WEEKEND GETAWAY - KASAULI

KASAULI...a nature's health resort

TOUR SUMMARY

Delhi - Murthal - Karnal - Ambala - Zirakpur - Parvanoo - Kasauli

CONTENTS

INTRO : A crisp introduction to the Destination.

BUILD UP : Tour's Inspiration & planning.

THE JOURNEY : Driving experience, General Information(Trivia) & Suggestions etc (Notes).

GROUND REPORT : A summary of the Destination & important Stopovers. Safe Pit Spots(refreshment breaks)during the journey. Details like Altitude, Distances, HOTELS' INFORMATION WITH TELEPHONE NO & Tourist Attractions etc.

INTRO

Baptist Church - Kasauli

A little drift from Chandigarh-Shimla route & you are in KASAULI, a small hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Blessed with the forests of Pine, Himalayan oak & a lot of wildflowers. With sweet perfume of the jungle & colourful landscapes, Kasauli invigorates one & all.

Kasauli, the hill station, is a Nature's Health Resort.

BUILD UP

Though I have been an avid traveller since my childhood(a trait forwarded to me through my father), this is my first ever blog, the inspiration being my seven months old Grand Daughter, SHANVI. The tours, I did throughout my life, were never as beautiful & memorable, as this one was...Thanks, SHANVI.

LED by our Princess...THIS TOUR WAS SPECIAL.

At the outset, my wife was not in agreement with the idea of this tour. Apparently, she was right by saying that SHANVI was too young for such a tour. But only a traveller by heart could have answered this the way SHANVI did. Most of the times, throughout the journey, either she was enjoying or sleeping. Not to exaggerate, I found her more mature & outgoing during the passage of the journey.

On our part, a serious thought went into finalising Kasauli as the destination.

1. It   is quite near to Delhi with nice road conditions

2. Being an army cantonment, Kasauli is safe for families & is equipped with the basic facilities.

3. Placed at a respectable elevation(approx 1900 meters), so as to feel the required chill.

So, a shade above 300 kms from Delhi, through NH-1(G.T. Road), NH-22 (Himalayan Expressway), with not much hill driving, Kasauli was our best bet.


THE JOURNEY

Month: APRIL
Starting point: New Delhi
Destination: Kasauli (Himachal Pradesh)
Mode of transport: Car

At 6 AM, our Little Angel SHANVI, was sleeping calmly in her bed.
We were almost ready to move out of Delhi. My wife was busy packing Paranthas & Bhindi for the journey. SHANVI's mom was trying to find a suitable place for the toddler's milk bottle. The car was already fully loaded. A couple of umbrellas, a first aid box with few important OTC drugs, Taj Mahal tea bags pack, paper glasses, large hot water thermos, etc. were still waiting outside the car. Finally, at 7.05 AM, we locked our house, rechecked the locks & left.

NOTE: Generally, I prefer to leave early in the morning so that maximum journey can be covered before rush hours. But not on this occasion, because of the little SHANVI, & also, as it was only six to seven hrs journey & our accommodation too was pre-booked.

With reasonable traffic on the roads, we reached Murthal ( about 50 kms drive from my home) in two hours. Obviously, we were in no hurry. Though not hungry, we took a BREAK at 'Sukhdev ka dhaba'. At Murthal. The first thing one would notice here is that Dhabas don't look like Dhabas anymore, they are more like big restaurants. In fact, many big restaurants are now copying them.

SHANVI was awake now. In my lap, she was, perhaps, trying to figure out the new environment. In the meantime, though not hungry (& with a lot of paranthas already in the car), the surroundings tempted us to order Sukhdev's famous parantha & glass of lassi. The parantha was quite big, hot and dripping with white butter; the Lassi too was fresh and tasty. After about half an hour's break here, we continued our journey.

A ten minutes BREAK at Karnal & we reached Ambala at around 1 PM. With our stomachs full, as we were munching something or the other all along, we took a 15 minutes BREAK at a roadside tea stall. Here we thoroughly washed SHANVI's milk bottle with boiling hot water & got it refilled. After paying Rs 20 for the services, we thanked the gentleman & moved on.

A drizzle on the way

Once on the Himalayan Expressway, the drive was fast & smooth.

TRIVIA : The Himalayan Expressway is a 27.5 km stretch that runs through 2 km in Punjab, 21 km in Haryana, and 4.5 km in Himachal Pradesh.Here the 14-lane toll plaza at Zirakpur is the first plaza in India to be fitted with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. For better monitoring of mishaps, it is fitted with the Video Incident Detection System (VIDS).

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NAINITAL

FOR ALL INFORMATION ABOUT NAINITAL, visit:

https://hillheart.blogspot.in/2017/12/destination-jageshwar-via-nainital.html?m=1

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Next break was Timber Trail. At Timber Trail (near Parwanoo), one can enjoy 1.8 kms of ropeway journey that takes you up by 2000 ft in 8 minutes. We finished our homemade paranthas & bhindi here. After half an hour's rest, we continued on NH 22 till Dharampur, from where a state road branched away for Kasauli. Though the road was not as good as  NH-22, the landscape changed dramatically. With gorges turning into lush green valleys & nature showing it's true colours, we suddenly started feeling fresh. The fatigue of around 300 kms of drive vanished.

Usually, during such journeys, we take a lot of BREAKS on the side parapets of the roads to catch a view the lush green valleys. But we avoided it this time with little  SHANVI in our lap. Instead, we stopped at a roadside tea stall, run by a local guy. Along with steaming hot Maggi & a cup of tea, we were almost lost in the fragrance of the forest and the magic of gentle breeze.

Traffic on the road was thin. Driving slowly, we were thoroughly enjoying the natural beauty around us. Suddenly, thick fog arose from nowhere & after lasting for few seconds, it vanished...that was a cloud! And the act got more frequent with the ascend.

NOTE : Avoid driving in low visibility. In unavoidable circumstances, drive at slow speed with blinkers and fog lights turned ON & high beams turned OFF. Keep a safe distance from the vehicles ahead.

Mizzling Along...

Born Free

Under the Cloud

As we drove nearer to Kasauli, it was misty all-around. Few monkeys & langoors sitting on the roadside parapets & on the branches of mammoth trees, greeted us along the way & most of them were not camera shy.

NOTE : Keep window glasses of the car pulled up while driving through the area of wild animals. Also, avoid direct eye contact with the animals as they take it as a challenge, hence can attack.

PWD Rest House, Kasauli

Finally, we checked in at PWD rest house... And perhaps, the rain Gods were waiting for the moment. Any plans of venturing out were washed away, straight away.

CHAUKORI

MIGHTY HIMALAYAS & FAIRYLANDS around DELHI, visit: https://hillheart.blogspot.in/2018/04/long-drive-hill-stations-around-delhi.html 

We enjoyed rest of the evening sitting on the veranda of this single story structure & being the lone occupants of the property...it was a luxury! Strong winds, torrential rains & biting cold, forced us to cover ourselves properly. Little SHANVI, too was wrapped into a jacket with a hood & woolen pullover underneath. By kicking her legs vigorously, she was playing joyfully in her mother's lap. Just imagine, less than twelve hours ago we were in the heat of Delhi.

As we settled down a bit, we ordered tea & pakoras to compliment the weather as well as to counter the chill in the weather. Soon, very fresh potato onion pakoras along with steaming hot tea were served to us by the chowkidar.

Tea - Pakora ' PARTY '

The evening of the 'veranda party' was undoubtedly among the most memorable moments of the journey.

With a nicely cooked dinner, and a little walk in the veranda (with fennel seeds & a bit of sugar in our mouth), we went to the bed early.

The morning was blissful. Bright & sunny weather with a nice breeze blowing across the lawns seemed like an ideal beginning to the day.

LANSDOWNE

Know all about the HILL STATIONS AROUND DELHI ( THE 7 HOURS' DESTINATIONS ), visit: https://hillheart.blogspot.in/2018/04/weekend-hill-stations-around-delhi.html

Famous for its colonial-style architecture, Kasauli primarily, is a military township, so needless to say that it is a very well maintained place. First to catch our eye was the Baptist church. Enveloped by dense fog, the classic structure looked wonderful. The church was built in 1923 by the British. It is a fusion of the Gothic and Indian architecture. Situated near the bus stand, it's grace is enhanced manifolds due to the thick woodland around the structure.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH

Kasauli has two malls, The Upper & The Lower Mall. The upper mall is occupied by army offices & the residences of the army personnel, whereas, the lower mall,also known as the 'Pine Mall', is dotted with lots of Tibetan shops selling souvenirs, gift items, handicrafts, woolens, fruit wines, snacks, fast food items etc. Moving ahead, there is a grand statue of hockey legend Major Dhyanchand.

Kasauli is a Walkers' Paradise. Walk the upper mall to believe this. Upper mall took us to the Sunrise point through some of the most beautiful views of the valleys and peaks.

Strolling down the terrains of Kasauli eating all kind of food, beginning from samosas, momos & to NOT so tasty lunch, we came back to the rest house at around 3 pm...to catch a nap & to reorganize SHANVI's bag. We also ordered the chokidaar a gravy chicken for the dinner, similar to the one we feasted upon the last night. SHANVI was quite tired by then, so, as soon as she found the bed, she fell asleep,&...so did we. We got up late that evening (7 pm). So, it was unanimously decided to enjoy another 'veranda party'. After all, we were holidaying.

SHANVI's DAY OUT

SHANVI with Grand Mom

SHANVI's response to strangers certainly improved during the course of the day. Everybody, whoever noticed her charming presence, welcomed her & perhaps, she too enjoyed the attention. A group of teenagers almost snatched her away from us, to which SHANVI,  though strangely, did not oppose. Then, they tried to share their noodles with her, but the offer was rejected by making few bad faces. In the bargain, she got a Cadbury's chocolate. And, seemingly, once in control of the chocolate, she came back to her mom...forcing a heartily laugh from everybody around.

INFERENCE : Travelling is a good learning ground.

Next morning, after ordering our lunch, we left for the Monkey Point. Along the way, sunset point too can be planned.

NOTE : Monkey point falls into the high-security zone belonging to Indian Air Force. Therefore, Electronic products, such as Camera, Mobile Phone, pen drives etc. are not permitted inside the territory. Also, please carry your photo ID with you.

At 4 km from Kasauli bus stand, Monkey Point is the highest point in the area (approx. 6500 ft).To reach the Hanuman Temple, a trek of about 500 meters has to be covered, approx. half of it in plain & rest by stairs. Legend has it that Lord Hanuman placed his foot atop the hill (the hilltop is foot shaped) of this town while looking for Sanjeevni Booti(a herb)to heal the unconscious Lakshmana.

The 8th Jyotirlinga...JAGESHWAR

Plan a journey with me to 22 SPECIAL TEMPLES around famous HILL-STATIONS, just click here:

https://hillheart.blogspot.com/2018/05/18-special-temples-around-famous-hill.html

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KNOW ALL ABOUT HARIDWAR & RISHIKESH (safe pit-stops, road conditions, driving experience, altitude, distances, tourist attractions, HOTEL INFORMATION WITH TELEPHONE NUMBERS etc.), visit:

https://hillheart.blogspot.in/2017/12/devine-weeekend-rishikesh-via-haridwar.html?m=1

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Till now, I believed that this place is called Monkey point, as it belongs to Lord Hanuman, the monkey God. But here we were informed that it is not 'Monkey Point' but 'Man-Ki Point'. Literally, this meant 'as per the wish'. So, visit the Manki point to fulfill your wishes.

The ascend to the temple was very steep indeed. So, SHANVI along with her Grand Mother stayed back. From the Temple, a 360-degree view of the whole valley, including a birds-eye view of Chandigarh & Satluj river were breathtaking.

At half past three, we were back to the REST house for the much-needed REST. We wanted to enjoy the last evening of the tour to the fullest. So, after a three hours king-size break, we skipped today's Veranda party' & headed straight towards the mall road.

Mall Road

Cool winds, making their way through the dense jungle, were rejuvenating. The place looked heavenly with the gigantic trees swaying in a rhythm...and on the other side, a neat row of beautifully decorated shops, made the mall the most enjoyable place in Kasauli. After enjoying hot coffee & samosas, we got busy with the shopping.

Mall Road

Around twenty years ago, we visited Kasauli for the first time. Though much more crowded now, Kasauli definitely has preserved its natural charms. But what I missed this time around was, the rampaging troops of langoors, which I still associate with this place.

NOTE : The visiting troops of langoors & monkeys are not a rare sight at hills. Keep the kids & yourself at a safe distance from them even though they look friendly.


GROUND REPORT

Altitude  : 1900 mtr.(6200 ft.)
State  : Himachal Pradesh
District : Solan

Distance from -

Delhi : 315 kms
Chandigarh : 65 kms
Ambala cantt : 94 kms 
Shimla : 77 kms

Best time: Throughout the year

Nearest Railway station : Kalka
Nearest airport: Chandigarh.

PIT STOPS

Murthal : Amrik Sukhdev dhaba, Pehelwan ka dhaba, Haveli etc.

Karnal :  Haveli, Mayur ka dhaba, Jhilmil dhaba.

Ambala : Puran Singh ka Dhaba.

Parvanoo : Timber Trail


WHERE TO STAY *

1. Hotel R Maiden
Add.: The lower mall, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh -173204
Ph.-09815734965.

2. Hotel Ros Common
Add.: District Solan, Kasauli, H.P.-173204
Ph-01792272005.

3. Hotel Anchal
Add.: Sadar Bazar, distt. Solan, near tehsil, Kasauli, H.P.-173217
Ph-09416392122

4. Alacia Hotel
Add.: The mall road, Kasauli.
Ph- 01792272008

5. Gian Hotel
Add : Plot no. 270, Sadar Bazar, near BSNL telephone exchange, Kasauli. H.P.-173204
Ph : 01792272244

6. Puri Hotel
Add : Commercial building, upper mall, opp. CRI. Kasauli. H.P.- 173204
Ph : 01792273073

7. Mahal Farms Country Home
Add : Below MES bungalow, Kasauli. H.P.-173204
Ph : 01792272497

8. Kasauli Exotica
Add : 2 kms before Kasauli bus stand. Kasauli. H.P.- 173204
Ph: 01792273002

9. Forest Villa Hotel and resort
Add : Sanawar Kasauli road, near Pine Groove School, MDR 6. H.P.-173202
Ph : 09805177358

Suggested stay : 2 night

KASAULI's TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Monkey Point (Man-ki), Kasauli Club, Lover's Lane, Gilbert Trail, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Scandal Point, Mohan Meakin, Sai Baba Temple, Baba Balak Nath Temple.

NOTE : Avoid visiting Kasauli during the month of October (confirm the dates with authorities) because of Sanawar School's annual festival. Kasauli, with limited staying options, finding accommodation gets more difficult.

PETROL PUMPS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE ROUTE.

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NOTE : ALWAYS drive carefully there...remember, mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence.

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To enjoy all my posts...click your preferred  link below:

PHOTO GALLERIES

1. NAINITAL & JAGESHWAR...the lake city & the land of Shiva 

2. MUSSOORIE & DHANAULTI

3. MUNSIYARI...the lofty Himalayan sequence

4. CHAUKORI...a grand bouquet gifted by Mother Nature

5. DEORIATAL & CHOPTA...here the treks run parallel to the Himalayas

6. KHIRSU & UKHIMATH...rest house in the Himalayas

7. MUKTESHWAR...Shiva's land of salvation

8. Misty LANSDOWNE...the zenith of monsoon

9. KASAULI...nature's health resort

10. KANATAL, CHAMBA (Uttrakhand) & TEHRI LAKE

QUICK READS

# Checkout 15 LESS CROWDED hill-stations around DELHI

# 22 SPECIAL TEMPLES around famous HILL-STATIONS

# 13 WEEKEND HILL-STATIONS around DELHI

# MIGHTY HIMALAYAS & FAIRYLANDS around DELHI

PILGRIMAGE in HIMALAYAS 

# MUSSOORIE pilgrimage

# NAINITAL pilgrimage

# LANSDOWNE pilgrimage

# KASAULI pilgrimage

# PITHORAGARH pilgrimage

# DEV-BHOOMI pilgrimage

DETAILED BLOGS

1.  MUNSIYARI...the lofty Himalayan sequence

2. CHAUKORI...a grand bouquet gifted by Mother Nature

3. KASAULI...nature's health resort

4. KANATAL via CHAMBA...Hi-Land weekend

5. MUSSOORIE & DHANAULTI...the family destination

6. JAGESHWAR...the eighth Jyotirlinga

7. NAINITAL...the lake city

8. RISHIKESH via HARIDWAR...divine weekend

9. KHIRSU & UKHIMATH...rest house in the Himalayas

10. DEORIATAL & CHOPTA...here the treks run parallel to the Himalayas

11. Misty LANSDOWNE...the zenith of monsoon

12. MUKTESHWAR...Shiva's land of salvation

13. CHAKRATA via DEHRADUN

Respect Nature. She Reciprocates!

Mountains are the World’s Water Towers. Water, stocked as Glaciers, flows downwards in form of rivers. Besides satisfying our thirst, it also sustains most of the food production in addition to the maintenance of various green belts that generate the basic requirement of our life, the oxygen.

My birthplace, Delhi is a wonderful place, just a few hundred kilometers away from world's most famous water towers, The Towering Himalayas. And whenever we want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city we head straight into the lush green wilds of the Himalayas to breathe easy in the lap of raw nature. With an almost endless list of destinations, blessed with delightful landscapes and colourful trails for all tastes, capacities & capabilities, Himalaya, we believe is the abode of Gods. However, spending time in such serene surroundings brings its own responsibilities too...

...avoid littering around. Use eco-friendly produce during the journey.

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The Himalayan escape...around Delhi

"Tourists don't know where they've been. Travellers don't know where they are going"

-Paul Theroux

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Wanderer's Wonderland

* Compiled from Google