Enjoy Snowfall In The Offbeat Hill Station Solan

The gorgeous hill station, Solan, located at the foothills of the Himalayas is the epitome of beauty. Situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, around 50 kilometers from the state capital Shimla, Solan is a charming place surrounded with lush greenery, towering hills, and splendid beauty. Owing to its pleasant weather throughout the year, Solan has become one of the favorite hill stations for Indian travelers in recent years. The ideal time to visit this hill station is during the winter when you can enjoy the snowfall in Solan. The place receives moderate snowfall during winters in the months of December and January.

A visit to the hill station when it’s snowing is a delight for every traveler. Everyone wants to spend some quality time with their family and friends in a town covered with snow. Solan during snowfall is India’s favorite destination and is the perfect place to enjoy the stunning beauty of nature and play around on snow-laden roads and parks. The charm of the region increases many folds during the winters. The snowfall in Solan makes it a perfect destination where you can spend a few days in the lap of nature. With shiny snow blanketing the tops of the hills and silver dew on the leaves, Solan is a beauty to behold during the snowfall. This hill station is beautifully transformed into a white marvel during this period. The residents and the tourists wait for the snowfall each year to experience the serenity and charming beauty of this quaint town. Solan located in the paradisiacal setting of nature is also a gateway to other popular hill stations including Kasauli, Kalka, and Chail.

Find Best Hotels In Solan

Solan derived its name from the Hindu Goddess Sholoni Devi who is considered to be the principal deity of the region. The entire region is surrounded by dense forests and high mountains and snowfall adds to the beauty of this place. Situated at an elevation of around 1467 meters above sea level, the regions get covered in snow during the winters and attracts tourists seeking a peaceful yet fascinating vacation from around the country.

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, this charming town is full of numerous forts, monuments, temples, churches, natural trails, and wildlife sanctuary as well. This is an ideal location for every travel enthusiast, be it nature lovers, history buffs or adventure seekers. A trip to this place can even quest your thirst for spiritual stimulation. The tourist spots in Solan are perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation with numerous splendid views. This is the place where you can see numerous species of flora and fauna in their natural habitat and explore the various ancient structures situated here. Though Solan is popularly renowned for its natural beauty, wildlife and temples, this town is also known for the bulk cultivation of tomatoes and is often referred to as the “City of Red Gold”. Also, the vast mushroom farming has given the town the title of the “Mushroom City of India”.

Solan is also blessed with a glorious history which makes this town a place of historical significance. One of the oldest breweries of the country is situated here along with numerous centers of worship of different cultures. The tourists looking for adventure, trekking, hiking, and spiritual experiences can all plan a trip to this beautiful town. Although this place can be visited at any time of the year, a visit during winters is a little extra special, especially if you are lucky enough to experience and enjoy the stunning snowfall. So plan a trip to Solan for your next vacation and witness the white winter in the arms of nature. While in Solan do visit the popular tourist attractions of the area to make the most of your vacation.

Must-Visit Tourist Spots to Enjoy Snowfall in Solan

Solan is one of the few hill stations where you can enjoy nature, wildlife, scenic beauty along with adventure activities and sightseeing. All the famous tourist spots of this region combine together to provide a complete package to make your trip memorable.

1. Gilbert Trail

A 1.5 kilometers hike amidst the lush green forests and picturesque surroundings, Gilbert trail is like heaven on earth. Located in Kasauli (25km from Solan), Gilbert trail is an ideal place to rejuvenate yourself. A walk along the trail with tall trees and rich flora on either side is a mesmerizing experience that will stay in your heart for a lifetime. During snowfall, the trails look even more pleasant and pristine. The walk starts from the lover’s lane and leads you through the greenery and rocky cliffs. The place is also a paradise for bird watchers and photography fanatics.

2. Toy Train

Boarding the toy train is undoubtedly the best way to explore the treasures of the Himalayas. The toy train goes from Kalka to Shimla, a route which is 96 kilometers long. The train passes amidst scenic hills and stunning beauty and can be boarded from Sonal, Barog, Salogra and Kumarhatti stations. The train passes through around 103 tunnels and several bridges making your ride thrilling and memorable. The snow-capped hills and trees throughout the way will captivate your senses.

3. Majathal Sanctuary

Another place of tourist attraction that you shouldn’t miss is the Majathal Sanctuary situated in Solan. Covering an area of 55,670 sq kilometers, this sanctuary is home to numerous species of flora and fauna. Some rare species of fauna can also be found here like the gorals and cheer pheasant. This stunning wildlife center is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The best time to visit this place is during the winter because of the comfortable weather and gorgeous landscapes.

4. Kathur Fort

One of the oldest structures in Solan, Kathur fort is a must-visit attraction while you are in the town. The fort is believed to be built around 800 years ago by the Gorkha kings. The fort is filled by intricate artifacts and one can also find freshwater springs, beautiful gardens and ancient temples in the fort complex. And if you happen to catch the snowfall in Solan while here, the sight of snow covering the battlements of this forts will enthrall you. Spread across a massive area of about 52.8 sq kilometers, this fort is an important heritage site of the region.

5. Shoolini Temple

Shoolini temple is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites of Solan. Dedicated to goddess Shoolini, this is one of the oldest temples in the region. The temple hosts an annual fair in the month of June which attracts devotees in large numbers that come to seek blessings from the goddess. The serene ambiance and natural beauty of this place is the reason why you shouldn’t miss this place during your trip.

6. Dagshai Jail Museum

If you are a history buff, this place is surely going to amaze you. The former British prison, Dagshai jail museum is the second jail to be converted into a museum. This former prison has 54 cells where prisons were kept and punished, sometimes brutally. The father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi also visited this place and stayed for a day when Irish freedom fighters were imprisoned. He did this to support them morally and emotionally. This jail museum preserves photographs, artifacts and other types of equipment highlighting the history of British India. A visit to this jail museum will take you back to the pre-independence era and the plight of the prisoners who were treated inhumanely. Dagshai jail museum is a popular tourist attraction in Solan and must be visited by every tourist at least once.

How to Reach Solan

This beautiful low-key hill station is a perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of the town. Its ideal location is one of the reasons why tourists from across the country plan a visit to this place. The town can be easily reached via railways, roadways, and airways.

By Flight: You can reach Solan by boarding a flight. The nearest station to the town is the Shimla airport located at a distance of about 50 kilometers. But the most convenient alternative is to go for Chandigarh International Airport around 70 kilometers away from Solan because flights from numerous domestic and international destinations fly here.

By Rail: Kalka is the nearest railway station to reach Solan and is located at a distance of about 44 kilometers. The railhead is well-connected with most of the major cities including Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and Amritsar. From here, you can either hire a taxi or a bus to reach Solan.

By Road: A road trip to Solan can be a delightful experience because of the serene surroundings and scenic beauty. Both government-owned buses and private buses are available to Solan from cities like New Delhi and Chandigarh.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next winter vacation to Solan and gift yourself a break from your busy life. Enjoy the serenity and natural beauty of this place to the fullest. And don’t forget to carry your boots, socks, jackets and other essentials keeping in mind the weather conditions of the region during the snowfall. Experiencing the snowfall in Solan is something you’ll cherish for a lifetime and will keep you longing to come back.