Kasauli, in Himachal Pradesh, was a bit of a surprise, as at the time I did not know where it was located and what to expect. We worked the whole day as usual looking forward to our date with Kasauli. I was expecting Kasauli to be just another hill station with a “mall” as the most happening place, as is usually the case with majority of the hill stations in India. Little did I realise at the time that we were going to visit one of the quaintest of hill stations in existence. The history of “Kusowlie,” as it was called during the Raj days, dates back 150 years. It was, at the time being converted into a cantonment when Shimla was being christened as the holiday resort for the hibernating British from the Indian summers. Kasauli does not offer the usual monuments, ancient temples, forts or water fares which travellers expect, but what it offers is crisp, fresh, aromatic air, exotic picnic spots, and walks amongst the woodlands. The sights in Kasauli include the lower mall, consistingof quaint old wooden shops selling the goods of daily need, Chinese gift items, Himachali traditional wear and a few Dhabas, serving traditional Indian local food.

Monkey Point is the Hanuman Temple on the Gilbert hill near the air base. Although the climb up to the peak is a feat in itself, you will find most of the tourist lot converging at this point sooner or later. Sanawar, approximately 7 kilometers from Kasauli and is famous for it’s Lawrence School, approximately a 100 years old. Dharampur is approximately 15 Kilometers, having the best Tuberculosis hospital in India. Kalka, is about 35 kilometers, the nearest railhead and a connection for Toy Train to Shimla, famous for the cleanest station of Northern Railways. Chandigarh, being the nearest airport, is about 65 kilometers away.

As for the weather, days are usually crisp and fairly pleasant through out the year during the days, though nights in both winters and summers are quite chilly and some times it chill the bones in the evenings as wel in summers. Heavy woollens are highly recommended if you are around there in winters. The monsoons do change the colour of this flowery town but the scenery looks immaculate.

I guess anytime is a good time to visit Kasauli, sooner the better before the builders onslaught on this serene, green and woody hill station begins.
A Train to Kasauli is preffered dur to its lovely view

-LawZ Bureau