Welcome to the charming world of Kasauli, a serene hill station tucked away in the lap of Himachal Pradesh, India. Unlike the usual tourist destinations, Kasauli is a well-kept secret, offering an authentic and peaceful experience amidst the lush green hills of the Shivalik range.
Picture yourself in the midst of thick forests, chilly mountain air, and tranquil nature sounds. Kasauli offers all this and more, making it the perfect getaway for those seeking solace, natural beauty, and a break from the chaos of urban life.
In this blog, we will take you through some of the best places to visit in Kasauli. But we won’t just stick to the usual suspects; we’ll delve into the lesser-known treasures that make this town truly unique. So, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone looking for a laid-back vacation, Kasauli has something special in store for you.
So, let’s start the journey!
12 must-to visit places in Kasauli
1. Mall Road
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m.– 10:00 p.m.
The center of the town is Kasauli’s Mall Road, a bustling boulevard lined with charming shops. The road is ideal for leisurely strolls and offers an array of local handicrafts, woolen clothing, and delectable street food. Whether you’re a shopaholic or a foodie, Mall Road has something for everyone.
How to Reach: Mall Road is located in the center of Kasauli and is easily accessible by both private vehicles and taxis.
Things to Do: Explore the local shops, indulge in street food, and enjoy the lively ambiance.
2. Gurkha Fort
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.
Perched on a hilltop, the Gurkha Fort is a historic treasure that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. This fort was built during the British colonial era and was once a strategic military outpost. Today, it stands as a witness to Kasauli’s rich past.
How to Reach: The Gurkha Fort is a short trek from Mall Road, making it a pleasant hike for adventure enthusiasts.
Things to Do: Explore the fort, soak in the views, and revel in its historical significance.
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3. Step Back in Time at Christ Church
Opening Hours: 12:30 to 7:00 p.m
After satisfying your taste buds, it’s time to explore the historical side of Kasauli. Christ Church, a colonial-era marvel, stands as a testament to the town’s rich heritage and architectural beauty. This stunning structure was built in the 19th century, and its neo-Gothic design is a sight to behold.
Take a moment to soak up the history of this place as you wander through the well-maintained cemetery adjacent to the church. The graves here date back to the British colonial era, and the inscriptions tell tales of the past.
How to Reach: Accessible by foot from the main market or by hiring a local taxi.
Things to do: Explore exquisite stained glass windows that filter soft, colorful light into the interior, and spend some time admiring the detailed woodwork and the serene atmosphere that envelopes you.
4. Gilbert Trail
Opening Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
The Gilbert Trail is a nature lover’s paradise. This picturesque trail, named after its founder, Colonel Barog Gilbert, meanders through dense forests and offers splendid views of the Himalayan landscape. The trail is known for its tranquility, making it the perfect place to connect with nature and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
How to Reach: The trailhead is located near the Christ Church in Kasauli, and it’s easily accessible by walking or taking a short taxi ride from the town center.
Things to Do: Enjoy a leisurely walk, go birdwatching, and capture the scenic beauty through your camera lens.
5. Toy Train Ride
Opening Hours: 4:30 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. (time may vary)
Starting Point and End Point: Dharampur Railway Station to Barog Railway Station
Total ride duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Kasauli is renowned for its charming toy train, which offers a delightful journey through the hills and forests of Himachal Pradesh. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-do for both kids and adults. The narrow-gauge train, with its vintage charm, takes you on a picturesque ride, offering glimpses of the lush greenery and the enchanting landscapes.
How to Reach: The toy train station is located in Dharampur, a short drive from Kasauli.
Things to do: Enjoy the scenic ride, capture the breathtaking views, and embrace the nostalgic charm of the toy train.
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6. Timber Trail
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush and a dose of adventure, the Timber Trail is the place to be. This adventure park features a thrilling cable car ride that takes you across the steep valley, providing unmatched views of the surrounding mountains and the winding Sutlej River below. There are also other options of doing trekking and ziplining like activities.
How to Reach: Timber Trail is approximately 35 km from Kasauli, and you can reach there by taxi or private vehicle.
Things to Do: Take the cable car ride, indulge in adventure sports, and relish the breathtaking scenery.
7. Monkey Point Kasauli
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Kasauli. This point is not only a treat for the eyes but also a place of great spiritual significance. Perched at an elevation of 6,401 feet above sea level, Monkey Point offers panoramic views of the Shivalik Range, Chandigarh, and the Sutlej River. The name “Monkey Point” is derived from the legend that Lord Hanuman placed his foot here while searching for the Sanjeevani herb during the Ramayana.
How to Reach: To reach Monkey Point, you can hire a taxi or take a short trek from Mall Road. The trek is around 1.5 kilometers and takes approximately 30–40 minutes.
Things to Do: Apart from soaking in the mesmerizing views, offer your prayers at the small temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
8. Gurdwara Shri Guru Nanak Ji
Opening Hours: 7:00 a.m.– 7:00 p.m.
Just a short distance from Monkey Point lies Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Ji, a place of tranquility and spirituality. This Gurudwara holds immense significance for Sikhs and is dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The serene atmosphere and pristine surroundings make it an ideal spot for meditation and introspection.
How to Reach: You can reach the Gurudwara by hiring a taxi or walking from Mall Road, which is approximately 1.5 kilometers away.
Things to Do: Spend some peaceful moments in the Gurudwara, listen to the melodious hymns, and partake in the Langar (community meal) offered to all visitors.
9. Sunset Point
Opening Hours: Sunset Point is accessible throughout the day, but the best time to visit is, of course, during sunset.
As the day gives way to evening, head to Sunset Point to witness nature’s breathtaking spectacle. Situated on the Upper Mall Road, this point offers a captivating view of the sun setting behind the hills, casting a warm and golden hue across the landscape.
How to Reach: Sunset Point is conveniently located on Upper Mall Road, which is easily accessible by car or on foot.
Things to Do: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Mall Road before heading to Sunset Point. Once there, find a cozy spot to sit, relax, and savor the mesmerizing view as the sun bids adieu to the day.
10. Kasauli Brewery
Opening Hours: 7:00 a.m.– 7:00 p.m.
For those who appreciate fine spirits and a touch of history, a visit to the Kasauli Brewery is a must. Established in the late 1820s, it is one of the oldest distilleries in Asia. The brewery is known for producing high-quality single-malt whiskey, and a tour here provides insights into the art of whiskey-making.
How to Reach: The brewery is located on the outskirts of Kasauli, and you can easily reach it by taxi or private vehicle.
Things to do: Take a guided tour of the brewery to learn about the whiskey-making process, from distillation to aging. Don’t forget to savor some of their finest creations during the tasting session.
11. Heritage Market Kasauli: Shop, Stroll, and Savor
Opening Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
No trip to a hill station is complete without exploring the local markets, and Kasauli’s Heritage Market is a charming place to do just that. This market exudes old-world charm and is brimming with shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, woolen garments, and local delicacies.
How to Reach: The market is conveniently located in the heart of Kasauli, near Mall Road, making it easily reachable on foot.
Things to do: Stroll through the market, shop for souvenirs, and savor local snacks like samosas and momos from the street vendors. This is also an excellent place to pick up some Himachali shawls and handicrafts as mementos of your trip.
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12. Tantalize your taste buds with Tibetan food
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m.– 9:00 p.m.
When you visit Kasauli, make sure to embark on a culinary adventure at the numerous Tibetan food stalls and restaurants scattered around the town. The Tibetan community here has preserved its rich culinary heritage, offering visitors a delightful array of flavors and dishes.
How to Reach: Either walk from Kasauli’s main market area or hire a local taxi.
Things to Do: Try iconic Momos, steamed dumplings filled with a choice of chicken, vegetables, or even yak meat. Pair them with fiery red chili sauce for an extra kick.
Thukpa, a hearty noodle soup, indulge in some piping hot Thenthuk, a hand-pulled noodle soup, or taste the flavorful Shabhaley, Tibetan fried meat pies.
For dessert, try the sweet and crispy banana pancakes, a perfect ending to your Tibetan food adventure.
How to reach Kasauli
To reach Kasauli, a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, India, you have several transportation options depending on your starting point. Kasauli is well connected by road, and the nearest major city is Chandigarh. Here are some common routes to reach Kasauli:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Kasauli is Chandigarh Airport (approximately 26 kilometers away), which is well-connected to major cities in India.
From Chandigarh Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kasauli. The drive takes approximately 2–3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
By Train:
The nearest major railway station to Kasauli is Kalka Railway Station. The station luckily is well-connected to cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Amritsar.
From Kalka, you can take a taxi or hire a cab to reach Kasauli, which is about a 1-2 hour drive away.
By Personal Vehicle:
If you prefer a road trip, driving from Chandigarh, Shimla, or Delhi to Kasauli is possible.
From Chandigarh, take NH5 and NH22 to reach Kasauli. The distance is around 60 kilometers, and it takes approximately 2–3 hours by car.
You can take NH 44 from Delhi to Chandigarh and then follow the directions above. From Delhi to Kasauli is about 290 kilometers away, and it takes between 6-7 hours to get there, based on traffic and road conditions.
By Bus:
You can also take a bus from Chandigarh, Shimla, or Delhi, which are all close by, to get to Kasauli. There are regular bus routes to and from Kasauli that are run by both the government and private companies.
Hilly roads can be difficult, especially in monsoon and winter months when snow and ice are present. Before your travel, verify the weather and road conditions and consider hiring a local driver if you’re unfamiliar with steep terrain.
The best time to visit Kasauli
Here’s a breakdown of the best times to visit Kasauli based on different seasons:
Spring (March to May): The greatest season to visit Kasauli is spring. The weather is pleasant, with 10–20°C temps. The trees and flowers are in full bloom during this time, making it a great time for nature lovers and photographers.
Summer (June to August): Temperatures during this time range from 14°C to 28°C. It’s an ideal time for those who want to escape the scorching heat of the plains. However, it can get crowded with tourists in June and July.
Monsoon (September to November): The lush greenery becomes even more vibrant, and the rainfall isn’t as heavy as in other parts of India. The temperature falls between 10°C to 25°CHowever, roadblocks due to landslides can be a concern, so check the weather and road conditions before planning your trip.
Winter (December to February): Temperatures can drop to sub-zero levels, especially in December and January. This is the best time for snow lovers and those who want a peaceful, less crowded experience.
So, it totally depends on you when you want to go and which season is preferable for you.
Happy Journey!