Nestled in the picturesque hills of Himachal Pradesh, Kasauli is a charming hill station that exudes tranquillity and natural beauty. Located at an altitude of approximately 1,900 meters, this serene town offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Kasauli is known for its pleasant climate, lush greenery, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It has retained its old-world charm with colonial-era buildings, quaint streets, and a relaxed ambience
Table of Contents
- Things to do in Kasauli
- About Kasauli
- How to Plan a trip to Kasauli
- Homestays in Kasauli
- Nearby road trips
- Useful Links
Things to do in Kasauli
Kasauli has managed to maintain its rustic charm and serenity despite being close to the tourist-heavy destination of Shimla. Here are some of our curated things to do in case you decide to plan a trip.
- Take a cab to Dharampur, get into a toy train up to Barog, and return on the train to Kasauli. This toy train ride encapsulates the beauty of the region perfectly.
- The Timber Trail is a popular activity among all kinds of tourists. The trail is lined with pine and coniferous trees. The two mountains of the trail are connected by a 1.8 km cable car. A ten-minute ride in this cable car is bound to be a memorable one.
- Trek from Kalka to Kasauli. While this can be a strenuous trek, the vistas it offers can be mesmerizing.
- The Mall Road is a shoppers’ paradise. From locally handcrafted products to books and clothes, there is a lot to keep the shopper inside you interested.
- If you are travelling with your significant other, then a walk at Lover’s Lane should not be missed. This is a 1.5 km serpentine trail that is lined by trees and an abundance of flora and fauna.
You can rent a car from Shimla and explore all these hidden gems for a great trip with your family and friends.
Places to visit in Kasauli
Being a small town, Kasauli does not have a lot of options except for the endless vistas of the Himalayas. Here are some of the viewpoints and sights that are noteworthy:
- Gilbert Trail – A stone walkway that stretches for around 1.5 km, beginning from Lover’s Lane and taking you through amazing flora. This is also a great place for bird watching and sightseeing.
- Sunset Point – If a breathtaking sunset takes your breath away or if you are a photography enthusiast and can’t wait to capture the 50 shades of orange that adorn the sky during sunset, then a visit to Sunset Point is a must.
- Manki Point – This is the highest point in the region and offers some picturesque views of the surroundings and a bird’s eye view of the Air Force Station.
- Christ Church – This is the oldest church in Himachal Pradesh and has Gothic architecture with a cemetery around it.
- Sunrise Point – There are few places in Himachal Pradesh that offer a spectacular view of the sunset and sunrise, and Kasauli is one of them. Located in the Lower Mall Area, Sunrise Point is a must-visit for a blessed start to your day.
- Gurkha Fort – A historical fort surrounded by pristine nature, the Gurkha Fort has ancient frescoes on the walls and 180-year-old cannon.
- Kasauli Brewery – Established in the 1820s, this Brewery is the oldest scotch whiskey distillery in Asia.
Places to visit near Kasauli
Here are some places nearby that you might consider while creating your travel plans:
- Shimla – Located at a distance of around 70 km. In case you are travelling from Chandigarh, here is a detailed road trip guide from Chandigarh to Shimla.
- Kufri – Located at a distance of around 85-95 km.
- Solan – Located at a distance of around 28 km.
- Chail – Located at a distance of around 68 km.
- Dharampur – Located at a distance of around 10 km.
- Parwanoo – Located at a distance of around 23 km. You can read more about it here.
- Salogra – Located at a distance of around 36 km.
- Mashobra – Located at a distance of around 85-90 km.
Places to eat in Kasauli
While Tibetan food is a special delicacy in Kasauli, there are many places to enjoy different cuisines too. Here are some places where you can eat, including street food places and the best restaurants in Kasauli.
- Ross Common Restaurant, Lower Mall Road – Indian and Asian food and vegetarian-friendly
- Gyani Dhaba, NH22-Dharampur – For Dhaba-style Indian food
- Shelly Restaurant, Near Kalka Railway Station – Indian and Asian food with vegetarian and vegan options
- Narinder Sweet House, Lower Mall Road – Indian fast-food
- Rudra Cafe, Heritage Road – Italian, Chinese, Fast Food, and vegetarian-friendly
- Cliff Houzz Restaurant and Bar, Winnies Holiday Resort – Continental food with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Nightlife in Kasauli
Kasauli, with its serene ambience and natural beauty, offers a tranquil setting even after dark. While the town is known for its peaceful atmosphere, there are still a few activities and places to explore during the evening. Here are some things to do in Kasauli after dark:
- Kasauli’s Mall Road comes alive in the evening with shops, cafes, and eateries lighting up the streets. Take a leisurely stroll along Mall Road, soak in the charming ambience, and indulge in some shopping or sampling local delicacies.
- Sunset Point in Kasauli offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Witness the magical hues of the sky as the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the landscape. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and capture some stunning photographs.
- The historic Christ Church in Kasauli holds regular evening masses. If you’re interested in experiencing the serene and spiritual atmosphere of the church, consider attending the evening mass and appreciating the beautiful architecture and peaceful ambience.
- Kasauli is known for its delicious local cuisine. After dark, head to one of the town’s cosy restaurants or eateries to savour traditional Himachali dishes like siddu, kadhi chawal, or momos. Relish the flavours of the region and indulge in a delightful culinary experience.
- Due to its location away from city lights, Kasauli offers excellent opportunities for star gazing. On a clear night, step outside and gaze at the starry sky. The serene environment and unpolluted air make it a perfect setting for observing constellations and celestial wonders.
- If you’re staying at a hotel or resort that offers bonfire facilities, gather around the warmth of the fire and enjoy a cosy evening. Some places also arrange for a barbecue, where you can relish grilled delicacies while enjoying the serene surroundings.
Shopping in Kasauli
Kasauli, known for its serene atmosphere and natural beauty, offers a few shopping destinations where you can find unique local products and souvenirs. While the town is not primarily known for its shopping scene, here are some places where you can explore and indulge in retail therapy in Kasauli:
- Mall Road – The main shopping hub in Kasauli, Mall Road, is lined with shops and stores offering a variety of items. From traditional handicrafts and local artefacts to clothing, accessories, and souvenirs, you can find a mix of products here. Take a leisurely stroll along Mall Road and browse through the shops to discover unique items to take back home.
- Tibetan Market – Located near the Kasauli bus stand, the Tibetan Market is a bustling place known for its collection of Tibetan handicrafts, jewellery, carpets, and clothing. This market offers a vibrant and colourful shopping experience, allowing you to explore a range of Tibetan-inspired products.
- Lower Mall Road – Just below the main Mall Road, there is a stretch called Lower Mall Road. Here, you can find a few local shops selling handmade wooden items, antiques, and decorative items. It’s a quieter and less crowded area, ideal for a relaxed shopping experience.
- Kasauli Club Market – Situated near the Kasauli Club, this market is known for its collection of local handicrafts, woollen items, and traditional artefacts. You can also find shops offering local jams, pickles, and Himachali spices. It’s worth exploring for unique souvenirs and local specialities.
- Kasauli Tibetan Market – Located near the Kasauli bus depot, this market is another popular spot to explore Tibetan-inspired products. From traditional clothing like shawls and jackets to handicrafts, you can find a range of Tibetan goods here.
- Local Village Shops – As you explore the outskirts of Kasauli, you may come across small village shops offering locally made items such as handwoven shawls, wooden crafts, and homemade jams. These shops provide an opportunity to interact with local artisans and purchase authentic local products.
About Kasauli
While India has a plethora of options for city dwellers to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, this paradise for hikers holds a special place. This colonial-era town, nestled in the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas, has cobbled streets, beautiful gardens, architectural marvels, and mesmerizing avenues, making it a top pick for people looking to spend time in the hills. The town is also famous for being the birthplace of the famous writer Ruskin Bond.
History & Culture
There are many beliefs behind how the town got its name:
- Some people believe that the name ‘Kasauli‘ was derived from a nearby mountain called Kausalya.
- Others believe that the name was derived from the word ‘Kusmawali’, which translates to flower maiden.
- Another belief of this magical town is that the Hindu Lord Hanuman had placed his foot here when he had come to the Himalayas looking for the Sanjeevani herb. This led to the creation of the town. In fact, there is a Hanuman Temple at the place where it is believed that Lord Hanuman had stepped.
Kasauli has a mix of British Colonial and Indian cultures. It also welcomes all religions and you can find temples, mosques, churches, and gurudwaras at all times.
Interesting Facts about Kasauli
Here are some interesting facts:
- The people here are also called ‘Pahadis’ and live an extremely simple life, harmonious with nature.
- Hindi is widely spoken in here and the neighbouring regions.
- It is one of the few places in Himachal Pradesh that is relatively popular but still unspoiled by commercial tourism.
- It is home to the famous children’s author Ruskin Bond.
- The Kasauli Brewery is the oldest distillery for scotch whiskey in Asia.
How to Plan a trip to Kasauli
How to reach Kasauli
Kasauli has good connectivity with most parts of India by road, rail, and flights.
By Train
Kasauli does not have a railway station of its own. The nearest railway station is Kalka, at a distance of around 25 km. You can get a train from most major cities to Kalka. You can take a taxi from Chandigarh to Kasauli and reach there within 1.5 to 2 hours via NH5. Once there, you can alternatively take a taxi from Kalka to Kasauli and reach your destination within 60-70 minutes.
By Road
The town has excellent road connectivity with most cities and towns in North India. Here are some route suggestions from major towns nearby:
- Chandigarh – Located around 60 km. You can take a taxi from Chandigarh to Kasauli and reach there within 1.5 to 2 hours via NH5.
- Shimla – Located around 70 km. You can book a cab from Shimla and reach there within 2-3 hours via NH5 and/or SH16.
By Flight
There is no direct flight connectivity to Kasauli. The closest airport is in Chandigarh. You can catch a flight to Chandigarh and then hire a taxi from Chandigarh Airport to Kasauli.
Best time to Visit Kasauli
The best time to visit is between April to June if you want the summer experience and again from September to November if you want a winter experience.
Overall, the town has a warm and calm temperature. The summers are gentle and moderate, while winters are very cold, and monsoons are muggy and oppressive.
Homestays in Kasauli
Homestays are one of the best ways to experience life in this laid-back town. Here are some options to consider:
- Wildleaf -Valley Homz, Brewery Road
- Sai Homestay, Jagjit Nagar
- Sai Home: 3BHK Complete Cottage, Dharampur
- Headntail Homestay, Dochi Road
- Whispering Pine Homestay, Dharampur
- The Hideaway, Sanawar Village
Share this travel guide with your travel buddy to get started on your journey to the mountains! What are your fondest memories from a trip? Let us know in the comments below.
Best Road Trips to Kasauli
| Route Name | Distance | Time |
| Delhi to Kasauli | 287 km | 5 hours and 42 minutes |
| Chandigarh to Kasauli | 58 km | 1 hour and 30 minutes |
| Shimla to Kasauli | 69 km | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
| Dehradun to Kasauli | 207 km | 5 hours and 10 minutes |
| Manali to Kasauli | 263 km | 7 hours and 30 minutes |
| Amritsar to Kasauli | 267 km | 5 hours and 14 minutes |
Useful Links
Last Updated on May 19, 2024 by V Subhadra
