The Britishers considered Kasauli a peaceful hill station. A place where the bothersome hangover of the empire could be temporarily set aside. Though the rulers of that bygone era have long vanished, the landscape they admired remains in exotic bloom. Time, in its gentle manoeuvres, appears to have tiptoed around this hill station, preserving its pristine grace. The quaint bungalows, amid the thickly wooded hills, stand as harmonious testaments to man’s ingenuity, blending seamlessly with nature’s splendour. Cedar-scented winds drift lazily through the trees, brushing past stone paths, verandahs, and sloping roofs as though greeting old pals.
I had heard about Kasauli but had never been there. Long ago, I had applied for membership of the reputed Kasauli Club, which has a long waiting period, and I was fortunate to get it, breaking the jinx, when I started visiting Kasauli regularly. I tend to go there in the first week of December. The weather in December is chilly during the day but cosy under the radiant sun, and cold at night.
The Kasauli Club is situated in the cantonment at an altitude of 6000 feet. It is adjacent to the sprawling vintage bungalow of the renowned author Khushwant Singh. Down the lane, there is another quaint bungalow believed to belong to Bollywood star Rahul Bose. On the other side of the Kasauli Club, one finds private bungalows belonging to distinguished personalities, including retired senior army officers. Cars without a pass are not permitted in the cantonment, making the main cantonment road a paradise for pedestrians. The route passes through the Kasauli Club, the Sunset Point, and goes onward to the Gilbert Trail and beyond. The Gilbert Trail, located in Kasauli, is a beautiful, narrow 1.5 km nature walk through pine forests, starting near Sunset Point, known for its scenic valley views, bird-watching opportunities, and lush greenery. This idyllic escape is perfect for nature lovers and families.
Everything in and around Kasauli seems to breathe poetry. Its forests whisper verses through rustling leaves; its slopes hum melodies in the shifting breeze; its skies paint ephemeral canvases each day. It is an ideal setting for the birth of all that is bright and beautiful, all that is gentle and soul-enriching. Perhaps that is why those who resonate with nature’s tuneful music find themselves irresistibly drawn to Kasauli.
In recent years, Kasauli has gracefully claimed its well-deserved position as one of Himachal’s most noble and likeable hill stations. For worn out travellers wanting to escape the fierce summer, the town unfolds like a cool, fragrant sanctuary. As one ascends along the winding mountain roads, the clamour of crowded, speed-obsessed cities fades away. In its place comes the soft embrace of pine-scented air, the hush of towering trees, and a gentle clarity that reveals the very essence of life.
The town’s historic architecture stands shoulder to shoulder with picturesque, sloping mountains, forming a tableau where nature and human artistry mingle seamlessly. Every lane, every balcony, every moss-kissed stone wall seems to tell a story of bygone eras, of undisturbed horizons, of mornings painted in mist and evenings embroidered with stars. From Kasauli, especially from spots like Sunset Point and Kasauli Club, you see a mesmerising carpet of twinkling lights from the vast plains of Punjab and Haryana below, including the distinct glow of Chandigarh, nearby towns, villages, and sometimes even Shimla, creating a "city lights" spectacle on clear nights.
The hill station offers numerous places to explore. Churches from the colonial era dot the landscape like dignified sentinels. The Church of England, situated centrally in the town, holds an almost magnetic charm with its Gothic spire and solemn arches. For the outdoors, Manki Point or Monkey Point is a pilgrimage in itself. Tourists ascend its winding pathways in search of spirituality, adventure, or simply the astounding vistas that unfold from its height. From here, the Himalayan panorama unfurls magnificently: Churdhar, Nanga Parbat, Kamat, and Bandar Poonch, their snow-capped peaks shimmering under the vast sky. The Lawrence School, Sanawar, and CRI stand as enduring symbols of education, discipline, and scientific achievement.
Autumn is perhaps the most enchanting season to visit Kasauli. Early spring follows closely, bringing blossoming trees and crisp air. Winters, though chilly, possess their own charm—days softly glowing under the sun, cool and fragrant evenings, and nights whispering with frost. Light woollen garments become trusted companions after dusk. Kasauli is also celebrated for the Kasauli Week in June and the Khushwant Singh Lit-Festival in October.
