SOLAN: THE MUSHROOM CITY OF INDIA
SOLAN(1350
m)
Solan
city , situated on national highway-22 is known for many 'firsts'
.India's first brewery Mohan-Meakin Ltd was set-up here in 1855
AD.Asia's first horticulture and forestry university (named after
Dr Y.S.Parmar) is also located here .Officially the city had been
declared 'Mushroom City of India' on September 10, 1997.Besides
a largest off season vegetable producer district , Solan is also
a commercial district of Himachal Pradesh .
Places
of Interest:
Jawahar
Park: A
serene cool place, Jawahar Park is situated on the summit of a
hill which offers a panoramic view of this city. Besides the grassy
lawns and fountains the park also houses a mini zoo ,a host to
Cheetal deer ,monkeys and wild cat . A baby train apart, the park
is also known for its swings and sea-saws.
Children
Park: As the name sounds, the elephant and horse statues,swings
and sea -saws attract a number of children with adults. This park
is also a venue for small events.
Mohan
Park: Constructed by the house of Mohan Meakins , this park
houses finest specimen of sculpture by a well known sculptor Mr
Bagga. A sensual damsel, Lord Shiva's statue besides the etchings
of various animals attract the tourists.
Karol
Cave:Situated at an altitude of 7000 ft, this cave is regarded
as the oldest cave in the Himalayas. The legend has it that the
Pandavas of Mahabharat spent some years of their exile here. One
of the ends of this cave is believed to be at Pinjore Garden.
The cave is situated at Mt. Karol which can be climbed on foot
.(5 km)
Bon-Monastery:Situated
off the Solan-Sarahan link road this is the only on (Tibbet's
oldest religion) monastery in India . A religious centre of repute,
the monastery attracts devotees throughout the world.(15 kms.)
Deothal
: Close to the Monastey this place is a good angling spot.
Makroa
Gold Mines :These gold-ore mines, close to Deothal can be
reached on foot along the banks of Kawal river.
Horticulture
& Forestry University: Asia's first, this university is
engaged in research,teaching and extension activities .(15 km)
Yashwant
Nagar: An angling spot, this place is at a distance of 20
kilometres from Solan .
Shoolini
Temple: Dedicated to goddess Shoolini, this temple is situated
at a stone's throw from the main city . A fair is also organised
in the name of this goddess during June every year .
Shilli
Sanctuary: This sanctuary houses wild fowls , apes and other
animals including .It can be reached on foot or by hiring a taxi
.(5 km).
Anees
Villa : This villa, close to Shoolini temple belongs to the
noted author Salman Rushdie who fought a long battle to get back
this property from the state government. Locals believe the writer
one day will come back to live here .
Happy
Valley: An ideal picnic spot this valley is also known for
a cave .(5 km)
Solan
Brewery: World's oldest brewery, this prestigious brewery
is known for its quality beer and mineral water production .The
Golden-Eagle beer manufactured here is famous throughout the world.
Getting
There:
Temperature: Temperature ranges between 39 degree centigrade in summer and
10 degree centigrade in winters .Best Season:April
to June and October to November Clothing: Heavy
woollens in winters .Summers are hot .Access : The
nearest airports are at Shimla and Chandigarh .Solan is also connected
with narrow gauge Kalka-Shimla railway line .The nearest broad
gauge railway line is at Kalka . Solan is well connected by road
(NH-22).Some of the distances are: Delhi-315 km,Chandigarh-68
km,shimla-48 km and Kalka-42 km.
Hotels:Ambusha
Resorts: Near Mohan Park Ph:01792-20009 Tariff
Rs200 to Rs 850 .Hotel Halcyon : Deonghat,Solan Ph:01792-27328,27426
tariff Rs 250 to Rs 550.Hotel Mayur, The Mall,Solan Ph:01792-23670,20770
Tariff Rs 150-750.Hotel Pine Grove:Deonthat,Solan Ph:27889-27890
Tariff Rs 500-750.HotelPremjees
