A hill station which looks just out of the Colonial era, this town was set up in the 1900 by the British. This ambience is created by gabled houses, quaint shops, orchards, gardens and the cobbled road which runs along the town. Kasauli is a popular holiday destination known for its picturesque beauty. besides this, it’s claims to fame is being featured in the TIME’s list of Asia’s Best Literary Excursion. This scenic hill station is surrounded with Oak, Pine and Horse-Chestnut trees. Kasauli blooms with aplenty wild flowers, Wild roses, Deodhars, Rhododendrons, flame of the forest and during the summer, the valley is carpeted with the Kinchnar. It is from the peak Choor Chandni also called Choordhar, from where one can see the bird eye view of the Shimla from 3647m high peak. The paths of Kasauli run along to the magnificent vistas down the hill and then leads to the plains. By evening, one can see the far distant tinkling Haryana and Punjab from here which is quite a sight. To enjoy the snow, ensure to be there during Winter. It is located around 77 km from Shimla and only 35 kms from Kalka which makes this hill station easily accessible.
Kasauli also makes a mark on the map as it stations a Central Research Institute and a Pastur Institute. The Central Research Institute is known worldwide for the production of vaccines. The Institute affords immunity from Small-pox, Cholera, Snake-bites and Typhoid. Along these Shimla hills, runs a tributary of river Yamuna, Giri. This picture perfect hillstation has a mythological story. It is believed that Kasauli came into being when Lord Hanuman was on his way to the Sanjeevani hill to get the Sanjeevani herb, when he put his feet for rest while jumping to Sanjeevani. There is also a Hanuman Temple located on a 300 meter hill popularly dubbed as Monkey Point which a popular tourist destination. It is believed that the town derives its names from Kusmawali or Kusmali meaning flower maiden with which the hills of Kasauli bloom from spring to autumn.
The history of Kasauli can be traced back to the 17th century when the homeless Rajput families needed a refuge from their enemies and found safety at Kasauli, which later became a home to them in Kasul, a vallage in the Lower Himalayas. During the mid 18th century Kasauli was converted into cantonment by the British and Kasauli still enjoys this status. This village had a spring of fresh water and by the 19th century there was a water reservoir constructed and along with Kasuli has grown into a delightful little hill station of Kasauli. While there are some who hold by the belief that Kasauli derives it’s name from a mountain stream Kausalya which flows along from Kasauli to another town Jabli, some others believe that the name is derived from the flower Kusmawali or Kusmali which blooms in Kasauli
The temperature in Kasuali is like Shimla, ranging between 14°C and 28°C during summer. During winter, the temperature ranges between 5 °C and 14°C. The best time to travel to Kasauli is April to June and September to November.
Excursions from Kasauli
Dagshai:
One can plan a trek from Kasauli to Dagsai located 19 kms from here and at 1,925m altitude. As one treks, there are breathtaking views of the colourful valleys blooming during summer and one can see the snow clad peaks during the winter.
Dharampur:
Another destination in Kasauli popular for trekking is Dharampur only 15 kms from Kasauli. Wading through the fragrant Pines the trek is a memorable experience.
Nature Walks along the Upper and Lower mall is also something one must look forward to when in Kasauli. The cobbled roads which run the town are unique to this town.
Sanawar: A little hill town noted for the famous public school is located just 5 kms from Kasuali.
Sabathu: There is an old Gurkha fort built during the early years of the 19th century in this little cantonment town.
Naldera: Naldera flaunts a golf course which is supposed to be the oldest in the country.
Tattapani: There's direct bus to this sulphur hot spring known for it’s healing medicinal values.
Fagu: A small town known for a Potato research centre and also for a lot of snow in winter.
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of Kasauli. Currency can be converted at the currency change counters at the Airport. Credit and debit cards are accepted in only large shops and major hotels.
No permit is required to travel to Kasauli, other than a visa for India.
By Air
To reach Kasauli by air, one can take a flight to Chandigarh or to Shimla. While the Chandigarh Airport is 65 kms away from Kasuali, the distance from Shimla Airport is about 73 kms. There are regular domestic flights between Chandigarh and Delhi. One can always hire a bus or taxi to reach Kasauli.
By Road
Kasauli is well connected by road. Buses and taxis are available if one chooses to travel by road. One can hire a cab or take a bus from Delhi or Chandigarh. There are buses at regular intervals from both these junctions. One can also take a bus from Kalka or Shimla to reach Kasauli.
By Rail
The best way to get around to Kasauli is by train, as all the way through you pass by lush green ranges and forest. One can take a train from Kalka which is the nearest railhead connection to Kasauli and it is around 33 kms away which has to be traveled by road.
Monkey Point – Located around 4 kms from Kasauli, Monkey point is the highest point in Kasauli. A lot of pilgrims also visit as there is a small Temple in the hills dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is said that when Lord Hanuman was on his way to the Himalayas to get the Sanjeevani booti , stepped here before jumping. On top the temple is a foot shape to mark the significance. Currently, the temple is looked after by the Air Force personnel stationed there. Tourists are adviced not to carry their cameras, bags etc.,..as these are not allowed keeping in mind the security being a cantonment area.
Central Research Institute : This institute was established in 1906 by Dr. Sample. It prepares vaccines for treatment of smallpox, typhoid, snake-bite, cholera and is only one of its kind in Asia.
Pasteur Institute: founded in 1900 to produce anti rabies vaccine against dog-bite. It is a place worth visiting.
Christ Church :Established in 1842 by British families, this church enthralls you with the magnificent architecture and the grove of fir trees and chestnuts that surround this 159 year old building.
Chapel of Lawrence School : Located amidst the salubrious environs of Lawrence School, Sanawar, this chapel is about 5 kms from Kasauli.
Shopping:
There is not much to shop in Kasuali, however, a lot of tourists shop for woolen garments and wooden handicrafts which are a specialty in Himachal Pradesh.
Most of the restaurants here serve traditional Indian and Chinese cuisine. There are few good restaurants in the main market area and one can also try the restaurants of the luxury hotels.
There are a lot of accommodation options to choose from in Kasuali. This hill station is full of resorts, luxury hotels, budget hotels and lodges. There is a PWD rest house and also a state run HPTDC hotel where one can make booking in advance. Some of the hotels are Baikunth Resort, Hotel Shivalik, Kasauli Resorts K.K Trams and Jabli
When in Kasauli during winter, it is advisable to carry woolen clothes to beat the cold as the temperature drops as low as 5 °C. While during summer, the climate is pleasant and light woolen or cotton is recommended. Walking is the ideal way to getting around Kasauli, a small town, and the locals frown upon the use of vehicles. However commuting in vehicles is limited only on the lower and upper malls. Leaving all stress behind one can count on the pine-scented air, the misty ambience, the pleasent walks and the spectacular views to make the trip to Kasauli a memorable experience. Being a cantonment town, entry to Kasauli is restricted. Foreign citizens must carry their passports.
