Department of Education

Solan District

Headquarter	Solan 1,463m
Climate	Summers Warm, Winters Cold, Occasional snowfall.
Area	1936 Sq km
Population	3,82,268 persons
Density	197 persons

General Information: Located midway between Kalka and Shimla on N.H.22 Solan was once the capital of erstwhile Baghat state. It has derived its name from a local deity goddess Shalooni whose temple is located here. In 1972 Solan was created as a new district with reorganisation of Mahasu and Shimla districts.
Due to its location, it has emerged as an important industrial and a business centre. Its ideal climate for the growth of Mushroom has blessed it with the status of "Mushroom City of India" Solan is also famous for its Brewery. A university of Horticulture and Forestery, one of its own kinds in India, located 15km away at Nauni and spread over about 550 acres of land is an added attraction
.
Solan is surrounded by hills with pine and oak forests. A few valleys around it grow off season vegetables, high quality cauliflower seeds and stone fruits like plum and peaches. Saproon, Deothi, Kuther and Kuthar are a few important valleys.
A multipurpose, Thodu ground situated in the heart of the town is the centre of attraction for all activities-religious, social, cultural or recreational. It has a cantonment too.

Access:
Air Chandigarh 70 Km.
Road Shimla 47 km, Chandigarh 70 km, Delhi 323 km, Chail 44 km, Kalka 42 Km.
Rail Solan (narrow-gauge), Kalka 42 km (broad gauge).
Accommodation: Circuit house, PWD, Forest and Municipal Committee Rest houses, MES Inspection Bunglow, Tourist Bunglow and many hotels

Places of Interest:


Timber Trail: 680 m. At a distance of 3 km from Kalka via Parwanoo on the National Highway 22 this set of two exotic resorts rolled into one has unique features. The serene atmosphere filled with pine fragrance and bird songs is an idyllic holiday point away from the heat and humdrum of the nearby plains. An exciting journey to the top of the hill opens up new vistas of scenic beauty with splendid sunsets and shimmering magic of million stars.	Kasauli : 1,951 m. : A quiet hill station developed by the Britishers, only 65 km from Chandigarh or 36 km from Kalka is easily accessible by road. A mettled link road from Dharampur, 12 Km on NH22 leads to Kasauli cantonment via Gadkhal. It is also trekkable from Parwanoo. Kasauli is known for dainty English cottages set in flower laden gardens. Jabli : 1180 m. : 11 km from Parwanoo on the NH 22 providing joy ride on a tram (Rope way Trolley) from Jabli to Nandoh near Kasauli covering a distance of more than 1200 m. through pine forests and picturesque surroundings is exciting and refresing.
Sanawar : 1,880 m. : On way to Kasauli and less than one Km away towards right from Gadkhal is located, the Lawerence School Sanawar. Developed by Britishers for their children on the pattern of Eton and Harrow, this school is spread over 140 acres of land. The school is self contained having its own bakery, poultry, bank, post office, hospital etc. Its huge buildings, numerous playgrounds, neat and clean campus is a treat to watch.	Dagshai : 1,925 m. : Seventy km from Shimla and on a branch road three km away from NH22 near Dharampur Dagshai is famous for its Army cantonment and a commanding view of surrounding valleys. It is easily accessible from Kumar Hatti also. A residential Army Public School is located here.
Chail : 2,225 m. Chail a little mountainous heaven on higher Shivalik hills surrounded by thick forests of pine, oak and deodar is only 63 km from Shimla via Kufri or 44 km from Solan via Kandaghat. This town came into existence when Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala was refused entry into Shimla after a dalliance with the Commander-in-Chief's daughter. He also built probably the highest cricket ground of the world. Chail has a wild life sanctuary. The palace of Maharaja set in about 75 acres of land including orchards, tennis courts passed into the hands of Himachal Tourism in 1972. Now this palace is called Palace Hotel, Chail, and is a fovourite of tourists. It also has a sainik school.	Nalagarh : Only 45 kms from Pinjore (Haryana), 148 km from Shimla and 105 km from Solan the district headquarter, nestling in the lap of Shivalik ranges Nalagarh is an old historical town bordering Panjab state. It was the capital of Hindu state. Nalagarh forces gave a tough fight to the Gurkhas during the first quarter of the 19th century. Its fort and palace was built in Mughal style of architecture. Although it suffered destruction in the hands of invaders yet it has regained its past glory due to exaustive renovation. Presently it is serving as a quality heritage resort. Around Nalagarh are the ruins of the Surajpur, Malaon, Ramgarh and Chamba forts. It was one of the most favourite Shikar-gahs of erstwhile rulers.
Barog : 1,705 m : Thirty seven km, from Kalka and five km short of Solan situated on NH22, Barog is the perfect stop for tourists. The remarkable coolness in the gentle breeze gives immediate relief from the oppressive heat of the plains. Recently many good hotels have come up for holidaying in solitude.