Kasauli
The Quiet Cantonment in the Shivaliks
Overview
Kasauli is a small colonial cantonment town at about 1,800 metres in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, established by the British in 1842 in the Shivalik foothills. Cobbled Mall roads, cedar and chestnut forest, and Christ Church (1853) give it a quiet, uncommercialised charm, while the Central Research Institute (1905) and Monkey Point crown its ridges. Nature trails such as the Gilbert Trail, sunset points, and one of Asia's oldest breweries add to its appeal. It sits about 77 km from Chandigarh and near the Kalka toy-train line. MyTripMyTravel operates Kasauli as a restful chauffeured forest-and-heritage retreat.
Kasauli is the antithesis of the busy hill resort, a compact, cantonment-quiet town on a Shivalik ridge, still administered in part by the army, with barely a traffic light and a deliberate absence of high-rise sprawl. The British laid it out as a cantonment in 1842, and its character is essentially unchanged: cobbled Mall roads, gabled cottages, and forest of cedar, pine, and horse-chestnut falling away to the plains.
Its landmarks are small and human-scaled. The neo-Gothic Christ Church of 1853 anchors the Mall; the venerable Central Research Institute, founded in 1905, gave the town a place in the history of vaccine science; and Monkey Point, the highest ridge, topped by a Hanuman temple and controlled by the Air Force, offers the widest views. Below, the Gilbert Trail winds through birdsong, and the old Kasauli brewery, one of Asia's oldest, still distils in the valley.
MyTripMyTravel runs Kasauli as a genuinely restful retreat, short forest walks, sunset points, a heritage-cottage stay, and unhurried meals rather than a packed programme. It pairs easily with the Kalka to Shimla toy-train line and with Chandigarh. Note that Monkey Point sits inside an Air Force area with a strict no-phone, no-camera rule and ID checks, which our guides handle in advance.
At a glance
Kasauli in brief
When to visit
March to June · September to November
March to June is the pleasant summer window, cool and green, the reason Kasauli became a hill retreat. September to November offers clear post-monsoon air and long views to the plains. December and January can bring occasional snow and cold, atmospheric but quiet. The monsoon (July to August) is lush and misty but can affect the hill roads, so our planners buffer drive times. Being a cantonment, the town stays calm year-round.
Things to do
Experiences in Kasauli
Mall Road & Christ Church
A gentle walk along the Upper and Lower Mall past the neo-Gothic Christ Church of 1853 and colonial-era cottages.
Gilbert Trail
A quiet forest nature trail off the Mall, excellent for birdwatching and easy walking amid pine and oak.
Monkey Point (Manki Point)
The town's highest ridge, topped by a Hanuman temple, with sweeping views, inside an Air Force zone with no phones or cameras allowed.
Sunset Point & Lover's Lane
Classic evening viewpoints over the Shivalik ridges and the plains beyond, a short stroll from the centre.
Central Research Institute grounds
The historic 1905 institute, a landmark in India's vaccine science, seen from its heritage colonial precinct.
Kasauli brewery heritage
The valley's colonial-era distillery, one of Asia's oldest, viewed as part of the town's British industrial story.
Getting there
How to reach Kasauli
The nearest airport is Chandigarh (IXC), about 65 to 70 km away; we manage the fleet handover and the hill drive up.
The nearest railhead is Kalka, about 40 km away, from where the famous Kalka to Shimla toy train also runs; we handle the station transfer.
Kasauli is a ≈ 77 km chauffeured drive from Chandigarh via Parwanoo on the Shimla highway, then a short hill climb to the ridge.
Our GPS-tracked, orthopedic-grade vehicles handle the Chandigarh or Kalka transfer and local runs to the viewpoints and trails.
Where to stay
Restored British-era cottages and heritage hotels with wood interiors, gardens, and valley views.
Small design-led stays and forest resorts geared to quiet, restful breaks near the Mall.
Hillside properties with spa facilities for guests seeking a slow, restorative stay in the pines.
Where to eat
Local hill dishes and comforting North Indian plates in the heritage-hotel and cottage dining rooms.
Old-fashioned tea rooms and bakeries along the Mall for cakes, momos, and mountain coffee.
Classic cantonment-style menus in heritage settings, a nod to the town's British club culture.
Good to know
Kasauli, your questions
What makes Kasauli different from other hill stations?
Kasauli is a working cantonment, so it stays small, quiet, and uncommercialised, cobbled Mall roads, colonial cottages, and forest rather than crowds and concrete. It is a place for slow walks and rest, not busy sightseeing.
Can I visit Monkey Point with a camera?
No. Monkey Point sits inside an Indian Air Force area with a strict no-phone, no-camera policy and ID checks at entry. It offers the town's best views, and our guides brief guests and handle the entry requirements in advance.
How do I reach Kasauli?
The usual route is by air to Chandigarh (about 65 to 70 km) or rail to Kalka (about 40 km), then a chauffeured hill drive via Parwanoo. Kalka is also the starting point of the Kalka to Shimla toy train.
How many nights should I spend in Kasauli?
One to two nights is ideal for its scale, enough for the Mall, Christ Church, the Gilbert Trail, and the sunset points at an unhurried pace. It pairs well with Shimla, Chandigarh, or the toy-train journey.
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Tell us your dates and what you love. Our travel desk builds a private, chauffeured itinerary around Kasauli and the wider North India, with handpicked hotels and a transparent quote, usually within a few hours.
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