Solan - the Gateway to Himachal Pradesh

From Delhi – 340 km

From Kalka – 42 km

From Shimla – 52 km

Overview – 

Often referred to as the Gateway of Himachal Pradesh, Solan is a quiet small town, suitable for family trips and romantic vacations alike. Basically an agricultural area, the town is known as the ‘mushroom city of India’, for producing large varieties of mushrooms. Solan is also famous for housing the Mohan Meakins brewery, the oldest in India. Besides being an industrial hub of the state, the town, situated at an average altitude of 1,467 mtr, boasts of numerous old temples, architectural wonders of the colonial era and quaint picnic spots. Sholoni Devi Temple, dedicated to goddess Sholini (after whom the town is named) is a must visit place while in Solan.

Solan, Himachal Pradesh

Don’t Miss – 

For adventure enthusiasts, the River Giri meandering through the town offers some fine angling spots like Mareog, Karkanu and Gaura. Solan is a trekking paradise for nature lovers with hilly and picturesque trails. Some of the major attractions in and around Solan are Jatoli Shiv Temple, Karol Tibba, Meteol Tibba, Kotla Nallah, Yungdrung Tibetan Monastery (close to Nauni) and Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry at Nauni. 

Getting There –

Train – Kalka railway station is the major railhead close to Solan. Board the overnight Kalka Mail from Delhi, which reaches Kalka early in the morning. From Kalka, take the toy train (Kalka – Shimla) to reach Solan. 

Road – From Delhi, drive on NH 1 till Ambala. Further, take the NH 21 and then NH 22 to reach Kalka. Solan is situated on the Shimla – Kalka Highway (NH 22), at a distance of 42 km from Kalka and 52 km from Shimla. From Kalka, buses and taxis are available at regular intervals to Solan. The road journey from Kalka to Solan takes around one and half hours. 

Mandi - A beautiful hill station in Himachal

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Distance: 425 km from Delhi

Popular As: Hill Station

Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Getting There –

By Rail – Kalka railway station is the nearest railhead from Mandi. Kalka Shatabadi, Howrah - Kalka Mail, Paschim Express and Himalayan Queen run between Delhi and Kalka. From Kalka, you can reach Mandi by hiring a taxi, approximately four hours away. 

By Road – From Delhi, NH 1 takes you to Ambala. Further, switch onto NH 21 to reach Zirakpur, ahead of Chandigarh. From there, take a right onto NH 22 leading to Pinjaur. Then, proceed on the NH 21 A, connecting further to NH 21. Finally, NH 21 takes you to Mandi via Bilaspur. The road journey from Delhi to Mandi should take around 12 hours.  

Overview – 

Mandi is a small hill town, situated in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Set at an altitude of 800 mtrs above sea level, the town is an ideal getaway for a quiet vacation. Established on the banks of Beas River, Mandi is known for its historic as well as commercial values. A fast developing town, Mandi is home to around 100 old and new temples, mostly dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Kali. In fact, due to large number of temples and its strategic location along Beas River, the town is fondly referred as 'Chhoti (Small) Kashi'. 

Don’t Miss – 

While in Mandi, must visit the old palaces to get a glimpse of ‘colonial’ architecture. Visit the temples around the town, known for their exquisite carvings and religious significance. Besides, for their historical importance, a number of temples in Mandi have been declared ‘protected monuments’ by ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). Panchvaktra Temple, Ardhnareshwar Temple, Bhima Kali Temple, Tarna Temple and Triloknath Temple are important temples. The historic Gurdwara Govind Singh, Kangri Dhar and Sunken Garden are other must visit places. 

Pragpur - India’s first heritage village

Location: Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh

Distance: 430 km from Delhi

Popular As: India’s first heritage village’

Getting There –

By Train – Una Himachal railway station is the nearest railhead, at a distance of about 60 km. Himachal Express, an overnight train, run daily between Delhi and Una. The train departs from Delhi at 23.20 pm and reaches Una next day, at 7.50 in the morning. From Una, you have to reach Pragpur by road, approximately one and half hours away. 

By Road – From Delhi, drive on NH 1 till Phagwara via Ambala and Ludhiana. Then, switch onto the state road to reach Hoshiarpur. Further, NH 70 takes you to Gagret. From there, take the state road to reach Pragpur. The road trip from Delhi to Pragpur, should take around 10 hours. 

Overview – 

Renowned as ‘India’s first heritage village’, Pragpur is situated in Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Pragpur is beautiful hamlet in the Dhauladhar mountain ranges, thronged by visitors in large numbers for a relaxing weekend break. Bestowed with abundant greenery, the quaint village is a perfect eco-tourism destination. Pragpur is the home of the world famous Kangra School of painting. In addition to its serene beauty and magnificent views, the village is also known for its historic significance. It is said that world’s oldest ruling lineage comes from Pragpur. 

Don’t Miss – 

Pragpur is known for its traditional architecture. You can see a glimpse of the age old architecture, in the mud plastered and slate roofed houses, cobbled lanes and ornamental tanks, sprawling in the village. Interestingly, the water-tank at Pragpur is the centre of almost every activity of villagers. Take the leisurely walks across the village and nearby places, dotted with seasonal fruits and colourful flowers orchards. You can also enjoy fun-filled activities like angling and water sports. Other nearby attractions are Sidh Channo Temple (3 km), Chinour Temple (15 km), Kaleshwar Temple (20 km), Jwalamukhi Temple (21 km), Chintpurni Temple (20 km), Kangra Fort (45 km) and Dharamsala (65 km). 

Nalagarh - A town of production units

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Distance: 300 km from Delhi, 60 km from Chandigarh

Popular for: production units for chemicals, threads and breweries

Getting There –

By Train – The nearest railhead is located at Chandigarh, approximately 60 km away. Chandigarh railway station is served by a number of express and superfast trains from Delhi. Taxis and bus services are available from Chandigarh to Nalagarh.  

By Road – From Delhi, drive on NH 1 up to Ambala. Further, take the NH 21 till Zirakpur and then switch onto NH 22 to reach Pinjore. From there, proceed on NH 21 A for about 30 km, and then take a right on the state road to reach Nalagarh. The road trip from Delhi to Nalagarh should take around eight hours. 

Overview – 

Nalagarh, also called Nawalgarh is a small town in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Founded by the Chandela Rajputs in 1100 AD, the town was a princely state during the British Raj. Set an altitude of 1,220 feet above sea level, Nalagarh draws tourists for a quiet weekend break, away from the maddening crowd of big cities. An industrial town, Nalagarh is also home to several production units of leather, steel, chemicals, threads and breweries.   

Don’t Miss – 

Nalagarh Fort is the prime attraction of the town, known for its excellent architecture and well-manicured lawns. Built in 1421 during the reign of Raja Bikram Chand, the magnificent fort is now functional as a heritage resort. Visit the fort to enjoy breathtaking views of Shivalik Hills and nearby areas. Nature walks along the forested trails is a must do recreational activity at Nalagarh. You may also visit Pinjore (35 km) en-route to Nalagarh, to see the famous Mughal Gardens. 

Nahan - A beautiful hill station in Himachal

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Distance: 265 km from Delhi

Popular As: Hill Station

Getting There –

By Train – Ambala Cantt Junction is the major railhead close to Nahan. The railway station is served by numerous express and superfast trains from Delhi. Further, you can hire a taxi to reach Nahan, approximately three hours away. Bus services are also available at regular intervals from Ambala to Nahan. 

By Road – From Delhi, take NH 1 to reach Ambala town. Further, switch onto NH 72 leading straight to Nahan. The road journey from Delhi to Nahan, usually takes seven hours. 

Overview – 

Nahan is a picturesque town, situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Perched on a hill atop the Shivalik Hills, the town is an ideal getaway for a weekend break. Set at an altitude of about 900 mtr, Nahan enjoys pleasant weather round the year. Established in 1621 by Raja Karan Prakash, the city has its connections with great saints and princes. A well-planned town, Nahan is known for a man-made lake, lush gardens and beautifully decorated temples. Nahan is also a good base to visit popular places such as Paonta Sahib (20 km), Suketi Fossil Park (21 km) and Trilokpur Temple (23 km).  

Don’t Miss – 

Leisure walks across the town and nearby places is a must do activity. The Mall Road is one of the favourite areas for walking, especially in the evening. Do some shopping at Mall Road. Visit the magnificent temples, colonial buildings and other interesting structures situated in and around the town. Kalisthan Temple, Jagannath Temple, Sanatan Dharm Temple and Lakshmi Narayan Temple are some of the famous temples. Other must visit places include Rosin and Turpentine factory, Ranital Tank and Garden, Pakka Tank and Nahan Foundry. You can also go fishing on the rivers and streams, flowing close to the town. 

Incredible India! Unexplored Attraction! Masrur Temple, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Intricately carved from one single piece of sandstone, almost nothing is known about the Masrur Temples. Besides conjecture and legend, there are no hard facts connecting the complex to a people or even a time period. When the temples were first constructed, there were 19 in total, all ranging in size and complexity. Over the years, invasion and natural disaster has left only 15 ruins standing, but the high concentration and unique architecture make it one of the most intriguing temple sites in India.

The temples were built by the Pandava, five brothers who engaged in a massive war with their cousins in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Later archeological speculation supposed the temples were built in the 9th century by wealthy traders, who built the complex as a shrine to Shiva, Rama, Lakshman and Sita. A number of stone statues depicting these deities still exist inside of the larger temples. Along with the actual structures, a 50 meter-long reservoir that is also hollowed from sandstone lies in front of the main structure, and reflects the stone-carved mystery in its waters.

The setting, the carvings and the layout is a must-see.

Manali - A Quaint Hill Town in Himachal

Quick Facts
Situated in: Himachal Pradesh.
Major Attractions: Hadimba Temple, Tibetan Monastery, Manali Club House and Mountaineering Institute
Suitable Time To Visit: November to March.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali is a quaint hill town, located 40 kms north of Kullu Valley. Perched 1928 m, above the sea level, Manali is a perfect destination for discerning travellers and adventure seekers. Earlier, Manali was a village called ‘Dana Agha’, even today traces of that period can be found in the town.

Set along the banks of Beas River, Manali abounds with natural gifts like beautiful landscape, pine and deodar forests, snow-capped peaks, steep cliffs, rolling valleys, adventure and mystery. Besides these, the lush meadows of wild flowers and fragrant fruit orchard in full bloom, add more charm to the hill resort.

Manali can be easily reached by road, bus services to important cities of North India are available. Kullu Airport is the nearest airport, while Shimla and Chandigarh are nearest railheads. Accommodations in all range are available, from five star to budget hotels.


Major Attractions in Manali
Hadimba Temple: Hadimba Temple also called Dhungri Temple has historic as well as archaeological importance. One can reach this temple on foot or by hiring cars or taxis that ply along the Bipasha and take you to the temple gate. Dedicated to goddess Hadimba, the temple was built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1553. The 27 metre high temple is made of wood and has four-tiered pagoda type roof and the well-decorated front gate which comprises the images and symbols.

Tibetan Monastery: Tibetan Monastery is another major attraction of the town. The monastery has a good collection of Tibetan paintings and handicrafts.

Gadhan Takechokling Gumfa: Located next to Tibetan Monastery, Gadhan Takechokling Gumfa was constructed in 1969. The cave has an idol of Shakyamuni.

Manali Mountaineering Institute: Manali Mountaineering Institute offers basic and advance training courses for adventure sports like mountaineering, trekking, skiing and plenty of water sports. Skiing and trekking equipments can be hired here by advance booking.

Manali Club House: Manali Club House lies 2 km from the main town on the left bank of Manalsu Nallah. Around the Club House there are fine spots for picnic, where you can pass a good time. Cultural events are also organized in the auditorium of Club House.

Manu Temple: Just 3 kms from the main market in Old Manali, there is a temple dedicated to Manu Rishi, the creator of human race on the earth.

Solang Valley (13 km): Solang Valley is situated between Solang village and Beas Kund. The picturesque valley has some fine ski slopes, where you can undertake the adventure sports. For adventure seekers there is also a Ski lift here for skiing training. The winter skiing festival is also organized at Solang Valley.

Rahala Waterfalls (16 kms): Rahala Water Falls is located 16 kms away on way to Rohtang Pass. The water fall is famous as a picnic spot.

Rohtang Pass (51 kms): Rohtang Pass is situated on Keylong - Leh Highway at an altitude of 3,979 mts. A gateway to Lahaul, Spiti, Pangi and Leh Valley, Rohtang Pass remains open from during summers, from June to October. From Rohtang Pass you can enjoy spectacular view of glaciers, peaks and the Chandra River flowing down in the Lahaul valley. Close to Rohtang Pass are the twin peaks of Geypan.

Adventure in Manali: Adventure seekers can enjoy adventure sports like jeep safari, mountaineering and snow skiing