Overview
About Kasauli
Kasauli is a small hill town in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district, perched on a ridge at around 1,900 m above the plains of Haryana and Punjab. Founded as a British cantonment in the 19th century, it has kept much of its colonial character, with stone cottages, old churches and quiet roads lined with pine, oak and horse chestnut.
Unlike busier hill stations, Kasauli has no grand list of attractions. Its charm lies in slow walks, fresh air and long views, whether along the Upper and Lower Mall, through the forest on the Gilbert Trail, or at the evening viewpoints where the lights of Chandigarh and the plains glimmer below. Much of the town is still under the army cantonment, which helps keep it clean and uncrowded.
Its closeness to Chandigarh and Delhi makes Kasauli a favourite weekend escape. The town has a strong literary association, with several writers having lived or spent time here, and nearby are the old cantonments of Dagshai and Sanawar and the toy train line between Kalka and Shimla.
- Colonial cantonment
- Pine forest walks
- Sunset views
- Christ Church
- Weekend getaway from Chandigarh
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Kasauli
Heritage
Christ Church
A graceful 19th-century Anglican church on the Mall, known for its stained-glass windows and peaceful setting among tall trees.
Upper and Lower Mall
Kasauli's two main roads, lined with old cottages, small shops and bakeries, are best enjoyed on foot.
Central Research Institute
A historic research centre established in the British era, known for its work on vaccines. It is seen from outside rather than visited.
Nature & Viewpoints
Gilbert Trail
A narrow forest path running along the edge of the hillside, with views across the valleys and good chances of spotting birds.
Monkey Point
The highest point near Kasauli, topped by a small Hanuman temple, inside an Air Force area. Carry identity proof, and expect restrictions on phones and cameras.
Sunset Point
A popular spot on the edge of the ridge where visitors gather in the evening to watch the sun go down over the plains.
Temples
Krishna Bhavan Mandir
A simple and peaceful temple in the bazaar area, popular with locals and visitors alike.
Nearby Excursions
Dagshai
An old cantonment town about 20 km away, home to a jail museum from the colonial era and a hilltop setting with wide views.
Sanawar
A short drive away, known for its historic boarding school set in pine-covered hills.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Kasauli
- 1
Walk the Gilbert Trail
Set off in the morning for a gentle forest walk with views across the valleys, carrying water and wearing good shoes.
- 2
Watch the sunset
End the day at Sunset Point, then stay on to watch the lights of the plains appear in the distance.
- 3
Explore the cantonment on foot
Wander past old colonial bungalows, churches and clubs along the quiet, tree-shaded roads.
- 4
Ride the toy train
Board the Kalka–Shimla heritage railway at Kalka or Dharampur for a slow, scenic ride through tunnels and hill curves.
- 5
Visit Dagshai
Take a short drive to Dagshai to see its old jail museum and enjoy the cantonment's calm surroundings.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Kasauli
The best time to visit Kasauli is March to June and September to November. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to June
15°C to 30°C
Pleasant days and cool evenings make this the peak season for families escaping the heat of the plains. Weekends can be busy.
Monsoon
July to September
15°C to 25°C
The forests turn lush and mist rolls across the ridge, but heavy rain can cause landslides on hill roads. Travel with flexible plans.
Winter
October to February
2°C to 18°C
Crisp, clear days with cold nights. Snowfall is occasional in the coldest months rather than certain, and it is a quiet time to visit.
Getting there
How to Reach Kasauli
By Air
Chandigarh International Airport, about 65 km away, is the most convenient airport, with flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities. Taxis take roughly two hours to Kasauli.
By Rail
Kalka, about 40 km away, is the nearest broad-gauge station, with trains from Delhi. From Kalka, the narrow-gauge Kalka–Shimla toy train stops at Dharampur, which is around 12 km from Kasauli.
By Road
Kasauli is about 290 km from Delhi and about 60 km from Chandigarh via the Kalka–Shimla highway, turning off at Dharampur. Buses run to Kasauli from Chandigarh and Kalka, and taxis are easy to hire.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Kasauli
Siddu
A steamed wheat bun stuffed with spiced filling, often eaten with ghee, a Himachali comfort food.
Chana madra
Chickpeas cooked slowly in a rich yoghurt-based gravy, a staple of Himachali feasts.
Babru
A fried bread stuffed with black gram paste, commonly eaten as a snack.
Himachali dham
A traditional festive meal of rice, dal, madra and sweet rice, served on leaf plates at special occasions.
Bakery treats
Small bakeries on the Mall sell cakes, cookies and buns that go well with a cup of tea on a cold day.
What to Buy in Kasauli
- Himachali woollens and shawls
- Local jams, pickles and squash
- Handmade candles and souvenirs
Travel Tips for Kasauli
- Carry identity proof for Monkey Point and respect the rules of the Air Force area.
- Book stays early for summer weekends, when visitors from Chandigarh and Delhi fill the town.
- Pack warm layers even in summer, as evenings on the ridge can turn cool.
- Parking on the Mall is limited, so leave your vehicle at a designated spot and explore on foot.
FAQs
Kasauli Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Kasauli?
March to June and September to November are the best times to visit Kasauli, with pleasant weather for walks. Winters are cold and quiet, while the monsoon brings landslide risk.
Does it snow in Kasauli?
Kasauli gets occasional light snowfall in the coldest part of winter, but it is not guaranteed every year.
How many days are enough for Kasauli?
Two days are enough to explore Kasauli at a relaxed pace, including the Mall, Christ Church, the Gilbert Trail and Sunset Point.
How far is Kasauli from Chandigarh?
Kasauli is about 60 km from Chandigarh, roughly a two-hour drive along the Kalka–Shimla highway.
What is Kasauli famous for?
Kasauli is famous for its colonial cantonment atmosphere, pine forest walks, sunset views, Christ Church and being a quiet getaway from Chandigarh and Delhi.
Which is the nearest railway station to Kasauli?
Kalka is the nearest major railway station, about 40 km away. Dharampur on the Kalka–Shimla toy train line is closer, around 12 km from Kasauli.
