solan

Location: Himachal Pradesh
Altitude: 1,350m.
Places of Interest: Shalooni Devi Temple, Barog, and Bon Monastery
Best Time To Visit: April to June & September to November

Blessed with a pleasant climate all the year round, Solan is the district headquarters of Mashru; another city established by the British, is named after the Goddess, Soloni Devi, whose temple is located in the southern end of the town. Solan also remained capital of east, while Bhagat State for many years.
Solan is well known for its brewery 4.8 km from town started in 1835 with Anglo-German co-operation, and known as Dyer-Meakin Brewery, producing excellent larger beer and quality whisky. In 1950, it was taken over by the late Major Mohan, renamed Mohan-Meakin Breweries in 1966.
Chir pine clothes the Shimla Hills, which yields resin and timber, while apricots and walnuts grow all over the hills, maize and paddy are the two leading grains. Vegetables and Shimla variety of green chillies are extensively grown in the Shimla Hills. The area surrounding Solan in very rich in peas, tomatoes ginger and beans.

PRIME ATTRACTION

Barog: Just 8-km from Solan and 37-km from Kalka, Barog is situated at the height of 1,600m. One can have a panoramic view of Churdhar Peak (3,647m), which poetically translates into 'Mountain of the Silver Bangle'. Barog was an important stop on the railway line in the earlier part of the century. Now it has longest tunnel on Shimla Kalka narrow gauge railway line. The major attraction is Barog height resort situated at the top of the hill, which offer the picturesque view of the surrounding area.  

Bon Monastery (Yung Drung Ling): 12-kms from Solan, this monastery is the second oldest monastery in the world after the one present in Tibet.

Jatoli ShivTemple: This is a very old temple and every year an annual fair is organized here on the occasion of Mahashivratri, which makes it a must see place, just 6-kms away from Solan.

Sholoni Devi Temple: The temple of Goddess Sholoni Devi is situated at the southern part of the town and Solan was named after Devi Sholoni. The famous Shalooni fair is held here every year in the month of June over here, which is dedicated to Goddess Sholoni Devi.     

Giri Picnic: Enjoy your picnic amongst the cool waters of Giri, 20-kms from Solan.

Karol Tibba: This place has a historic value as Pandavas lived here during their 'Agyatvas' period. Covering a 2-hours trek from the resort will take one to this wonderful place, an ideal place for nature lovers.

Toy Train Ride Just enjoy this ride with children while going to Shimla and return back with memories to cherish for the rest of your life.

Dr. Yashwant Singh Paramar University Of Horticulture & Forestry: This forestry & horticulture university is the first one in Asia. It is spread over an area of 550 hectares in village of Naunj on the Solan-Rajgarh road in district Solan and is 15-km from the town. This university was established on 1st December 1985, the founder being Dr.Y.S.Paramour, the first chief minister of Himachal Pradesh. It is divided into 14 departments, which are looked after by a faculty of over 200 scientists & teachers. It offers under graduate, postgraduate & doctoral courses in horticulture, forestry & allied disciplines. 

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: From Kasauli the nearest airport is Chandigarh and Shimla is the nearest airport from Solan.

Rail: The nearest railhead is Kalka in Haryana, which is 40-km from Kasauli and 44-km from Solan. Solan is also well connected with narrow gauge railway line from Kalka.

Road: Solan and Kasauli are also well connected by roadway buses, coaches, and taxis, which are easily available from Chandigarh and Delhi.

CLIMATE: Solan is a bracing hillstation 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.

NEARBY CITIES

Barog:8-km
Kalka:44-km