Top 10 Famous Tourist Places in Solan

Top 10 Famous Tourist Places in Solan

Solan, often referred to as the Manchester of the North due to its industrial prominence, is a captivating hill station nestled amidst the picturesque Shivalik Hills. It’s a place where nature’s beauty intertwines seamlessly with historical charm and modern development. In the foothills of the Outer Himalayas, lies Solan – a charming hill town surrounded by Deodar forests and scenic mountains on all four sides.

The places to visit in Solan bring you the perfect aura for a vacation that will be filled with relaxation, rejuvenation, and plenty of scenic views. Solan is a perfect nature retreat for people who love to spend some time surrounded by natural beauty. So, if you have been looking for a tranquil place to retreat, then there cannot be a better place than Solan.

From churches to Forts, you will find several Solan tourist places that you can cover on your vacation. Along with this, you will also find umpteen things to do in Solan that will amp up the level of fun of your trip. So, check the Article and choose what all places are you going to cover!

Arki Fort

Tucked away on the quieter side of a valley town, the Arki fort also houses a palace. It was built by Rana Prithvi Singh in the years 1695-1700. Till 1650 Arki was the capital of Baghal, a princely state. An invading Gurkha army in 1806 captured the fort and turned it into a garrison. It was at the conclusion of Gurkha Wars in 1815-16 that this fort palace was liberated by the British forces.

The palaces interiors are decorated with some very good paintings of the Kangra miniature style that depict incidents from mythology, religion, history and rural everyday life. Some of the older murals have lived the test of time and look as good as new on the walls and ceilings, turning them into fine galleries of an art form of an bygone age. Arki is 53 km from Solan and can be reached easily by road.

Things to Do

Explore the Fort Complex: Wander through the sprawling fort complex, discovering hidden chambers, courtyards, and secret passages.
Admire the Art: Immerse yourself in the rich artistic heritage of the region by appreciating the stunning murals and frescoes.
Capture Moments: The fort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, making it a perfect spot for photography.
Relax in Nature: Enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the fort and the surrounding greenery.

Best Time to Visit

Arki experiences pleasant weather throughout the year, making it suitable for a visit anytime. However, the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) months offer the most comfortable temperatures.

How to Reach

Arki is well-connected to Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. You can reach Arki by road or rail.

Chail Sanctuary

Chail Sanctuary is a hidden gem nestled amidst the lush greenery of Himachal Pradesh. While it might not be as popular as some of its larger counterparts, it offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and encounter some fascinating wildlife. The sanctuary around the hill station of Chail has a lot of wildlife. Animals and birds that can be sighted around include the Sambar, Goral, Barking Deer, and Cheer Pheasants.

There is a Cheer pheasant breeding centre at Chail. The pheasants bred in captivity are then released back into the wild to replenish depleting populations of the threatened bird. Trekking from Chail to Gaura or Chail to Jhaja is recommended for travellers for better sightings of wildlife in the region.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Chail Sanctuary is between March and October. The weather is pleasant, and the chances of spotting wildlife are higher during this period.

How to Explore

Trekking: There are several trekking routes that offer stunning views and a good chance of spotting wildlife. The trek from Sadhupul to Chail is particularly popular.
Birdwatching: Chail Sanctuary is a birdwatcher’s paradise. With patience and a good pair of binoculars, you can spot a variety of avian species.
Nature Walks: Simply strolling through the sanctuary can be a rewarding experience. Keep your eyes and ears open for wildlife encounters.

Kasauli

Kasauli, a charming hill station nestled in the lap of Himachal Pradesh, is a perfect getaway for those seeking tranquility amidst nature’s beauty. A road that bifurcates at Dharampur on the Shimla-Kalka highway leads to the quaint little town of Kasauli that seems to exist in a time warp of the 19th century. Its colonial ambience still retains cobbled paths, quaint shops, gabled houses with charming facades and scores of neat little gardens and orchards. Kasauli is surrounded by a mixed forest of pine, Himalayan oak and huge horse-chestnuts.

Monkey Point, 4 km from the Kasauli bus stand, is a vantage point from where you can gaze the sprawling tricity of Chandigarh-Panchkula-Mohali to the south and Shimla in the north.
Kasauli is 77 Km from Shimla and 35 Km from Kalka. From Solan, it is only 27 Kms and can be reached easily by road.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to explore Kasauli is between April and June when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. However, the monsoon season from July to September adds a mesmerizing charm with lush greenery and fewer crowds. Winters, from October to March, offer a serene ambiance but can be chilly.

Things to Do

Explore Monkey Point (Manki Point): The highest point in Kasauli, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Discover Gilbert Nature Trail: Immerse yourself in nature’s beauty with a leisurely walk through this trail, teeming with birdlife.
Unwind at Sunset Point: Capture stunning sunset views over the valley.
Visit Christ Church: Admire the architectural beauty of this historic church.
Seek Blessings at Temples: Explore the spiritual side of Kasauli with visits to Krishna Bhavan Mandir and Baba Balak Nath Temple.
Indulge in Adventure: Experience thrilling activities like trekking, paragliding, and camping in the nearby areas.
Shop Till You Drop: Explore the local market for handicrafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce.

Kuthar Fort

Kuthar Fort is a captivating historical site nestled in the serene Himalayan landscapes of Solan, Himachal Pradesh. While it might not be as popular as some other forts in India, its rich history and architectural beauty make it a worthwhile destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking an offbeat experience. At a short driving distance from Solan, near the Shimla airport at Jubbarhatti, is Kuthar Fort. The oldest sections of this fort date back to 800 years. Spread over a large area, the fort even has fresh-water springs flow within its confines. Other forts in the vicinity of Solan are Kunihar and the Gurkha fort of Subathu which can be easily reached from the city.

• Best Time to Visit: Kuthar Fort can be visited throughout the year, but the weather is pleasant during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).
• Location: The fort is located near Solan, Himachal Pradesh, and can be reached by road from Shimla or Chandigarh.

Nalagarh Palace

Strategically placed at the Himalayan foothills, Nalagarh with the construction of a fort was founded in 1421 AD. Within the fort is a palace of the erstwhile royal family. Nalagarh was the capital of a princely state and saw some fierce fighting during the 1805-15 Gurkha occupation. Spread over considerable acreage, the fort and the palace of Nalagarh have a series of structures that are mostly built in the Mughal style of architecture. These have been exhaustively renovated and are now part of an excellent heritage resort.

• Architectural Splendor: Admire the intricate carvings, ornate decorations, and majestic halls that reflect the rich heritage of the palace.
• Serene Gardens: Lose yourself in the well-manicured gardens, offering a peaceful escape amidst the lush greenery.
• Panoramic Views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Nalagarh town and the surrounding hills from the palace’s vantage point.
• Royal Stay: Indulge in a luxurious stay at the heritage resort, experiencing the epitome of regal hospitality.
• Local Cuisine: Savor authentic Himachali delicacies at the palace’s restaurant, while relishing the flavors of the region.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Nalagarh Palace is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the surroundings are in full bloom.
• How to Reach: Nalagarh is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is Chandigarh, approximately 120 kilometers away.

Shoolini Mata Temple

This Hindu temple is easily one of the most revered places to visit in Solan which is evident from the fact that the town derives its name from Shoolini Devi – the goddess this temple is dedicated to. For being the holiest shrine in the region, it is frequented by devotees in large numbers, and for also being an iconic site, it is quite popular among tourists as well.

Best Time to Visit

The temple is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the annual Shoolini Fair, which is held in June. This is when the temple comes alive with festivities, attracting devotees from far and wide.

Christ Church Kasauli

Easily one of the most recognizable icons of the Solan district, Christ Church is situated in the charming hill-town of Kasauli. Architecture lovers are often seen flocking to this scenic church which was established almost 180 years ago by a British family that also founded the Kasauli settlement.

Things to Do at Christ Church

• Explore the architecture: Admire the intricate details of the church’s construction, from the stained glass windows to the wooden interiors.
• Visit the cemetery: Take a quiet walk through the cemetery and reflect on the lives of those who came before.
• Enjoy the views: The church offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding hills.
• Attend a service: Experience the spiritual side of the church by attending a Sunday service.
• Photography: Capture the beauty of the church and its surroundings through your lens.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kasauli, and consequently, Christ Church, is between April and November when the weather is pleasant.

Practical Information

• Location: Near the bus stand, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.
• Timings: Open from 7 AM to 7 PM, all days. Sunday service is held at 9:30 AM.
• Entry fee: Free

Dagshai Jail Museum

Dagshai Jail Museum is a haunting reminder of India’s colonial era. This former prison, converted into a museum, offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the harsh realities of life behind bars. One of the historic places to visit in Solan includes the famous Dagshai Jail Museum. It is a former British prison in which Mahatma Gandhi voluntarily stayed for a day in support of the Irish independence from the United Kingdom. Dagshai Jail is only the second jail to be converted into a museum after the Indian independence from the British rule.

What to Expect

• Chilling Cells: Explore the 54 maximum security cells, including the solitary confinement ones. The claustrophobic atmosphere and minimal amenities provide a chilling glimpse into the lives of prisoners.
• Historical Artifacts: Discover intriguing exhibits showcasing the jail’s history, including photographs, documents, and personal belongings of inmates.
• Mahatma Gandhi’s Cell: Learn about the time Mahatma Gandhi spent here and the impact it had on his life.
• Architectural Marvel: Admire the British colonial architecture of the jail, a testament to the era.

Majathal Sanctuary

Heaped with an undulating steep and rugged terrain, this wildlife enthusiast’s and backpacker’s paradise is along the Shimla-Bilaspur-Highway that can be reached by hiking from Kashlog, near Darlaghat. This sanctuary has a high population of Goral deer and a large population of the endangered Cheer pheasant. Though the sanctuary can be visited any time of the year, May to October is the best time for camping out in tents.

Majathal Sanctuary is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise nestled in the rugged beauty of Himachal Pradesh. Offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle, it’s a place where you can immerse yourself in nature and encounter diverse wildlife. If you are an animal as well as nature lover then Solan has an amazing place for you to explore. Sprawled in an area of 55,600 square kilometers, Majathal Sanctuary is home to hundreds of animals and different species of plants.

You will find several endangered species to animals like Cheer Pheasant. Some of the other species of animals that you may witness here are goats and gorals. Apart from this, you might hear birds chirping here and there in the forest. If you want to witness it closely then you will be surprised to know that the sanctuary also has accommodations in the form of jungle houses. Several photographers and animals lovers resort to this sanctuary as it is one of the top tourist places in Solan.

Best Time to Visit

Majathal Sanctuary can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to experience the sanctuary’s beauty is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant.

Things to Do

• Trekking: Explore the sanctuary’s rugged terrain through well-marked trails.
• Wildlife Spotting: Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive leopard, black bear, and other fascinating creatures.
• Birdwatching: The sanctuary is a birdwatcher’s delight, with a variety of avian species to spot.
• Camping: Experience the thrill of staying overnight in tent houses amidst nature.
• Temple Visit: The sanctuary houses a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Harsingh.

Jakholi Temple

Nestled amidst the lush green hills of Solan, the Jakholi Temple offers an inviting escape to those seeking tranquility and picturesque landscapes. The temple is not only a place of worship but also a testament to the region’s rich historical and cultural tapestry. As visitors embark on the journey to Jakholi Temple, they are greeted by serene environments and captivating views that remain etched in their memories long after their visit.

Constructed centuries ago, Jakholi Temple stands as a significant cultural landmark. The architecture reflects traditional Himachali designs, instantly transporting visitors back in time, and revealing the deep-rooted spiritual history of the region. The temple is also renowned for its annual fairs which serve as a confluence of local culture, bringing together communities in celebration and devotion. These fairs and pilgrimage activities typically see an influx of devotees who travel from far and wide, adding to the temple’s vibrancy and allure.

One of the primary attractions of Jakholi Temple is the scenic trails that lead to it. These trails, winding through dense forests and rolling hills, are a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. As one ascends these paths, the view of the Solan Valley below unfolds in a breathtaking panorama. The air is fragranced with the earthy scent of pine trees, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself. This natural beauty, coupled with the temple’s serene ambiance, offers a unique blend of physical adventure and spiritual solace.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Jakholi Temple in Solan is during the Jakholi Festival, which is celebrated for 5 days in the summer months. This is when the temple is most vibrant and festive, with dance performances, food stalls, and a large gathering of devotees.

Things To Do

• The main attraction of the area, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Shoolini Devi.
• This vibrant festival is celebrated annually with great fanfare, featuring traditional dances, music, and stalls selling local handicrafts.
• This park is home to a variety of historical artifacts and exhibits showcasing the region’s cultural heritage.
• The area around Jakholi is known for its numerous temples, including Jatoli Shiv Temple, Bon Monastery, Shakhni Mahadev Temple, and Sholoni Devi Temple.
• Take a walk through the lush green forests, or visit the nearby Khetarpal Marg for a scenic view of the surrounding hills.
• The city of Solan offers a variety of other attractions, including the Shoolini Mata Temple, Krishna Bhavan Mandir, and the Mall Road.