Incredible India
7 Things to Do in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh's Quiet Colonial Hill Town
A small cantonment town founded by the British in 1842, Kasauli sits at a lower, more accessible altitude than Himachal’s bigger hill stations, with colonial-era lanes and Himalayan views toward Chandigarh.
By BigTravel.in Editorial Team · · 2 min read
Kasauli was established as a British cantonment town in 1842, smaller in scale and lower in altitude than Shimla, its more famous neighbour roughly 65 kilometres away, and it has kept a slower, more residential character partly because large-scale construction inside its cantonment areas remains restricted. Its lanes of colonial-era bungalows, churches and clubs sit at around 1,900 metres, giving views across the plains toward Chandigarh on a clear day. Here are seven things to do, each with a direct map link.
1. Mall Road and Lower Mall
Kasauli’s central colonial-era promenade is closed to most private vehicles, lined with old bakeries, bungalows and the town’s handful of shops, and makes for an easy flat walk end to end.
2. Christ Church
One of the oldest churches in Himachal Pradesh, this neo-Gothic stone church dates to the mid-19th century and still has a working clock tower visible across much of the town.
3. Monkey Point (Manki Point)
The highest point in Kasauli holds a small Hanuman temple and views stretching toward Chandigarh and the Shivalik plains; the site sits inside a defence area, so carry ID and expect a no-photography rule near the installations.
4. Gilbert Trail
A wooded walking trail along the hillside connecting Mall Road toward Sanawar, popular for its valley views and quiet birdwatching; kalij pheasant, grey treepie and minivets are among the species regularly seen along it.
5. Kasauli Brewery
Established in the mid-19th century, this is one of India’s oldest breweries and still operates on its original hillside site, though it is not generally open for public tours.
6. Sunset Point
A viewpoint a short walk from the town centre, facing west across the surrounding hills, best timed for the last hour of daylight.
7. Timber Trail Ropeway, Parwanoo
About 15 kilometres from Kasauli, this cable car climbs from the plains at Parwanoo to a hilltop resort, and makes for an easy half-day trip combined with a Kasauli visit.
Traveller tips
- Kalka, around 40 kilometres away, is the nearest railway station and also the starting point of the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla toy train.
- Chandigarh Airport, roughly 65 kilometres away, is the nearest airport with regular flights.
- Mall Road itself is closed to non-resident vehicles; most of the town is walkable end to end.
- Carry photo ID when visiting Monkey Point, since it lies within an active defence area.
Where this is
Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
