The year 2020 was a bust. No doubt there. The traveling plans that we had were just shelved. Now with the vaccinations getting distributed and the cases at the lower side, traveling again is very exciting. Obviously the precautions are still necessary. We started year 2021 in Kasauli, part of my favorite state, Himachal Pradesh. Kasauli is not to be confused with Kasol.
Kasol is further up in the mountains, adding 4-5 hours in your journey from Delhi. Kasauli is comparatively closed and we decided on this destination because I wanted my pet dog, Goofy, to accompany me. However, at the end moment we decided to not take him due to some issues. I have shared by 3-day itinerary for Kasauli here:
How to reach Kasauli
Kasauli is not your totally offbeat destination which you need to figure out the route to. It is pretty straight forward after crossing Chandigarh. In fact, there is very little part of road where you would drive through mountainous terrain. Just the last 30-45 minutes are where you’d be driving along the mountain curves. So Kasauli is perfect for families or travelers with pets.
Where to stay in Kasauli
My personal opinion is to stay in homestays. Also, I generally prefer to stay a little away from the hustle bustle of the main city. Every hill station has a mall road these days. So a hotel located on mall road may not let you get indulged in the mountain vibe. We stayed at Nature’s Stay hotel, but not in their regular rooms. Our pick was Owl’s Nest, which is a homestay operated by this hotel, within the same premises. Our experience was pretty mediocre and I wouldn’t recommend this stay. Frankly, we considered this only because they allowed pets. Otherwise, there are plenty other options. But still if you want to know about this property, you can read my tripadvisor review about the same.
3 Day Itinerary for Kasauli
Kasauli is best covered in 3 days. You can start early morning from Delhi and by 11-12 PM can be in Kasauli, including the stops. We took a bit more time due to the ongoing border issues because of the farm bill related riots.
Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1: Reach Kasauli, Check in, sunset at Cafe Mitti
Day 2: Visit Sunrise point, Narinder Sweets, Cafe Rudra at Mall road, Sunset at Gilbert trail / Manki point
Day 3: Check out, cable car ride & lunch at Timber Trails
Here is the itinerary in detail.
Day 1: Check in, Visit Cafe Mitti
Reach Kasauli from Delhi or Chandigarh. Once you have checked in your homestay, just relax and wait for the Sunset time. Head out to Cafe Mitti around 3-4 pm and get a good table to see the gorgeous sunset while munching on their delectable food. The Sunset views from Cafe Mitti just can’t be missed.
My recommendations here would be their hand beaten coffee, wood fired oven pizza (try cafe mitti special) and cheese garlic bread. Day 1 better be chill as day 2 is going to be more about exploring Kasauli. You can sit back and relax while enjoying the mountain air at Cafe Mitti.
Day 2: Visit Sunrise Point, Narinder Sweets, Cafe Rudra, Gilbert Trail/Manki Point
Don’t worry, it seems like a lot to do in one day. But the last three attractions are close by. You can try and find a sunrise point to admire the beautiful Sun in it’s glory to begin your day. Then head to Narunder Sweets to savor their famous Bun Samosa. I think it will be an understatement to say that it’s world famous in North Delhi. After enjoying the Bun Samosa, chill at Cafe Rudra till it gets milder in the evening. Then head on to do a hike at Gilbert Trail / Manki Point. It’s not much of a hike frankly, there’s a well constructed road on which you need to walk. But it is still worth it as cars are not allowed, making it a peaceful nature walk.
Day 3: Leave Kasauli, Enjoy Cable car ride to have lunch at Timber Trail Resort
On your way back from Kasauli, you may cross Parwanoo. This hamlet tucked in the lower ranges of himalaya, is home to Timber Trail resort. Via Cable car, you can reach the Moksha Resort which hosts a restaurant & bar. The view from the restaurant is jaw dropping and you can really enjoy the Sun creating various shades of orange in the sky.
Now, you know how to spend 72 hours in Kausali. You might have gathered other useful information from this post. However, what if you are travelling from Delhi? One of the 9 most recommended destinations around Delhi is Kausali. In addition to knowing the Delhi to Kausali Distance, you can learn more about the routes here:
Exploring the Scenic Route: Delhi to Kasauli Distance and Journey
Embarking on a journey from the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene hill station of Kasauli offers travellers a refreshing escape from the chaos of city life. Situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Kasauli is a tranquil retreat nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan ranges, renowned for its lush greenery, colonial charm, and breathtaking vistas. For those seeking a picturesque getaway, the Delhi to Kausali distance may seem daunting, but the journey is dotted with scenic vistas and memorable experiences.
Distance and Route
Kausali distance from Delhi is approximately 290 kilometres, and there are multiple routes to reach this enchanting hill station. One of the most commonly taken routes is via Chandigarh, which offers well-maintained roads and stunning views along the way. From Delhi, travellers can take the NH44 or NH152 to reach Chandigarh and then continue on the NH5 towards Kasauli. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours by road, depending on traffic conditions and the chosen route.
Scenic Landscapes
As you leave behind the urban sprawl of Delhi and venture into the outskirts, the landscape gradually transforms into picturesque countryside vistas. Rolling hills, verdant farmlands, and quaint villages dot the route, offering glimpses of rural life in India. The journey through the states of Haryana and Punjab showcases the agrarian heartland of the country, with vast expanses of mustard fields and wheat fields stretching as far as the eye can see.
Pit Stops and Refreshments
Along the Delhi-Kasauli route, travellers will encounter several towns and cities offering opportunities for pit stops and refreshments. Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab and Haryana, serves as a major midway point where travellers can take a break, refuel their vehicles, and indulge in local cuisine at roadside eateries and restaurants. Additionally, en route to Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh, there are numerous dhabas (roadside eateries) serving delectable Punjabi and Himachali delicacies, perfect for a quick meal or snack.
Hillside Retreats
As you approach Himachal Kasauli, the terrain becomes more rugged, and the air grows cooler, signalling your arrival in the hills. Nestled amidst dense pine forests and oak trees, Kasauli welcomes travellers with its serene ambience and colonial-era charm. The town is dotted with quaint cottages, British-era churches, and scenic viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks.
Travel Tips and Recommendations
When planning a trip from Delhi to Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh, it’s essential to consider factors such as weather conditions, road conditions, and accommodation options. While the journey is relatively smooth, it’s advisable to start early to avoid traffic congestion, especially during peak travel seasons. Additionally, carrying sufficient water, snacks, and essential supplies is recommended, as facilities may be limited in remote areas.
In conclusion, indeed, Kausali distance from Delhi is around 360 km. However, the journey offers travellers a delightful blend of scenic landscapes, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Kasauli’s charm and beauty are sure to captivate your heart. So pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on an unforgettable journey to this hidden gem in the Himalayas. Plenty of places to visit in Kausali Himachal welcome you to make your trip meaningful.
After enjoying the view & good food, you can then head back home. You just had a great vacation in Kasauli!
Also, read my post on 10-day Himachal Pradesh itinerary.