Places to Visit Near Solan

Known For : Bhakra Nangal Dam Gobind Sagar Lake Water Sports and Fishing

Bilaspur is a hill town near Shimla, famous for its forts and Gobind Sagar lake, a man-made reservoir considered the lifeline of the district. Bilaspur, India's first planned hill station, is popularly known for its artificially made lake which is called the Gobind Sagar Lake on Sutlej River. It is a beautiful lake where one can rejuvenate and participate in water sports and fishing. Also, this lake provides water to the very famous Bhakra Nagal Dam. Bhakra Dam is the highest dam in India and it is also the highest straight gravity dam in the entire world. 

Distance from Solan: 108 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

16 Bilaspur Attractions

Spread across an area of 55,670 sq km this wildlife sanctuary is a forested area and has a wide variety of flora and fauna. A lot of endangered species can be found here, including the Cheer Pheasant. Other species of animals in this sanctuary are Gorals, Goats and many unique varieties of birds. Accommodations in the form of jungle houses are also available inside the sanctuary itself.
 
 

Distance from Solan: 58 km

Known For : Arki Fort Diwan-i-Khaas Arki Palace

A small town in Solan district locally known for its 18th century fort, Arki is rather unknown among general population as a tourist location. One of the smallest towns in Himanchal Pradesh, Arki is situated 52 kms away from Shimla. Being highly accessible from the capital of this state, Arki attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. The pleasant climate and beautiful landscape of Arki make this place a favourable tourist destination. Arki also has a lot of temples which adorn striking architecture which tourists travelling here must visit.
 

Distance from Solan: 58 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

9 Arki Attractions

Known For : Monkey Point Toy Train Ride Timber Trail

Located on the way from Chandigarh to Shimla, Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town which makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, away from the rush. Kasauli is a small town in the south-west part of Himachal and is on the relatively lower edges of Himalayas. Nestled amidst beautiful woody forests of pine and cedar trees, Kasauli owes its mystical and serene ambience to the lavish Victorian buildings built by the Britishers who resided here years back. 

Distance from Solan: 26 km

Best Time: March - June; September - November

12 Kasauli Attractions

This is a wildlife sanctuary that houses a number of wildlife species like leopards, Black Bear, Sambars and barking deer. It is located on the Shimla-Bilaspur road which is at a distance of 35 km from Shimla. A number of eco treks are also conducted here by the HPTDC, from time to time.

Distance from Solan: 82 km

Known For : Qila Mubarak Complex Patiala Kali Mata Mandir Sheesh Mahal, Patiala

The fourth-largest city in the state of Punjab, Patiala is nestled in the southeast of the golden land. Patiala has strong historical and cultural roots, surrounded by architectural marvels and cultural heritage along with being a preferred destination for exploring the core traditions of Punjab. Patiala was once an erstwhile princely state and hence is home to many architectural marvels that are a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.

Distance from Solan: 121 km

Best Time: October to March

8 Patiala Attractions

Known For : Robber's Cave Sahastradhara Tapkeshwar Temple

Nestled amidst the Doon Valley in the state of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is a very popular hill station that beckons solo travellers, families and couples alike. Proudly boasting of a scenic backdrop of the Garhwal Himalayas, Dehradun is located at an altitude of 1400 feet above sea level and has a pleasant climate all year round. Regardless of whether you want to explore family-friendly tourist spots, try thrilling adventure activities with your friends, or watch a mesmerizing sunset with your partner amidst the mountains, Dehradun is the answer.

Distance from Solan: 179 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

37 Dehradun Attractions

Known For : Nek Chand’s Rock Garden of Chandigarh Sukhna Lake Zakir Hussain Rose Garden

Chandigarh, a union territory that is the capital of both Punjab as well as Haryana, is an ideal definition of the word 'city'. With a culture that includes instances of both traditional Punjab as well as modernity, Chandigarh's food and gedi culture (a leisure drive or ride the city) is something that everyone knows of! Located at a distance of 265 km from Delhi, Chandigarh is one of the favourite weekend road trip destinations of Delhiites. 

Distance from Solan: 66 km

Best Time: August to March

56 Chandigarh Attractions

Known For : Virasat-e-Khalsa Anandpur Sahib Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib Ji Sarovar Anandpur Sahib

This city is located in the Rupnagar District of Punjab, close to the Pakistan border and is one of the holiest places for Sikhs since the Khalsa Panth was founded here. The site where this sacred event took place is today marked by the construction of a Gurudwara. The city of Anandpur Sahib is most famous for its multitude of Gurudwaras that were built to commemorate various Gurus. There are also five forts around the town that testify to its military history.

Distance from Solan: 108 km

Best Time: November to February

8 Anandpur Sahib Attractions

Known For : Rangla Punjab Haveli Devi Talab Mandir Science City Kapurthala

The city of Jalandhar is the true personification of the rich heritage and history of Punjab - a culmination of the old and the new. This historic city was a part of the illustrious Indus Valley Civilisation. Present day Jalandhar has grown to be an important commercial and industrial hub and is also known for its delectable Punjabi cuisine. The ancient city of Jalandhar promises to let you experience the best of Punjab, along with a taste of its history and culture.

Distance from Solan: 203 km

Best Time: October to March

13 Jalandhar Attractions

Known For : Nalagarh Fort Ramgarh fort Gobind Sagar Lake

Nalagarh is known for its abundant greenery, serenity and the beautiful view of the Shivalik hills past the Sirsa river. Nalagarh is known as the gateway to Himachal Pradesh. Nalagarh's main attraction is the Nalagarh Fort which has now been converted into a heritage hotel that attracts tourists from all over the country. The Mughals and the Britishers during their rule cherished the beauty of this place and regarded it as a princely state, and till date, the royal touch is still alive and unscathed. 

Distance from Solan: 76 km

Best Time: October to March

4 Nalagarh Attractions

Known For : Lodhi Fort Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum Pavillion Mall

Situated on the banks of river Sutlej, Ludhiana, Punjab’s largest city, is one of the biggest manufacturing hubs in India. Also known as Manchester of India, Ludhiana is famous for its hosiery industries, the ancient ruins of the Lodi dynasty and the war museum. Named after the Lodi dynasty, the city has retained the old world charm, kept the spirituality intact but also hasn't failed to keep up with the changing times and traditions of the country.

Distance from Solan: 176 km

Best Time: October to June

14 Ludhiana Attractions

Known For : Chail Palace Hotel Chail Cricket Ground Chail wildlife sanctuary

Chail is a quiet hill station close to Shimla, known for the world's highest cricket ground and the heritage hotel, Chail Palace, in the midst of pine and deodar trees. Surrounded by lush greenery and mesmerizing views from such a great height, known as a hiker's paradise, Chail is bound to give a tourist a memorable travelling experience to a tourist. This place is famous for having the world's highest cricket and polo grounds and has a luxurious resort situated on three hilltops. 

Distance from Solan: 36 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

11 Chail Attractions

If you are tired of the hustle bustle of the city and want to getaway for a few days to relax and live amidst hills and forests, Sirmour is just the place for you. Located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Sirmour is a calm and tranquil district where still more than 90% people live in villages. The locals are very close to nature and hence this place is untouched by industrialization. Sirour offers travelers picturesque landscapes, rocky hills to trek, serene lakes for boating and beautifully built temples to purge your soul.

Distance from Solan: 106 km

Known For : Prashar Lake Trek Bhutnath temple Pandoh Dam

Packed with a thick green cover of pine and deodar trees, the town of Mandi is situated at the junction of Kullu and Dharamshala. It is often referred to as 'Varanasi of Hills', or 'Choti Kashi' as the town has as many as 81 temples spread across its area. Lying on the banks of River Beas, Mandi also displays some old palaces and temples that can be dated back to the 5th Century AD. Serving as a gateway to some famous valleys such as Kullu, Manali, Spiti and Lahaul, Mandi is must on your north India itinerary which never fails to enchant its visitors. Mandi is also the nearest town to various treks like Prashar lake and Janjheli.

 

Distance from Solan: 161 km

Best Time: April to October

18 Mandi Attractions

Known For : Skiing in Kufri Horse Ride to the Mahasu Peak Mahasu Peak

Kufri in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought after holiday destinations, and more so for couples, because of its proximity to Shimla and relatively higher altitude which makes it a place with snow all through the winters. Kufri is just about 10 km from Shimla and is quite a retreat if you're in Shimla and snow is something which excites you. While there's not much to see in Kufri as such, but the panoramic views and temples after a bit of trekking are worth the time. 

Distance from Solan: 60 km

Best Time: November to March

13 Kufri Attractions

Known For : Jakhu Temple Mall Road, Shimla Rashtrapati Niwas (Viceregal Lodge)

Situated at a height of 2200m, Shimla is the capital and the largest city of Himachal Pradesh in India. Set amidst beautiful hills and mystical woods, Shimla has been a very popular hill-station among Indian families and honeymooners since the last 50 years. British loved this city so much that they made Shimla their summer capital in 1864 and used to rule the sub-continent from here whenever the temperature rose in the nearby plains. Shimla still retains its old world charm with beautiful colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road and beautiful churches.

Distance from Solan: 45 km

Best Time: October to June

65 Shimla Attractions

Paonta Sahib is a vibrant, industrial town located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Apart from hosting significant industries, it is also a prominent place of worship for the Sikh community. The noted Gurudwara Paonta Sahib, built in the memory of Shri Guru Gobind Singh, is situated on the banks of the River Yamuna in this town and attracts many pilgrims round the year.

Distance from Solan: 131 km

Best Time: February to March