'''Kasauli''' is a small town in the state of Himachal Pradesh located at an altitude of 1,927 m, 77 km from Shimla and 70 km from Chandigarh. 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. Historically, Kasauli is one of those hill stations that was developed by the British Empire during its peak period in India. It's one of those places that, despite its beauty, is still to find itself prominently on the tourist's map. In fact, it is very good for all those who yearn to spend some time alone with their family, or for that matter even themselves. If you happen to visit the town during the off-season (November to February), it is quite likely that you will not come across any person for a long while on your walk. What will accompany you on your walk, of course, will be the sweet and soothing voices of the birds along with the gentle rustling of leaves.
For those who are quite the opposite and look for fun and adventure at every step, Kasauli will be a disappointment for there is hardly anything to do. There are some small attractions within and around the town that will keep you somewhat busy.
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Get in
By Air
The closest airport from Kasauli is Chandigarh, 65 km away. From there, a cab will bring you to Kasauli.
By Rail
The nearest railhead from Kasauli is Kalka, 40 km away.
By Road
Buses, coaches and taxis ply quite frequently from Kasauli to Chandigarh and Delhi. For those driving from Delhi, take NH 1 to Ambala, crossing Sonepat and Karnal. From Ambala, take NH 22 for Kasauli. The route will pass Zirakpur, Panchkula, Pinjore, Parwanoo, and Dharampur. From Dharampur, a narrow hill road will take you to Kasauli. Or from Parwanoo, a narrow hill road will also take you to Kasauli via Jangeshu, Manoan, and Mashobra. (This road is part of the old Hindustan?Tibet Road, under Heritage protection.)
Get around
See
'''Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanakji''' This historic Sikh gurudwara is located in Gharkhal bazaar on the main road towards Kasauli, having lodging facilities also. Apart from the daily prayers, a programme is held every Sunday morning. Another Sikh gurudwara is located on the other side of the Kasauli ridge on the Kasauli?Mashobra (old Hindustan?Tibet) Road near the Air Force Radar Station.
'''Monkey Point''' This is the highest point in Kasauli, the place where Lord Hanuman is believed to have set his feet while on his way to look for the Sanjeevani ''buti'' (herb). Around 4 km from the Kasauli bus stand, at its top is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman which lies within the premises of the Air Force base. As such, there are a few restrictions: one is not allowed to carry bags or cameras inside. The hike upto the temple can be a bit taxing for those who are not used to climbing, but it is worth an effort. The views from atop the hill are simply magnificent if the day is clear. You can watch the brilliant sparkle of the Sutlej river as it makes its way through the plains, and the pure beauty of the snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar Range.
'''Christ Church''' Situated close to the bus stand, it was constructed by the British family which founded the town of Kasauli itself. It is a magnificent structure built in the shape of a cross. Set amidst a grove of chestnut and fir trees, it is a place of worship for around 30 families. Apart from them, tourists too flock here in large number. Earlier, the church was known as the Anglican Church. In 1970, it was brought under the aegis of the CNI (Church of North India) and is currently managed by the diocese of Amritsar.
Do
'''Hike''' Kasauli has many outdoor trails where one can experience the natural serenity. Some of the better round-trip ones are located off Upper Mall Road and originate near the BSNL quarters located within the Indian Army premises. One such trail leads to Hanuman Point. There are other trails on the Lower Mall that will take you towards Gharkhal. The trails are safe and easy.
The main trail to Monkey Point leads through the Air Force Guard Station at the end of Lower Mall and one is required to register here first. The entry closes at 5:00 pm.
Buy
'''Pinekonez''' A famous souvenir shop just 3 km before Kasauli where one can find designer ceramic mugs of Kasauli, antique jewellery of Himachal?and lots more.
Eat
. one can have tasty "BUNSAMS" at any 'chai'shop along the cobbled street Kasauli bazar i personally recommend that youngboy's shop on your right just before street bends further down to left .
. one can have filling "BUNSAMS" at any 'CHAI'shop at cobbled steet Kasauli Bazar I personally recommend that youngboy's shop on your right just before the street bends further down towards left
meera</eat>
Drink
'''Kasauli Club''' Located within the Indian Army premises, Kasauli Club is one of the most prestigious social clubs in India. Its membership is highly sought after, and, thus, there's an average waiting time of 15 years. The club is managed by a regular Indian Army officer assigned as the 'Club Secretary'. The remaining staff is comprised of civilians. The history of this club dates back to the British era when Kasauli was founded as an accessible summer retreat. Typical of hill architecture, the club was constructed mostly of seasoned wood. Some years ago, tragedy stuck when a malfunctioning electric component started a fire which razed the club. A new and much-improved wood structure has since replaced the old one. The interior finish and decor are lavish. Facilities include lodging (4?5 rooms), a squash court that has been redone recently, two tennis courts, bridge/card rooms, billiards, and an outdoor garden. The club has sisterly ties with many other clubs across India, including the Shimla Club.
Sleep
Contact
Get out
Sanawar It is 6 km from the town of Kasauli at an altitude of 1,750 m, home to one of the major tourist attractions of the region, Lawrence School at Sanawar, founded by Sir Henry M. Lawrence and his wife Honoria more than a century and a half ago. Initially started with 14 boys and girls, it is today one of the best schools in the country. In 1853, the British Empire awarded it the King's Colours, an honour bestowed upon only six schools the world over. In the first week of every October, the students of Sanawar celebrate their Founder's Day, the only time when the relatively quiet atmosphere of Kasauli takes a backseat. For the rest of the year, the Lawrence School campus (139 acres) provides wonderful grounds to relax in. There are pine, deodar and other coniferous trees in the campus. You can also take a round of the campus and observe the colonial buildings that retain their charm till today. There is also a chapel in the campus.
Jagjit Nagar Around 8 km from Kasauli on the Gharkhal-Nalagarh-Baddi 1.5-lane road, it is increasingly receiving recognition as a summer home to Bollywood stars, politicians and bureaucrats, who find its wide-angle Himalayan (Dhauladhar) vistas quiet, relaxing and irresistable. Unlike Kasauli, Jagjit Nagar is much more serene, having dense forests. Accessiblity from Chandigarh, improvement in local infrastructure, proximity to Kasauli, and friendly locals are some of the reasons why real estate is booming here. Land rates have seen a consistent annual spike of 300%. Some of the well-known names with private bungalows here include Deepa Mehta (director of the movie ''Fire''), and the heirs of Imperial Hotels. The main village has basic facilities like banks and shops. The area has one of the finest unobstructed views of the Dhauladhar Range, Greater Himalayan Range, Shimla, and Subathu on the northern side, and Nalagarh, Baddi, River Sutlej and its fertile plains to the south. In 2006, Jagjit Nagar was brought under the jurisdiction of the local Town and Country Planning Authority (TC). As of 2007, to prevent degradation of its surroundings by construction-related activities, the local government has disallowed any construction above Rupees 25 lakh. This policy saw widespread discontent and there's speculation of it being reversed soon.
Dagshai Just 19 km from Kasauli, once a favourite haunt of British families, Dagshai is today much less frequented by tourists. Nonetheless, its freshness is still charming. In fact, it gives you much more of a 'discovering' feeling than Kasauli itself. Walking around the paths and resting under the canopy of oaks and holly forests, the magic of Dagshai will slowly overpower you.
Subathu The main attraction here is the Gurkha fort built in the 19th century. The town was home to British soldiers during the colonial rule.