Kasauli has many neighbouring beautiful places to visit. All these places are within a radius of 10 kms.
Bhur Singh Tibba
Amongst the breath taking places to visit around kasauli is the Bhur Singh temple with an amazing cliff side location. The bhur Singh tibba is a wall of rock running for 15 KM from Sarahan in one end to Naina Tikkar on the other in the Sirmaur District of Himachal Pradesh. The temple is located at Pejarli village at a height of 1870 metres and is dedicated to a local deity Bhur Singh.
As Bhur Singh is known to live on nothing but milk, animals are never sacrificed at his temple. Devotees bring milk and ghee as offerings for the bhur Singh devta. Bhur Singh and his sister Debi were the children of a Bhat of Panwa village.
The temple on a steep cliff.
Aerial view of the plains from the temple.
During the fair at Bhur Singh Deota Temple pujari dances alone by the night in the temple so that the people may not see him, and at midnight coming out of the shrine leaps on to a great rock above a high cliff.
The sacred rock where butter is offered.
Toy train ride.
A toy train ride gives you the most scenic splendour in Kasauli. The toy train is one of the three such trains still functioning , the other two in ooty and darjeeling . It is said a local holy man guided the british surveyers where to lay the rail track.You can travel by taxi to Dharampur bus stand below which is the Dharampur railway station true for you through the dense pine forests and tunnels and the heritage Barog tunnel.
Mohan Heritage Park
A sprawling campus which is spotlessly clean with a magnificent temple, all set in a beautiful valley makes for a wonderful place to visit and spend some quality time when in kasauli. The temple depicts scenes from the hindu mythology and is fascinating. The intricate craftsmanship i creating such masterpieces is something to wonder about.The heritage park is a great place in the vicinity of Kasauli and definitely is worth visiting.
The Chail Palace.
Chail is a hill station nearby to kasauli.At a distance of 56 kilometres from Kasauli it takes about 2hrs to reach here.Chail is known by The Chail Palace is well known for its british architecture. The palace was built as summer retreat by the Maharaja of Patiala during the British Raj.The highest cricket ground cum polo ground here at an altitude of 2,250 m was owned by the royal family of Patiala.Chail is situated at an altitude of 2,250 m. The place is surrounded by the forests of pine and deodars.
Chail Military School, is a famous school in chail with students from all over India.
Kali ka Tibba is situated on top of a hill and also known as Kali Devi Temple. It attracts a lot of pilgrims and tourists from all across the world. This place offers an aerial view of the plains.
Chail Wild life Sanctuary(3 km)- The sanctuary was made on 21 March 1976 .It covers an area of about 10,854.36 hectares. The Chail sanctuary has ‘ghoral’, ‘kakkar’, ‘sambhar’, ‘red jungle fowl’ and ‘khalij’ and ‘cheer’ pheasants.
Sadhupul- Sadhupul is a small town between kandaghat and Solan. There is a water restaurant on the river “Ashwini”.
Cricket Ground- Surrounded by deodar forests is the Chail Cricket ground and is the highest cricket ground in the world. It was built in 1893. The ground is located at an altitude of 2,444 metres . Chail was the summer capital of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh who was a cricket lover.
Chail Gurudwara is also one of the main attractions of this place, it was the first building to be constructed by the Maharaja and after that the palace was built. The Gurudwara was built in indo-western style in 1907,the high wooden roof is its main attraction.
A toy train ride gives you the most scenic splendour in Kasauli. The toy train is one of the three such trains still functioning , the other two in ooty and darjeeling . It is said a local holy man guided the british surveyers where to lay the rail track.You can travel by taxi to Dharampur bus stand below which is the Dharampur railway station true for you through the dense pine forests and tunnels and the heritage Barog tunnel.
Plan your trip in such a way that you can catch the down train from Shimla at Barog station. The ride can be dream come true. You can board the local toy train up to barog station. Here you can deboard the the train. After taking a walk around the Heritage Barog station and the tunnel you can board the down train upto Dharampur station. If you wish to trek upto the Barog bus stand and catch a local bus to kasauli, this could be another option. This can be a nice way to enjoy your holiday in kasauli.
The Kalka–Shimla Railway is a narrow gauge railway mostly through mountainous route from Kalka to Shimla. It is known for dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages. The Kalka–Shimla Railway was built in 1898. to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British Raj, with the rest of the Indian rail system. At the time of construction 107 tunnels and 864 bridges, were built throughout the course of the track. The Chief Engineer of the project was H.S. Herlington.
The locomotives used during the earlier period were manufactured by Sharp, Stewart and Company, and larger locomotives were introduced which were manufactured by Hunslet Engine Company. The diesel and diesel-hydraulic locomotives were started operation in 1955 and 1970 respectively.
The railway was declared a heritage by the Himachal Pradesh government in 2007, and in 2008 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongwith the other Mountain Railways of India. When you are in kasauli you must not miss the toy train ride. One can take a taxi from kasauli to dharampur .
Toy train
From dharampur one can board the toy train upto barog station. It is a one hour ride through the pine forest and long tunnels.It can be a lifetime experience. One can get down at barog station and trek to the main road which is 0.4 kms from the station. From the main road one can board a bus or taxi back to kasauli.
The 94.5 Kalka-Shimla rail track has 102 operational tunnels on the route. This track, was functional on November 9, 1903, and is a masterpiece of the engineers who dared to bore a number of 107 tunnels and also a lesson to learn for us that how a railway line could be laid through a mountainous terrain without harming the trees and beauty of the hills. The two of the longest tunnels on this track are at Barog and Tara Devi.
The tunnels once again were renumbered in 1930 and from 107, their number was reduced to 103, and this was further came down to 102 when tunnel no. 46 near the Solan Brewery had to be demolished. All the tunnels were built between 1900 and 1903. The longest tunnel on this track is the Barog tunnel (no 33). It is named after Barog, a British railway engineer.
112 YEAR OLD STEAM ENGINE RUNS ON THE KALKA SHIMLA RAIL TRACK
Today on Tuesdat 13 March 2018 at 9:33 AM IST Steam locomotive engine was witnessd running on the kalka shimla rail track. As a part of Glorious Trains of india tour , visitors from england took a ride in this steam engine train from shimla to kaithlighat. There were three crew members to run this engine. The driver started the engine, then the first fireman put the coal in the cabin and slowly the steam engine moved forward.
As a passenger of this ride Stephen Gad, Haslon John and Clair shappy are retired officers said that their ancesstors also had travelled by this steam engine.
They were here to cherish the old memories of their parents.
CLEANLINESS DRIVE ON THE KALKA SHIMLA RAIL TRACK ON 12 MAY 2018
Kasauli club is situated on the upper mall in a very scenic location. The cool breeze of the deodar and the pine trees greets one with affection. It is considered a pride and privilege to be its member. Kasauli club’s membership is most sought after and is difficult in getting an invitation to the Queen’s Ball. .
Open air sitting area cum restaurant of the club. To be a full member of the kasauli club the current waiting period is about twenty-five years .The members of the kasauli club be seen basking in the sun on cold winter morning or sitting by the fireplace in the evenings , sipping tea and reading novels. The Kasauli Club was established with a joint effort of locals and the service personnels in the year 1880, as a Reading cum assembly room in kasauli .The club has a tennis court , squash court and bridge/card room.
History of Kasauli club
It was named kasauli club ltd in 1898 when a limited company and constitution were set up with its first director as Sir David Semple .Initially the Club was for the exclusive use of the Britishers and held social meetings, tea and dinner dances. The club was registered at Office of the Registrar in Lahore. Only men were allowed to stay while women were allowed to reside during winters .The club consists of a lively bar, comfortable lounge, library, billiards, and a spacious dining room, squash court and a tennis court. In the year 1900 a kitchen and residential blocks were added to the kasauli club and slowly Bar,Guests Rooms, Billiards Room, Tennis Courts were added too. Slowly club became a destination for the british army officers in the Shimla Hills. In 1915 officers at Dagshai, Solan and Subathu could be admitted as honorary members.
The Club was originally constructed of wood and plaster, and was a typical hill architecture.The club was was ruined by a fire in 2002, causing a loss to the old-world furniture, precious books & paintings, and, above all the charming British touch.However the members got together and got it reconstructed in the year 2005 somewhat resembling the old structure. On the departure of the britishers from India some of the members of the Club were in a mood to sell off the club. After the efforts of Sir Maurice Gwyer an Indian buyer was finally traced. Thanks to Col. M.L. Ahuja the kasauli club is still there.
British Era Letterboxes
On the entry gate of the Kasauli club is a reminder of a gone era in this age of e- mails the blood-red coloured letter-boxes of the British era which still stand elegantly in some places around the town of kasauli. As compared to the modern era letter-boxes made of thin sheets of metal , these stand apart. Made out of wrought iron in cylindrical and pillar shapes with crowns on the top reminding of the coat of arms, these letter-boxes stand majestically. They have withstood the ups and downs of time. After India got Independence from the British , most remnants of the British were faded away , but some of the letter-boxes managed to with stand all this. Some are over 150 years old. Now they all bear the logo of the Indian Postal Services.letter-boxes were installed in the late 1830s. Painted in different colours , they were finally painted uniformly in red colour in 1876 in London. Since India was under the British rule, many such letter-boxes were put up in the important places where the Britisher’s resided. It is due to the efforts of Major R.E. Hotz, who didn’t return to England after Independence and settled down in Kasauli, that the beautiful letter-box survives till today and is functional. When the government was acquiring these letter-boxes, this one was spared on the request of Major Hotz.
Lately, the government again wanted to remove this letter-box and keep it in the museum. However, thanks to the indian Army authorities who rejected the proposal saying that the letter-box was the property of the Army since it is located within the Army cantonment area. The sleek letter-box continues to be functional and even receives a couple of letters every day.
Gurdass Singh also known as chacha can be seen greeting club members on the entry gate.
Club Timings
Club is functional all the seven days in a week.
Winters 8.30 A.M to 10.30 P.M
Summers 8.30 A.M to 10.45 P.M
It is currently located within Indian Army premises and managed by a regular Indian Army Officer as Club Secretary.
Any individual found violating the Dress Code shall not be permitted to enter the Club premises.
Please note that the club has a particular dress code to be worn. Collared shirts are indeed a must as a part of the dress code of the Kasauli Club, which is 135 years old. Late Om puri had arrived for the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival in slippers and shirt tucked out . He was denied entry into the club.
Dress code for gents.
Formal Dress for Gents
(a) Lounge Suit / Safari Suit / Combination / Blazer / Nehru Jacket.
(b) Shirts tucked in with trousers.
(c) Turban for Sikh Gentlemen.
(d) Leather Shoes with Socks.
Dress code for Ladies.
Formal : Sarees / Suits / Formal trousers and Coat.
Dress items NOT allowed inside the Club premises
(a) Shirt / T-Shirts without collars or with Chinese collars. (b) Tracksuits / Jogging / Bermuda Shorts & Sports Shoes. (c) Mini Skirts / Shorts for ladies. (d) Slippers / Chappals and Sandals. (e) Patkas / Caps for Sikh gentlemen. (f) Shoes without Socks. (g) Sports shoes are NOT permitted inside the Bar after 7:00 PM for both Ladies and Gents.
Accomodation for the Members
The kasauli club has luxurious rented accomodation for the members .
The rooms gives one an old world charm feeling with a backdrop of the dhauladhar mountain ranges. Bookings can be made 60 days before.
Member can book only two rooms at a time, except during the month of May and June when only one room can be booked.
Did you know that Old Monk was the brand leader till 2002, not only rum but the entire spirit business in India.Till date Old Monk is one of the top selling rums in India. A smooth dark coloured rum with a hint of vanilla, it has an alcohol content of 42%. Loved world wide, the Old Monk had been awarded a gold medal at Monde World Selections since 1982.
With the first drop of Old Monk Rum, stirs up the age old legend. Old Monk Rum is a form of the legendary ‘Som ras’ of India’s centuries old scriptures-The Drink of Gods and Lords of India.
About the distillery
Situated in a picturesque location of snow covered mountains with fresh spring water made Edward Dyer Father of Col dyer responsible for the Jaillian wala bagh masacre) to set up the first brewery in kasauli. This later came to be known as Dyer Breweries in the year 1820s. Kasauli Brewery is supposed to be the world’s highest distillery the Himalayas and happens to be the first distillery for Scotch Wiskey in Asia. The entire equipment for the unit was imported from England and Scotland and still being used in the distillery . Since fresh spring water was available in Kussowlie so Edward decided to set up his unit here. Primary reason for setting up the Brewrey unit was the climatic condition similar to scotland and a market sponsored by the British and civilians and the nearby consumer market. In the begining India Pale Ale and malt whisky were the first brands of the distillery. With the increase in population and lack of spring water supply the brewery to be shifted to Solan.
The main whisky brand was single malt SOLAN NUMBER 1 which was named after the Solan town. Solan No.1 was considered to be one of he top brands and the best selling whiskies in India but has declined due to the upcoming brands and competitors.
The Kasauli brewery launched Asia’s first beer, Lion, which was very poplar amongst the British rulers and troops stationed in the hot climate of India. The Kasauli brewery site was converted to a distillery, which is still operatational. later H G Meakin, moved to India and bought the Solan Breweries from Edward Dyer .
The wine barrels are stored in a cold storage in order to keep the temperature . Wine barrels are wrapped in gunny bags and constantly sprayed with water sprinklers.
Later Colonel V.R. Mohan took over as Managing Director. Later the manufacturing activities of the company were diversified into other fields including breakfast cereals, fruit juices and mineral water under the leadership of Brigadier (Dr.) Kapil Mohan . Subsequently the word brewery was dropped from the company name .
Today, Mohan Meakin’s principal brands are Old Monk Rum and Golden Eagle Beer. Its other products include Diplomat Deluxe, Colonel’s Special, Black Knight, Meakin 10,000 and Solan No 1 whiskies, Asia’s original beer, Lion, is still sold in northern India.
The Lawrence School , established in 1847, situated at a height of 1750 metres and spread over an area of 139 acres, heavily forested with pine, deodar and other conifer trees.It was founded by Sir Henry Lawrence, and his wife Honoria.On the 15th of April 1847, a group of 14 boys and girls camped at the top of the foothills of the Himalayas. They lived under canvas for some weeks anxiously waiting for the first buildings to be completed before the arrival of the monsoon. Sanawar is a co-educational boarding school, affiliated to CBSE and has students of varying backgrounds from different parts of the sub-continent. It provides an environment that encourages a questioning mind and gives students many avenues for expressing their creativity and building their skills.
The Lawrence School , established in 1847, situated at a height of 1750 metres and spread over an area of 139 acres, heavily forested with pine, deodar and other conifer trees.It was founded by Sir Henry Lawrence, and his wife Honoria.On the 15th of April 1847, a group of 14 boys and girls camped at the top of the foothills of the Himalayas. They lived under canvas for some weeks anxiously waiting for the first buildings to be completed before the arrival of the monsoon. Sanawar is a co-educational boarding school, affiliated to CBSE and has students of varying backgrounds from different parts of the sub-continent. It provides an environment that encourages a questioning mind and gives students many avenues for expressing their creativity and building their skills.