Solan

Understand

The place is named after the Hindu goddess Shoolini Devi. Every year in June, a fair venerating the goddess is held, featuring a 3-day mela at the central Thodo ground. Solan was the capital of the erstwhile princely state, Baghat.

It is known as the "Mushroom city of India] because of the vast mushroom farming in the area, and because of the Directorate of Mushroom Research (DMR) at Chambaghat.

Solan is also called the "City of Red Gold", due to the bulk production of tomatoes in the area.

Get in

thumb|Solan railway station Solan is 70 km from Chandigarh, 300 km from Delhi, and 45 km south of Shimla, is easily approachable through road route by state transport buses or taxis (₹1000 from Chandigarh and 3500 from Delhi); is en-route Shimla on NH-22.

The narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla railway passes through Solan. All trains from Kalka to Shimla stop over at Solan.

The nearest airport is the Shimla Airport.

Get around

Seventy kilometers from Chandigarh and in proximity to Shimla, Solan draws a large number of tourists every year.

The star attraction for tourists is its three parks, namely Jawahar Park, Children Park and Mohan Park. The 7000-foot high Koral cave and a variety of stone fruit are other attractions. The walks, roads and shopping joints of this city are beautiful. The fruits are cheap and fresh.

See

thumb|Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park

Do

Trek to Karol Tibba & Meteol Tibba. At 2237 metres "Karol Ka Tibba" is the highest point near Solan. A temple dedicated to Goddess Kali has been constructed on the hill top. The 5.6-km (one way) moderate trek starts from Chambaghat and can be completed in 3 hours. Trek to Pandava Gufa. Locals believe it to be the oldest and longest (around 28 km) cave in the Himalayan region. They also believe that the Pandavas from Mahabharata lived and meditated in this cave during their exile. Owing to this religious connection, a temple is constructed beside the cave. The other end of the cave is believed to be at Pinjore (Haryana).

Eat

thumb|Mall Road Solan is renowned for its roasted corn, and is famous for its seasonal fruits and vegetables. The fresh cucumber is great and the fresh corn is the sweetest.

Must haves.... Solan chana, on the mall road, near old bus stand. Famous sweets on different sweet shops. Samosa at Rattanjee's mall road, burfi at Preemjee's old bus stand, Jalebi in upper bazar/chowk bazar (paddu Halwai), gulab jamun at Sharma Sweets near DC office.

Sleep

There are a large number of hotels offering accommodation facilities to visitors. For the high-end travelers, there are the luxury hotels and resorts of the town. Those who are concerned about rentals, the economy and budget hotels of Kasauli are the best bet. In case you want to get a taste of royalty, make sure to book a room at one of the heritage hotels in Kasauli.

Go next

Sadhu Pul is around 18-20 km from Solan. Beautiful water falls on the way and you reach a heavily flowing gorge good for fishing and swimming. Another few kilometers ahead there is a place called Chail, which has history of its own. Patiala's king is known to have picked up the most beautiful girl of Shimla town from the Mall Road and that point is known as Scandal Point. You can visit Kasauli which is also an army base and a beautiful town known for its Snawar School.