If you go to Google Maps, you will find Solan somewhere in the middle of Chandigarh and Shimla on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway 5. The city lies in Himachal Pradesh and is located in the foothills of the lower Shivalik Ranges that offer jaw-dropping views of the humungous Himalayan peaks. Solan gets visitors in huge numbers throughout the year, courtesy of the stunning scenic views it offers.
Around 1,500 meters above sea level, the peaceful hill station also acts as a gateway to tourist destinations like Kasauli, Chail, and Kalka. Apart from the natural beauty, Solan is home to ancient temples, monasteries, and one of the oldest breweries in India.
Here’s the detailed Solan travel guide for you to know the place better.
Solan Travel Guide For Travelers: Best Time, How To Reach, Attractions, And More
How To Get To Solan
Getting To Solan By Air
Although Solan doesn’t have its own airport, there is still a couple of solutions if you want to visit the city from a faraway location by air. The nearest airport to Solan is in Shimla which is around 55 km or a two-hour drive away.
The second nearest option to Solan is the Chandigarh airport which is around 75 km away. Both Shimla and Chandigarh airports are well connected to a number of major cities of India like Mumbai, New Delhi, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Goa, Ahmedabad, etc. The nearest international airport to Solan is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, which is around 315 km away.
Getting To Solan By Train
Solan has a railway station called the Solan Railway Station and the next best option is the railway station in Kalka at a distance of around 40 km from the city. Kalka connects Solan to quite a few major cities like Chandigarh, Shimla, New Delhi, Amritsar, Dehradun, etc.
The Himalayan Queen train runs between New Delhi and Kalka. The highlight remains the Kalka-Shimla railway which was added by UNESCO to the mountain railways of India World Heritage Site in 2008.
Getting To Solan By Road
Solan can be reached from many Indian cities via the buses run by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) on a daily basis. You will easily find a large number of AC and non-AC buses to Solan or Kalka and Shimla. The city of Solan is easily approachable by road from both Shimla and Chandigarh.
If possible, you might want to try driving your vehicle all the way to Solan while enjoying the mesmerizing scenery throughout the journey. Nothing will beat that experience.
Best Time To Travel To Solan
Solan is one of the few places that are suitable for travel throughout the year. There are certain months that are still considered better than the others. For Solan, the best time to visit the city are the months of summer – from March to July.
The weather is pleasant at all times with clear visibility to bask in the natural beauty of Solan and for sightseeing. The maximum temperature during summers goes to 30°C while the minimum is around 15°C.
The city doesn’t experience heavy showers during its monsoon season. Thus the months from August to October are also just as favorable for traveling to Solan as March to July.
A visit to Solan in the winter season is only recommended if you really love the cold weather. This is because Solan gets extremely cold from November to February. The temperature can drop to -4°C and you will love the place if you enjoy the snow!
Also Read: Winter Packing Checklist: Must-Have Essentials For Cold Weather Trips
Getting Around Solan
By Bus
The best and the easiest way to get from one point to another in Solan is its network of local buses. The fares are nominal and the buses are easy to find.
By Cabs
Solan has a large number of private cab service providers and you will easily find local taxis throughout the day as well. Another exciting option is to rent a car, motorbike, or bicycle for a day; be adventurous and explore the city on your own.
By Foot
If the idea of trekking excites you, Solan will prove to be a paradise for you and your friends. You can try and trek to the Karol Tibba and further continue your journey to the Pandava Caves. Also, there are many organizations that specialize in planning and organizing treks about which you can get information from the locals as well as from the Internet.
Breaking Stereotypes About Solan
“There is nothing beyond stunning views to enjoy here.”
Do you realize how lucky you are to be blessed with this article? You almost missed out on a fantastic holiday destination. Solan has a number of attractions for its visitors like Majathal Sanctuary, Shoolini Mata Temple, Menri Monastery, Bon Monastery, Kuthar Fort, and the Solan Brewery. Continue reading and you’ll know which places to definitely check out and experience the best of Solan.
Also Read: Top 3 Scenic Train Rides In India To Enjoy The Winter Snow Magic
Go Check Out These Attractions
1. Solan Brewery
Solan Brewery is said to be one of the oldest breweries in India, dating back to 1855 when it was started by Englishmen due to the availability of top-quality mineral water in the area. Now under the supervision of Mohan Meakin Ltd., the brewery has been transformed into a distillery and attracts a huge chunk of tourists throughout the year. Solan Brewery is located in close proximity to the Solan Railway Station and you are guaranteed to have a great experience whenever you decide to visit.
2. Bon Monastery
Located just around 12 km away from the central point of Solan, the Bon Monastery is believed to be the second oldest monastery of the Bon community in the entire world. This is the best place in Solan to visit with your family. Here’s how this monastery in Solan is all set to entertain all kinds of tourists.
Those who want to meditate and spend some quality time in absolute peace are going to love it the most. In fact, you might just get so relaxed that it gets difficult for you to leave for your next scheduled spot.
Anyone who is interested in learning about new cultures will be thrilled to experience the Tibetan culture. Architecture enthusiasts are going to be blown away by the craftsmanship of the monastery. And finally, since the monastery sits on the top of a hill, it offers spellbinding views of the snow-covered Himalayas and the rest of the city, giving the photographers an amazing opportunity to capture beauty. All of this makes the Bon Monastery in Solan one of the most popular attractions among visitors.
3. Kuthar Fort
The Kuthar Fort was built by the Gorkha Kings over 800 years ago and if you hire a cab from Solan, it should take you approximately one hour to reach. The fort is covering a large area of 52.8 square km and the sophisticated artwork catches your eye as soon as you step foot on the premises.
In addition, you will spot multiple fresh-water springs, a well-maintained garden, and an ancient temple as you move ahead. There are a few sections that are not as old as the fort but have been developed in the last 100 years. Once you’re finished exploring the Kuthar Fort and if you have time, you have the options of going to Kunihar, the Gorkha Fort, and Kasauli which are not far from the fort.
FAQs
What Is Solan Famous For?
A number of different things make Solan famous and special. The natural beauty of the city is something out of the ordinary and there are various public attractions for tourists. But the uniqueness of Solan lies in the fact that it produces the best quality of mushrooms and tomatoes in the country.
What Language Is Mainly Spoken In Solan?
Since Solan is located at the border of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, the people of the hill station speak and understand Hindi, English, and Punjabi. Many locals also use the Pahari dialect to communicate with each other.
What Are The Attractions That Should Not Be Missed in Solan?
Some of the must-visit attractions in Solan are Majathal Sanctuary, Shoolini Mata Temple, Menri Monastery.
Why Is Solan Called Red Gold?
Solan is known for its strong foothole in the tomato production sector. That’s why it earned the nickname as “The City Of Red Gold.”
How Far Is Solan From Jalandhar?
Solan is around 210 km away from Jalandhar.
