Kasauli Cantonment was established during the British era at the Himalayan foothills. A quintessential hill station surrounded by pine and oak forests, with scenic viewpoints and colonial-era landmarks, is a favourite weekend haunt of North India. The picturesque natural beauty, lush forests, orchards and rolling hills, charming colonial architecture, tranquil ambience, and less crowded atmosphere compared to other popular hill stations attract select tourists.
The Himalayan Expressway offers a panoramic drive from Chandigarh. For adventure, one can also board the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla toy train from Kalka and enjoy the scenic ride through the hills to Dharampur or Solan, then proceed by road.
Kasauli offers a wide range of stay options: from luxurious resorts to budget hotels, from cosy home stays to wellness retreats or semi-furnished tents. It is a perfect destination if you wish to unwind or get away from urban hustle and bustle. You can catch up on sleep, spend time in self-introspection or just explore the place.
The place has an old-world charm. Untouched old ramparts whisper a tale of the past. Narrow lanes lead up and down the hill. A leisure stroll on the Mall Road takes you back to the colonial era time warp. You can shop for souvenirs at the Heritage Market or try unusual snacks like bun-gulab jamun, bun samosa or authentic Tibetan or local Himachali cuisine.
Close to the bus stand, set amidst a grove of chestnut and fir trees, is a magnificent Christ Church. At the end of the upper Mall Road past Kasauli Club, a trail leads to the scenic Sunset Point. It is a small, clear spot which offers a panoramic view of the valley and the city of Chandigarh. As the sun sets, numerous lights of civilisation glow around, and the sky is filled with twinkling stars–a communion of Nature and civilisation.
There is another viewpoint up the Gilbert Hill, through the army area, which offers a breathtaking valley view. The highest point of Kasauli is the Monkey/Manki Point. A steep hike leads to a small Hanuman Mandir. It is believed that God Hanuman set his feet here on his way in search of Sanjeevni Buti. The view from the top is magnificent. 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.
The Gurkha soldiers of this small town participated in the1857 uprising. There is a Gurkha Fort, built in the early 1900s by the then Gurkha Army Chief, serving as the training centre for the Indian Army. Remnants of a colonial-style façade, along with cannons believed to be centuries old, stand as testimony to a bygone era.
The peaceful and stimulating environment of Kasauli naturally lends itself to creative thought and literary engagement. Renowned Anglo Indian author Ruskin Bond was born in Kasauli, and so was film actor Tisca Chopra. Litterateurs and literary buffs converge here for the annual Khushwant Singh Literature Festival.
The weekend spent was really unwinding and rejuvenating. As I walked the cobbled paths, I was reminded of my school Scout and Guide trek up the hill from Kalka.
Suruchi Kalra Choudhary
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