Visit Solan, Himachal Pradesh if you are fond of trekking, camping, adventure and spiritualism. April to mid of June and from mid of September to the first half of October is the best period for camping in Solan though the place can be visited throughout the year.
Solan is a very beautiful city amidst mountains, their snow-capped peaks and forests. It is located in Himachal Pradesh just at a distance of 50 km from Shimla. Though Solan is not a very prominent tourist destination but the place is frequently visited by trekkers and tourists who love solitude and peace. It is more or less a halting station on the way to Shimla and other such popular tourist destinations. Solan got its name from the Shoolini Maa, a regional deity. Hence the temple of Shoolini Maa is a prominent tourist place in Solan.
Tourists who want to experience spiritual world can visit number of monasteries and temples at Solan. A very popular Tibetan monastery known as the Yungdung Monastery is one of the most popular spiritual sites to visit. You can also visit ruins of 300 years old fort, the Gurka Fort, which is situated on the top of mountain. One can also visit the nearby tourist destinations from Solan such as Barog (07 km), Subathu (22 km), Kiarighat (23 km), and Kasauli (27 km).
Solan known as the “Mushroom City of India” because of extensive mushroom farming has one of the oldest breweries in the country. Solan Brewery that was started by Edward Dyer, an Englishman is also a popular spot to visit in Solan. This brewery has now been converted into a distillery.
Solan was a cantonment town during British Colonial Rule so one can feel the British architecture especially in its churches. Church inside Solan cantonment can truly be called a historical building that is made up of stone and has beautiful wood work. Its bold and stylish slanting roofs in addition to arches display British architecture.
Just like other hill stations, Solan too has a very popular and busy Mall Road. You can easily do local as well as branded shopping on the Mall Road but it is better to buy traditional stuff. Tourist can also enjoy many mountain peaks such as the Matiul Peak located in the east and the Karol Peak to the north of the city. Karol is the highest peak in this region.
Then there is a cave close to the top of the Mount Karol that is believed to be the same cave in which Pandavas from the Indian epic; the Mahabharata took shelter during their exile period.
You can visit Solan anytime of the year as weather is pleasant throughout the year. Chandigarh is the nearest airport to Solan which is well connected to all the major cities in India. Drop at Kalka railway station if you wish to reach Solan via train. To reach Solan by road is also not a problem as many private buses from Delhi and Chandiagrh reach Solan every day.
Places of interest near Solan
Dagshai – Kasauli
Jalori Pass – Narkanda
Dolanji Bon Monastery – Barog
Jatoli – Barog
Kiarighat – Solan
Kuthar Fort – Solan
Majathal Sanctuary – Solan
