

Majathal Sanctuary

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This wildlife sanctuary is a wooded region that stretches over a total area of 55,670 square kilometres and has a diverse collection of flora and animals. A significant number of endangered species, such as the Cheer Pheasant, are located in this area.

In addition to gorals and goats, this sanctuary is home to a large number of distinct kinds of birds as well. Within the confines of the sanctuary itself, visitors have the option of staying in one of many jungle huts.

Majathal Sanctuary is located at a distance of 35 km from Solan, and there are regular cab services from the Solan city centre that will take you to this sanctuary. 

Darlaghat

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This location serves as a refuge for several animals, including leopard,  sambar deer, black bears, and barking deer, among other species. It is situated on the Shimla-Bilaspur route, which is situated around 35 kilometres away from Shimla. In addition, the HPTDC hosts a variety of environmental treks throughout the year at this location.

You can find Darlaghat at a distance of 70 km from the city centre of Solan, and it will take you around 2 hours to reach this location since there is a large distance between the two places. There are regular bus services as well as private cab services available for tourists. 

Barog

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Himachal Pradesh’s ideal tourism destination combines the natural splendour of the Himalayas with the pre-colonial history and old mythology that you’d assume from such a stunning state. This is a site similar to Shimla, but without the commotion and crowds of the major city during the tourist season. Himachal’s charm is here, but it is mixed with its own brand of enchantment and individuality. 

If you’re planning a trip to Shimla during the rainy season and want to go hiking, camping, and sightseeing in the surrounding area, Barog should be at the top of your list of places to go. You can’t afford to pass up the chance to take a bus and go exploring in this quaint small town since there is so much for visitors to take advantage of here.

The distance that has to be travelled by train to go from Barog to Solan is around 4 kilometres in total. For you to be able to take in all of the jaw-dropping splendour that this location has to offer, you will need to board a train from the Solan Railway Station and travel all the way to the Barog station.

Arki

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Arki is an off-the-beaten-path location in Himachal Pradesh and provides a one-of-a-kind combination of artwork, culture, and legacy. It is a tiny town in the Solan district that is primarily renowned for its fort from the 18th century.

Arki is regarded as one of the region’s most diminutive settlements, and it is found in the state of Himachal Pradesh, which is home to the Shivalik hills that serve as the foothills for the Himalayan mountain ranges. The meaning of the name Arki is “a sunny location.” It is surrounded on all sides by a breathtakingly beautiful panorama.

Arki is renowned for its storied history, and it has the architecture and culture to prove it. The Arki Fort and the Jakholy Devi Temple are just a few of the many structures that show the legacy of the emperors that ruled it.

Driving, which takes 1 hour and 13 minutes to cover a distance of 55 km, is the least expensive option to go from Solan to Arki. Taking a cab is the most time-efficient mode of transportation between Solan and Arki.

Sirmour

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Sirmour is a peaceful and quiet district that can be found in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Even now, more than ninety per cent of the population lives in rural villages. This area has not been impacted by industrialisation since the natives have a strong connection to the natural world. The region of Sirmour, which comprises the cities of Paonta Sahib, Nahan, and Suketi, provides visitors with attractive scenery, rocky hills to climb, tranquil lakes for paddling, and exquisitely constructed temples.

Because of the extensive peach farming that takes place in and around Sirmour, the town is also known as the “Peach Bowl of India.” You will find that a wide variety of fruits and veggies, such as apples, tomatoes, ginger, potatoes, mangoes, and peaches, are produced in this region. 

The distance from Solan to Sirmour while travelling by car is 106 kilometres. You may take the train from Solan, or you can book a private taxi if you prefer. Either way, the choice is yours. Jagadhri is the railroad station that is located the closest to Sirmaur.

Subathu

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Subathu is well-known for its role in the Anglo-Nepalese War. In the 19th century, it was home to a provincial leper colony. It also provides wonderful views of green mountains that are sprinkled with residential houses. It’s a great spot for taking pictures of the natural world.

The journey from Solan to  Subathu may be completed in a total of 24 minutes. When travelling by car, the distance between Solan and Subathu is about 20 kilometres. 

Kiarighat 

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Kiarighat is a stunning location that can be seen on the way to Shimla from Chandigarh and is situated around 19 kilometres away from Solan. This site, which was formerly a Dak Bungalow, is now well-known among tourists as a destination for overnight stays.  Solan provides you with several options to reach Kairighat. From the Solan bus terminal, you have the option of taking a public bus or hiring a private taxi. It will take you around 50 minutes to go to Kiarighat from Solan.

 

Kuthar Fort

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This is the earliest heritage site in the area, with a purported age of anywhere between 700 and 800 years. A variety of freshwater streams may be found inside the fort’s expansive grounds, which cover a somewhat considerable area. You may locate a few other monuments, including the Gurkha Fort and others if you go all the way around this historic edifice.

In the Solan district, Kuthar Fort may be reached by travelling 33.5 kilometres from Solan. You can hire a private taxi or travel by public transport, and it will take only one hour to reach Kuthar Fort from the Solan City Centre. 

FAQs

What makes Solan such a unique destination?

When would you recommend going to Solan?

Visitation is at its peak during the summer months. The weather continues to be pleasant, making it ideal for going on excursions. The months of December through February are considered to be winter in Solan.

Is going to Solan a risky proposition?

It is completely risk-free to travel to Solan from Delhi. The ghat part begins in Kalka and continues for around 40 kilometres till it reaches Solan. The journey would take somewhat more than an hour.

Is Solan a town on a hill?

At an average height of 1,600 metres, the town of Solan serves as the district headquarters. It is both a hill station and a city due to its location on the route leading from Chandigarh to Shimla. It's true that it's in Himachal Pradesh, and the elevation is roughly 5000 feet above sea level. What a gorgeous area it is!