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Kasauli
situated at a height of 1927mt., from
sea level, is a small town with a strong
Colonial influence. Kasauli provide a
charming view of Chandigarh, Shimla and
the himalayas covered with snow. This
place is not so popular with the
tourists, It's main attraction lies in
it's overall cleanliness, and it's
accessibility. Only 15 km from Dharampur,
37 km from Kalka and 65 km from
Chandigarh. The narrow winding roads
meander their way up and down the hill
side and offer some magnificent sights.
KASAULI (History)
During
the 17th century, driven by unsettled
political conditions, some Rajput
families from Rewari (in present day
Haryana) fled their homes. They took
refuge in the lower Himalayas, finally
settling down at a village called Kasul
where there was a perennial spring of
fresh water. Today, some three centuries
later, the spring is the site of a water
reservoir and Kasul has grown into the
delightful little hill station of
Kasauli. But some locals would believe
that Kasauli comes from Kausalya, a
mountain stream that flows between
Kasauli and Jabli. The name might even
have been derived from Kusmawali or
Kusmali, meaning flower maiden. Given
the abundance with which the hills of
Kasauli bloom from spring to autumn,
this could well be the truth
KASAULI
(Places to Visit)
Monkey Point: The highest point
in Kasauli called Monkey point is just
4-km from the Kasauli bus stand. The
Monkey Point commands an excellent view
of the distant plains of Chandigarh
region and the river Satluj, tracing a
silvery trail through the scene. A small
temple is also situated on the top of
the hill, which is dedicated to Lord
Hanuman. According to a legend, at the
end of Ramayana when Lord Hanuman was
returning from the Himalayas after
obtaining Sanjivany Booty or the Magical
Herb, his foot touched the hill and thus
the top of hill is in a foot shape. On a
clear and starry night the gorgeous view
of Chandigarh can be seen from the
Monkey Point.
Sanawar: Just 6-km from
Kasauli, Sanawar houses one of the best
schools in the country. The Lawrence
school is almost one hundred-years-old
and a major attraction of the town.
Dharampur: Just 15-km
from Kasauli on the National Highway
No.22, Dharampur is situated. Amidst the
healthy air of the fragrant pines,
Dharampur has one of the best hospitals
in India for the cure of tuberculosis.
It is also connected by Kalka-Shimla
railway line.
Sabathu: A little
cantonment town has a Gurkha fort built
in the early years of the 19th century,
situated at an altitude of 1,437m. This
cantonment town quartered the British
soldiers at the time of British Empire.
A diversion road from Dharampur 15-km
away leads to the Sabathu town.
Dagshai: Another little
cantonment at an altitude of 1,925m just
19-km from Kasauli, it is accessible by
a link road, which diverts from Dhrampur.
Dagshai is perched on a small hill and
comprises of a military public school
and numerous military barracks.
KASAULI(Flora & Fauna)
Some
of the private gardens in Kasauli are
ablaze with color and the very air is
redolent of pine. Indeed most of the
hillsides are covered with pine and the
ground underfoot is thickly carpeted
with resin rich needles. There are oaks
too, and rhododendron, firs, horse chest
hut, wild cherry and several varieties
of deciduous trees. Which is why spring
is so beautiful at Kasauli, with the
trees and bushes turning the most
delicate shades of pink and green and
silver as they unfurl new leaves to the
sky Zinnias, dahlias and morning glory
must have been scattered so much seed
long ago and now they have the run of
the hillsides along with wild flowers.
Where
the habitat is largely undisturbed,
Kasauli is rich in birds. But leopards,
once fairly common in this area are
rarely to be seen. The handsome Shimla
Fox is also rare, but not so the ghooral,
jungle cat and jackal.
KASAULI (Recreation)
The
two main walks around Kasauli, the Upper
and Lower Mall are beautiful. The
residents of Kasauli walk a lot, for
Kasauli was always short on city
attractions and meant for getting about
on your own two feet, in communion with
nature or if you are lucky, a walking
partner. The somewhat steep Upper Mall
takes you past an important landmark,
the Kasauli Club. Founded in 1880 as the
Kasauli Reading and Assembly Rooms, it
was later converted into Kasauli Club.
Initially the club provided
accommodation to men only, women not
being permitted unless it was very cold
or if accommodation was going a-begging.
Famous for its six tennis courts, its
lavish tennis teas and gala Saturday
Nights, the club suddenly found itself
posed for dissolution in 1947. But saved
by the breadth of a hair, it survived to
celebrate its centenary in 1980.
KASAULI (How to get There)
By Air : The airport
Shimla is at Jubbarhati. Taxis / buses
are available from here.
Direct flghts from Delhi are available
on alternate days.From Shimla it is 77km
By Rail : The nearest
rail head is at Kalka. From here local
buses and taxies are available
By Road : From
Chandigarh or Delhi follow the Shimla
highway upto Dharampur 23 km from
Kalka. From Dharmpur link road goes to
Kasauli leaving the Shimla highyway.
Where To Stay
There
is a PWD rest house and a number of
private hotels. There is also the HPTDC
run Hotel Ros Common, which is very
popular. Prior booking is advisable.
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