Kasauli

Surrounded by the snow-capped Shivalik Hills, the ideal, fairy-tale town of Kasauli, in Himachal Pradesh, has an old-world charm, dating back to the days when it had been established as a military cantonment in 1842. Lined with variety of sprawling colonial bungalows, quaint cottages tucked amidst oak and pine trees, cobbled pathways, serene churches and little souvenir shops, Kasauli is where colonial tales come to life. Tourists can experience this rich legacy while staying within the Raj-era bungalows that have now been converted either into homestays or hotels. With its lush green mountains home to a good sort of species of birds and animals, Kasauli features a rich reservoir of flora and fauna.

Folklore says Kasauli has derived its name from a flower found within the hills called kasool. A two-hour drive from the town of Chandigarh, Kasauli is home to many ancient temples. Legend has it that Kasauli is that the place where Lord Hanuman’s foot touched land on his way back to Sri Lanka from the Himalayas, while carrying sanjiwani buti (a medicinal herb) to bring Lord Lakshmana back to life within the epic, Ramayana.
Kasauli is additionally popular because the birthplace of famous Indian author of British origin, Ruskin Bond. The town is chilly during winters with temperatures falling to 2 degree, while summers are pleasant.