Located at an average elevation of 1,800 meters above sea levels, Kasauli is a cantonment town and a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh.
Kasauli is often described as a hiker’s paradise and being a small town
can be covered mostly by foot. The town was developed during the
British during the prime of their rule in India and is famous for its
colonial style architecture. The town is said to be visited by Lord
Hanuman in the Ramayana, who placed his foot atop this town while
looking for the herbs to heal the Injured Lakshmana. The town is famous
for its lush green and picturesque surroundings of the mountains and its
quiet and tourist friendly people. Here’s a list of the best places you can visit in Kasauli.
1. Kasauli Brewery
- Famous for: Whiskey, History.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from 7am to 7pm.
- Duration: 30mins to 1 hour.
Kasauli Brewery
was established in 1820s and predates the town of Kasauli which was
established later. The brewery was established by Edward Dyer who
brought the equipment from Britain during the time when the area was
occupied by the British east India Company. To the region’s climate
which resembles that of Scotland the brewery is famous for its various
single malt whiskeys and the freshly brewed Indian pale ale.
2. Christ Church
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Nature, Photography, Religion.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open daily from 7am to 7pm.
- Duration: 30 mins to 1 hour.
Plan a Trip!
Established by the British in 1853, the Christ Church
is located amidst a picturesque location of pine and deodar trees. The
church is one of the most visited places in Kasauli due to its marvelous
neo-gothic architecture and the various stained glass windows which
were imported from Britain. The serene environment offers most visitors
to experience a moment of peace when they visit this church.
3. Sunset Point
- Famous for: Nature, Photography, Viewpoint.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Daily. Sunrise to Sunset.
- Duration: 1 hour.
Plan a Trip!
The Sunset Point
is a famous view point in Kasauli which is located at the end of the
upper mall road. The spot is a frequented tourist location which offers
the view of a picturesque sunset during the evening hours. The plethoras
of colors that the sunset provides make it a marvel to behold and a
great place to spend your evenings. The place is also a gateway to an
easy hiking trail known as the Gilbert trail and must be experienced at
least once.
4. The Mall
- Famous for: Viewpoints, Photography, Shopping.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from 8am to 8:30 pm.
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
Plan a Trip!
The Mall
refers to the main shopping area of the town and is divided into the
lower and the upper mall road. The area houses various shops and
restaurants and the famous Kasauli Club. The mall is the busiest area of
Kasauli and is frequented by a huge number of tourists who are
attracted by the various shopping and dining locations here. The area
includes shops, tea shops, restaurants, cafes and bookstores etc.
5. Manki Point
- Famous for: Nature, Religion, Viewpoints.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from 9am to 5pm.
- Duration: 1-2 hours.
Manki Point or Monkey Point
is the highest point at Kasauli and is said to be the place where Lord
Hanuman placed his foot while searching for the medicinal herbs for the
injured Lakshmana in the Indian epic Ramayana. The place offers some of
the most amazing views of the entire valley and the snow capped peaks of
the Himalayas. The pristine waters of the Sutlej River can also be seen
glistening from this point. The place is managed and housed by the
Indian Air force and special permit is required to visit the place.
6. Krishna Bhavan Mandir
- Famous for: Architecture, Photography, Religion.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from 9am to 7pm.
- Duration: 3o mins-1 hour.
Krishna Bhavan Mandir
was built in 1926 and is exemplary of a marvelous architecture that
combines the European and Indian style architecture. The temple is
famous for being constructed like a church and is a popular tourist spot
in Kasauli. The temple is one of the major pilgrim spots in Kasauli and
is frequented by a huge number of tourists.
7. Gilbert Nature Trail
- Famous for: Trekking, Photography, Nature.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from Sunrise to Sunset.
- Duration: 1-2 hour.
Plan a Trip!
Gilbert Nature Trail
is the perfect way to explore nature in Kasauli. Located off the main
road, it runs about one and a half kilometer and cuts a path along the
valley. The trail is not frequented by regular tourists and therefore is
very less crowded. Nature lovers can enjoy Kasauli's flora and fauna at
a close range when they stroll along this path.
8. Shri Baba Balak Nath Temple
- Famous for: Architecture, Photography, Religion.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from 9am to 7pm.
- Duration: 3o mins-1 hour.
A famous pilgrimage site in north, Shri Baba Balak Nath Temple
is a one of a kind temple as this is the main temple of the deity here.
The deity here is known to grant blessings to childless couples and a
visit here is considered extremely auspicious for them. Visitors would
need to climb a small flight of stairs to visit this shrine.
9. Barog
- Famous for: Hill station, Photography, Nature.
- Tickets: Entry free.
- Opening Timings: Open all days.
- Duration: Half a day.
- Distance from Kasauli: 43 min (17.7 km).
Plan a Trip!
This
quaint town is one of the stop overs of the famous Kalka Shimla Valley
Line. The pine deodar forests here are one of the main attractions of
this place. Due to its proximity to Chandigarh, Barog
is a perfect weekend getaway from Punjab. Visitors can enjoy a laid back
vacation here in the pleasant climate and scenic views.
10. Gurkha Fort
- Famous for: History, Photography, Nature.
- Tickets: Entry free.
- Opening Timings: Open all days.
- Duration: Half a day.
A symbol of Gurkha's courage and valour, Gurkha Fort
is a legacy that should be seen by everyone visiting Kasauli. It was
built in the year 1900 AD by the Gurkha Army Chief Amar Singh Thapa to
fight against the British Army in the Anglo-Nepal War. It is now used by
Indian Army as a training centre for the Gurkha regime. The fort
provides some stunning views to the nearby forests and also provides a
glimpse back in history.
Kasauli is known for its
various easy to moderate hiking trails in the Himalayas. Being a famous
hill town, Kasauli is frequented by huge number of tourists all year
round. Kasauli is best visited during summers as the temperature is
quiet pleasant and the above-mentioned places can be experienced at
their best.
