World > India > Hill Stations > Himachal Pradesh > Kasauli

Kasauli hill station

Kasauli (1795 m) is a small cantonment town in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The town is the home of the Kasauli Brewery, which is the highest brewery and distillery in the world. The cantonment was established in 1842 by the British colonial rulers as a hill station.

This historical Sikh Gurudwara is located in Gharkhal bazaar on the main road towards Kasauli. Located within the Indian Army premises, Kasauli Club is one of the most prestigious social clubs in India. Central Research Institute (CRI) at Kasauli was established in 1905 and is a premier National Institute in the field of immunisation and virological research is located in the Shimla hills. Christ Church (near the bus station) and Lawrence School, Sanawar (6 km) are worth visiting for their architecture.

The Pasteur Institute, founded in 1900 by Sir David Semple, is the oldest in India, producing anti-rabies vaccines and also treating sufferers. Popular Anglo-Indian author of children literature, Ruskin Bond was born here.

The most happening place in Kasauli is the junction of Upper and Lower Malls both of which are markets with shops selling daily commodities and souvenirs for tourists. The Lower Mall boasts local restaurants selling local fast food.

Trails & Treks

There are various trekking routes to Kasauli as well, from Kalka, from Jabli and from Garkhal. Trek from Jabli to Kasauli is approximately 9 km.

Kasauli has many outdoor trails where one can experience the natural serenity. Some of the better round-trip ones are located off Upper Mall Road and originate near BSNL quarters located within the Indian Army Premesis. One such trail leads to Hanuman point. There's other trails on the Lower Mall that will take you towards Gharkhal. The trails are safe and easy. The main trail to Monkey Point leads through Air Force Guard Station at the end of Lower Mall and one is required to register here first. The entry closes at 5 pm.

Legend has it that Kasauli came into being when Lord Hanuman, on his way to getting the Sanjeevani herb, stepped here for jumping on to the Sanjeevani hill. At Kasauli there is a Hanuman Mandir atop the 300 m high hillock, called Monkey Point (locals call it Manki Point), where Lord Hanuman is supposed to have rested his feet. This temple lies within the confines of an air force radar station and base and is subject to security restrictions (no cameras or bags allowed). On a clear day, one can get views of nearby cities like Chandigarh. One can reach this point by road or on foot. On foot, it takes nearly two hours from Kasauli town but the scenery and harmony you enjoy makes the walk worth the effort.

Best time to Visit

April and June, and September and November

How to Reach

Located 77 km from Shimla, 65 km from Chandigarh and 50 km from Panchkula, it still retains the old world charms and is a throwback to the past. The easiest way is to take the bus to Shimla and get off at Dharampur. Frequent buses connect Dharampur to Kasauli at Rs 10. It's just 350 km from Delhi and shouldn't take more than 6-7 hour by road.