Solan

Spectacular scenery and spiritual enlightenment in this Himalayan hill town

Shikhara temples soaring towards the skies. Miniature ‘toy’ locomotives that trundle along railways crisscrossing the hills. Treks that take you through tucked-away villages and lead to golden shrines. Himachal Pradesh Solan feels like another world, where the pace of life slows right down and the sunset over the eastern Himalayas is a contender for the finest in the world.

Things to do

LANDMARKS
Unspoilt hills and mountains as far as the eye can see is the hallmark of Himachal Pradesh Solan. But look closely and the landscape here is punctuated by beautiful spiritual sites. Marvel at the intricate architecture of hilltop Jhatoli Shiva Temple, built on the spot where Lord Shiva was said to have once slept. Or seek out the serenity of the Maa Shoolini Temple complex. 

FOOD
The Himachali Dham is a true feast, and a chance to enjoy an authentic taste of Himachal Pradesh Solan. Typically served at celebratory banquets – from weddings to spiritual days – many hotels here will invite you to experience this delicious Thali-like tradition. It draws on the food culture and stories bound up in this part of India, and each dish in this multi-course menu will have its own tale to tell. 

CULTURE
Mellow walks through the villages around Solan, and the foothills of the Himalayas, will almost always end in a conversation over a steaming pot of shared tea. The sun-warmed brick homes that dot this hilly landscape tell the story of local crafts. While Masala Chai gives a flavour of local communities.

Top Tip from SLH

You may hear Solan called the ‘mushroom capital of India’. Aside from spotting the fungi farms on journeys across the region, one of the finest ways to delve into this side of its culinary culture is by feasting on classic Himachali Dham.