An Introduction to Solan, a Hill Town in India's Himalayas

[Sridhar]

Located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, near Shimla, Solan is a beautiful place to visit. Blessed with a pleasant weather all year round, Solan has a lot to offer for visitors who are in love with mountains, nature, and history.

Also known as the ‘mushroom capital’ of the country, Solan nestled among the Himalayas is a popular hill station that is also the gateway to other hill stations like Chail, Kalka, and Kasauli. It lies at a height of around 1,500 meters above the sea level and attracts tourists from near and far.

Here’s everything that you needed to know about Solan as a tourist going there for the first time.

Places to See

There is a lot to explore here. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to visit in Solan:

Shoolini Mata Temple - Solan gets its name from this temple that is dedicated to Goddess Shoolini. This temple is one of the oldest in the region and is considered to be the holiest as well. An annual fair is hosted every year in the month of June, during which the temple attracts a huge crowd.

Jatoli Temple - Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is another temple that you can visit. Peaceful and quiet, this place is perfect to connect with your inner self.

Sanawar Nature Camp - Live among the pine trees in the Sanawar Nature Camp. From rappelling to yoga, there are a lot of activities one can take up. There are cabs from Chandigarh to Solan cabs which will take you to the Sanawar Nature Camp.

Solan Brewery - Located close to the railway station, this happens to be one of the oldest in the country and is now a distillery.

Kuthar Fort - The oldest in the region, Kuthar Fort is more than 800 years old. You will find many age-old structures here along with springs.

Menri Monastery - This is one of the oldest in the country and is a great place to visit. This place is a must-visit for all spiritual people.

Nalagarh Palace - This beautiful palace is located on the top of a hill and offers a stunning view of the city below. The palace is now a resort.

These are only some of the places in Solan that you can visit. You can drive to a number of places from Solan like Kasauli, Chail, Shimla, and Kufri. Avail a car rental in Chandigarh and explore all these places for an unforgettable experience.

Best Time to Visit

Visit Solan during the summer to escape the heat, as the area is really comfortable during this time. You can also visit during the monsoons if you like rains. Winters are cold and dry. If you are visiting during the winters, make sure to carry enough woolens.

How to Reach Solan from Chandigarh? The distance from Chandigarh to Solan is around 67 km and the drive will take a little more than 2 hours. Buses are available from Chandigarh but renting a car is the best way to travel. You will then have the option to explore the nearby places as well from the comfort of your own vehicle.