Kasauli

kasauli skyline

YOUR ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO KASAULI


Essential Information

  • Country, State: India, Himachal Pradesh
  • Timezone: GMT +5:30 
  • Languages Spoken: Hindi, English, Pahari
  • Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)

Weather and Climate

  • March – June: Pleasant and warm, 15°C to 30°C; ideal for outdoor activities
  • July – September: Monsoon with heavy rain, 18°C to 25°C; very lush
  • October – November: Clear and cool, 10°C to 20°C; great for sightseeing
  • December – February: Cold, 0°C to 10°C; occasional snowfall on higher spots

Discover Kasauli: A City Overview

Kasauli, a serene cantonment-era hill station in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district, charms with its colonial architecture, pine and deodar forests, and wide Himalayan vistas. Founded during the British Raj, it retains an old-world atmosphere along quiet lanes, stone churches, and tidy bazaars.

Nature trails like the Gilbert Trail thread through bird-rich woods, while Monkey Point—the town’s highest spot—rewards with sweeping views. Cafes and small markets keep the pace unhurried, making Kasauli an easy escape for slow walks, sunset lookouts, and restorative mountain air.

Best Time to Visit Kasauli for Optimal Weather

  • March – June: Peak comfort for hiking and sightseeing
    • Pros: Clear skies, flowers in bloom, great trail conditions
    • Cons: More visitors and higher room rates
  • October – November: Post-monsoon clarity
    • Pros: Crisp views, pleasant days, fewer crowds than summer
    • Cons: Evenings can be chilly
  • July – September: Monsoon season
    • Pros: Lush greenery and misty hills
    • Cons: Heavy showers; slippery trails, occasional disruptions

How to Get to Kasauli & Visa Requirements

  • Flights: Nearest major airport is Chandigarh (IXC), about 49–60km by road; typical drive ~50–60 minutes depending on route and traffic.
  • Trains: Kalka is the nearest railhead with broad connectivity; onward travel by taxi; the famed narrow-gauge “toy train” connects Kalka to nearby hill sections for a scenic ride (transfer needed).
  • Visa Requirements: Most foreign nationals require an Indian visa; verify current rules before travel.
  • Airport Transfers: Taxis are readily available at Chandigarh Airport; buses also operate but less frequently.

Fun/Historical Facts

Local lore links Monkey Point to the Ramayana—Hanuman is said to have touched down here while bearing the life-saving Sanjeevani herb, inspiring the hilltop Hanuman shrine.


Top Things to See and Do: Kasauli Attractions

Top 10 Attractions in Kasauli

  1. Monkey Point (Manki Point): Highest point with a Hanuman temple and far-reaching views
    • Address: Near Sunset Point, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh 173204
  2. Gilbert Trail: Bird-filled nature trail near Sunset Point; narrow path with valley vistas
  3. Sunset Point: Classic golden-hour lookout over the Shivaliks
  4. Christ Church: 19th-century stone church amid pines
  5. Kasauli Brewery (Solan Brewery): One of India’s oldest distillery-breweries; check visit options in advance
    • Address: Solan Brewery, Kasauli region, Himachal Pradesh
  6. Gurkha Fort (Subathu): Historic hilltop with panoramic views
    • Address: Subathu, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh 173206
  7. Lover’s Lane: Quiet promenade through pines with viewpoints
  8. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple: Peaceful temple complex
  9. Central Research Institute (precinct): Vaccine research campus; pleasant, leafy surroundings
  10. Nahri Temple (Jangeshu): Hillside temple with serene ambience
    • Address: Near Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path in Kasauli

  • Hawa Ghar: Breezy ridge-side pavilion and valley lookout near Monkey Point
  • Pine Hills Eco Park: Low-key trails, picnic corners, and quiet forest edges

Local Festivals and Events in Kasauli

    • Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival (April): Annual charity music festival, recently held April 18–19, 2025 at Baikunth Resorts.

Day Trips from Kasauli: Explore Beyond the City

  • Shimla (approx. 2 hours): Colonial avenues, Ridge and Mall, and grand views
  • Chail (approx. 2 hours): Palace, deodars, and the world’s highest cricket ground
  • Solan (approx. 1 hour): Temples, markets, and brewery heritage

Photography Hotspots: Insta-Worthy Locations in Kasauli

  • Monkey Point: Broad Himalayan panoramas
  • Sunset Point: Fiery skies over layered ranges
  • Christ Church: Stone arches and pine setting
  • Gilbert Trail: Verdant cliffs and forest textures.

Planning Your Stay in Kasauli

Recommended Length of Stay

  • 2–3 days are ideal for core sights, trails, and a relaxed pace.

Top Places to Stay in Kasauli

Budget-Friendly Hotels

  • Hotel Kasauli Inn
    • Address: Near Bus Stand, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
  • Sharma’s Hotel
    • Address: Lower Mall, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
  • Hotel Alasia
  • Forest View Homestay
  • Hotel Sunrise

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Kasauli Regency
    • Address: Kimmughat, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
  • Baikunth Resorts
    • Address: Village Gumti, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
  • Winnies Holiday Inn
    • Address: Near Main Market, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
  • Blossom Resort
    • Address: Garkhal, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
  • Birds View Resort
    • Address: Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

Luxury Hotels

  • The Fern Surya Resort Kasauli Hills
    • Address: Garkhal, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
  • WelcomHeritage Glenview Resort, Kasauli
    • Address: Near Lover’s Lane, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
  • Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort
    • Address: Parwanoo, Near Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
  • Ramshehar Fort Resort
    • Address: Ramshehar, Near Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
  • Seclude Kasauli
    • Address: Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

Getting Around Kasauli: Transportation Options

  • Walking: Best for the compact core and viewpoints
  • Taxis: For longer hops and day trips; agree fares upfront
  • Local Buses: Limited schedules
  • Self-drive/Car hire: Flexible for nearby excursions

Preparing for Your Trip to Kasauli: Practical Information

What to Pack for Your Kasauli Adventure

  • Layers for cool mornings/evenings; warmer jackets in winter
  • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip (monsoon trails can be slick)
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
  • Insect repellent; compact first-aid and personal meds

Useful Apps for Travel in Kasauli

  • Google Maps: Navigation and offline download
  • Zomato/Swiggy: Restaurant discovery and delivery (limited coverage)
  • Taxi apps/local operators: For on-demand or pre-booked rides

Local Customs, Safety Tips, and Cultural Etiquette

  • Respect local customs and religious sites; ask before photographing people
  • Carry back trash; avoid loud behavior in quiet residential areas
  • Bargain politely in markets; confirm taxi rates before rides

Food, Fun, and Finds: Experiencing Kasauli

Top Restaurants in Kasauli

  • Tashi’s Dragon: Tibetan and Chinese favorites
    • Address: Kasauli Main Market
  • Kasauli Coffee Roasters: Craft coffee and snacks
    • Address: Near Christ Church, Kasauli
  • Cliff Houzz Restaurant & Bar: Multi-cuisine with valley views
  • Hangout – Rooftop Bar & Restaurant: Popular terrace dining

Must-Try Dishes

  • Momos & Thukpa: Hill-station staples
  • Himachali plates: Local seasonal fare
  • Bakery items: Fresh breads and pastries from small cafes

Nightlife and Entertainment in Kasauli

  • Hangout – Rooftop Bar & Restaurant: Occasional live music
  • Bar at Baikunth Resorts: Quiet lounge setting

Souvenirs and Markets: What to Buy in Kasauli

  • Main Market: Handicrafts, wooden wares, hill souvenirs
  • Tibetan Market: Woollens, shawls, trinkets