Kasauli's very existence has to do with the soothing of fevered brows. The town was developed as a convalescence centre for the adjoining cantonment of Sabathu. And just as tranquil Kasauli helped many a soldier find his fighting form again all those years ago, the same invigorating climes today enable tired urbanites to head back to their offices refreshed after a weekend of divine relaxation.
Strolling down quiet country lanes lined with aged chestnut trees, with not a sound to be heard save for the sweet chattering of birds, Kasauli will help you rid your mind of its clutter and your body of its lassitude.
A six-hour drive from Delhi and about an hour-and-a-half from Chandigarh, Kasauli is the perfect weekend destination for families and couples alike. Pleasant all year round, the cantonment town attains a whimsical, nostalgic stupor in the monsoon. Here's how to spend a weekend in the town.
The pretty Christ Church is barely a five-minute walk away from the Kasauli bus stand, the road encircling its precincts. Constructed in the 1853, when Kasauli was still Kusowlie, the stately structure is surrounded by deodars and pines. The formerly Anglican church, which underwent continuous refurbishment throughout its history, is at risk of turning into a veritable Ship of Theseus, but for the enduring pews and the altar. It is a striking structure whose stuck-in-a-time-warp quality lessens with each passing minute, thanks to the ever-swelling throng of tourists.
If you want to get some exercise, drag yourself out of your comfy deckchair and trudge up the surrounding hills. Kasauli's bracing, crisp air offers comfortable walks. You could also stroll through the town, from the Lower Mall to the Upper Mall, and around the Sanatorium. Viewpoints have been marked at different points, offering vistas of the always-popular Himalayan peaks in the distance.
Follow the Upper Mall, wander up to Monkey Point near the Air Force base. The 4-km hike to the Shri Baba Balak Nath Temple on the top is a bit stiff, so take it easy if you are out of practice. People praying for offspring visit this shrine. Even if you don't have such intentions, you can enjoy the splendid panoramas from this vantage point, worth the effort. Across the forested hills and deep ravines is the sleepy town of Dagshai. On a clear day, you can catch the sparkle of the River Sutlej as it curves along the plains in the far distance, views of the snow-clad Dhauladhar Range and in the northeast, the Choor Chandni Peak.
The pretty hill village of Dagshai close to Kasauli has a lost-in-time feel. Even today, just a few visitors wend their way across the forested ravines as well as hills from Kasauli. We strongly recommend doing so, as Dagshai offers a walk into the past down old cobble-stoned streets lined with charming Colonial bungalows.
The charm of a leisurely picnic in virgin woodlands is yours to enjoy here. Binoculars and bird books are essential accompaniments, if you want to stalk humming-birds and flycatchers, minivets and magpies, among others. You might even get lucky and spot a deer or hyena loping through the undergrowth. The townsfolk say there are leopards too, but sightings are rare.
Hotel Ros Common (Tel 01792 272 005) is a lovely old bungalow converted into a comfortable hotel by the HPTDC. Friendly service.
Hotel Alasia (Tel 01792 272 008) is old and scenic. Tariff starts from INR 5,200.
Hotel Anchal (Tel +91 9810002772) and Gian Hotel (Tel 01792 272 244) provide options for budget travellers. Basic, clean rooms with attached baths.
Eating options in Kasauli are largely limited to the restaurants in the hotels. Alasia's restaurant has traditionally been the best choice for meals, especially Continental. Ros Common has pleasant garden seating. Baikunth Restaurant has excellent food and allows walk-ins. The little stall-market near the cine-ma hall is a great place for bun-samosa and chai. Dharampur's Giani da Dhaba is an old favourite for mutton curry and tandoori fare.
Air: Kasauli is well connected with most of the important towns and cities of Uttarakhand. The nearest airport to Kasauli is located in Chandigarh, which is approximately 60 km away.
Rail: The nearest railway station is Kalka, which is about 30 km away.
Road: You can take state transport buses that connect Kasauli to major neighbouring cities and towns of Himachal Pradesh.