Solan
Solan is situated midway between Kalka and Shimla. the fine climate of this place round the year makes it an ideal destination for all seasons. There is famous 'Mohan Meakin's Brewery' in Solan, set up in 1855 A.D. The mountains near Solan offer interesting trekking possibilities and its streams are well stocked with a variety of game fish. Solan district is covered by catchment areas of three important rivers, namely Satluj, Yamuna and Ghagar.
Climate
Solan is a bracing hill station throughout the year but hotter as compared to Shimla. At the time of summer in Solan, cotton clothes are recommended as the temperature rises to 35 Celsius and light woolen to heavy woolens are required in winters as the temperature dips to -2 Celsius.
Best Time To Visit April to June & September to November.
Attractions Of Solan
1. Chail Sanctuary
Chail is a hill station visited by many tourists. The Deodar and Oak forests with grasslands around the township are the abode of wildlife. Chail sanctuary was notified on 21st March 1976 near Chail Town in District Shimla and covers an area of 10,854.36 hectares.
2. Churdhar Sanctuary
The sanctuary got its name from the Chur Peak, on the top of which sits a majestic status of Lord Shiva. One is sure to come across a large number of multi-coloured and agile Monals in the adjoining forests.
3. Gurkha Castles
The Gurkha castles in Solan, Sirmour, Bilaspur and Shimla districts remind us of the life and time under the Gurkha regime. While most of the structures built by the Gurkhas have crumbled, the remaining few beckon tourists.
4. Kamru Fort
The Kamru fort is a silent sentinel, situated at a fearsome altitude of 2,600m above the sea level. This place is at a distance of 229-km from Shimla, and is a dense cluster of houses, surrounded by fields and orchards.
5. Solan Valley
Solan district, also known as the 'Mahasu' district that is the most developed of all Himachal districts. The British loved Solan and built a number of small towns almost each of them with a with a cantonment area on its outskirts.
6. Arki Fort
Once the capital of the princely state of Baghal, Arki has witnessed a good measure of turbulence in this area.
7. Dr.Yashwant Singh Paramar University Of Horticulture & Forestry
This forestry & horticulture university is the first one in Asia. It is spread over an area of 550 hectares in village of Naunj on the Solan-Rajgarh road in district Solan and is 15-km from the town. This university was established on 1st December 1985, the founder being Dr.Y.S.Paramour, the first chief minister of Himachal Pradesh. It is divided into 14 departments, which are looked after by a faculty of over 200 scientists & teachers. It offers under graduate, postgraduate & doctoral courses in horticulture, forestry & allied disciplines.
8. Barog
Just 8-km from Solan and 37-km from Kalka, Barog is situated at the height of 1,600m. One can have a panoramic view of Churdhar Peak (3,647m), which poetically translates into 'Mountain of the Silver Bangle'. Barog was an important stop on the railway line in the earlier part of the century. Now it has longest tunnel on Shimla Kalka narrow gauge railway line. The major attraction is Barog height resort situated at the top of the hill, which offer the picturesque view of the surrounding area.
9. Bon Monastery (Yung Drung Ling)
12-kms from Solan, this monastery is the second oldest monastery in the world after the one present in Tibet.
10. Jatoli Shiv Temple
This is a very old temple and every year an annual fair is organised here on the occasion of Mahashivratri, which makes it a must see place, just 6-kms away from Solan.
11. Giri Picnic
Enjoy your picnic amongst the cool waters of Giri, 20-kms from Solan.
12. Karol Tibba
This place has a historic value as Pandavas lived here during their 'Agyatvas' period. Covering a 2-hours trek from the resort will take one to this wonderful place, an ideal place for nature lovers.
Getting There
Air
From Kasauli the nearest airport is Chandigarh and Shimla is the nearest airport from Solan.
Rail
The nearest railhead is Kalka in Haryana, which is 40-km from Kasauli and 44-km from Solan. Solan is also well connected with narrow gauge railway line from Kalka.
Road
Solan and Kasauli are also well connected by roadway buses, coaches, and taxis, which are easily available from Chandigarh and Delhi.
