Kasauli is the gentle, old-fashioned hill town that many Himachal travellers speed past on the way to bigger names. At around 1,900 m in Solan district, it's a place of pine-lined lanes, colonial cottages and slow walks — a lovely contrast to the high valleys of Kullu, and a good addition if you're building a longer Himachal itinerary around Naggar.
A cantonment with a past
Kasauli grew up as a British cantonment in the 19th century, and much of its character comes from that era: stone churches, Mall Road, sleepy bungalows and neat army areas. The town is also home to one of India's oldest breweries, set up in the colonial era.
Things to do in Kasauli
- Christ Church: the town's landmark, a 19th-century Anglican church with a clock tower and fine stained-glass windows, right in the town centre.
- Gilbert Trail: a gentle walking path named after a Colonel Gilbert, running along a ridge with views over the plains. It's an easy, scenic walk suited to most fitness levels.
- Monkey Point: the highest point in Kasauli, reached by a climb of several hundred steps, with a small Hanuman temple at the top. It lies within an Air Force station, so carry photo ID, expect security checks and restrictions on phones and cameras, and be aware access can be limited on some days.
- Sunset Point: as the name suggests, the place to be in the evening for views across the hills toward the plains.
- Mall Road and Lower Mall: short, walkable, and good for a coffee, a bookshop browse and local snacks.
Best time to visit
March to June is pleasant and green; October and November bring crisp, clear days. Winters are cold with occasional snow, and the monsoon (July–September) is misty and beautiful but slippery on trails.
How Kasauli fits into a Naggar trip
Kasauli sits close to the Chandigarh–Shimla corridor, so it works best as a first or last night in the hills — an easy transition before or after the longer road journey into the Kullu valley. From Naggar, expect a full day's drive of around seven to eight hours, depending on route and traffic, so don't try to do both in a single rushed day. Chandigarh is the nearest major rail and air hub for Kasauli.
Once you've had your fill of colonial lanes, head north for something wilder. Ghar in the Hills is a cozy homestay in Naggar village — the perfect second half to a Himachal trip, with orchards, old temples and valley views.
Plan your Himachal circuit
Kasauli's charm is in its slowness: walk, sit, look out over the hills. Combine it with the deeper mountain culture of the Kullu valley, and book your stay at Ghar in the Hills to round off your journey in Naggar.