KASAULI
Kasauli, a former British cantonment and capital of the erstwhile princely state of Baghat, is widely considered to be one of Himachal Pradesh’s quietest tourist destinations. Neither too cold nor too warm, Kasauli is a quaint hill station bestowed with ideal soil and weather conditions. Known by the sobriquets of "Mushroom city of India" and "City of Red Gold" in reference to ample tomato production, Kasauli has emerged as a hub of horticultural produce in recent years. Hemmed in by the Himalayas, the city and its outskirts are home to several heritage monuments which include temples, palaces, and churches.
Given its rich history, believed to date back to the era of the Pandavas, Kasauli has numerous places of cultural tourism such as the Shoolini Devi Temple, the Pandavas Cave, Arki Fort, the Church in Kasauli cantonment, Dolanji Bon Monastery, and Badi Dhar – a holy place and site of a an annual fair. Another place that warrants a visit is the Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park, a park designed as a temple complex cum learning centre for disseminating Indian philosophy and heritage. Being in the vicinity of popular hill stations, Kasauli also offers plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure. You could go camping to Barog and indulge in trekking and high-rope course activities or gallivant about neighbouring Kasauli’s colonial-era churches and cemeteries. If you are a food aficionado, you shouldn’t miss sampling the region’s local delicacies such as Sidu, local stuffed bread, Madra, chickpeas in a thick yoghurt-based gravy, and Tudkiya Bhath, spiced rice prepared with lentils and potatoes.
Kasauli is easily accessible by road from New Delhi and other cities of North India by virtue of being located between Chandigarh and Shimla on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway. Moreover, the Kalka-Shimla Railway – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – also passes through Kasauli; so the famed Kalka-Shimla toy train, which halts at Kasauli railway station, connects Delhi, Mumbai and other cities through trains that run from Kalka railway junction. This makes Kasauli easily accessible by rail as well. As far as air accessibility is concerned, the Shimla Airport is nearest to Kasauli.
Peppered with historical monuments and enveloped by the beauty of nature, Kasauli is the perfect destination for those looking to get away from the chaos and humdrum of city life. Its convenient location and pleasant weather conditions all through the year make it an ideal spot for unplanned weekend getaways.
In recent years, Kasauli has undergone rapid development and witnessed the establishment of several hotels and restaurants. These hotels cater to business visitors as well as the ever-burgeoning number of tourists who wish to explore beyond the over-familiar terrains of Shimla and Manali. The Fortune Select Forest Hill, with its contemporary amenities, unparalleled hospitality, and picturesque location is the ideal place for quiet family vacations in Kasauli.
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