The National Highway 22 between Chandigarh and Shimla carries a lot of traffic everyday. It is one of the most important entry points to Himachal Pradesh from the plains. But people who travel on this route don’t really know how much it has to offer. There are some very interesting and scenic places to visit on this route. You might have heard about some of them while others might be new to you. You might even have noticed these places as you passed by but never stopped to check them out. Well, after reading this article I hope some of you will take time to stop at these places and explore them.

5. Dagshai – A British Era Cantonment Town [1734 mtr] 

Dagshai is 11 km from Solan towards Kalka and is one of the oldest towns in the Solan district. It began as a cantonment town in 1847. It is located on a picturesque hillock that will be pleasing to nature lovers.

You can visit the Dagshai Central Jail which is now maintained by the Military Engineering services and has been turned into a museum.

 

You can also visit the St. Patricks R.C. Church which happens to be one of the oldest churches in North India having been completed in 1852.

4. Kiarighat 

If you want to stay in a place surrounded by natural beauty and avoid Shimla’s population density then Kiarighat would appeal to you.

It is a small hill village about 27 km from Shimla and 19 km from Solan. It is located about 8 km from JP University. It used to be a Dak bunglow during the British Raj and now Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) runs a Tourist Inn here. You can come here for a nice evening tea or even stay overnight before heading into Shimla.

3. Timber Trail

Timber Trail is a resort worth visiting on your way from Chandigarh to Shimla.

Located near the town of Parwanoo, this holiday destination is just 6 km from the border of Himachal and Haryana.

 

The resort is based on two opposite hills separated by the Kaushalya River and joined together by a Cable Car system.

 

 

You can visit the resort just to ride the cable car or even plan a prolonged stay in the foothills of the Shivalik range.

2. Mohan National Heritage Park

This up and coming location is going to become very popular once the construction is complete. A project of the Mohan Meakin Group, Mohan National Heritage Park is located 8 km from Solan towards Shimla.

A 5 km downhill road goes off of NH 22 from the village of Salogra to the park. There is an impressive temple in the middle of the park which contains some very unique statues of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

The marble work is exquisite and there is a heritage park and Yoga and meditation center as well. Though it is still a work in progress it is already a must see place.

Mohan Heritage Park Photo Gallery | Mohan Heritage Park – A Pleasant Surprise

1. Kasauli

Everyone has heard of Kasauli but most people give it a miss, opting to visit the much bigger Shimla. But if you want to experience Shimla of the 19th century you should visit Kasauli.

This small little colonial town with its European architecture and cobbled paths can act as a time machine. You have to go off the Kalka Shimla highway from Solan for about 28 km to reach Kasauli.

You can visit Monkey Point which fairly obviously is the highest point of Kasauli. You can also visit St. Patrick’s Church or just walk around the Mall road and explore the town on foot. This is a place worth visiting for a couple of days for those who love nature and want to get away from the insane rush of city life.