Kasauli
is a small hill town full of quaint relics of the British
Raj, situated about 1950 meters above sea level and
nestling in the Shivaliks , it is almost midway between
the major cities of Chandigarh and Shimla . Directly
below Kasauli is the spread of the vast plains of Punjab
and Haryana which as darkness falls unroll a gorgeous
carpet of twinkling lights. At 3647 meters the snow
capped peaks of Choor Chandini powerfully dominates
the lower hills and across the undulating ranges, Shimla
is also visible.
Kasauli's
history can be traced back to the 17th century when
it provided refuge and later a home to uprooted rajput
families. Later, in 1842, inspired by the crispy cool
climate the British converted it into a cantonment, a status
it enjoys even today, thanks to which it remains
clean, green and serene.
The
Kasauli club, one of the oldest institutions of Kasauli,
was founded in 1888. The club was meant only for English
gentry and a few highly placed Indians. Today the membership
includes the elite of India. Another landmark of Kasauli
is the Central Research Institute. It was the first
of its kind in Asia when it was established in 1905,
and today produces the vaccines for yellow fever and
rabies.
The
world famous Lawrence school at Sanawar near Kasauli
was started in 1847 as an orphanage for the children
of the British Indian army personnel killed
in battles. Today it is among the top public schools
in the country, and one of the worlds oldest co-educational
institution.
The
first impression of Kasauli is cleanliness, a profusion
of flowers and greenery wherever you turn. Above all,
a quiet serenity pervades this little resort. Populated
mainly by serving and retired army personnel and old
time residents, the bungalows are unpretentious and
picturesque, with neatly trimmed hedges and wild-flower-dotted
winding approach roads. No high rises here, just cottages
and climbing roses, hanging pots spilling over with
colorful orchids and geraniums , and large trees sporting
exuberant foliage and many – hued blossoms. Birds
with exotic plumage and distinctive calls flit from
tree to tree. The upper and lower malles runs through
kasauli’s length and one can enjoy long walks
on it.
Any
mode of locomotion other than walking is frowned upon
in Kasauli and there is restriction on the movement
of vehicles on the upper and lower malls. During the
British times, one could see rickshaws on the mall pulled
and pushed by coolies who always ran bare foot , the
ringing of the rickshaw bell telling pedestrians to move away
. No longer in use, these rickshaws are on of the most
interesting relics of the British era.
The
highest point in Kasauli, known as Monkey point is home
to a Hanuman temple. The monkey point is believed to
be in the shape of left foot of lord Hanuman, who is
said to have put his foot down on the hill while carrying
the mountain bearing sanjivni herb for Laxman, lord
Ram’s brother.
Just
a 90 minutes drive from Chandigarh, Kasauli is ideally
located for spending weekend and holidays to revitalize
and recharge the mind and body. It provides a welcome
break from the rigors of city living.
Kasauli also enjoys proximity to the resorts of Subathu,
Dagshai, Solan and Chail and several other picturesque
picnic spots. The capital town of Shimla is only 70 km
away.
In
the not so recent past Kasauli lacked modern hotel accommodation
and there were just a couple of small hotels and the defence
services holiday home . With the recent opening of
luxurious three star resorts like “Kasauli resort” and a few others a long
standing need for decent accommodation for tourists has
been met and Kasauli has now emerged as a destination
in its own right. It has also become a favoured destination
of Corporates wishing to hold conferences.
The
climate is salubrious around the year, summer being pleasant
and winter mild with occasional snowfall, the monsoons
are especially charming when playful clouds swoop down
upon you and the mist surrounds you. Leaving all stress
behind you can count on the pine-scented air, the misty
ambience, the pretty walks and the spectacular views
to make your trip to Kasauli a memorable experience. You can plan a trip/tour to Kasauli on weekends since it is easily accessible and have great options for trekking and walking in the Kasauli hills.
|