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Located between Solan and Chail is the serene Sadhupul Lake, known for its windswept riverside shacks, breathtaking vantage points and gorgeous natural beauty. Sadhupul Lake In Solan is not a typical lake but rather a lovely water body created by the Ashwani River, with a narrow bridge hovering above it. Set among verdant hills and pine woods, it’s an ideal destination for families, bikers and travellers looking for a serene getaway. It is a refreshing experience, whether you are wandering for some adventure or relaxation.
Quick Details
Location: Sadhupul village, Solan district, Himachal Pradesh
Water Depth: Shallow
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearby Hill Station: Chail
Location
Photo: Bhanu Sharma Solan / Wikimedia Commons
Sadhupul Lake is located at Sadhupul village on Solan-Chail Road (State Highway 6), which is about 12 km from Solan. It is a part of the Ashwani River, which runs under the Sadhupul Bridge, a popular landmark for navigation purposes. Other major non-tourist pillars to locate include Shilly Water Treatment Plant before Sadhupul on Solan-Chail Road, Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Kufri, HIMUDA Housing Complex, and check post-Girival, which statistics as one of the well-known residences of NH-5.
How To Reach
Photo: RajakumarDhaamodharan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Air: The closest airport is Chandigarh International Airport. Taxis and buses are accessible from Chandigarh to Solan, then to Sadhupul.
By Train: Solan Railway Station is the nearest station to the Lake In Solan. Taxis and local buses from there reach Sadhupul in about 30 minutes.
By Road: You can reach Sadhupul as it is well connected by road. It is also located at a distance of 15 km from Solan, 35 km from Shimla and 15 km from Chail. It can also be reached via regular buses, private cabs, and self-drive vehicles.
Things To Do
This unusual Lake In Solan is best known for its floating cafes, where you can perch on benches partially submerged in water to munch on tasty local food and much more.
1. Riverside Dining
Photo: Ashwini Chaudhary / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
One of the unique experiences of Sadhupul Lake is sitting in the water and enjoying your food. Unfold a table and benches straight into the chilled rushing water. Some small restaurants allow visitors to dip their feet while enjoying a hot Maggi, pakoras, or tea. On a warm day, the experience is soothing and energising. Gurgling water, clear mountain air, and plain but good food all combine to make this a must-do. It is an ideal place to choose for a peaceful breakfast in the morning or a fun lunch with friends.
2. Rock Pool Play
Photo: Manuela Adler / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Unlike deep lakes, Sadhupul Lake has safe, shallow waters where you can splash about and chill. The rocky riverbed creates small, natural pools that children and adults can play in, surrounded by the crystal-clear water flowing down from the mountains. Many visitors favour perching on rocks while dipping their feet or trudging right through the cool streamlets. The place is fed by crisp, cold water flowing down from the hills, making it a nice place to take a dip in the summer. If you’re in the mood for on-the-ground adventure, build small stone dams to create pretend pools. It is an easy but fun path to explore the natural beauty of Sadhupul.
3. Riverside Camping
Photo: Uriel Mont / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Experience camping near Sadhupul Lake, as there are quite a few campsites near where you can spend the night in tents, have bonfires, and do adventure sports including trekking and fishing. As the sun sets, the riverside comes most alive, with twinkling fairy lights, crackling campfires and the soothing sound of flowing water. As the night is clear, giving a view to the stars, it is perfect for stargazing. Some camps have barbecue facilities where you can prepare meals outdoors. Spend a night at Sadhupul if you are looking to escape into the laps of nature.
5 Places To Visit Near Sadhupul Lake
The attractions in and around Sadhupul Lake In Solan make it a great weekend excursion from Chandigarh or Shimla.
1. Chail, The Royal Hill Station
Photo: Tvacute1 / Wikimedia Commons
Chail was founded by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh near Shimla and is a prominent hill station with various scenic spots and a peaceful environment. Once the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala, Chail still bears traces of its royal past, as seen in the Chail Palace, a heritage property with colonial-era architecture. It is also where the world’s highest cricket ground sits, at an altitude of 2,444 meters. Trekking trails like the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary Trek are beautiful ones to offer a closer look at the creatures and plants of the Himalayas.
Distance From Sadhupul Lake: 15 km (30-minute drive)
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
2. Kali Ka Tibba
Photo: Pushkar Prashar / Wikimedia Commons
Kali Ka Tibba is situated on the highest peak of Chail and this scenic temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It provides stunning 360-degree views of the Himalayan ranges and is a great location for meditation and photography. The temple’s peaceful grounds, as well as cool mountain breezes, make for a deeply soothing experience. Adventure seekers frequently trek to the temple to see breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. As it is relatively less crowded, you can have an unbroken association with nature and spirituality.
Distance From Sadhupul Lake: 18 km (40-minute drive)
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or evening
3. Jatoli Temple
Photo: Pankajkukreti03 / Wikimedia Commons
Jatoli Temple is one of the tallest Shiva temples in Asia. The distinctive South Indian-style architecture also stands out against the Himachali landscape. The place of worship is called Guru Dvara, which is a store of intricate carvings, massive pillars, and a holy water tank (Amrit Kund) that is believed to cure every disease. Its spiritual significance and links to the past, centuries old, appeal to both fans and history buffs. Mahashivratri is the ideal time to visit here since the temple is full of festivities.
Distance From Sadhupul Lake: 12 km (25-minute drive)
Best Time To Visit: Early morning
4. Mohan Shakti Heritage Park
Photo: Pankajkukreti03 / Wikimedia Commons
Mohan Shakti Heritage Park, an architectural park, offers a view of ancient Indian heritage, mythology, and spirituality. Covering 40 acres, the park was established by Brigadier Kapil Mohan, a retired Indian Army officer and Padma Shree awardee. It stands as North India’s first ancient heritage park. The park includes impressive statues of Hindu gods, landscaped gardens and intricately designed temples. The park includes yoga and meditation spaces, so it’s a restorative experience. From here, the views of the Himalayan foothills are truly gorgeous.
Distance From Sadhupul Lake: 20 km (40-minute drive)
Best Time To Visit: Morning
5. Karol Tibba
Photo: David Bacon / Wikimedia Commons
Home to one of Himachal Pradesh’s oldest caves, trekking on Karol Tibba is a great trek for moderate-level trekkers. According to the beliefs, the Pandavas of Mahabharata meditated here during their exile. With a distance of 5 km, the hike passes through dense pine forests, rocky paths, and panoramic vistas. There is a small temple at the top and the Karol Cave, which have panoramic views of Solan. This trek is ideal for anyone looking to combine history with mythology and adventure.
Distance From Sadhupul Lake: 15 km
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Where To Stay
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
You can find many hotels and homestays, from budget to luxury, near the Lake In Solan. Camps in this natural setting also offer stays in tents, bonfires and adventure activities like trekking and fishing, making riverside camping a thrilling option for nature lovers. Campsites usually charge ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per person per night, inclusive of meals and activities. If you like more luxury, Chail Palace Hotel (₹5,000 to ₹12,000 a night) is a royal retreat, as its name suggests, with beautiful views and lavish rooms. For budget travellers, there is Hotel Ekant (₹2,500 to ₹4,500 per night) or some homestays in Sadhupul, from ₹800 per night. Moreover, the HPTDC hotels operated in Solan have become a favourite with solo travellers and families.
Where To Eat
Photo: Erik Mclean / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
At Sadhupul Lake, the most well-known tourist destination is the floating cafe, where you can devour a meal while seated in the shallow river. They serve staples like Maggi (₹60), pakoras (₹100), momo (₹120) and tea (₹40), which you eat at a simple all-tin table. For a more substantial meal, you can head to the nearby Sharma Dhaba (₹250 per meal), which serves authentic Himachali cuisine such as Siddu, Rajma-Chawal and Pahadi Kadhi. For affordable home-style meals in Chail (₹200 per meal), visit Kanwar Bhojnalaya. For fine dining (₹500 to ₹1,200 per meal) with breathtaking views, go to The Chail Palace Restaurant. While in Solan, you can visit Haveli Restaurant or The Himalayan Coffee House for a wide variety of menus.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Bhanu Sharma Solan / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
Budget hotels cost around ₹800 a night and luxury stays, ₹12,000 a night. Meals can cost anywhere between ₹200 and ₹1,200; transportation costs ₹500 to ₹2000. Extensions such as riverside camping, working bonfires and guided treks can push that up ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per person. So, a 2-day trip for a budget traveller to Sadhupul Lake In Solan can cost about ₹3,000 to ₹5,000, whereas, for a luxurious stay, the same can be done for about ₹7,000 to ₹15,000 for a weekend.
Tips For Travellers
- Plan your trip between March-June and September-November for pleasant weather and safe water conditions. Avoid monsoon (July-August) as rising river levels can make travel risky.
- Carry essentials like trekking shoes, a rain jacket, sunscreen, and warm clothes for chilly nights. If camping, book in advance, especially on weekends.
- Roads near Sadhupul Bridge are narrow, winding, and slippery during rains. Drive carefully or hire an experienced driver.
- Public transport is limited, so hiring a taxi or driving your own vehicle is the most convenient option for exploring the area.
- Avoid littering, minimize noise pollution, and ensure your visit does not disturb the natural beauty and tranquility of the region.
Sadhupul Lake In Solan is not just a pitstop to take a visual treat in, but also an experience you can cherish forever. Whatever your choice, be it a calm riverside getaway, a cultural and spiritual excursion, or a unique camping adventure, this quaint getaway close to Solan caters to every preference. So, if you are a nature lover, plan your trip with TripXL and explore the scenic beauty of Solan.
Cover Photo: Vivek Kumar Srivastava / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
