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Solan in Himachal Pradesh
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Nestling between the Karol Mountains, Solan lies on the highway between Kalka and Shimla. Famous for it's scenic beauty and the annual festival 'Shulini', Solan is just 52 Kms from Shimla. Known as the "Mushroom city of India" Solan has an old brewery (11 km) and a sprawling horticulture and forestry university at Nauni (16 km). Buses and taxies ply regularly between Shimla and Solan.
Places to see
Kasauli (25 kms)
Just 25 Kms from Solan lies Kasauli, which is known for its clean atmosphere and is a preferred tourist destination. It appeals to the traveler with its wide expanse of Deodar and pine forests in the summers, and is equally alluring with its snow-covered grounds in winters. Kasauli has the highest T.V. Tower in the country. It offers a beautiful view of Chandigarh at night.
Dugshai (15 kms)
Chiefly famous for its historic jail, Dugshai is just 15 Kms away from Solan. Many Indian freedom fighters and German and Irish rebels were captured and put in this prison, the Daag-e Shahi. Prisoners were marked on the forehead on their release and hence this jail was known as the Daag-e Shahi. HimachalPradesh, the state with a lot to explore. Lakes, rivers, forests, valleys and towering mountains, all abound here. The state has thoroughly been blessed by nature. And it has all the means to satisfy a tourist's wandering soul. Be it adventure sports, bird watching or just admiring nature's bounty. You'll find it all here in Himachal Pradesh.
Badog (4 kms)
Badog abounds in pine forests and is famous for the longest train tunnel between Kalka and Shimla. It is just 4-Kms from Solan and has a very clean atmosphere.
Karol Cave (5 kms)
This cave is situated on the 7000 feet high Karol Mountains, which is clearly visible from Solan. Just 5 Kms away from the city, this is the oldest and longest cave of the Himalayas.
Young Drung monastery (15 kms)
This is the study centre of the oldest religion of Tibet, the 'Baan'. The monastery is located 15 Kms away from Solan and is a favourite spot for international tourists.
The other places worth visiting are Nauni, famous for its Parmar University and the Gorkha fort, which is 3 centuries old. Both the places are just within 12 Kms of Solan.
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Himachal Pradesh
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Capital city - Shimla
Ideal time to Visit - March to June.
Spring (May/June)- You would get lots of snow but roads are at worst, lots and lots of tourists and obviously a costly trip with escalated price.
Monsoon (July/Aug) - Ladakh/Lahaul/Spiti is historically there is no rain but traffic is high.
Autumn (Sep/Oct) - Roads are at the best but almost no snow enroute. Weatherwise I like this season personally the most, the weather after monsoon recedes remain crystal clear with least haze/dust/mist and gives excellent visibility for watching peaks.
Winter (Nov-April) - At your own risk without any tourists, excellent bargain and budget trip is likely. Also for special interest tours like say Chaddar trek of Zanskar, this is the time to go.
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How to reach
By Air - For Kasauli the nearest airport is Chandigarh (70 kms) and Shimla is the nearest airport from Solan (45kms)
By Train - Solan is connected by rail from Kalka and this is situated around 44 km away.
By Road - Solan is easily accessible by road from all parts of India
Chandigarh - Solan Road drive
Route - NH 22
Distance - 72 kms
Time - 2 hrs