Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh will mesmerize you with its beauty alone and in addition, there are a number of activities here that you can indulge in, which will make your stay here extra special. It is a popular destination for couples and honeymooners and there are hill trains to be ridden and trekking trails to be explored. Shimla, which is close by, always happens to be overcrowded but Kasauli is still largely untainted and manages to retain its rustic charm. Here are some of the things to in Kasauli when you plan your trip here:
The toy train ride at Kasauli will let you experience the full grandeur of the hills around the region. The train meanders through the mountains and there is a new sight greeting you at every turn. The toy train here is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The ride starts at Dharampur which is the nearest to Kasauli, at a distance of about 12 km and any cab will take you there. From here, the train goes to Barog and returns. The journey is of about 4 hours and it will seem that you are in a scene in a Bollywood movie when you take the train. The train passes under tunnels and there are snow-capped mountains offering breathtaking views. The price of the tickets depends on the portion of the journey you want to make and the tickets can be booked online through the IRCTC website. Kasauli hotels are spacious and clean.
The Timber Trail is a popular trail for families and backpackers alike and it happens to be one of the most sought-after locations for them. Parwanoo, to which the trail leads is nestled in the Shivalik range of the Himalayas and is surrounded by breathtaking beauty. The trail is beautifully lined on both sides with pine trees and coniferous trees. There is also the option of taking the cable car that connects the two mountains which the trail connects.
The cable car ride lasts for ten minutes and the cars often get lost in clouds, which is a heavenly feeling, and the 1.8 km of the ride will give you a great pump of adrenaline as well as a soothing feeling. The tourists get to ride over deep gorges and stunning hills and the bird’s eye view is amazing. The ride is open from 9 am to 5 pm. There are no entry charges to start on the trail but tickets have to be bought for the cable car which is INR 1250 for adults and INR 1000 for children. Tickets are just available for two hours each day. Also, the best hotels in Kasauli are near the Mall Road.
The Kalka trek is often listed among the top adventure treks in India and it mostly takes place in the Kalka- Kasauli region with a total stretch of 26 km. The trail here is quite meandering and quite rugged and it could get pretty strenuous at times but the spell-binding scenery one gets to encounter here is truly one of a kind. A trek here will take you away from the hullaballoo of daily urban life and you will spend the most relaxing time in the laps of nature. The trail can be accessed easily by taking transport from Delhi. The key to a successful trek is to rest frequently in between and there are a number of resting spots in between here. There is also an easier route for the trek which is mostly preferred by the novices and that is through the Piniore Kalka, through Timber Trail, and Dharampur. It is one of the offbeat things to do in Kasauli and the whole trek has a duration of 7 to 8 hours, including breaks for snacks. Also, the best hotels in Kasauli are near the Mall Road.
When you are on a vacation with your friends, one of the best ways to relax is to party at the Hangout Bar. Also, it is essential to get a taste of the nightlife to understand a place. The Hangout Bar is undoubtedly the most happening bar in the region and it has an open terrace that looks out over the hills. The neon lighting and the DJ music each night definitely add to the pulse. Classic Bollywood, Hip Hop to Jazz, Retro to Hollywood, and all other forms of music seamlessly turn from one music to another. This continues till about 10 pm after which the Headphone party starts. This is more of a European concept and it is being tried out for the first time in India. The food in this bar is worth a mention and it is such a joy to sit out on the balcony and have a good meal with the mountains for company. The bar is open from 8 am to 12 am. Also, the best hotels in Kasauli are near the Mall Road.
Shopping at Kasauli is fun and pleasant at the same time. The Mall Road is where most of the activities take place and there is a wide range of products available here. A cobbled stone street leads away from Mall Road and it is dotted with shops and artifacts on both sides. There are woolen shawls, carpets, antique items like silver jewelry. The woodwork and metalwork here are especially known and a wide range of figurines and sculptures are made here. One of the most interesting things here is the wide variety of bookshops that one gets to see. Avid readers can have their pick of books, then discover a quiet spot in the meadows and have a peaceful time in the shadow of the hills. There are also a number of cafes lining the roads and you can gorge on momos, thukpas and a wide range of soups. The shops are open from 7 am to 8 pm. Also, the best hotels in Kasauli are near the Mall Road.
The Lover’s Lane is a quiet trail of sorts in the Himalayas and is much popular among couples. It is ideal for taking a romantic walk with your partner. The trail goes through pine trees and other coniferous trees and is engulfed in greenery from all sides. The trail will take you through forested lands and you can listen to the birds chirping. The air is fragrant with the smell of the fresh wildflowers that grow along the roads. The one and a half kilometers trail will leave you peaceful and rejuvenated at the end of it. If you are a tree lover, you will be able to identify a number of rare species of trees here as well, that grows only in the mountains. To reach the trail, you need to climb towards Sunset Point.
As mentioned earlier, Kasauli is a hub of great Tibetan food and you should go on a food hopping tour here. A large number of Tibetans reside in Himachal, ever since it had become the refuge of the Holy Dalai Lama, and Kasauli has its fair share of Tibetan residents who make authentic Tibetan food, especially momos and thukpas, along with a wide variety of other dumplings and broths. The local cuisine is mostly made from fresh produce and you will love other lesser-known delicacies as well, like the poppy seed halwa. The locally-made breads called Sidu are very soft and tasty and there are a number of other stuffed bun items. You can also get variations of other North Indian food items here. Do not forget to start your day with the local tea, made in a number of ways. So, book a hotel in Kasauli right now to enjoy a dream vacation.
You cannot leave Kasauli without taking a walk along the famed Gilbert Trail. It is located only a short distance away from the above-mentioned Lover’s Lane and it is a 1.5 km stretch of kaccha or unpaved road. There are thickets of trees on both sides and the vibe in the region is almost magical. A number of migratory birds come to visit here as well and this is truly a photographer’s paradise. Travel bloggers make it a point to come to this place and you will see something new to marvel at every few meters. The best time to come visit this place is at sunrise and sunset & spend summers in Kasauli. So, book a hotel in Kasauli right now to enjoy a dream vacation
Monkey Point is the highest point in Kasauli so it is quite easy to imagine the surreal view of the surrounding you will get from here. Trekking to this point is really worth every bit of effort because there are verdant forests and lush meadows to be seen and the panoramic view from the top is simply captivating. You will not want to leave this place for sure. Be sure to visit the Hanuman Temple here which nearby and this is where the population is to be found. The point is handled by the Indian Air Force and it offers a stunning view of the Chhor Chandi, the highest peak in the lower Himalayas. The Sutlej river gushes through the gorges below and in the winters, you can see snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Kasauli will give you much to remember and cherish and you will fall in love with the beauty of this place while exploring Kasauli.
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