Often dubbed as the “Mushroom Capital of India,” Solan is a laidback and remote hill station in Himachal Pradesh, offering a glimpse into the charm and slow living of mountain life. Solan is located on the Punjab Himachal border, so the influence of the dual culture is evident there. While Solan offers a variety of experiences, you can venture out and explore a variety of places to visit near Solan for an immersive travel experience. To make the most out of your time exploring Solan and its nearby places, ensure to have a solid itinerary with you.
10 Places To Visit Near Solan
If you’re planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh and wish to venture beyond its borders, there are several remarkable places to visit near Solan.
1. Kasauli
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Starting the list of the best places to visit near Solan with one of the most charming hill stations, which is Kasauli. It is located a short drive from Solan and is a haven for those looking for peace, quiet and tranquillity. Stroll along the Mall Road to admire the old-world charm of the British-era buildings, or visit the Christ Church, a beautiful example of neo-gothic architecture. To bask in the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and landscapes, plan a visit to Sunset Point, which is one of the highest viewpoints around Kasauli.
Distance From Solan: 24 Km
Major Attractions: Mall Road, Christ Church, Sunset Point, and Kasauli Brewery
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2. Chail
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Another one of the best places to go near Solan is Chail. The high-altitude location of this hill station serves as its USP. However, beyond its presence in the Himalayan foothills, Chail is also renowned for being home to Chail Cricket Ground, one of the highest cricket grounds in the world. If you are a cricket lover, this is one of the spots that you wouldn’t regret visiting. For a sneak into some history, head to Chail Palace, which used to serve as the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala.
Distance From Solan: 40 Km
Major Attractions: Chail Palace, Chail Cricket Ground, and Kali Ka Tibba temple
3. Shimla
The capital city of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a renowned hill station known for its colonial heritage, bustling markets, and beautiful landscapes. The moment you step foot in Shimla, it welcomes you with a contrasting experience from Solan. You get to explore the local cafes and restaurants and even indulge in some retail therapy at the shops lining the streets of the hill station. Jakhoo Temple, perched atop Jakhoo Hill, offers a spiritual retreat and panoramic views of the city. Also, don’t miss out on the Shimla-Kalka toy train ride.
Distance From Solan: 44.2 Km
Major Attractions: The Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, and Shimla-Kalka toy train
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Hamirpur During Your Himachal Tour
4. Naldehra
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Naldehra is gaining traction quite progressively among tourists. While the quaint town was previously known for its golf course, which is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) in India, Naldehra is also a great place for you to relax and unwind. The offbeat location makes it a great spot for you to find some peace, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Even if you aren’t an active golfer, spending your time at Naldehra Golf Course is bound to mesmerise you with its pine forests and rolling hills.
Distance From Solan: 66.6 Km
Major Attractions: Naldehra Golf Course, Mahunag and Kogi Mata temple
5. Parwanoo
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Up next on the list of good places to visit near Solan is Parwanoo. It is a town located near the lower Himalayas and is renowned for its fruit orchards. Depending on when you are visiting, you might get to witness the harvesting of the fruits, which is a magical experience. The Timber Trail, a cable car ride that offers stunning aerial views of the surrounding hills and valleys, is a major attraction there as well. You can also find a lot of other nature trails to explore.
Distance From Solan: 36.6 Km
Major Attractions: Timber Trail and Fruit orchards
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6. Mandi
Mandi is more commonly known as the “Varanasi of the Hills,” and rightfully so. The town is home to over 80 temples, including the famous Bhoot Nath Temple and the Triloknath Temple. Once you finish offering your prayers at the temples, you can then make your way to the scenic tourist destinations around including Prashar Lake, Rewalsar Lake and Pandoh Dam, among the few. The Raj Mahal Palace and the local markets offer a glimpse into the region’s history and traditions and you get to interact with the locals in the markets.
Distance From Solan: 150 Km
Major Attractions: Bhutnath Temple, Triloknath Temple, and Mandi Palace
7. Sundernagar
Photo: AyushRa5001A / Wikimedia Commons
Sundernagar is a popular town in Himachal Pradesh and a destination to visit near Solan. The town is primarily known for its shady walks amidst the towering trees. With the views of the dense forests and the amazing lush greenery around, you do get to make the most out of your time while you are in Sundernagar. The Sundernagar Lake offers opportunities for boating and leisurely walks along its shores. The town is also a gateway to several trekking routes and natural spots. You can also visit the Murari Mata temple which is slightly off the road.
Distance From Solan: 128 Km
Major Attractions: Sundernagar Lake, BBMB Lake and Hateshwari Temple
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Manali In June For The Best Experience
8. Dagshai
Photo: Anmol Arora / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the places to travel near Solan is Dagshai, which is another remote town located in Himachal Pradesh. The main attraction there is the Dagshai Central Jail, which is a historic British-era prison. You can also explore the Dagshai Church, which reflects the colonial architecture of the time. The surroundings have stunning natural beauty with dense forests and amazing landscapes, which add to the beauty of this town. Also, it is one of the oldest cantonments in Himachal Pradesh and has several haunted and spooky stories associated with it.
Distance From Solan: 16.8 Km
Major Attractions: Dagshai Central Jail and Dagshai Church
9. Kufri
A popular skiing destination, Kufri deserves a spot in the list of places to see near Solan. The town comes alive during winters when the slopes are covered in a blanket of snow. Skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing are the main attractions here. However, despite the popularity of Kufri during the winter months, the town is equally beautiful in the summer with lush green meadows and dense cedar forests. You can trek to Mahasu Peak and Kufri Valley or even indulge in some wildlife exploration at the Himalayan Nature Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Distance From Solan: 57.8 Km
Major Attractions: Mahasu Peak and Kufri Valley, Himalayan Nature Park, and Indira Tourist Park
Suggested Read: Explore Chintpurni Temple In Himachal Pradesh
10. Tattapani
Photo: Manoj Sharma / Unsplash
Last but not the least is Tattapani, known for its hot springs, scenic landscapes and laid-back charm. The main attraction there is taking a dip in the hot springs, which have therapeutic properties for the sulphur content in them. Beyond that, you can go for a river water rafting experience on the Satluj River or visit the nearby Shiva Temple to seek blessings from the deity. For nature exploration, visit Adventure Park or contact a local camping operator to enjoy camping in the wilderness of Tattapani. You can also indulge in trekking, hiking, and mountain biking.
Distance From Solan: 90 Km
Major Attractions: Hot springs, River rafting, Mountain biking, Shiva Temple, and Adventure Park.
The list of places to visit near Solan is quite extensive so depending on the duration of your vacation, your budget and the kind of experiences you want, planning and shortlisting the spots is crucial once you have shortlisted the spots, head to TripXL to secure the bookings at the best price in the market and make the most out of your time exploring different hill stations, towns and villages across Himachal.
Cover Photo: Abhinav Sharma / Unsplash