On the way to Kalka and Shimla, Solan has emerged as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Himachal. Serving as the gateway to other famous hill stations like Kalka, Kasauli, and Chail, Solan is also called the ‘city of red gold’ due to its large production of tomatoes.
Popularly known as the ‘Mushroom Capital of India, ’ On your Solan tour, you can see acres of mushroom plantations. Also, apart from mushroom plantations, this town is home to many attractions, including the Shoolini Devi Temple. In addition, many pilgrims from Shimla and Chamba visit here to offer prayers.
If you want to know more, we have compiled a Solan Travel Guide to easily plan your trip to Solan.
Places to visit in Solan
Hidden in the lap of nature, Solan has several tourist places you can visit on your Solan tour. From natural reserves to historical monuments, temples to Buddhist monasteries, and museums, there is a reasonable number of places to explore in Solan. For a delightful sightseeing tour, here are some of the top places to visit in Solan –
- Mohan Shakti Heritage Park
- Jatoli Shiv Temple
- Bon Monastery
- The Dagshai Jail Museum
- Krishna Bhavan Mandir
- Kuthar Fort
- Shoolini Mata Temple
- Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir
Things to do in Solan
Being a hill station, Solan has a lot of things to do and activities to try. From exploring ancient temples and medieval forts to witnessing stunning landscapes and meditating in monasteries. Out of many, here are some of the top exciting things to do on your Solan trip for a memorable experience –
- Trek to Karol Tibba.
- Enjoy a picnic at Mohan Shakti Heritage Park.
- Offer prayers at Shoolini Mata Temple.
- Visit the Zoological Survey of India Museum.
- Shop for souvenirs at Mall Road.
Best time to visit Solan
Winter is the best time to visit Solan. From December to February, Solan’s weather remains pleasant and offers visitors several activities to have a great time. To escape the summer heat, visit Solan between March and May. Summer becomes a great time to experience the beauty of Solan. From June to September, Solan receives moderate and irregular rainfall with strong winds. Plan a trip to Solan in the monsoon if rain showers excite you.
How to reach Solan
Solan can be reached by air, rail, and road. You can fly to Shimla Airport, roughly one hour from Solan. Chandigarh Airport is the second nearest airport, and you can get regular flights from major cities. To reach Solan by train, take a train to Solan railway station, connected to essential towns via Himalayan Queen, Sml Klk Passenger, and Kalka Shimla Express. If you are planning a road trip or traveling by bus, Solan has a great network of well-maintained roads.
Accommodation in Solan
On your trip to Solan, you can find various accommodations offering a comfortable stay with great amenities. From budget-friendly to slightly premium ones, there are resorts, hotels, etc., to choose from. Also, the fare may vary in peak season, so book your hotels well in advance. For a comfy stay, here are some of the best places to stay: Solan Mayur Hotel Bar and Restaurant, Hotel Aavas, Hotel Pratiksha, Matterhorn Vista, Pine Drive Resort, and more.
Where to eat in Solan?
Add extra flavor to your Solan trip by gorging on some lip-smacking foods. Many restaurants in Solan offer a lovely ambiance and friendly staff for you to enjoy with your loved ones while savoring delicious foods. Here are some of the top restaurants in Solan you can visit during your trip for a fine-dining experience: Haveli, Himalaya Coffee House, Himani Resorts, The Coffee Lodge Café, Spicy Food Court, and many more.
How to get around in Solan?
Traveling on a local bus is one of Solon's most convenient transportation modes. Taxis are also available throughout the day. If you want to explore this picturesque town alone, you can hire a car for the day. For more fun and adventure, rent a bicycle for a day and explore the city on a two-wheeler. Otherwise, you can tour Solan on foot—trek to the Pandava Cave and Karol Peak.
Travel tips
- Carry sunglasses and sunscreen lotion if you are visiting during the summer months.
- It gets incredibly chilly in winter, so carry woolen clothes to protect yourself from getting sick.
- Book your Solan flight/train/bus tickets in peak tourist season in advance to avoid last-minute trouble.
- Drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated.
- While indulging in adventure activities, take proper guidance and follow instructions.
- Dispose of trash and plastics at appropriate places to keep the streets clean.
