Fun Things To Do In Solan, Overview
Solan, a small hill town situated in the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is located at an average elevation of 1600 meters above sea level on the lower ranges of Himalayas. Solan also happens to be the world’s greatest maker of tomatoes and this is one reason it on occasion justifiably brags about being ‘Red Gold City’.
And if you take a few leisurely walks down meandering roads, observe unspoiled things of nature tread the farms to pluck some tomatoes or lend an ear one more time to bird chirps or just perch up at your hotel balcony with cuppa and I-wonder-what-thoughts-racing-the-mind in such peace!
When visiting Solan, wandering in search of some excitement would indeed not be disappointing. The hills surrounding the town are popular for trekking, hiking and rock climbing. Besides, for people who enjoy water based sports, the streams flowing across the hills teem with all sorts of freshwater fish and provide ample opportunity for exciting sports activities like game fishing and angling.
Naturally, there are several temples and other religious spots either in or near the town which provide an excellent infusion of both religion and spirituality; some of the most popular visits are the ‘Shoolini Mata Temple’, the ‘Lord Krishna’s Temple’ and the ‘Jatoli Shiv Temple’.
Top Things To Do In Solan
- Visit Jatoli Temple
- Explore local Markets
- Take a Nature Walk
- Visit Mohan Shakti Heritage Park
- Explore The Local Cuisine
- Visit Solan Brewery
- Attend Local Festival
- Visit the bon Monastery
- Relax & Enjoy The Views
Visit Jatoli Temple
Jatoli which gets its name from the long jata (hair) of Lord Shiva. This is one of the famous Holy Places in Solan where you can see a huge crowd, only 6 Km from the city.
This temple is a three-tiered pyramidal structure in typical South Dravidian style of architecture. The construction of Jatoli Shiv Temple was completed in 39 years which is the highest temple in Asia.
Jatoli Temple, Solan Timing & Date Best Time To Visit Jatoli Temple in Solan
All days of the week 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM (The Jatoli Temple timings are the same on all days of the week.) Temple Visiting Hours are 4 am to 8 pm. The temple timing may changes during festival season and it might be open up to 11 pm in the evening. Evening time between 5:00 PM to the next 7:30 is the best time to visit here as considered.
Timings
Monday to Sunday
4:00 am – 8:00 pm
Explore local Markets
Solan has some good local markets to stroll in and it will give you an insight into the crafts of Himachal, how people here spend on a regular basis.
Fresh Produce: Go to a local fruit and vegetable market to see produce grown in the area. Himachal Pradesh is famous for its apples, cherries & plums etc and you will find many carts on the road to buy fresh fruits.
Spices and Pickles: Discover the different stalls of spices, local dried herbs and pickles. These would be wonderful souvenirs, and they make for ingredients to add into your foodie adventures.
Clothing and Accessories Shop: for Himachali traditional attire like the Himachali caps (pahari topi) or traditional jewelry.
Street Food and Local Delight: Don’t forget to check out any street food vendors selling local snacks around the markets. From hot tea (chai) to pakoras and momos, there is always something for everyone.
Friendly Locals: Half the fun of shopping at local markets is doing it along with a chance meet and greet with friendly locals. Dive into their culture, traditions and everyday life in the first person.
These shopping areas are called bazaars, and haats (weekly markets) based on the day of the week in Solan or nearby villages. These are bustling and provide a conventional shopping experience.
Take a Nature Walk
Karol Tibba Trek: It lies in the Solan District of Himachal Pradesh. This journey covered from fir woods, Alpine Meadows, across the Pine Glades to forest corridors and small ponds however a mystique cave till diverse views.
It is the part of Kalka Shimla Motor road, located at Chambaghat and easily accessible by Bus / Taxi / Cab/ Own Vehicle etc. The starting point for this trail is open year round, yet peak season for the trek falls between April and June or September through December.
Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park
Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park, and also known as the Solan Heritage Park. It is an Indian heritage complex of modern times in Hart Village. It is located some 40 kilometers to the south of Shimla,15 km from Solan, between Delhi and Shimla on NH22.
Launched across 40 acres by Kapil Mohan — a retired Indian Army Brigadier & Padma Shree awardee and the legal heir of family business Mohan Me-akin Limited, manufacturing spirits in Solan & Ghaziabad. The site is located 10 km away from the Solan “Old Monk” brewery plant of Mohan Me-akin. The heritage complex will have a cost of approximately Rs 100 crore to build.
It is located in the Valley of Himachal within a hillside. This complex contains a big garden and park on one side, at the top sits an enormous Hindu temple. In the front of the temple, there are two big “Om” symbols and Surya on a seven-horse chariot is at top.
Explore Local Cuisine
Cafe Totaram is a local popular coffee shop in Solan for the affordable delicious meals and home like environment. This restaurant offers a variety of Indian and continental dishes, heavy breakfast items, spicy gravies, sweet desserts etc.
Himalayan Rasoi restaurant in an authentic Himachali Rasoi and trust us, you have not had anything like this before. Menu itself consists of steaming hot soups or generous thalis made using regional ingredients through conventional methods. Located on Viman Nagar, there is something for everyone who loves spicy curries or light veggie options at Himachali Rasoi Menu.
Oak Over is a roof top Cafe with some finger licking good food and drinks surrounded by the beautiful view of Solan Valley. One of the memorable places to eat out, open air seating and countryside atmosphere make this restaurant amazing. Oak Over serves traditional Himachali delights along with the usual European favorites.
Visit Solan Brewery:
Solan Brewery, one of the most intriguing spots in Solan, adds delight and breeze to your city tour. It would be good spending 1 hour whatsoever visiting this place.
A visit to Solan Brewery is a great way for an individual looking to turn their it into something unique on the vacation of Himachal Pradesh with an industrial past.
For history lovers and beer aficionados, this experience turns your trip into an adventurous combination of tradition with modern-day fun.
Attend Local Festival
Participating in a Solan local festival might give you some idea about how rich the culture of this region is. Some Of the Local Festivals You Can Attend: For those living in Solan, here are some of the top local festivals which you must attend at least once :
Solan Fair: In the fair are Cultural performances, folk dances, music and traditional rituals. This is a lively event that draws the locals as well international tourists.
Usually Solan organizes cultural events and brings forward displays on local crafts, arts and marches. The people of Himachal have a lot of pride and feel for their land.
Baisakhi: Baisakhi, celebrated in mid April is another harvest festival of Punjab and also marks the Sikh New Year. Although celebrated with more zeal in Punjab, you can still feel the festive vibe within Solan via fairs, traditional dancing and eating.
Local Fairs and Haats: Solan invites several other villages to host local fairs (haats), all year round and offers experience of traditional markets, cultural performances, regional delicacies. The fairs will not just give you a look at the real life and traditions of rural Rajasthan.
Guru Purnima: A festival celebrated in the month of July that gives tribute to spiritual and academic teachers.
Make sure to attend these festivals, by keeping an eye out for the dates and additional events or activities available. Festivals are not the only reasons for joy in Solan but provide a way to stay connected with others, get a taste of regional music and food (options), etc.
Visit the Bon Monastery
For Buddhists and tourists, the Bon Monastery is amongst the top tourist places in Solan.
Making it a part of the visit is ideal, be it going for a sightseeing tour or basking in moments of pure peace with your family. The architecture of the place is amazing. Besides a religious space, the Bon Monastery in Solan is amongst the best Solan tourism places.
Explore the peaceful beauty of Bon Monastery, an inseparable part of your Himachal Pradesh traveling packages. As the second oldest Bon monastery in the world, this place offers cultural immersion to the people and the town of Solan.
To experience the serenity here and spend a few moments in peace, you can go here with family or while taking a trip to tourist sights in town. Craftsmanship and architecture interest you when you visit this place. Bon Monastery, located in Solan, is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Solan.
Located at: Dolanji, Ganyar
Relax & Enjoy The Views
Some of the locales where you can slip into leisure and unwind basking in Solan’s splendor consist of these!
Jatoli Shiv Temple: The centuries-old temple casts a spell that vacates the mind of anything non-sacred, simply echoing at peace with its own tranquility engrossed in greenery and mountains afar.
Mohan Shakti Heritage Park: This is a tranquil garden amid nature ideal for walking or relaxing by the serene lakes.
Barog: If a wee bit of station feels like I am not your thing), head to Barog; just an hour’s drive from Solan, this one lives up to the magic mountains! Take a leisurely stroll through the pine forests or better yet, relax and do nothing to admire views of mountains.
Nature Walks: Solan has many trekking routes twisting through its woods and slopes. Idealistic walks in the wild, perfect for a nature lover who craves tranquility
Local Cafes and Restaurants: Most of the cafes in Solan offer outdoor seating with breathtaking views.
Prosper: Solan is perfect for those whose idea of relaxation includes quiet contemplation, scenic walks and a hearty meal overlooking breathtaking vistas.
Best Time To Visit In Solan:
March – July (15°C to 30°C)
Pleasant Weather:
The city has a mild and pretty pleasant summer season with temperatures that usually go as high as 15°C to 30°, this forms an extremely suitable ambiance for outdoor activities which makes it the best time of year to visit Solan.
Lush Greenery:
In the summers, Solan wears a veil of green as snow thaws and grass on its hills sprouts giving life. The valleys are full of bright flowers and buzzing forests to give you a photogenic nature trip.
Outdoor Adventures:
Many adventures like trekking on lush green trails, camping in nature can be opted for. There are wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves near or you can just laze around appreciate the tranquility.
Escape the Heat:
The misty mountain air and silent land provide a perfect hideaway for vacationers seeking to break out of the scorching summer season heat.
Solan Is Famous For:
The city Solan, known as the “Mushroom City of India”. It is famous for many reasons likes:
Solan is famous for its mushroom cultivation. It has a cool climate with all the conditions perfect to do mushroom farming.
Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry is one of the famous agricultural research educational institutes located here.
Pristine Nature: Surrounded by the Shivaliks. Solan is a tiny little city situated in lush green valleys. With appealing weather for nature lovers and those looking to find their peace.
Cultural Heritage: Solan is the ground for multiple cultural events and festivals that carry a heritage of its origin.
In the end, Solan is a blend of such natural beauty and cultural richness that has made it an entirely unique destination on Himachal Pradesh Map.
F&Q’s of Things To Do In Solan:
Q.1. Is Solan worth visiting?
Ans: Yes, Solan is definitely worth visiting for several reasons:
- Natural Beauty: It offers picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and pleasant weather throughout much of the year. It’s a great destination for nature lovers who enjoy scenic views and outdoor activities like hiking and nature walks.
- Educational and Research Institutions: Solan is home to the Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry. Visitors interested in agriculture or forestry can explore the university and learn about these disciplines.
- Mushroom Cultivation: Tourists can visit mushroom farms and learn about the cultivation process, which is unique to this region.
- Accessibility: It’s a convenient stop for travelers exploring Himachal Pradesh.
Q.2. Which is better, Chail or Solan?
Ans: Chail offers you serene surroundings amidst picturesque views of the Himalayas and the Chail Palace. It provides a more peaceful getaway when compared to Solan and is perfect for leisurely strolls in nature.
Larger and more developed than to Solan, the Kasauli offers a rare mix of towering peaks giving it an ultra modern ambience while being home to natural beauty, ruins and educational institutions. Suited for mushroom cultures and temple goers alike.
Verdict – Chail if you like a more laid back experience with a breathtaking view of mountains. Solan – falls more or less within the Nature, Culture and History mixture.
Q.3. Is there snowfall in Solan?
Ans: As such it usually never experiences snow in the town but is generally very cold during winter due to its altitude. Although less chilly than cities of Northern India and rarely feels hot during summer though.
Solan lies at an average elevation of 1,500 meters (4,900 ft) above sea level and produces milder winters than they do elsewhere around the same altitude in Himachal Pradesh.
Although surrounding high-altitude regions in the Himalayan reaches around Solan such as Kufri, Shimla or further upper parts of Solan district experience snowfall between December to February. Holidays in Solan can get cold during the winter months and visitors could travel to higher elevations if they want a chance of snow.
Q.4. Is Kasauli better or Solan?
Ans: Kasauli is a destination that has the added flavors of colonial charm, tranquil ambiance and panoramic views of snow capped Himalayas. Is much still smaller and less happenin compared to Solan.
Solan- Better facilities & Educational Cultural amenities With its mushroom farming and old forts this place is a lot different from the other two.
Kasauli has the edge if you want a more tranquil getaway that also has some understated colonial flavor. If you wish to explore a place with a certain proportion of natural beauty, culture and the present day teachings, Solan would be better.
Q.5 Which fruit is famous in Solan?
Ans: The popular fruit in Solan is apples. Solan is famous for its apple trees and the apples you can get in this town are incredibly tasty, which extends more towards India.
