Top 16 best tourist places to visit in Solan Himachal

Solan is a great place for tourists because of its nice weather and stunning views of the Himalayan foothills. In today’s blog, we will talk about the best places to visit in Solan. It’s a lively town located between Chandigarh and Shimla, known for its rich colonial history and lots of things to do.

The town is named after a goddess called Shoolini Devi. People hold a three-day festival in June to honor this goddess.

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Originally, Solan was the capital of Baghat, a princely state. But in the early 19th century, the British changed it into a cantonment. They did this after kicking out Gurkha forces in 1815, who had come from Nepal and taken over the area up to the River Sutlej.

The British set up cantonments not just in Solan, but also in Dagshai, Kasauli, and Jutogh. Today, you can still see parts of the old forts around Solan, reminding us of its interesting past.

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 Solan is famous for growing tomatoes and mushrooms, earning it the nickname ‘City of Red Gold’ and sometimes the ‘Mushroom City of India. Join us on this journey to explore the best places to visit in Solan.

HOW TO REACH SOLAN

By Air:

The nearest airports to Solan are located in Chandigarh and Shimla. Once you land, the journey to Solan is just a road trip away. Convenient and picturesque, the road travel allows you to soak in the beauty of the region as you head to your destination.

By Train:

For those preferring rail travel, Solan is easily accessible via the narrow gauge rail track from Kalka. The nearest broad gauge railway station is situated in Kalka, making the train journey a smooth and enjoyable experience. Hop on the train and let the scenic route enhance your travel adventure.

By Road:

Solan is well-connected by road, offering an extensive network to various parts of the country. Whether you choose luxury, deluxe, or ordinary buses, they regularly ply between Solan and major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla. Enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free road trip to this charming town, and discover the enchanting Solan tourist places along the way.

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16 Tourist places to visit in Solan

If you like exploring cities, Solan has lots to offer – from cool places to see to great shopping spots. It’s perfect for those who enjoy the city vibe and want to experience the local culture and history. Here are the best places to visit in Solan:

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1. Jatoli Shiv Temple:

If you are looking for cool places to visit in Solan, the Jatoli Shiv Temple is a must-see spot. It’s up on a hill and is known as the highest Shiv temple in Asia. People come from all over to visit, and it’s only 6 km from the city.

Among the captivating Solan tourist places, the Jatoli Shiv Temple stands out with its rich history. Believed to be the resting place of Lord Shiva, The temple looks awesome with its three pyramids, showing Lord Ganesha and Shesh Naag.

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The temple even has a special water tank called ‘Jal Kund,’ which is thought to be as pure as the holy river Ganga. People say the water here can even help with skin problems. Inside the temple, there’s a cave where Swami Krishnananda Paramhans Ji used to stay.

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Every year, during Mahashivratri, there’s a big fair at the temple, and lots of people come to pray. Jatoli Shiv Temple is not just a cool place. it’s a connection to ancient stories and a chance to feel something special in Solan’s beautiful surroundings.

2. Arki Fort:

Hidden in a quiet valley town, Arki Fort is more than just a fortress – it’s a palace too. Built by Rana Prithvi Singh from 1695 to 1700, this place has a super interesting history. Before 1650, Arki was the main city of Baghal, a princely state. If you are looking for interesting places to visit near Solan, Arki Fort is a must-see with its rich history and princely charm.

Things got a bit tough when a Gurkha army took over the fort in 1806, turning it into a military base. But in 1815-16, after the Gurkha Wars, the British came in and freed the fort, bringing back its historical glory.

Inside the palace, you will find some cool paintings in the Kangra style. They show stories from mythology, religion, history, and everyday life in the old days. These paintings are like time machines, making you feel like you have stepped back in time.

Inside the palace, you will find some cool paintings. They show stories from mythology, religion, history, and everyday life in the old days. These paintings are like time machines, making you feel like you have stepped back in time.

If you are seeking Solan places to visit, don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the historical tapestry of Arki Fort and witness the captivating Kangra-style paintings that bring the past to life.

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3. Mohan National Heritage Park:

If you take a road from Salogara on the Shimla-Kalka highway and go about 7 kilometers into the Ashwini Khud valley, you will reach Hart Village. There, you will find the awesome Mohan National  Park.

This special place aims to teach young people about Vedic sciences and Indian culture. This park comes in a list of the best places to visit in Solan.

The park is like a big garden with amazing statues of gods and goddesses made from different metals. These statues are cool to look at and tell stories about Indian spirituality. Walking around the park feels like you’re in a place where history and culture come to life.

Mohan National Heritage Park is a great spot if you want to learn about Vedic sciences and experience the beauty of Indian traditions. With its beautiful surroundings and impressive sculptures, the park offers a fun and educational adventure for everyone.

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4. Shoolini Devi Temple:

In Solan, there is a special place called the Shoolini Devi Temple. It’s a temple dedicated to the goddess Shoolini Devi, and it’s loved by the people in the town. Located in a calm and beautiful part of Solan, Just 2 kilometers away from the center of Solan, you will find the Shoolini Devi Temple along the old court road.

This temple is really important and one of the best places to visit in Solan. So, If you are in Solan then definitely visit this place once.

If you plan a visit during the three-day Shoolini fair in June, you will get to experience not just the spiritual side but also the local culture. It’s a fantastic time to explore the temple, soak in the traditions, and even shop for some local goodies.

The Shoolini Devi Temple is not just a place of worship but also a window into the vibrant culture of Solan.

5. Mohan Meakin Brewery: A Pleasure for Enthusiasts:

Solan Brewery is one of the coolest places to visit in Solan, offering a unique and amazing experience, once known as the Solan Brewery. It was started in 1855 by Edward Abraham Dyer. Back then, it was called the Dyer Meakin Brewery, and the family that owned it included Colonel Dyer, known for the Jallianwala Bagh incident.

This brewery is one of the oldest in India and has now become a distillery. They make some of the best single malt whiskeys in the country. So, besides being a historical spot, it’s also famous for its top-notch whiskeys.

6. Bon Monastery:

The Bon Monastery in Dolanji is like a special treasure on a hill, about 18 kilometers from Solan. It was started in 1969 by Abbott Lungtok Tenpai Nyima and is taken care of by the Yungdrung Bon Monastic Center. This monastery is one of the best places to visit in Solan because it’s one of the few places where the Bon religion, which is even older than Buddhism in Tibet, is kept alive outside of Tibet.

The monastery is cool, with pretty gardens and buildings that look like those in Tibet. People from different parts of the world, including researchers and followers, come here to visit and stay with the Bon community. Some young folks also come to learn about their religion, which is similar to Tibetan Buddhism in many ways.

What’s awesome is that everyone, no matter their religion, can visit the monastery for free. It’s not just a historic spot. it’s a chance to experience the ancient wisdom of the Bon religion in a friendly and welcoming setting.

7. Barog:

Barog used to be just a quick stop on the Shimla-Kalka highway, but now it is one of the best cool places to visit in Solan. Pine forests surround it and sits on a mountain pass, giving you an awesome view of the snowy Churdhar Peak. It’s super close to Solan, just 7 kilometers away.

If you want a nice getaway, there are lots of campsites and lodges in Barog for you to stay. it’s a great destination to enjoy nature and relax.

8. Chail:

Chail is a calm place and one of the most famous places in Solan. only 45 km from Solan, made as a summer spot by the Maharaja of Patiala. It still keeps its old charm, making it perfect for people who want a break from busy city life.

In this relaxed town, you get a great view of Shimla at night, and Chail has one of the highest cricket grounds in the world – pretty cool, right?

If you love nature, you can take a walk in the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary or go on a trek to Kali Tibba. On top of Kali Tibba, there is a special place called Kali Devi temple. which is one of the best places to visit in Solan, Himachal Pradesh. Chail is a wonderful spot for those who love peace and the beauty of nature.

9. Kasauli: A Cute Old Town with Nature Views:

If you take a road from Dharampur on the Shimla-Kalka highway, you will reach the charming town of Kasauli. It feels like you have stepped into the past – with old-style paths, sweet shops, pretty houses, and small gardens. The town is one of the best places to visit in Solan. surrounded by lots of different trees like pine, Himalayan oak, and big horse chestnuts.

A cool spot called Monkey Point, just 4 km from the Kasauli bus stand, gives you an awesome view of Chandigarh-Panchkula-Mohali cities to the south and Shimla to the north.

Kasauli is about 77 km from Shimla and 35 km from Kalka. If you are in Solan, it’s just 27 km away, and you can easily get there by road. So, if you want to feel a bit of history and enjoy nature, Kasauli is a great place to visit near Solan.

10. Majathal Sanctuary:

This awesome place is like a dream for people who love nature and adventure. You can find it along the Shimla-Bilaspur Highway, and if you are up for a hike, you can get there from Kashlog, near Darlaghat.

In this place, there are lots of Goral deer and even some Cheer pheasants, which are pretty rare. this sanctuary is one of the top places to visit in Solan. The best time to check it out is from May to October, especially if you want to camp out in tents.

No matter when you visit, this sanctuary is one of the top tourist places in Solan. with wild animals and tricky trails. If you are into exploring nature and having an adventure, you should give it a try.

11. Kuthar Fort:

Kuthar Fort is the oldest structure among all the places to visit in Solan. Not far from Solan, close to the Shimla airport in Jubbarhatti, there is an ancient fort called Kuthar Fort. Some parts of this fort are super old, like 800 years old. It’s a big place, and guess what? It even has freshwater springs inside.

And if you want to check out more forts near Solan, there is Kunihar and the Gurkha fort of Subathu. They are not too far from the city, so you can easily visit and see the cool history of the area.

12. Nalagarh Palace:

Imagine a town called Nalagarh, sitting at the base of the Himalayas. It all began in 1421 AD when they built a fort there. Inside this fort is a palace where a royal family used to live.

Nalagarh was once the capital of its little kingdom, and it went through some big fights when the Gurkhas took over from 1805 to 1815. The fort and palace cover a big area and look like the cool Mughal buildings. They fixed up these old structures, and now it’s a super cool heritage resort where you can feel the history of Nalagarh. This is another one of the best places to visit in Solan.

13. Dagshai Jail Museum:

The list of historic places to visit in Solan would not be complete without mentioning the renowned Dagshai Jail Museum. This place used to be a British prison, and it holds a special story. Mahatma Gandhi, who fought for India’s independence, stayed here for a day to support Irish independence from the United Kingdom. This jail is now a museum, making it the second one in India, after independence, to be transformed from a prison into a museum. It’s a unique place to visit near Solan. where history comes alive, showcasing the struggle for freedom and the journey to independence.

14. Churdhar Peak:

If you like nature and trekking, you should check out the Churdhar trek. it is one of the best places to visit near Solan. Churdhar Peak in Sirmaur is like a giant among the mountains, standing super high at 11,965 feet. People also call it Churichandni, which means “Bangle of Snow.” It’s not just tall. it’s filled with amazing views all around. It starts from the village of Nohradhar in Solan, and it’s a great place to get away. You can see the amazing Churdhar Peak from nearby towns like Solan, Kasauli, Kufri, and Shimla.

The trek is not too hard, about 16 kilometers, and it takes you to the top of Churdhar Peak, which is super high at 3600 meters above sea level. It’s the highest point in the outer Himalayas, and the views and air up there are awesome. Choor Chandni Trek is one of the cool places to visit in Solan, and it’s a great way to experience the beauty of the Himalayas.

From the top, you can see a lot – from lowlands in the south to snowy peaks like Badrinath and Kedarnath in the north. The whole place is covered in cool herbs and colorful flowers, making the mountains look like a magical painting.

As you walk around, you might see special birds like the monal and other pheasants. There are also animals like musk deer and black bears higher up in the forests.

Near the tippy-top, there is an old Srigul temple dedicated to Shiva. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Solan. Every year thousands of people go here to trek. People even have a big celebration there during the Navratras fair, singing and dancing all night.

If you want to reach the tip-top, you will need to trek over small glaciers where there is lots of snow (around 33 feet on average). And when it rains, you might catch a breathtaking sight of a rainbow in the sky, like a giant colorful chandelier. Churdhar Peak is a cool place where nature puts on a fantastic show. This Churdhar peak is one of the top tourist places to visit in Solan.

15. Bhureshwar Mahadev Temple:

Bhureshwar Mahadev Temple, also known as Bhurshing Temple, is in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmour District. It sits on the Nahan-Solan highway, which is only 40 K.M from Solan. giving visitors awesome views and a cool climate. It is one of the best places to visit in Solan. From there, you can see the plains of Punjab and the Churdhar mountain range, along with the Shimla hills.

Bhureshwar Mahadev Temple has a fascinating history with two stories. First, it’s believed that Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati watched the big Kurukshetra war (Mahabharata), another tale is about two siblings, Bhur Singh and Dahi Devi, who face a sad fate. people also honor it as a symbol of the love between brothers and sisters.

16. Lutru Mahadev Temple:

The Lutru Mahadev Temple is a well-known best places to visit in Solan, situated just 4 km away from Arki in the Solan District of Himachal Pradesh. Dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, this temple has a fascinating history, having been constructed in 1621 by the king of Baghal.

What makes this temple unique is that it’s inside a big cave, about 61 feet long and 31 feet wide. Inside the cave, there’s a Shivalinga, a sacred symbol of Lord Shiva, with blessings written on it. There is also a hole in the cave roof, around 5 meters wide, letting sunlight shine on the Shivalinga.

Conclusion:

Solan is like a hidden treasure in the mountains, with places like Mohan National Heritage Park, Kasauli, and Churdhar Peak’s trek showing off its beauty. Some of the best places to visit in Solan. Whether you love history, peace, or adventure, Solan has something for everyone. These places are like nature’s own special songs. Plan a visit and let Solan’s charm fill your heart.

Tell us your favorite place in Solan in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Best Places To Visit In Solan.