The hill town of Kasauli is located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 1,927 meters above sea level. According to the ancient Hindu texts, the town was said to have been the resting place of lord Hanuman while he was looking for the life restoring herb in the Himalayas. The town was named by the Rajput kings from Rewari who sold the land to the British in the 19th century and converted it into a cantonment town for garrisoning troops for the first Anglo-Sikh war. Kasauli is nestled amidst the Dhauladhar range of the western Himalayas and is one of the most popular tourist places in Himachal Pradesh.
Due to its quiet and relaxing environment, Kasauli is also known to be a hiker’s paradise and enjoys a cool temperature all year round. Kasauli was developed by the British as a summer retreat after the conclusion of the Anglo-Sikh struggle and features colonial architecture and quaint pathways that helps hikers feel one with the surrounding natural beauty.
Climatic Conditions
Due to its high elevation and location amidst the snowcapped foothills of the Himalayas, Kasauli enjoys a pleasant climate during the summers and chilly winters. The summer months between April and June see the maximum temperatures up to 30 degrees with chilly nights. The monsoon season between July and September is fairly pleasant and picturesque with frequent showers. The winters are chilly with temperatures ranging from 5 degrees to 19 degrees with fog and occasional snowfall.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the place is between the months of September till November when the climate is the coolest and the retreating monsoons can cause occasional showers which enhance the beauty of this quaint little hill resort. Kasauli is accessible throughout the year however it is common for most people to travel here during the summers when the heat in the low lying plains can be devastating.
Attractions/Things to Do
Being developed by the British as their summer retreat, Kasauli is one of the most beautiful towns in India with its foggy lanes and colonial style buildings. Kasauli is visited by several adventure sport seekers as it is perfect for trekking and hiking along with various leisurely activities and honeymooning. Being the birthplace of the famous writer Ruskin Bond, Kasauli is one of the top locations for people who seek utter tranquility and peace amidst the Himalayan foothills.
Monkey Point, Baba Balak Nath Temple, Christ Church, Sanawar, Dagshai, Kasauli Club, Kasauli Brewery, Sunset point and Gilbert Trail etc. are few of the major attractions in the enchanting town of Kasauli.
How to Reach
Being a largely unspoilt hill town, Kasauli can only be reached via road. Kalka is the nearest railway station which is well connected with Kasauli and located at a short distance of 25 kilometers. The closest domestic airports are located in Shimla and Chandigarh where one can find several taxis and buses to travel to Kasauli. Buses, taxis and coaches are frequently available via Shimla and Chandigarh and also from the nearby towns and hill stations.
Distance from Major Cities
1. Solan to Kasauli – 28 kilometers
2. Kalka to Kasauli – 25 kilometers
3. Shimla to Kasauli – 74 kilometers
4. Chandigarh to Kasauli – 61 kilometers
5. Dehradun to Kasauli – 181 kilometers
6. Jammu to Kasauli – 380 kilometers
7. Delhi to Kasauli – 302 kilometers
8. Jaipur to Kasauli – 545 kilometers
9. Lucknow to Kasauli – 732 kilometers
10. Allahabad to Kasauli – 957 kilometers
11. Ahmedabad to Kasauli – 1,210 kilometers
12. Indore to Kasauli – 1,185 kilometers
13. Mumbai to Kasauli – 1,682 kilometers
14. Hyderabad to Kasauli – 1,827 kilometers
15. Kolkata to Kasauli – 1,755 kilometers
Accessibility and Accommodation
The town of Kasauli has a thriving tourism industry which is the main source of the town’s economy. Most visitors do not find any dearth of accommodation facilities that fit all sorts of tourist budgets. While being a relatively small cantonment town, it is often advisable for the tourist to explore the town on foot to get the best out of the natural surroundings. Taxis and cycle rickshaws can also be availed to get around the various attractions that the town houses.
