77-km from Shimla and 35-km from Kalka, at 1,927m,
Kasauli is a quaint little town that seems to exist in a time wrap of an era
that reminds one of the 19th century. Its colonial ambience is reinforced by
cobbled paths, quaint shops, gabled houses with charming facades and scores
of neat little gardens and orchards. Mixed forests of chir-pine, Himalayan
oak and huge horse chestnuts surround Kasauli. Its narrow road slither up
and down the hillsides and offer some magnificent vistas.
Kasauli is one of the small towns developed by the British during the 'hey
day' of the empire, and reached by a branch road from the Kalka-Shimla road.
The quite beautiful hill-station of Kasauli has a Pastur Institute that
produces the anti-rabies vaccine against mad dog-bite and, at the same time,
treats victims who have fallen prey to the dead disease, Hydrophobia. The
institute in Kasauli set up in 1900, is the oldest in India, taking care of
pet, police and army dogs as well as their masters.
Side by side another institute produces other vaccines, this is the Central
Research Institute affording immunity from Typhoid, small-pox, cholera and
snake-bite. The Shimla Hills stand on water - parting between the Sutlej and
the Giri, a tributary of the Yamuna.
South of Shimla is the Panchmunda ridge, which is crossed by a railway
through a tunnel, the longest in the Kalka-Shimla run at Barog, where a
series of fissure to springs occur at its flank. The first ridge above Kalka
rises abruptly to pine-clad Kasauli at a height of 1,927m and is joined by a
12-km bridle path. The distance by road, however, from Kalka is 36.5-km.
Prime Attractions of Kasauli
Monkey Point
The highest point in Kasauli
called Monkey point is just 4-km from the Kasauli bus stand. The Monkey
Point commands an excellent view of the distant plains of Chandigarh region
and the river Satluj, tracing a silvery trail through the scene. A small
temple is also situated on the top of the hill, which is dedicated to Lord
Hanuman. According to a legend, at the end of Ramayana when Lord Hanuman was
returning from the Himalayas after obtaining Sanjivany Booty or the Magical
Herb, his foot touched the hill and thus the top of hill is in a foot shape.
On a clear and starry night the gorgeous view of Chandigarh can be seen from
the Monkey Point.
Sanawar
Just 6-km from Kasauli, Sanawar houses
one of the best schools in the country. The Lawrence school is almost one
hundred-years-old and a major attraction of the town.
The Christ Church
Still unspoiled and very much
as the British left it fifty years ago, Kasauli has a fine old church. The
Christ Church, is a typically Anglican structure of the period and its
foundation stone laid in 1844.
Excursions from Kasauli
Dagshai
(19Km.)
Another little cantonment at an altitude of 1,925m just 19-km from Kasauli,
it is accessible by a link road, which diverts from Dhrampur. Dagshai is
perched on a small hill and comprisse of a military public school and
numerous military barracks
Dharampur, Shimla
(15Km.)
Just 15-km from Kasauli on the National Highway No.22, Dharampur is
situated. Amidst the healthy air of the fragrant pines, Dharampur has one of
the best hospitals in India for the cure of tuberculosis. It is also
connected by Kalka-Shimla railway line.
How To Get There - Kasauli
By Air
From Kasauli the nearest airport is
Chandigarh. Shimla is nearest airport for Solan.
By Rail
Nearest railhead is Kalka in Haryana,
which is 40-km from Kasauli and 44-km from Solan. Solan is also connected
with narrow gauge railway line from Kalka.
By Road
Solan and Kasauli are well connected by
road buses, coaches and taxis are also easily available from Chandigarh and
Delhi.
Places To Stay - Kasauli
Hotel Ros Common
Climate - Kasauli
In winter, temperature can
lower just above freezing point when heavy woollens are required. During
summer, the climate is mild and light woolens or cottons are recommended.
General Information - Kasauli
Location
Himachal Pradesh
Altitude
1,927m
Best Time
April To September
Useful Information - Kasauli
Recreation Centers
Monkey Point, Sanawar,
Dharampur