Located on the way of Kalka and Shimla, Solan has emerged to be a lovely place for excursion from any part of the state of Himachal Pradesh. The stunning landscape of Solan bordered by Chandigarh, Shimla, and Kalka is famous among tourists as the "Mushroom City of India". Acres of mushroom plantations at an elevation of 1,342 meters are a delight to the eyes. Its proximity with Shimla is another reason why many plan their tour to Solan.
Solan is an ideal tourism destination during all seasons. The district of Solan in Himachal is also home to a number of rivers such as the Yamuna, Ghagar, and Satluj. Prime attraction in Solan apart from the mushroom plantations includes the Shoolini Devi Temple. Several pilgrims from Chamba and Shimla travel to Solan to offer prayers at this temple. Tour to Solan would also include visiting other nearby places like Chail, Churdhar Peak, Dagshai, and Kandaghat. Apart from sightseeing, the abundance of hills in the region facilitates trekking to Shimla and rock climbing.
How to reach Solan
The capital city of Shimla is a 50 km drive to Solan. By air, Shimla and Chandigarh are the nearest airports. Shimla airport is 19 km from Solan and Chandigarh 44km. By train, Kalka Railway Station is a 44 km drive. Government buses ply from Chandigarh, Shimla, and Delhi. There are also other private Volvos available for day journey
Kasauli : 25 kms from Solan, Kasauli is a beautiful tourist spot. In summer one sees endless greenery of deodar and pine trees and in winter, snow covered earth. The Mall Road and Monkey Point are well known here. One can find a number of good hotels to stay here.
Sanavar : 21 kms from Solan, this attractive tourist spot is famous for its 150-year old public school and a church.
Parks and Mini Zoo : Close to the town of Solan are the Children's park, Jawahar park and Mohan Park. In the Children's park is a mini zoo, where one can find deer, wild cats and some rare birds.
Yashwant Nagar : This picnic spot is 20 kms from Solan. The river Giri flows along its sides.
Karol Caves : 5 km from the town, this cave is located at an altitude of 7000 ft . Karol Mountain is clearly visible from Solan. This is known as Himalaya's most ancient and longest cave. It reaches Pinjor Gardens.
Dagshahi : This is famous for its jail. A number of freedom fighters, German and Irish revolutionaries have spent time here. 15km from Solan are two English schools.
Badog : It is most famous for its pine trees and the longest tunnel on the Shimla-Kalka railway line. It is 5 kms from Solan.
Fort of the Gurkha : Situated on the 7000 ft high Dhar Mountain, this 300-year old fort was built by the attacking Gurkhas of Nepal. The view from here of Shimla, Kasauli, Chail, and Karol is breathtaking.
Nauni : Parmar University which teaches floriculture, is situated here. It is 12 km from Solan. Flower and plants are inexpensive. This University is one of its kind in Asia.
Young Drum Monastery : This Monastery teaches "Ban", the oldest religion of Tibet. People from all over the world visit this spot which is 15km from Solan on the Bagthan Road. Time and again, dances, are organized here.
Blessed by the Weather God
Solan is a bracing hill station throughout the year but hotter as compared to Shimla. At the time of summer in Solan, cotton clothes are recommended as the temperature rises to 35 Celsius and light woolen to heavy woolens are required in winters as the temperature dips to -2 Celsius.