Solan is a hill station located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Apart from being a tourist destination, this city is also known as the mushroom city of India due to its huge mushroom plantations. Apart from mushrooms, Solan is famous for its huge tomato production, due to which it is also called the city of red gold. There are many temples and monasteries located in this beautiful city, which attract a large number of tourists and devotees every year. A 300-year-old fort is also located on a hill in Solan, which has now become a ruin. Both devotees and tourists should visit the Shoolini Mata Temple and Jatoli Shiva Temple located here. The most famous among the monasteries in this city is the Yundung Monastery, which you must visit during your trip to Solan.
The beautiful views from the lush green hills here captivate everyone. This place is surrounded by pine forests and beautiful mountains on all sides. If you are one of those people who love to live and spend time amidst nature then Solan will not disappoint you. There are many beautiful places in Solan as well as its surrounding area that will leave you spellbound.
Shoolini Fair
Solan city is a major city in the state of Himachal Pradesh named after Goddess Shoolini who is believed to be the youngest sister of Goddess Durga. The annual festival is celebrated here in the last week of June. According to legend, Goddess Shoolini visits her elder sister Goddess Durga at the Mata Durga Temple located in Ganj Bazar of Solan. In this festival, hundreds of people dressed in colorful costumes, pay their homage to the Shoolini temple and then join the auspicious Shobha Yatra. This procession passes through all parts of Solan in a very extravagant manner. After the three-day festival, Goddess Shoolini returns to her place. The festival is celebrated with pomp and show on the last day as well.
Kuthar Fort
Kuthar Fort is a major tourist destination in Solan which is claimed to be about 800 years old. This fort is the oldest historical monument in the region. This fort is spread over a large area and has many freshwater springs. Apart from this, you can visit other monuments such as Gorkha Fort.
Arki
Arki, a small town in Solan district, is locally known for its 18th-century fort. One of the smallest towns in Himachal Pradesh, Arki is located 52 km from Shimla. Being located near Shimla, it attracts tourists. Arki's pleasant climate and beautiful landscape make it an ideal tourist destination. Arki has many temples whose striking architecture attracts visiting tourists.
Chail
Chail is a quiet hill station near Shimla, known for the world's highest cricket ground, heritage hotels, Chail Palace, and pine trees. Situated at a height surrounded by lush greenery, this tourist destination is known for its breathtaking views and as a hiker's paradise. Chail is a tourist destination that makes the trip of tourists memorable. This place is famous for the world's highest cricket and polo ground and has a luxurious resort situated on three hills. There is also a Chail Wildlife Sanctuary.
Mashobra
The distance of Mashobra from Solan is about 55 km. Situated at an altitude of about 7700 feet, Mashobra is a very beautiful place. Mashobra located near Shimla is not very crowded and hence you get a feeling of peace at this place. If you are here, you can also do activities like biking, trekking, and camping and feel yourself close to nature.
Kalpa
You can also visit Kalpa near Solan. Here you will find apple orchards. Although this place always looks beautiful, the view here is different in the morning. When you are here, you can visit Kamru Fort, Baspa Valley, Narayan Nagini Temple, etc. You must go here for a morning walk, you will like it very much.
Parwanoo
If you have gone to visit Solan, then you must also visit Parwanoo. This place will not only be liked by nature lovers, but it is also a great place for people who like adventure. There are many apple orchards here. Also, there are pine and cedar trees. Here you can not only ride a cable car but also enjoy trekking.
Naldhera
The distance of Naldhera from Solan is about 68 km. To reach Naldhera, you have to drive 22 km from Shimla. This is a very beautiful hill station and is a great place for those who want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of life for some time. The greenery here makes you experience immense peace. When you are here, you must visit Naldhera Golf Course, Chaudwick Falls, and Cargignano Nature Park.
Una
Una is located at a distance of about 146 km from Solan. Situated on the banks of the Swan River, this place was named Una by the fifth Sikh Guru Sri Guru Arjan Dev. You can see many temples and dams here. Also, you can do trekking on the trails. In Una, you must visit Thanik Pura, Chintapurni Temple, Kila Baba Bedi Ji, Pong Dam.
Sirmaur
For people tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, Sirmaur is a great place to relax among the hills and forests. Located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Sirmaur is a quiet place where more than 90% of the people still live in villages. Sirmaur offers picturesque landscapes, rocky hills for trekking, tranquil lakes for boating, and beautifully built temples for tourists. Sirmaur is also called the "Peach Bowl of India" because peaches are cultivated here. Apart from this, many fruits and vegetables like ginger, potatoes, tomatoes, apples, mangoes, and peaches are grown here.
Jawahar Park
Jawahar Park is a place in Solan where you can spend a relaxing and enjoyable time. Jawahar Park is also a very special place for children. There are small zoos, children's trains, beautiful fountains, and rides in the park. Rabbits can also be seen here.
Darlaghat
Darlaghat is a wildlife sanctuary that houses many wildlife species like leopards, black bears, sambar, and barking deer. Darlaghat is located on the Shimla-Bilaspur road which is at a distance of 35 km from Shimla. Many eco treks are conducted by HPTDC from time to time to Darlaghat.
Majathal Sanctuary
The Majathal Sanctuary is spread over an area of 55,670 sq km. This sanctuary has a wide variety of flora and fauna. Many endangered species can be found here, including the cheer pheasant. Apart from this, other species of animals in this sanctuary are gorals, goats, and many unique varieties of birds.
(PC: Lifeberrys)