The lovely “Mushroom City” of Himachal Pradesh is a stunning combination of colonial history, scenic views, and adventure activities, which makes it a good destination for families, solo travellers, and thrill seekers.
In this guide, you’ll explore the best places to visit in Solan, including historic sites that showcase the region’s colonial history and natural locations for photography and outdoor pursuits. You will also learn practical information about when is the best time to visit, and places in Solan that are well-suited for families and kids.
Kasauli’s Victorian Architecture and Mountains
When you visit Kasauli, one of Solan’s most charming colonial hill stations, you will feel as though you are stepping back in time. As you stroll along the winding roads, you’ll notice beautiful colonial buildings with sloping roofs, wooden balconies, and sturdy stone bases that have withstood decades of monsoons.
You will be using your camera a lot here, especially when you visit Christ Church, which is one of the famous places to visit in Kasauli. Built in 1853, the Gothic architecture stands out dramatically against the backdrop of pine-covered hills. If you hike up to Monkey Point, the highest point in town, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Sutlej River valley and distant snow-capped mountain ranges.
Dagshai: Military History and Scenic Beauty
The trip to Dagshai will unfold a village that is one of the oldest cantonment towns in India, dating back to 1847 when it was created by the East India Company. The Dagshai Jail Museum provides you with interesting insights into the penal system under colonial rule, where you learn about the prisoners and the conditions in which they lived.
As you explore the narrow streets of Dagshai, you will encounter beautiful colonial-era churches and homes that display the typical British hill station architecture. These houses are located in the scenic green hillside that cushions the perimeter of the town. The hike to the hills outside of town offers comprehensive views of the Shivalik ranges, where on a clear day you’ll be able to see the full extent of the Punjab’s plains in the distance.
Chail’s Royal Palace and World’s Highest Cricket Ground
Your visit to Chail gives you the best of both royal splendour and sporting history, in this frequently visited location. The beautiful Chail Palace, built in 1891 by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, represents your experience of royal splendour. You will be captivated by the unique architecture that draws upon both Rajasthan and colonial style, merging to create both a sense of grandeur and hospitality.
The Chail Cricket Ground, certified as the world’s highest cricket ground, sits at 2,444 metres (8,000 feet) above sea level. This perfectly shaped, rectangular, manicured ground sits on top of a hill, fully surrounded by thick deodar forests. Even if you are not a cricket fan, the view is spectacular and wonderfully engineered. If you are planning to stay at hotels in Solan, opt for hotel chains like Treebo Hotels, which is a crowd favourite. They offer the best value-for-money accommodations for every type of traveller.
Subathu’s Ancient Gurkha Fort
Subathu’s Ancient Gurkha Fort is a proud reminder of the rich military history of India, located in the hills of Himachal Pradesh. Construction of the fort began in 1815 by the British Army after the end of the Anglo-Nepalese War. The fort became an important military base for the famous Gurkha Regiment. The fort itself is located on a hilltop, approximately 1400 meters above sea level and provides beautiful views of the mountains and valleys. Today, visitors can view the old stone buildings, barracks and training facilities of the brave Gurkha soldiers who occupied the fort for many years.
The Gurkha Museum, located nearby, displays weapons, uniforms and photographs that contribute to the superb narrative of the fearless Gurkha soldiers. It is a popular stop for tourists and those who admire history to learn about the courage and fortitude of the Gurkha soldiers and their unique bond with the Indian Army.
Religious Sites with a Sense of Spirituality
Shoolini Mata Temple: Solan’s Spiritual Centre
You find the spiritual centre of Solan at the Shoolini Mata Temple, where the legend has it that the goddess protects Solan and the surrounding areas from natural disasters. The famous temple fair, held annually, attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims who visit every year for the blessings of prosperity and good health. It is a 3-day event and is generally held in June every year.
Jatoli Shiv Temple: Ancient Stone Architecture
Your journey to Jatoli Shiv Temple rewards you with breathtaking Himalayan views and distinctive stone architecture. This ancient shrine features intricate carvings that showcase centuries-old craftsmanship, and the peaceful surroundings offer perfect meditation spots.
Karol Tibba: Peaceful Monastery for Monks
You can experience true peace at Karol Tibba’s Buddhist monastery, where prayer flags flutter against the mountain surroundings. The calm atmosphere allows you to participate in meditation sessions and learn about Tibetan Buddhist traditions from the resident monks.
Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Dev
Located in the charming hill town of Solan, the fresh air and lush surroundings of Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Dev will make you feel peaceful and at a place to pray and meditate. The gurudwara was built in affiliation with Guru Nanak Dev, the first Guru of the Sikh religion. You can participate in daily prayers and enjoy the holy songs sung by the prayer leaders. Meals are available (Dal/Roti/Curry) from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM on all days, and it is all free and open to everyone irrespective of race/creed/or social standing.
Natural Hotspots: Ideal for Photography
Bon Monastery’s Tibetan Influence
One of the lesser-known spots of Tibetan Buddhism, set in the hills of Himachal, is Bon Monastery. The painted murals and statues of a golden Buddha provide great, vibrant indoor photography compositions. At golden hour, this still courtyard provides perfect light to capture awesome photographs full of colour and exposure.
Kuthar Fort’s Crumbling Walls
A true test of your ability to create impressive images will happen at Kuthar Fort, which has rock walls and trees still in a state of decay and ruin. Your eyes will notice all of the great weathered textures of the fort against the rolling hills. The ruin provides so many angles for photography, but morning sunrise is the best, giving the fort a dark and mysterious vibe with enough light to highlight the surroundings in the view.
Gilbert Trail’s Forest Walks
You will have the incredible opportunity of photography along this scenic woodland path, where light filters through the dense tree canopies, creating natural spotlights for your shots. With your macro lens, you can capture dewdrops resting on ferns, while your wide-angle lens will allow you to photograph the towering deodar and rhododendron trees. Whether you focus on creating close-up images of ferns or broader shots that show depth in the valley, you can build a diverse portfolio that showcases the vibrant colours and stunning views of the best places to visit in Solan.
Family-Friendly Places with Activities
Cable Cars at Timber Trail Resort
Your family will be excited to experience the incredible cable car rides at Timber Trail Resort, where you will float quietly through the forest canopy and take in stunning valley views. There are various accommodation packages that you can book ahead of time, which include unlimited cable car rides, which is ideal for both adults and children who wish to admire the mountains from above.
- Cost: ₹1,250 per adult and ₹1,000 per child
Picnic Locations and Parks in Salogra
At Salogra, your family can appreciate a great picnic at one of the many locations to spread out your blankets. Most of the parks and gardens are well-manicured, so you will be able to fully enjoy your time together. You will find trimmed lawns, vibrant flowers, tall trees for shade, and a lot of space for games and activities. Your children will have plenty of area to run around in a secure location, while you relax among the serene backdrops of rolling hills.
- Cost: Free
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in beautiful Himachal Pradesh, Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary contains a vast area of green forests and rolling hills. Visitors will get to see leopards, wild boar, jackals, and a wide range of birds, including pheasants and eagles that fly above the trees. Many plants and edible flowers are blooming each season, adding to the floral patterns in the garden-like setting. The sanctuary has gentle hiking trails that offer nature lovers fresh mountain air, travel through beautiful landscapes, and enjoy the singing of birds. The setting is peaceful and inviting for individuals and families looking to escape into nature and become acquainted with the nature and topography of the wildlife.
- Cost: Free
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Best Times to Visit Solan and Travel Information
Seasonal Weather Patterns
March to June: The best time for your visit to Solan is during these months, when the weather is cooler (15 – 25 degrees).
October to February: This is when temperatures are cold, which tends to make for a local ‘cosy’ hill station vibe; however, it can get very cold (5 degrees), so pack warm clothing.
July to September: This is the monsoon season, and it rains heavily, which will make most outdoor activities impractical.
Travelling From Major Cities
You can reach Solan easily by road from Delhi (300km), Chandigarh (65km), or Shimla (46km) via regular bus services or private vehicles. The nearest railway station is Kalka, about 46km away, connecting to major cities through the scenic toy train to Shimla. Chandigarh airport, roughly 65km from Solan, provides the closest air connectivity.
Accommodation Options
There are several hotels in Solan, starting from ₹800 per night to resort-type accommodations costing over ₹5000 per night. Book ahead for accommodations during the busy time of the year (April-June), or the hotels fill up quickly. Hill-top stays can give you great views, although they can be harder for food and convenience. Choose well-known hotel chains like Treebo Hotels to avoid any hassles. They offer the best deals with complimentary free breakfast. Treebo Club loyalty program gives you exclusive cashbacks and reward points.
Dishes of Local Cuisine to Try
Make sure to try authentic Himachali dishes like siddu (steamed bread), chana madra (chickpeas in a yoghurt sauce), and the famous red rice before you leave Solan. Trout fish is available at many local restaurants. You should also try mittha (sweet rice). Solan is known for its apple orchard and for its honey production, so you should also try some local honey and take some home.
Solan has an extraordinary combination of heritage, adventure, and natural beauty that makes it an ideal destination for every type of traveller. Plan your holiday according to the best times of year for each experience, and you’ll find yourself absolutely impressed with this hill station, which splendidly showcases a slice of Himachal’s rich culture and scenery.
