Kasauli

Perched at a height of 1795 meters above sea level, Kasauli is a small hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Located 77 kms from south of Shimla, one can see Kasauli when approach the Shimla hills on the toy train. Known for its hygiene and beauty, Kasuali attracts a large number of tourists, especially on the weekends. Often called lesser Shimla, Kasauli is a quite hill station famous for firs, rhododendrons, chestnuts, oaks and willows. Kasuali also has a Pasteur Institute founded in 1900 to produce antirabies vaccine against mad dog-bites, and at the same time it also treats Hydrophobia disease. Kasauli is also the birthplace of the famous writer, Ruskin Bond.

The history of Kasauli way back to 17th century, when some Rajput families came to take refuge in gram ‘Kasul’ and later settled here. Because of the emergence of a ‘north spring’, the place came to be known as Kasauli. Later, it developed by the Britishers in 19th century during the hey days of the empire as a cantonment sanitarium and Kasauli still retains the glory of the bygone era.

Attractions in Kasauli

Monkey Point

There is a Hanuman Temple atop the 300 mt Monkey point. The highest point in Kasauli, it is situated about four kilometers away from the Kasauli bus terminus. It is said that Lord Hanuman while carrying the herb ‘Sanjivini’ for curing Laxman (Lord Ram’s younger brother), touched his left foot on this hill and as such the hill has taken the shape of a foot. This point was also famous as Tapp Nose because Britishers call it as Tapp's Nose after Colonel Tapp. Here one can get a bird's view of the Chandigarh city and the Sutlej river. A lot of monkeys can be seen here so the tourists should careful when interacting with monkeys. Strictly under the authority of the Air Force of India, one has to take prior permission to visit Monkey Point. Camera and mobile phones are not allowed in this area. 

Christ's Church

Situated on the mall, it was built during the British Era. One of the famous attraction in Kasauli, this church was built in Gothic Style architecture. A typical Anglican church, it is dedicated to St. Francis and St. Barnabas. Its foundation stone was laid in 1884. In front of the church is a clock tower and a sundial. Near to this church is a cemetery runs by the church and the tombs here dates back to 1850's and earlier. The other famous church in Kasauli are St Patrick’s, the Irish Roman Catholic Church adjoining St Mary’s School. 

Baba Balak Nath Temple

Situated 3 km far from the Kasauli is a famous temple of Sidh Baba Balak Nathji. Located on the Graner Hill top, it is said that one night, Baba Balak Nath appeared in dreams of Vijay Kumar, a local man and asked him to built a temple at this place. There is a belief that prayers of childless couple will be granted with a child, whose baptism ceremony is also performed here. Photos of such blessed children kept in this shrine. 

Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir 

It is situated 1/2 km away from Garkhal. Built in 1989 by Sai Sudha Trust, the idol of Sai Baba was built at Jaipur and the burning flame in this temple signifies the divine power of Sai Babaji of Shirdi.

Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centre

Situated near the Central Research Institute, this spiritual centre offers a free basic course. Course Timing 8 am-12 noon and 4-8 pm. For more details : Sister Yogita (Ph 01792-272338).

Sanawar

It is situated 6 km from Kasauli . The place is famous of Lawrence School (Sanawar, Distt. Solan, Himacal Pradesh- 173202, Ph- 01792 - 261208,  Fax: 01792 - 261210, E-mail: contact@sanawar.edu.in, snaoffice@yahoo.com). Lawrence School is 150-year-old and one of the best public schools in India. The school was honoured by the British Empire with the Kings of Colours in 1853. This is a rare credit that was given only six schools world over by the British Empire. The main feature of this school is its beautiful campus boasted with pine, deodar trees and a chapel. Sanawar is also famous for its scenic beauty. It is surrounded by oak and chestnut forests, ivory bell-shaped flowers, bright golden-yellow blossoms etc. 

Walks and trails

Kasauli has lovely walks and trails through pines, deodars, oaks etc. Some are a shortcut 3.5 km trail to Kimmughat from Kasauli’s Lower Mall, From the Mashobra School to Parwanoo, the 1.5 km long Sanawar-Mandudhar Walk from Moti Kona Gate. Look for the school's exit gate, near the signboard which says 'Moti's Corner', a downhill hike to Sanawar station on the Kalka-Shimla railway line, a walk to Kasauli Club, monkey point - a 4 km away from the Kasauli Bus Stand on the road back to Dharampur etc.