Solan is a good base for exploring the lower hills of Himachal, with several local spots often missed by travellers heading straight to Shimla.
Shimla and Chail are both about a 60-75 minute drive away, making for an easy day trip to see the Chail Palace or walk the Mall Road in the state capital.
Closer to home, the Solan Mall Road is a short drive away, a pleasant place for walking and shopping without the crowds of its more famous counterpart. For a bit of history, the Dagshai Jail Museum, a preserved colonial-era prison, is about a 20-minute drive.
For those looking for short walks and nature, Mohan Heritage Park offers a quiet green space. The trek to Barog Railway Station, a UNESCO heritage site on the Kalka-Shimla line, is a rewarding walk through pine forests. Nearby, you can also find the Riva Waterfall, a quieter spot than many of the more popular falls in the state.
By air: The nearest major airport is Chandigarh (IXC), which is well-connected to all major Indian cities and is the most reliable option for reaching this part of Himachal. Shimla’s airport at Jubbarhatti (SLV) is closer but has very limited and weather-dependent flights.
By rail: The nearest broad-gauge railway station is in Kalka, from where you can take the scenic UNESCO-heritage toy train up to Shimla (with a stop at Solan). For mainline connections, Chandigarh (CDG) is the most convenient railhead.
By road: The home is located directly on the highway connecting Chandigarh to Shimla (NH-5), making it an easy-to-access stop.
The best time to visit Solan is during the spring and summer months, from March to June, when the weather is pleasant and the snow has melted from the higher reaches. Another clear window is post-monsoon, from September to November, when the skies are crisp and the views are sharp.
The monsoon months of July and August see heavy rainfall, which can cause landslides on National Highways 3 and 21, making road travel unpredictable. Winter, from December to February, is cold, and while Solan itself sees less snow, nearby destinations like Kufri and Shimla are often covered.