The Best Things To See And Do In Kasauli India

Kasauli is a beautiful little hill town located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. Unspoilt by commercialisation, the town boasts pristine nature, fresh mountain air and complete tranquillity, which makes it perfect for those keen on being at one with nature. Adventure seekers aren’t left out, as there is a plethora of short treks combined with amazing sights.

Go on a nature walk

For those looking for a tranquil short walk, the Gilbert Trail is the perfect place. It’s an approximately 1.5-kilometre long nature trail that lends itself to people dedicated to the pursuit of all things nature and serene. It stretches from Lover’s Lane to Air Force Station, following along lofty hills and natural woodlands. The path is wide enough at the start, but as you trek further, it gets narrow and slippery, so be careful and adopt sturdy footwear! Also, you’re likely to encounter colourful birds on this trail, which makes it a birdwatchers haven. The highlight of the trail, however, is its end point, from where if you walk 300 meters more, you’ll be treated to a breathtakingly beautiful view of the surrounding verdant landscape. For the best experience, walkers are encouraged to set out during sunrise or sunset.

Alternatively, you can opt for a nature trail from Lower Mall Road to Kimmughat. Drenched in natural beauty and stunning vistas of the Himalayan peaks, this trail is less than three kilometres, and an easy one. http://instagram.com/p/BeyW4ASlibC/

Observe the beautiful sunrise or sunset

Nestled at the end of the Upper Mall Road, the Sunset Point is one of the best places in Kasauli to observe the beautiful sunset and enjoy the unrivalled views of the valley and nature-filled scenery. Make your way over to the point at dusk and prepared to be amazed. Don’t forget to bring your camera along!

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Another unmissable spot is the Monkey Point, which is perhaps the highest point in the town. You need to walk up the hill and once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of the snow-laden Himalayas, the Sutlej River, and the surrounding cities of Panchkula, Chandigarh and Kalka. Aim to be at the summit at sunrise or sunset, when the views are truly mesmerizing. Also, there is a small Hanuman Temple on the summit, with lots of monkeys – just don’t tease them!

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Go on a trekking expedition

The scenic landscape encompassing dense forests, lush valleys and Himalayan mountain peaks has given Kasauli some beautiful treks with jaw-dropping views. The best ones include routes along Manki, Garkhal, Kalka and Jabli. These routes are short and easy, and completely worthwhile for the magnificent scenery and serenity.

Visit the temples and churches

The hill town is home to several churches and temples that are architecturally beautiful and historically rich. The must-visits include the 19th-century built Christ Church (also known as, Anglican Church), which is situated right in the middle of the bustling Mall Road and stands out with its stunning Gothic-style architecture, complete with Spanish and Italian stained glass windows that represent Jesus Christ, St. Francis, Mary and St. Barnabas. Another must-visit church is the 20th-century Baptist Church that boasts one of the finest Victorian and Indian styles of architecture in the country.

Among the many temples scattered in and around the area, the most prominent is the 150-year-old Nahri temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. Another temple worth a visit is the Krishna Bhavan Mandir that was built in 1926, and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The highlight of the temple, however, is its structure, which is in the shape of a church and is a blend of Indian and European architectural styles.

Christ Church, Mall Rd, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, India

Take a tour of Kasauli Brewery

Brewery

Established by Edward Dyer in the late 1820s, the Kasauli Brewery (or Mohan Meakin Pvt Ltd) is one of the oldest distilleries in Asia for malt whisky. It remains open from 7am until 7pm, and visitors are allowed to take a tour of the facility, observe the techniques used to make ale, and even sample some of the finest ales.

Go shopping at the Lower Mall Road

Shop

The Lower Mall Road is the major shopping spot in the town, with rows of shops selling everything from Tibetan items to clothes, accessories, handicrafts, hand-woven shawls, woollens, wines and other tidbits that would make for a perfect souvenir. There are also several eating joints dotting the street that serve the local Tibetan food, such as Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), dumplings, etc. This is the spot to wander, splash out and dig into delicious food!

About the author

Poonam Binayak

India Writer

Poonam is a freelance writer based in India. Her work has appeared in Time Out, Matador Network, Fodor's, Discover India Magazine, and various travel pubs. When she's not working to pay the bills, she spends her time rolling around somewhere clicking random things, planning her next adventure or binge watching. Find her on Instagram at @poonam.binayak