Nestled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas is the charming hill town of Solan, enveloped by verdant Deodar forests and picturesque mountains. An idyllic nature retreat, there are wonderful places to visit in Solan that offer visitors a perfect escape into tranquillity and stunning vistas. For this reason, it is considered the best destination in Himachal and a must-visit place at least once in your life. Its foremost sites provide peaceful sanctuaries to relax, rejuvenate and soak in the area's idyllic landscape. For those seeking a serene haven amidst natural splendour, Solan presents an unparalleled mountainous oasis. Wanderers longing to trade frenzied city life for slow-paced solitude need look no further than this scenic hillside hamlet, a calm counterpoint to modern demands that compels one closer to nature.
Solan offers visitors abundant places to explore, from churches and monasteries to verdant parks and bustling markets. Its diverse attractions invite vacationers to shape personalised itineraries catering to their unique interests and travel styles. Spiritually inclined travellers have a selection of temples and shrines to wander while nature lovers can opt for foothill treks and peaceful picnics under pine boughs. Those seeking cultural immersion might take in Solan's folk traditions, handicrafts and time-honoured institutions while shoppers browse its emporiums and foodies sample regional dishes.
8 Places to Visit in Solan for an Exciting Trip
With customisable experiences spanning history, landscape and entertainment, Solan provides every ingredient for an unforgettable holiday full of sights, sounds and adventure. The possibilities for fulfilment are rich here - one needs only to decide where to begin. Here are the 8 places to visit in Solan to add to your bucket list:
- Gilbert Trail
- Haunted Grave Of Barog
- Bon Monastery
- Christ Church
- Monkey Point
- Darlaghat
- Moksha Himalaya Spa
- Solan Brewery
Gilbert Trail
Nestled in the hills of Kasauli, Gilbert Trail charms visitors with its abundant natural splendour and idyllic scenery. The 1.5-kilometre forest hike offers the perfect escape for those seeking to reconnect with Mother Nature's tranquillity. Beginning just a short walk from Lover's Lane, the delightful trail winds through emerald woods. Open from sunrise to sunset, Gilbert Trail allows travellers to immerse themselves in the area's breathtaking vistas at any time of day. As one of many alluring spots to explore in Solan, it entices guests to leave the world behind and bask in the sanctuary of the forest. Along the way, the songbirds' melodies and the rustle of wildlife in the brush promise to soothe the soul. With so much pristine beauty, Gilbert Trail lets one rediscover inner peace and restore their bond with the natural world.
Haunted Grave Of Barog
Situated by the Barog railway tunnel is a sombre garden memorializing the tunnel's designer, a British architect named Barog. He tragically took his own life there after failing to properly align the tunnel's two halves during construction. Today, the site has gained notoriety for reported paranormal sightings, as some believe Barog's tormented spirit still roams the grounds at night, unable to find peace. Train passengers embarking at the nearby Barog station after dark might catch a glimpse of his ghost wandering along the tracks, a ghoulish spectre warning travellers of the grim fate that befell this place over a century ago due to one man's fatal engineering error. The aura of foreboding tragedy permeates the area, awaiting those brave enough to venture to this haunting spot near the tunnel and confront its woeful past.
Bon Monastery
Nestled just 12 kilometres outside Solan city centre lies the captivating Bon Monastery, a premier destination for visitors seeking an authentic Tibetan cultural experience. Though commonly conflated with Buddhism, the Bon religious tradition proves older than the Buddhist movement. This peaceful sanctuary of spiritual life opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, welcoming guests to glimpse a community that predates Buddhism in Tibet for centuries. From the remote hilltop locale to the ornate interior artwork and artefacts, Bon Monastery offers an enriching glimpse into enduring regional customs. No trip to Solan is complete without visiting this portal into the ancient heritage of Tibet, alive and well in modern Himachal Pradesh.
Christ Church
A prominent landmark amidst the Himalayan foothills, Christ Church has been attracting architecture admirers to the idyllic hill station of Kasauli for close to 180 years. Established in the mid-1800s by the British founders of Kasauli, this scenic Anglican church remains one of the most recognizable icons of the Solan district. Set against the backdrop of rustic charm and natural beauty for which Kasauli is renowned, Christ Church continues to enamour tourists and devotees alike. Its enduring attraction stems not just from its status as the area's oldest extant church, but also from the tranquil ambience that radiates through its surroundings. Capturing the essence of Kasauli since the town's early days under colonial rule, a glimpse of this heritage parish continues to be a must-have experience for visitors today, with its photogenic façade drawing admirers through the day between 7 AM and 7 PM.
Monkey Point
If you're an adventure seeker, put Monkey Point in Kasauli on your must-visit list. This peak is the highest point in the area and offers utterly captivating vistas that will compel you to pause and admire the beauty before your eyes. Once you make the journey up to this lookout spot, gaze out over the stunning scenery as far as the eye can see. To one side, witness the meandering Satluj River snaking through vibrant green hills. To the other, behold panoramic views of the city of Chandigarh sprawled out in the distance. The hike up is memorable in itself, but it's the jaw-dropping 360-degree views from the top that will stick with you long after your visit. Arrive in time to watch the golden sunrise or stay for an unbeatable sunset. Monkey Point is open from dawn to dusk, giving you ample time to take in the sweeping landscapes that surround this peak. Don't miss out on this top attraction for adventure lovers seeking magnificent vistas and an unforgettable trek in northern India.
Darlaghat
The town of Darlaghat is a must-visit destination for those looking to explore Solan. Nestled amongst natural beauty, Darlaghat provides a glimpse into both the industrial and ecological facets of Solan. As home to the renowned Ambuja Cement plant, Darlaghat has long been an industrial hub. Yet it also houses a thriving wildlife sanctuary filled with animals like black bears, barking deer, leopards, and sambar. The sanctuary offers exciting eco treks, making it one of the top activities for visitors. With its contrasting scenery, Darlaghat showcases the diverse appeal of Solan. Its natural wilderness and historic industry make it an essential stopover for anyone hoping to truly discover this region. Both nature lovers and the industry-curious will find something alluring in Darlaghat.
Moksha Himalaya Spa
Nestled 5,000 feet above sea level in the foothills of the magnificent Himalayas, a luxurious spa resort in Solan offers guests a rejuvenating escape. The very presence of this world-class facility, with its sweeping mountain vistas and abundant amenities, is remarkable. Visitors can revive body and spirit while soaking in the infinity pool or sauna, exercising in the gym, and relaxing in superbly appointed accommodations. Truly an oasis for indulging in relaxation against a breathtaking alpine backdrop.
Solan Brewery
A shining star among Solan's catalogue of must-see attractions is the 155-year-old Solan Brewery. This revered destination offers a one-of-a-kind experience that visitors of all ages can enjoy. Established in 1855 under English management, the Solan Brewery is believed to be the oldest surviving brewery in the country. Now overseen by Mohan Meakin Limited, this historic site was transformed into a distillery following its initial century-plus as a functional brewery.
Tourists flock year-round to the distillery, which spans opening hours of 7 AM to 7 PM each day. Groups of travellers - from families to kids to friend groups - all find immersive appeal while exploring the sprawling grounds and inner workings of this icon of India's colonial past. The Solan Brewery's rich heritage, atmospheric facilities, and engaging sightseeing make it an essential and unique inclusion on any checklist of top attractions in the Solan area for visitors. Don't miss out on a living landmark when discovering places to visit in Solan.
Solan offers abundant travel opportunities to satisfy all interests and preferences. Whether seeking spiritual enlightenment, outdoor adventure, immersion in nature, encounters with history, or luxurious indulgence, there are many places to visit in Solan that provide the ideal backdrop for a remarkable and memorable getaway. With little effort, any traveller can discover precisely what they are looking for in this diverse and accommodating destination. Explore our Himachal holiday packages and Himachal Pradesh honeymoon packages to plan your trip effortlessly!
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