Kasauli Travel Guide
Kasauli (6400 Feet) is a good detour between Shimla and Kalka, and is often called lesser Shimla. The cantonment was established in 1842 by the British colonial rulers as a hill station. It is the first hill station while approaching Shimla from Kalka. Kasauli is easily recognized by its huge TV tower. Kasauli is located just 77kms from Shimla. The road from Kalka to Dharampur is common for Shimla and Kasauli and Kasauli is about 17 Kms from this place towards the left. Kasauli is marked by roads and old-fashioned bungalows in secluded gardens which have been with the same family for years.
The upper and lower malls run through Kasauli’s length and one can enjoy long walks on it. A mixed forest of pine, oak and horse-chestnut encircles the town. Its colonial ambience is reinforced by a stretch of cobbled road, quaint shops, gabled houses with charming facades and scores of neat little gardens and orchards.
Populated mainly by serving and retired army personnel and old time residents, the bungalows are unpretentious and picturesque, with neatly trimmed hedges and wild-flower-dotted winding approach roads. Some very famous people have lived and still do maintain residences there including the noted Indian write in english Khushwant Singh.
Kasauli Climate
The Climate of Kasauli is Salubrious around the year, summer bring pleasant and winter mild with occasional Snow Fall. In winter, temperature can lower just above freezing point when heavy woollens are required like shawls, sweater, cardigans etc. During summer, the climate is mild and light woollens or cottons are recommended. The Monsoon are special charming when playful clouds swoop down upon you and the mist surrounds you.
How to reach Kasauli
By Air
The airport at Chandigarh is at a distance of 80 km, this is the nearest airport. There are daily flights from Delhi and other cities to this place. It takes about two hours to travel to Kasauli from this place.
By Bus/ Taxi: Distance from Kasauli
| Delhi |
330 Kms |
Approximate travel time
- from Delhi to Kasauli is 7 hours
- from Chandigarh to Kasauli is 2.5 hours
- from Shimla to Kasauli is 3 hours
- from Ambala to Kasauli is 3.5 hours
- from Kalka to Kasauli 1.5 Hours
Taxis and buses are easily available from these places. |
| Chandigarh |
80 Kms |
| Ambala |
115 Kms |
| Shimla |
75 Kms |
| Kalka |
55 Kms |
By Rail
The nearest railhead is Kalka, 55 km away. Kalka is the last broad gauge station. From here narrow gauge train goes to Shimla. Dharampur is the nearest narrow gauge station from Kasauli but tourists do not prefer to travel by narrow gauge toy train for Kasauli as it is nearby from Kalka. There are plenty of trains to choose from at different timings. It takes one and a half hours from this place to reach Kasauli
Places of interest in Kasauli
The two main walks around Kasauli, the Upper and Lower Mall are beautiful. The somewhat steep Upper Mall takes you past an important landmark, the Kasauli Club. Any mode of travel other than walking is frowned upon in Kasauli and there is restriction on the movement of vehicles on the upper and lower malls. Leaving all stress behind one can count on the pine-scented air, the misty ambience, the pretty walks and the spectacular views to make your trip to Kasauli a memorable experience.
Monkey Point – 3 ½ Km
The highest point in Kasauli called Monkey Point is just three and a half km from Kasauli city center. The monkey point commands an excellent view of distant plains of Chandigarh region. A small temple is also situated on the top of the hill which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The area being restricted from security point of view, no belongings like Camera, bags are allowed. On a clear and starry night the lights of Chandigarh can be seen from the Monkey Point. Covering that stretch through car is not that enjoyable as compared to walk holding hands in hands with your partner and watching the beauty of nature.
Other places in Kasauli
An ancient Church is worth seeing located on the Upper Mall Road. A little above this place, there is a Central Research Institute established in 1906 by Dr. Sample. It prepares vaccines for treatment of typhoid, cholera, smallpox, and snake-bite and is only of its kind in Asia. Close to this there is Pasteur Institute founded in 1900 to produce ant rabies vaccine against dog-bite There is yet another sanatorium for TB patients because of its heal thy most environment. TV Tower is an another land mark. Baptist Church established in 1923 is also worth seeing.
Lawrence school Sanawar
The world famous Lawrence school at Sanawar near Kasauli was started in 1847 as an orphanage for the children of the British Indian army personnel killed in action. Today it is among the top public schools in the country, and one of the worlds oldest co-educational institutions.
Timber Trail Resort
Nestling cozily on the lap of the Shivalik range, atop two adjacent hills and joined together with a cable car, Timber Trail is an idyllic holiday stopover. One can enjoy the ride to and back to the hill top and move forward or stop for a night halt at the resort. Though just seven kilometers away from Kalka and thirty seven kilometers from Chandigarh, on Shimla highway the hustle and bustle of the city is forgotten as soon as one crossed Parwanoo the first town of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by wooded hills, the Kaushalya river meanders its way between the two hills.
The highlight of Timber Trail Resort is Cable Car. The cabin has a capacity of 10-12 people and flies tourists from Timber Trail Resort to Timber Trail Heights. The “Cable Car” travels a distance of 1.8 kms and takers tourists to a height of 5,000 feet from 3,000 feet a rise of 2,000 feet. This is truly said to be a breathtaking and hair raising although it is absolutely safe experience for those few minutes.
