Solan,
located in a valley within the mountain state of Himachal Pradesh, derives
its name from Shoolini Devi, a local deity whose temple is situated in Solan
Gaon or village. A famous Shoolini fair is held every year at the temple.
The town came into existence in ancient times and was the capital of the
erstwhile Bhagat state for many years.
Get there
Air : From Kasauli the nearest airport is Chandigarh and
Shimla is the nearest airport from Solan.
Rail : The nearest broad gauge railway station is at
Kalka and nearest narrow gauge railway station is at Solan, which are
connected by regular bus services.
Road : Solan is approachable by road from Shimla and
Chandigarh
City Magic
Kasauli : 25 kms from Solan, Kasauli is a beautiful
tourist spot. In summer one sees endless greenery of deodar and pine trees
and in winter, snow covered earth. The Mall Road and Monkey Point are well
known here. One can find a number of good hotels to stay here.
Sanavar : 21 kms from Solan, this attractive tourist spot
is famous for its 150-year old public school and a church.
Parks and Mini Zoo : Close to the town of Solan are the
Children's park, Jawahar park and Mohan Park. In the Children's park is a
mini zoo, where one can find deer, wild cats and some rare birds.
Yashwant Nagar : This picnic spot is 20 kms from Solan.
The river Giri flows along its sides.
Karol Caves : 5 km from the town, this cave is located at
an altitude of 7000 ft . Karol Mountain is clearly visible from Solan. This
is known as Himalaya's most ancient and longest cave. It reaches Pinjor
Gardens.
Dagshahi : This is famous for its jail. A number of
freedom fighters, German and Irish revolutionaries have spent time here.
15km from Solan are two English schools.
Badog : It is most famous for its pine trees and the
longest tunnel on the Shimla-Kalka railway line. It is 5 kms from Solan.
Fort of the Gurkha : Situated on the 7000 ft high Dhar
Mountain, this 300-year old fort was built by the attacking Gurkhas of
Nepal. The view from here of Shimla, Kasauli, Chail, and Karol is
breathtaking.
Nauni : Parmar University which teaches floriculture, is
situated here. It is 12 km from Solan. Flower and plants are inexpensive.
This University is one of its kind in Asia.
Young Drum Monastery : This Monastery teaches "Ban",
the oldest religion of Tibet. People from all over the world visit this spot
which is 15km from Solan on the Bagthan Road. Time and again, dances, are
organized here.
Blessed by the Weather God
Solan is a bracing hill station throughout the year but hotter as compared
to Shimla. At the time of summer in Solan, cotton clothes are recommended as
the temperature rises to 35 Celsius and light woolen to heavy woolens are
required in winters as the temperature dips to -2 Celsius.
