The next time you are in Solan district in Himachal Pradesh, including Parwanoo in your itinerary will be a game-changer. From unique cable car rides to housing the largest wholesale market in the state, there are many things to do in Parwanoo. You can soak in the panoramic views of the lush green landscape, embark on an adventure, or have religious experiences. There’s a historical touch in this town, and it’s only a stone’s throw away from Shimla. If you are looking for a serene escape from the daily hustle of life, then Parwanoo can be the best option.
Best 10 Things To Do In Parwanoo
Parwanoo opens up a treasure of experiences, from adventure activities to day trips, here is a list of top things to do in Parwanoo.
1. Timber Trail Cable Car Ride
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The main tourist attraction in Parwanoo is their Timber Trail Cable Car Ride. It offers the tourists a thrilling experience as they ascend the steep mountains and get to soak in the views of the surrounding lush greenery and landscapes. You can witness the Himalayan ranges covered in snow at a distance as well. The cable car ride connects two hills, Timber Trail Resort and Timber Trail Heights, and covers a distance of about 1.8 Km. It lasts for around 8 minutes, which might not seem like a lot but it’s exhilarating and worth the experience.
Location: Timber Trail Resort, Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fees: ₹ 1000 onwards
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2. Seek Blessings At Kali Mata Temple
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Located on the Kalka-Shimla highway, the Kali Mata Temple is one of the most popular and visited shrines in the state that’s dedicated to Maa Kali. During Navaratri, a large number of devotees gather here. It is believed that the temple’s origins have ties with the Pandavas during their exile. You can find evidence and murals of the same on the walls of the temple, which is a highlight. There are small stalls located outside the temple from where you can purchase flowers, incense and sweets to offer to the deity in the temple.
Location: Kalka-Shimla Highway, Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
3. Explore The Fruit Orchards
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Another one of the best things to do in Parwanoo is visit one of the many fruit orchards. The town is renowned for its orchards, especially ones of apples and peaches. Visiting these orchards is undoubtedly a delightful experience, especially if your travel plans coincide with the harvest season. Walking through the orchards, you can enjoy the fresh, crisp air filled with the fragrance of ripening fruits. Also, there are guided tours available, enabling you to learn more about the fruits and the experiences that follow.
Location: Various locations around Parwanoo
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (seasonal)
Entry Fees: ₹ 100 onwards
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4. Explore The History Of Gurkha Fort
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Also known as Subathu Fort, Gurkha Fort is a historical spot in Parwanoo that’s worth a visit. It is located on a hillock and involves a short hike to reach the top. According to historical evidence, the origins of the fort date back to the 19th century and was built by the Gurkhas as a strategic military base. Beyond witnessing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the fort, you also get to indulge in the rich history associated with it. Guided tours are usually the best option in that case. The entire fort is made out of stone, which tells stories of past battles.
Location: Subathu, Himachal Pradesh 173206
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
5. Seek Blessings At Mansa Devi Temple
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Located around 24 km from Parwanoo, Mansa Devi Temple is another one of the popular religious sites in the town. Visiting this temple is one of the things to see in Parwanoo with your family. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi and is situated on the Bilaspur hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding plains. Legends depict that the incarnation of Mansa Devi emerged from the mind of Lord Shiva. She is also the sister of Nāga (serpent) Vasuki and the daughter of Lord Shiva in human incarnate.
Location: Bilaspur Hill, near Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 5:00 AM -n9:00 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Solan
6. Hike Through The Enchanting Timber Trail
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For adventure enthusiasts, plan your hike through the thrilling Timber trail. This well-maintained trail crosses through dense forests, rugged terrains and a rich biodiversity, an experience that you wouldn’t want to trade for anything else in the world. It is a fairly challenging hike but once you reach the vantage point, the beauty of the views of the surroundings is bound to leave you speechless. For the more adventurous, there’s also the option of indulging in mountain biking or rappelling on the trail.
Location: Timber Trail Resort, NH-21, Parwanoo
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: N/A
7. Learn About Different Brews At Solan Brewery
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Solan Brewery, one of the oldest breweries in India, is located near Parwanoo. The brewery was established in 1855 and offers a unique experience for those interested in learning about the history of brewing and witnessing the production process. A guided tour of the brewery allows you to learn about the brewing process, from fermentation to packaging. Beyond the brewing, production and manufacturing process, you can also get lost in the colonial architecture of the brewery. There are tasting sessions held, where you can taste a few of the locally brewed beers.
Location: 42 Km from Parwanoo
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fees: ₹ 200 onwards
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8. Explore The Cactus Garden
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Another unique experience that you can indulge in is exploring the Cactus Garden. If you are curious about the things to do in Parwanoo Himachal Pradesh, visiting this one-of-a-kind cactus garden will uplift your experience. It is the perfect spot for botanists and nature enthusiasts as you get to explore 3500+ species of cacti and learn about their characteristics as well. Beyond cacti, the garden is also home to a wide range of bonsai, which you can witness in real-time as well. It is one of the largest cactus gardens in Asia, so prepare yourself for hours of walking.
Location: 22 Km from Parwanoo
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
9. Plan a Day Trip To Kasauli
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If you are thinking about what to do in Parwanoo, plan a day trip to the nearby city of Kasauli. This charming hill station is known for its colonial-era architecture, serene environment, and pleasant weather. There are a variety of unique tourist spots to explore while you are there, including the Christ Church. You can also soak in stunning panoramic views of the surroundings from Monkey Point. The Gilbert Trail offers a peaceful nature walk with opportunities for bird watching as well. You can also try Siddu from the local stalls in the markets.
Location: 22 Km from Parwanoo
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: N/A
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When planning the things to do in Parwanoo, create an itinerary that offers a balance of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and adventure activities. With the diverse range of activities available, there’s something for every traveller to indulge in, irrespective of their age. Plan a trip with TripXL to Himachal Pradesh and visit this quaint little town of Parwanoo to experience all these unique activities in real time.
Cover Photo: Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons