Solan Tourism | Places to Visit | Things To Do

Solan, often referred to as the "Mushroom City of India," is a charming town located in Himachal Pradesh, India. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters (4,900 feet), Solan is known for its pleasant climate, lush greenery, and historical significance. It serves as a gateway to several nearby hill stations and is renowned for its mushroom cultivation and horticulture. Now Solan is not a prominent as Shimla but it is just as compelling. Named after Hindu Goddess Shoolani Devi, Solan is also often christened as ‘City of Red Gold’, interesting isn’t it! So folks long story short you never run out of ketchup and mushroom delicacies, yes, okay!

Solan first came into being as a cantonment town and still retains some of the colonial charm in its architectural features.  Solan was home to India’s first brewery; the Mohan Meakin brewery started in 1855 and produced India’s first home brewed ale, Lion Beer. 

Nestled within the peaks of Matuil and Karol, this tiny beauty is said to the abode of Pandavas during their exile. The Shoolini Mata Shrine, Jatoli Temple and Lord Krishna’s Temple are the most famous religious attractions here. One of the best cantonments of the British Era was established it is illustrious for its oldest brewery of Mohan Meakin, set up in 1855, well now there’s a concrete reason to visit. The Yung Drung Monastery is suggested as one of the oldest monasteries of our country. It protects the idol of Lord Shenrab Mibo, founded in 1969 but belongs to the Bon Religion and not Buddhist. It is interesting to understand two different religious convictions with the same principles and beliefs, a rare and fresh occurrence.

Solan is blessed with a perennial good weather making it fit to be trod upon all-round the calendar. Solan district is covered by catchment areas of three important rivers, namely Satluj, Yamuna and Ghagar. For adventure seekers, the mountains near Solan offer interesting trekking possibilities and its streams are well stocked with a variety of game fish.

Bon Monastery, Mohan Shakti Heritage park, Jatoli Shiv Temple are the most recommended visits in Solan offer a platter of scenic beauty ad bliss to the tourists. The journey to the monastery is very beautiful, small road waving through pine trees and hills. The monastery is beautifully situated on hill top. One will get many sights worth clicking, ideal for photographers.

Attractions:

1. Kasauli: Explore the nearby hill station of Kasauli, known for its colonial charm, lush forests, and scenic views from places like Monkey Point and Gilbert Trail.

2. Solan Brewery: Visit Asia's oldest brewery, Mohan Meakin Brewery, established in 1855, and learn about the process of brewing beer.

3. Jatoli Shiv Temple: A revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its serene ambiance and intricate architecture.

4. Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park: Discover this sprawling park showcasing the rich cultural and religious heritage of India through intricate sculptures and beautiful gardens.

5. Barog: Visit the picturesque hill station of Barog, known for its old railway tunnel, lush pine forests, and scenic hiking trails.

Activities:

• Nature Walks: Explore the lush greenery and serene surroundings of Solan through nature walks and hiking trails.

• Shopping: Shop for local handicrafts, jams, and fruit products at the various markets in Solan.

• Cultural Exploration: Attend local festivals and fairs to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Himachal Pradesh.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Solan is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Reach:

• By Air: The nearest airport is Chandigarh Airport, approximately 65 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Solan.

• By Train: The nearest railway station is Kalka Railway Station, around 40 km away. From Kalka, taxis and buses are available to Solan.

• By Road: Solan is well-connected by road. It is approximately 280 km from Delhi, and regular buses operate from major cities like Chandigarh and Shimla.

Accommodation: Solan offers a range of accommodation options including hotels, guesthouses, and resorts. Some popular choices include Hotel Paragon Palace, Hotel Himanis Resort, and Hotel Barog Heights.

Local Cuisine: Sample local Himachali dishes such as Siddu, Babru, and Chana Madra, along with Himachali sweets like Mittha (sweet rice) and Babroo.

Solan is situated between Chandigarh and Shimla on the Kalka Shimla Highway. Trekking here is quite exciting, and if one gets an opportunity to witness this little one from the top of the mountains, especially during night fall it looks like one splendid piece of work, with its city lights.

So the next time you get a chance to shake a leg on the ancient Thoda Dance in Solan, ditch those formals and GET OUTSIDE.