Day 44 - Kasauli

Day 44


Kasauli is a small town in the state of Himachal Pradesh located at an altitude of 1,927 m.  Legend says that it came into existence after Lord Hanuman placed his feet here in order to advance on to the Sanjeevani hill. The place where the lord actually kept his feet is believed to be at a hillock which is 300 m high. A gorgeous hill station, Kasauli is renowned for its picture perfect environs and graceful Victorian mansions. This appealing hill resort denotes serenity, embedded in the magnetism of evergreen trees like oaks, willows and firs. Paved boulevards that are lined with stunning oak, chestnut and pine forests, once acted as a sanatorium for the British. Kasauli owes much to the illustrious English for its crowning glory. The snow clad mountains, dense forests and lush foliage attribute to the unspoiled beauty of this hill station.


How to reach here:

By Air: The closest airport is at Chandigarh, which is 70 km away.

By Rail: The nearest railhead from Kasauli is Kalka, 40 km away.


Best time to visit: Throughout the year.


Languages spoken: Hindi, English, Himachali.


Must eat: Maadra, Kadhi, Poppy seeds halwa, Green Ginger Tea, Dham, Maa-ki-dal.


Famous Restaurants: Ross common, Narinder, Gyani Dhaba, Hotel R. Maidens.


Places you must visit:


Monkey point is the most exotic and the highest elevated spot in Kasauli. The name monkey point is derived from the Hindu mythology and a small temple is erected dedicating to Lord Hanuman on the site.It is said that Lord Hanuman landed on this place before jumping on the Sanjivani Hill to collect the herb to cure Lord Laxman. On a clear day, one can see the hills around Shimla, the plains of Chandigarh, silver lining of Satluj River and the terrain of Punjab from the monkey point.



The Timber trail is referred to the valley that lies between the two adjacent hills of the Shivalik range. Connected by a cable car, the trail is a popular holiday stopover. The view of the Kaushalya River flowing below is a mesmerizing sight.Sunset can be witnessed from the hill top, which is at a height of 5000 ft above sea level. The cable car covers 1.8 km in less than 10 minutes to take tourists to the destination.




Dagshai is one of the oldest British Cantonments at the foothills of the Shivalik Hills and lies at a height of about 6000 ft above sea level. This place has a scenic beauty which attracts thousands of tourists form all over the world every year.At the top of Dagshai hill, colourful red and green rooftops school campuses exist, which dates back to 1876. The village located on the hill-peak also feature a soccer field, where Durand Cup was hosted.The location has a historical significance, which include battles of allied forces of Sikhs, hill chiefs and Britishers with the Gurkhas. Thereafter, Britishers constructed the cantonment in the region, with a large jail, in the year 1846. The convicts of the jail were tattooed on their foreheads with permanent markings.The place was a barren hill, which was transferred by the Maharaja of Patiala to the Britishers for the purpose to set up military station or cantonment. The small town also played a role of a guard for the Shimla’s periphery.




Dagshai Church, Parwanoo  is  known for its colonial architecture. The area is covered by thinck pine and oak trees and offers panoramic views of the surrounding.




Kasauli Brewery is the world's highest distillery, located in the outskirts of Kasauli town. The distillery and brewery were established in 1820's by Edward Dyer. This location was chosen due to the fine spring water and climatic conditions, similar to Scotland. Brewing and distilling equipment of England and Scotland that included copper pot stills, which were used then, are utilised even today.Headed by Edward Dyer, the company was incorporated as Dyer Breweries Limited that was later merged with Meakin Breweries Limited, and became Dyer Meakin Breweries Ltd. At present, the company is known as Mohan Meakin Limited, an acclaimed liquor manufacturer. Among renowned brands of the company are Old Monk rum, Diplomat Deluxe Whiskey, Colonel's Special, Black Knight, London Dry, Big Ben gins, Kaplanski vodka and Summer Hall.

The sunrise point earlier known as Hawa Ghar is located roughly 350 meters away from Ros Common. Walking to the spot before the dawn and watching the sunrise is a magnificent experience. 

The sunrise point earlier known as Hawa Ghar is located roughly 350 meters away from Ros Common. Walking to the spot before the dawn and watching the sunrise is a magnificent experience.The name 'Hawa Ghar' was conceived as the landmark has steady air currents year-round. Besides, a complete view of sunrise, without any obstruction, can be watched from the place.  

The sunset point located approximately 100 meters away from the Kasauli club house is another spot once should not miss out. Watching the crimson sun hide behind the hills is a breathtaking experience.Sunset Point renders beautiful view of the horizon, changing its colours during sundown.

Mughal Garden at Pinjore is inspired by Persian Gardens, specifically the Charbagh structure. Constructed in Islamic style of architecture by the Mughals, the garden exhibits rectilinear layouts within walled enclosures. Mughal Garden, which is also known as the Pinjore Garden, features pools, fountains and canals.The walls are carved with Quranic references to paradise, apart from the secular references of numeric representation of eight and nine engraved on terraces and other places like octagonal pools.Nawab Fidal Khan, chief architect to the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, carried out the construction of the garden. The garden has been made on a slope, with decorations and fountains. A channel runs in the middle of the garden and is fitted with numerous fountains. On either sides of the channel are walkways lined with lush green trees. The channel runs into a pavilion, featuring a terrace that gives a beautiful view of the entire garden.oreover, the garden spread over 100 acres, has a rich variety of colourful flowers, sweet-smelling grass and several trees.

The Sidh Baba Balak Nath Temple is located on the Graner Hill. This cave temple dedicated to Baba Balak Nath, an ardent follower of Lord Shiva.According to belief, the prayers of childless couple are heard by the Lord. The shrine also features photos of the blessed child. One of the highlights of the shrine is the numerous sculptures of Lord Shiva.Chanting of mantras, related to Lord Shiva like 'Om Namo Narayana' or 'Om Namah Shivaya' or 'Salutations to Shiva' are heard around the shrine.Entry of females is strictly restricted inside the cave.

Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanakji has no idols, statues, or religious pictures inside the premise, but only a holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. 

The Lawrence School, in Sanawar, is amongst the oldest schools in India. The institution was found on 17 April 1847 by Sir Henry M. Lawrence and his wife Honoria. In the year 1853, the School was presented Kings Colours by Lord Dalhousie for its academic excellence.Sprawling over an area of 139 acres, the premises comprise buildings, hostels and playground and are surrounded by forests of pines, cedars, oaks and conifer trees. The institution features in the top academic institutions honoured during British Empire for academic excellence. Others that received this honour are Eton, the Duke of York's Royal Military School, Shrewsbury, Cheltenham and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. After death of the founder, Sir Henry in 1857, government took over the management. The premises also feature a cathedral, constructed using grey stones. The campus buildings having red eclipsed roofs are visible on the horizon from far off places. The campus estate is known for the rambling paths, trees, flowers and beautiful birds.

Central Research Institute (CRI) was established during colonial rule of British, in the year 1905. The beautiful campus of the institute attracts several tourists throughout the year. Engaged in diligent research and development activities, the institution has formulated vaccines for treatment of several diseases like smallpox, typhoid, cholera and snakebite.Under the reigns of British director Sir David Semple, the institute worked in the sphere of immunology and virological research for formulation of inoculations for snakebite and rabies. Apart from medical research, the 106 year old institution also offers academic courses, including graduate and post-graduate courses.At present, the institution is managed by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The institution's contribution in the associated field has been globally acclaimed. A collaborating centre, the institution is currently working with 'World Health Organisation' for measles, polio and the DTP group of vaccines.

Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry is engaged in teaching and research in the field of horticulture, forestry and related domains. The institution has helped in preserving eco-conscious, mainly in Indian Himalayan states and entire region of Hindukush range of the majestic Himalayas.part from research activities, the institution has formed associations with state, central and international institutions, NGOs, orchardists, farmers and industrialists for ecological stability of the region. Specialising in fruit culture, floriculture, horticulture and vegetable cultivation, the institution conducts training programs for farmers for using improved technology, while cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, medicinal and aromatic plants.The university is inspired by Himachal Agricultural College and Research Institute, Solan that was established in 1962. On December 1985, the institution was named Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry after Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar, the first chief minister of Himachal Pradesh.

Gurkha Fort is located in the cantonment town of Subathu, situated at a height of 1,437 mts above sea level. The fort was constructed in the early 19th century by Gurkha’s, who wished to hold firm position in the region. The cantonment town and the fort were later ruled by the British.The fort still houses more than 180 years old cannons that were used during the Gurkha Wars. Presently, major part of the town is army cantonment area and has 14 Gurkha training centres of the Indian Army. One of the major recruitment centres of Gurkhas in the British Indian army, the town centre is now the regimental centre for Gurkhas of the Indian army.

The Baptist Church showcases the beautiful blend of Gothic and Indian style of architecture. Built in the year 1923 by British, the church is among the most visited structures in town.The peaceful environment amidst pines, silence of the forest and presence of chirping birds rejuvenate visitors.

Krishna Bhawan Mandir, a Hindu shrine, was constructed in the middle of the town. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple exhibits blend of European and Indian architecture.Krishna Bhawan Mandir was built in the year 1926 during the British regime. Imperial rulers, specialists of grand buildings came together with local craftsmen to construct this beautiful shrine. Keeping in mind the principles of Vastu Shastra, the designers and craftsmen built this religious monument.

Christ church is one of the most sacred places in the town. The church was built in the style of Anglican churches in 1844, which is also one of the finest and the oldest churches in Kasauli. The stained glass décor and, the lustful shrubbery and trees around add to the beauty of the church.Church is constructed in the shape of a cross, built by the British families that laid the foundation of Kasauli town in year 1842.The heritage church features a clock tower and a sundial in the front. There is a cemetery along with the church with graves dating back to 1850s and earlier.