Solan is 3rd largest city of Himachal Pradesh, India after Shimla and Dharamshala, and the district headquarters of Solan district. Located 46 kilometres south of the state capital, at an elevation of 1,550 metres, Solan which means “sun” for girls, is a wonderful destination for tourists to explore the mesmerizing landscapes of Shivalik mountains. Replete with old churches, ancient temples, and captivating monasteries, Solan also serves as a great destination to those who are interested in a cultural or spiritual sojourn.
The place is named after the Hindu goddess Shoolini devi. Every year in June, a 3-day mela at Thodo ground. celebrating the goddess is held. Known as the “Mushroom city of India” because of the quality mushroom farming done in the area, it is also home of the Directorate of Mushroom Research (DMR) situated at Chambaghat. Solan is also known, as the “City of Red Gold“, due to the huge production of tomatoes. The town Solan was the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Baghat. founded by Abhoj Deo who had come to form Akhnur in Jammu and by conquest created the state in 1154 A.D.
The city is situated between Chandigarh and Shimla, on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway. Adventure seekers can try paragliding in the town. The Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge heritage railway line, built by the British passes through Solan and is recognised as a World Heritage site. The city saw conquest by many rulers over the years, including Sikh and Gorkha. This city also has a 300-year old fort located at the top of a hill which is in ruins but has an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the countryside. The Shoolini Mata Temple and the jatoli Shiv Temple are must-visits for both devotees and tourists.
One of the most famous monasteries in this region is the Yundung Monastery, which must be visited by everyone travelling to Solan.There are numerous places worth visiting in and around the town including Kuthar Fort, Habban Valley, Nalagarh Palace, Shoolini Mata Temple, Chail, Kuthar Fort, Menri Monastery, Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary, Solan Brewery, Children’s Park, Bon Monastery, Mohan Shakti National Park, Jakhu Temple, Christ Church, Kufri, Monkey Point and more. a must visit for tourists are Karol Tibba, The Mall Road, and Motilal Nehru State Library. The town is famous for the Mohan Meakins brewery that was set up after the establishment of the cantonment here in 1855. Solan is a more low-key hill station ideal for travellers looking for any place tourism.
This city also has a 300-year old fort located at the top of a hill which is in ruins but has an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the countryside. The Shoolini Mata Temple and the jatoli Shiv Temple are must-visits for both devotees and tourists. One of the most famous monasteries in this region is the Yundung Monastery, which must be visited by everyone travelling to Solan. The hill station primarily serves as a gateway to other popular hill stations like Kasauli, Kalka and Chail. The tiny hill resort of Solan is often said to be the abode of Pandavas. Legend has it that the cave near the top of Karol Peak is where the Pandavas resided during their exile.
Solan is also famous for being the place where the Irish Mutiny of 1920 against the British Army took place that was crushed. Though open throughout the year, the best time to visit Solan is February to March. There are few hotels resorts and lodges that offer a mid range to budget accommodation. Restaurants serve a variety of Tibetan, Himachali, Indian, Mughlai, Chinese and Continental food at reasonable prices. The city also has a lot to offer to those who love history. Once a cantonment settlement during the British rule, Solan still maintains an old world charm and provides for a wonderful time to historians and architecture buffs looking to explore its history, art and architecture.
The city abounds in a huge number of forts, museums, monuments and churches that instantly transport visitors into the bygone era; visit the ‘Dagshai Jail Museum’ and learn how once Gandhi Ji volunteered to stay here supporting the Irish Independence movement. The ancient ‘Kuthar Fort’ still stands tall as a proud testimony to the Gurkha Kings. There are numerous well known educational institutions that attract students from across India. Well connected by rail, road and air through Shimla there are numerous industrial units operating in and around the city.
