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Tucked away in the quiet hills of Himachal Pradesh, the Dagshai Jail Museum is a lesser-known spot that evokes a feel for India’s painful past under colonial rule. Built in 1849, this ancient monument was used as a prison by the British, which restricted freedom fighters and some notorious criminals within its walls. Today, it holds mute testimony to the turmoil faced during the British era. A visit to the museum will take you back in time, for every nook and corner of the museum tells stories of bravery, sacrifice, and determination.
Location
Photo: Pankajkukreti03 / Wikimedia Commons
Dagshai Jail Museum, Himachal Pradesh is in the small town of Dagshai, perched on top of a hill at an altitude of 6,000 feet in Solan district. The town is one of the oldest cantonments ever established in India by the British in 1847. This museum is in the heart of Dagshai, surrounded by pine forests that afford a breathtaking view of the surrounding valleys. It is about 11 km from Solan town and 65 km from Shimla, thus attracting a perfect day trip from these famous tourist places.
Suggested Read: Top Offbeat Places In Himachal Pradesh For Fresh Mountain Air
How To Reach
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By Air: Chandigarh International Airport, located about 65 km away, is the nearest airport to the museum. It is easily accessible from all major Indian cities, such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to Dagshai, which will take approximately 2 hours.
By Road: The town of Dagshai is well-connected by road, and one can easily reach it through regular buses from major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla. The HRTC runs several buses daily on this route, but the last stop would be at Solan. From Solan, again, one boards a local bus or hires a taxi to head towards the museum. If taken from Delhi to Dagshai via bus, the journey is about 6-7 hours.
By Rail: The railway station nearest to the museum is Kalka Railway Station, about 40 km away. This is also the starting point of the famous Kalka-Shimla toy train, which happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site. From Kalka, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to the Dagshai Jail Museum address, which takes about 1.5 hours.
Places To Visit Around Dagshai Jail Museum
Here is the list of 5 popular places to visit around the Dagshai Jail Museum for a remarkable experience.
1. Christ Church
Photo: Suman Wadhwa / Wikimedia Commons
Situated about 15 kilometres from the museum, Christ Church in Kasauli is a wonder when reflecting the British-colonial type architectural beauty. The British established the church in 1853, with tall pine and deodar trees surrounding it. The beautiful windows of this church are stained, depicting scenes from the Bible, while its gothic-style building is topped with a high steeple that puts every visitor back into the Victorian era. So, whether you are a history enthusiast or a placid soul, Christ Church offers a reflective experience amidst the beauty of nature.
Timings: 7 AM – 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: NA
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Himachal Pradesh Where You Can Get Lost In The Mountains
2. Mall Road
Photo: Bhanu Sharman Solan / Wikimedia Commons
Mall Road in Solan, located 11 km from the museum and the town’s commercial hub, is a whole activity. This busy street contains wooden shops selling local handicrafts, woollen garments, and souvenirs; hence, this place should be visited for retail therapy. There are small, cosy cafes and restaurants on Mall Road where you can try local delicacies over a leisurely meal. The road commands a good view of the surrounding hills and, hence, is a great spot to spend one’s evening or soak in local culture.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: NA
3. The Dagshai Cemetery
Photo: Tom Fisk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
A visit to the museum cannot be complete without a walk down to the adjacent Dagshai Cemetery. This cemetery dates back to the British period and was a resting place for many British soldiers, officers, and their family members. Lush green surroundings with an ambiance of tranquillity surround this cemetery. These tombstones—some dating back over a century—speak eloquently of the lives and times of the people who lived during the colonial period, thus leaving the visitor with a poignant, reflective spot.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: NA
Suggested Read: Discover The Spiritual Charm Of Manali Temples In Himachal Pradesh
4. Monkey Point
Photo: Lyn Ryan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This Monkey Point in Kasauli, about 18 kilometres from the museum, is the highest among other points. It offers views of panoramic beauty that include the surrounding valleys and the Sutlej River. The top is crowned with a small temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who holds spiritual significance for the locals. The area is well-known for its playful monkeys that seemingly would add some fun to the visit. So , whether for breathtaking views, religious reasons, or just enjoying the company of monkeys, Monkey Point is definitely a must-see.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: NA
5. Timber Trail
Photo: Giridhar Appaji Nag / Wikimedia Commons
Located about 30 kilometres from the museum in Parwanoo, the Timber Trail is another hotspot of tourism in the area. The cable car ride across a deep gorge to a hilltop resort is something that you might be longing to indulge in during your holidays. On the way, you will have several glimpses of the Shivalik range. You can have your meal at the top house restaurant in this resort and experience the natural beauty around you. Timber Trail is a place that offers a haven of peace to adventure seekers and escapists from monotony.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹1,250 for the cable car ride
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Where To Stay
Photo: Zak Chapman / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
After exploring the museum, you can head to the nearby places, Solan and Kasauli, which have plenty of options ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. In Solan, you can stay at Pine Drive Resort or Mayur Hotel Bar and Restaurant for comfortable rooms with modern facilities. In Kasauli, Baikunth Resort and Kasauli Castle are on top of the popularity charts due to their impeccable service and awesome views.
Where To Eat
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As far as dining goes, there isn’t much that Dagshai has to offer, so venture out into nearby towns for some variety. Chachu Da Dhaba in Solan offers succulent North Indian dishes at reasonable prices, while Cafe 1947 in Kasauli comes highly recommended because of its warm atmosphere and continental fare. And if you are visiting Kasauli, do not forget to stop by Narinder Sweet House on Mall Road for the legendary bun samosas.
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Best Time To Visit
Photo: Pankajkukreti03 / Wikimedia Commons
From March to June and September to November, Dagshai Jail Museum is the perfect place for visitors when the climate is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. This time is best to indulge in an array of adventurous activities besides exploring this historical attraction in the region.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of Trip
A 2-day trip to the museum from Delhi can cost around ₹5,000 to ₹8,000 per person, including travel, accommodation, food, and entry fees to various attractions.
Tips For Travellers
- Wear comfortable shoes as much as possible since some terrain is uneven.
- Carry warm clothing, especially if you’re visiting during cold months.
- Respect the museum’s history, and do not litter here.
- Get a local guide within the museum to give you more scoop on the history.
- Plan your visit to nearby attractions like Kasauli and Solan to make the most of your trip.
- Do not forget to click Dagshai Jail Museum photos to keep your memories fresh.
Suggested Read: Explore The Majestic Forts In Himachal Pradesh To Relive The History Again
Dagshai Jail Museum is a unique place that allows one to explore, almost like India’s colonial past. Strolling through the corridors of this museum, it almost feels like those who lived and breathed their last within these walls come alive. Bring this enriching experience to your doorstep while booking a tour with TripXL today, and get soaked into the history and beauty that Dagshai has in store.
Cover Photo: Pankajkukreti03 / Wikimedia Commons
