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{{About|the town in India|other uses}}
{{About|the town in India|other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2017}}
{{multiple issues|
{{multiple issues|
{{more citations needed|date=April 2014}}
{{more citations needed|date=April 2014}}
{{advert|date=April 2017}}
{{promotional|date=April 2017}}
}}
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2017}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                     = Solan
| name = Solan
| other_name               = Mushroom City
| other_name = Mushroom City <br/> City of Red Gold
| settlement_type         = City
| settlement_type = City
| image_skyline           = Solan collage.jpg
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage |photo1a=Solan nightview.jpg
| image_alt               =  
 
| image_caption           = From top, left to right: Thodo dance of Solan; Shoolini Utsav; Shoolini Devi Temple Solan; Yung Drung Monastery, Dholanji, Solan; panoramic view of Solan city
|photo2b=Mall road Solan.jpg |photo2a=Mohan Shaktipeeth National park.jpg |photo3a=Solan railway station 2019-10-18 11.11.19.jpg |photo3b=Maamandir.jpeg |photo4a=Thodo ground during Shoolini Mahotsav.jpg
| nickname                 = Mushroom City of India
|size=300
| map_alt                 =  
|position=center
| map_caption             =  
|spacing=2
| pushpin_map             = India Himachal Pradesh#India
|color=#FFFFFF
| pushpin_label_position   = right
|border=1
| pushpin_map_alt         =  
|color_border = white
| pushpin_map_caption     = Location in Himachal Pradesh
}}
| coordinates             = {{coord|30.905|N|77.097|E|display=inline,title}}
| image_alt =  
| subdivision_type         = Country
| image_caption = <div style="background:#CEE0F2;"> '''From top, left to right:<br />''' Panaromic night view of Solan city, [[Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park]], Mall Road Solan, [[Solan railway station]], [[Maa Shoolini|Shoolini Devi Mandir]], Shoolini Mahotsav in Thodo ground</div>
| subdivision_name         = {{flag|India}}
| nickname = '''Mushroom City of India''', '''City of Red Gold'''
| subdivision_type1       = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| map_alt =  
| subdivision_name1       = {{flagicon image|}} [[Himachal Pradesh]]
| map_caption = Location in Himachal Pradesh
| subdivision_type2       = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| pushpin_map = India Himachal Pradesh#India
| subdivision_name2       = [[Solan district|Solan]]
| pushpin_label_position = right
| established_title       = <!-- Established -->
| pushpin_map_alt =  
| established_date         =  
| pushpin_map_caption =  
| founder                 =  
| coordinates = {{coord|30.907985|N|77.098403|E|display=inline,title}}
| named_for               =  
| subdivision_type = Country
| government_type         =  
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| governing_body           = Municipal Corporation Solan
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| leader_title2           = [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]]
| subdivision_name1 = {{flagicon image|}} [[Himachal Pradesh]]
| leader_name2             = [[Dhani Ram Shandil]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| unit_pref               = Metric
| subdivision_name2 = [[Solan district|Solan]]
| area_footnotes           =  
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| area_rank               =  
| established_date =  
| area_total_km2           = 33.43
| founder =  
| elevation_footnotes     =  
| named_for =  
| elevation_m             = 1550
| government_type =  
| population_total         = 47,418
| governing_body = Municipal Corporation Solan
| population_as_of         = 2020
| leader_title2 = [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]]
| population_rank         = [[List of cities in Himachal Pradesh by population|3 in HP]]
| leader_name2 = [[Dhani Ram Shandil]]
| population_density_km2   =  
| unit_pref = Metric
| population_demonym       =  
| area_footnotes =  
| population_footnotes     =  
| area_rank =  
| demographics_type1       =  
| area_total_km2 = 33.43
| demographics1_title1     =  
| elevation_footnotes =  
| demographics1_info1     =  
| elevation_m = 1550
| demographics1_title2     =  
| population_total = 47,418
| demographics1_info2     =  
| population_as_of = 2020
| timezone1               = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| population_rank = [[List of cities in Himachal Pradesh by population|3 in HP]]
| utc_offset1             = +5:30
| population_density_km2 =  
| postal_code_type         = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| population_demonym =  
| postal_code             = 173212
| population_footnotes =  
| area_code_type           = Telephone code
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| area_code               = 01792
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| registration_plate       = '''HP-11, HP-12, HP-13, HP-14, HP-15, HP-59, HP-64, HP-93, HP 01S, HP 02S'''
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi]]
| blank1_name_sec2         = Avg. annual temperature
| demographics1_title2 = Native
| blank1_info_sec2         = {{convert|15|°C|°F}}
| demographics1_info2 = [[Mahasui]] (Baghati)<ref>{{cite web| website=Literary Herald |title=Language and dialect of Himachal Pradesh |url=https://tlhjournal.com/uploads/products/35.shradha-shandil-article.pdf?utm_}}</ref>
| blank2_name_sec2         = Avg. summer temperature
| demographics2_title1 =  
| blank2_info_sec2         = {{convert|30|°C|°F}}
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| blank3_name_sec2         = Avg. winter temperature
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| blank3_info_sec2         = {{convert|0|°C|°F}}
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| blank4_name_sec2         = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]]
| postal_code = 173212
| blank4_info_sec2         = [[Humid subtropical climate|Cwa]]
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| website                 = {{URL|hpsolan.gov.in/}}
| area_code = 01792
| footnotes               =  
| registration_plate = '''HP-13, HP-14, HP-15, HP-59, HP-64'''
| blank1_name_sec2 = Avg. annual temperature
| blank1_info_sec2 = {{convert|15|°C|°F}}
| blank2_name_sec2 = Avg. summer temperature
| blank2_info_sec2 = {{convert|30|°C|°F}}
| blank3_name_sec2 = Avg. winter temperature
| blank3_info_sec2 = {{convert|0|°C|°F}}
| blank4_name_sec2 = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]]
| blank4_info_sec2 = [[Humid subtropical climate|Cwa]]
| website = {{URL|hpsolan.gov.in/}}
| footnotes =  
}}
}}


'''Solan''' is a city in the Indian state of [[Himachal Pradesh]] and the district headquarters of [[Solan district]]. It is located {{convert|45.5|km|mi|0|abbr=}} south of the state capital, [[Shimla]]. Solan has an average elevation of {{convert|1550|m|ft}}.<ref name="Solan travel and Tourism Guide">{{cite web |title=Solan Travel and Tourism Guide |url=https://en-gb.topographic-map.com/maps/2afb/Solan/}}</ref> The city is situated between [[Chandigarh]] (joint capital of [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]] and [[Haryana]]) and [[Shimla]] (state capital) on the [[National Highway 5 (India)|Kalka-Shimla National Highway-5]]. The narrow-gauge [[Kalka-Shimla railway]] passes through Solan. Located on the Punjab-Himachal Border, Solan is nestled in the [[Sivalik Hills|Shivalik hills]] of the [[Himalayas]].
'''Solan''' is a city in the Indian state of [[Himachal Pradesh]] and the district headquarters of [[Solan district]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=District Solan, Government of Himachal Pradesh {{!}} Mushroom City Of India {{!}} India |url=https://hpsolan.nic.in/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |language=en-US}}</ref> It is located {{convert|45.5|km|mi|0|abbr=}} south of the state capital, [[Shimla]]. Solan has an average elevation of {{convert|1550|m|ft}}.<ref name="Solan travel and Tourism Guide">{{cite web |title=Solan Travel and Tourism Guide |url=https://en-gb.topographic-map.com/maps/2afb/Solan/}}</ref> The city is situated between [[Chandigarh]] and [[Shimla]] on the [[National Highway 5 (India)|Kalka-Shimla National Highway-5]]. The narrow-gauge [[Kalka-Shimla railway]] passes through Solan. Located on the Punjab-Himachal border, Solan is nestled in the [[Sivalik Hills|Shivalik Hills]] of the [[Himalayas]].


Solan was originally the capital of the [[princely state]], [[Baghat]].<ref name="Bhagat state">[http://www.hptdc.nic.in/cir0101.htm Capital of Bhagat state] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125201025/http://hptdc.nic.in/cir0101.htm |date=25 November 2010 }}</ref> A defining feature of Solan, is its ancient [[temple]]s<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.touristlink.com/india/solan/cat/temples.html|title=Religious Places of Worship,Temples in Solan, India|website=www.touristlink.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-06}}</ref> and [[Monastery|monasteries]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://himachaltourism.gov.in/destination/monasteries/|title=Monasteries|last=him_admin|website=Himachal Tourism Official Website|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-06}}</ref> The Shoolini Mata Temple and Jatoli Shiv Temple are popular attractions for tourists. One of the most famous monasteries in this region is the [[Dolanji|Yundung Monastery]]. The hill-town is named after the Hindu goddess [[Durga|Shoolini Devi ~ who is a manifestation of Goddess Durga]] in Her warrior aspect. Shoolini, when translated literally, means 'the goddess wielding the spear'. Every year in June, a fair venerating the Goddess is held, featuring a 3-day [[melā]] at the central Thodo ground.
Solan was originally the capital of the [[princely state]], [[Baghat]].<ref name="Bhagat state">[http://www.hptdc.nic.in/cir0101.htm Capital of Bhagat state] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125201025/http://hptdc.nic.in/cir0101.htm |date=25 November 2010 }}</ref> A defining feature of Solan are its ancient [[temple]]s<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.touristlink.com/india/solan/cat/temples.html|title=Religious Places of Worship, Temples in Solan, India|website=www.touristlink.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-06}}</ref> and [[Monastery|monasteries]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://himachaltourism.gov.in/destination/monasteries/|title=Monasteries|last=him_admin|website=Himachal Tourism Official Website|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-06}}</ref> The Shoolini Mata Temple and Jatoli Shiv Temple are popular tourist attractions. One of the most famous monasteries in this region is the [[Dolanji|Yundung Monastery]]. The hill-town is named after the Hindu goddess [[Maa Shoolini|Shoolini Devi, which is a manifestation of another goddess, Durga]], in her warrior aspect. Shoolini, when translated literally, means 'the goddess wielding the spear'. Every year in June, a fair venerating the Goddess is held, featuring a 3-day [[melā]] at the central [[Thodo]] ground.


Solan is known for the production of quality mushrooms,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/solan-has-mushroom-city-tag-yet-himachal-lags-behind-three-states-in-production-830666|title=Solan has Mushroom City tag, yet Himachal lags behind three states in production|last=Service|first=Tribune News|website=Tribuneindia News Service|language=en|access-date=2020-01-06}}</ref> as a result of the vast mushroom farming in the area, as well as the Directorate of Mushroom Research (DMR) situated at Chambaghat. Due to this fact, Solan is also known as the "Mushroom City of India". Solan is also called the "City of Red Gold", due to the bulk production of tomatoes in the area.<ref name="Solan travel and Tourism Guide" />
Solan is known for the production of quality mushrooms,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/solan-has-mushroom-city-tag-yet-himachal-lags-behind-three-states-in-production-830666|title=Solan has Mushroom City tag, yet Himachal lags behind three states in production|last=Service|first=Tribune News|website=Tribuneindia News Service|language=en|access-date=2020-01-06}}</ref> as a result of the vast mushroom farming in the area, as well as the Directorate of Mushroom Research (DMR) <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/organisations/ministry-and-departments/icar-directorate-mushroom-research|title=DMR}}</ref> situated at Chambaghat. Due to this fact, Solan is also known as the "Mushroom City of India". Solan is also called the "City of Red Gold", due to the bulk production of tomatoes in the area.<ref name="Solan travel and Tourism Guide" />


The city has one of the oldest [[Brewery|breweries]] in the country, and also has a 300-year-old fort located at the top of a hill.
The city has one of the oldest [[Brewery|breweries]] in the country, and also has a 300-year-old fort located at the top of a hill.
Solan is fast becoming a top weekend getaway destination in [[Himachal Pradesh|Himachal]], due to location between two important cities Shimla and Chandigarh and improved road access and rising investment in resorts and wellness tourism.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Solan Rising in Tourist arrivals |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/economy/himachal-s-traditional-destinations-less-popular-now-as-domestic-tourists-take-road-less-travelled-13405026.html}}</ref>


==Historical evolution==
==Historical evolution==
The history of Solan goes back to the era of [[Pandava]]s. According to local folklore, Pandavas lived here during their exile.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://travelisourpassion.blogspot.in/2014/07/trek-to-karol-tibba-pandava-cave.html|title=Travel Is Our Passion: Trek To Karol Tibba, Pandava Cave|website=travelisourpassion.blogspot.in|date=2 July 2014 |access-date=2016-06-02}}</ref>  In 1815, British won Baghat state (now Solan) from the [[Gurkha]]s. Gurkha fort, or Arki Fort, is still standing tall on a mountain near to the city of Solan, and it is one of the historic tourist attractions of Solan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gurkha Fort| url=http://www.holidayiq.com/Gurkha-Fort-Solan-Sightseeing-936-13165.html}}</ref> The town has been a capital of the princely Baghat State. The word ''Baghat'' is derived from ''Bau,'' or ''Bahu'', meaning "many", and ''Ghat,'' meaning "pass". Initially, the state headquarters of the Baghat State was located at Bhoch in the Bhuchali [[pargana]]. The headquarters of the state was shifted to Solan, after the construction of [[cantonment]] in the city; the railway was set up in 1902.<ref name="Historical Evolution Solan City">{{cite news|title=Historical Evolution Solan City|url=http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721172413/http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf|archive-date=21 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The evolution of Solan city can be understood in the following order or sequence:
The history of Solan goes back to the era of [[Pandava]]s. According to local folklore, Pandavas lived here during their exile.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://travelisourpassion.blogspot.in/2014/07/trek-to-karol-tibba-pandava-cave.html|title=Travel Is Our Passion: Trek To Karol Tibba, Pandava Cave|website=travelisourpassion.blogspot.in|date=2 July 2014 |access-date=2016-06-02}}</ref>  In 1815, British won the Baghat state (now Solan) from the [[Gurkha]]s. Gurkha fort, or Arki Fort, is still standing tall on a mountain near to the city of Solan, and it is one of the historic tourist attractions of Solan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gurkha Fort| url=http://www.holidayiq.com/Gurkha-Fort-Solan-Sightseeing-936-13165.html}}</ref> The city has been a capital of the princely Baghat State. The word ''Baghat'' is derived from ''Bau,'' or ''Bahu'', meaning "many", and ''Ghat,'' meaning "pass". Initially, the state headquarters of the Baghat State was located at Bhoch in the Bhuchali [[pargana]]. The headquarters of the state was shifted to Solan, after the construction of [[cantonment]] in the city; the railway was set up in 1902.<ref name="Historical Evolution Solan City">{{cite news|title=Historical Evolution Solan City|url=http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721172413/http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf|archive-date=21 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The evolution of Solan city can be understood in the following order or sequence:
*Establishment of a cantonment area at Solan by Brits.
*Establishment of a cantonment area at Solan by Brits.
*Establishing a brewery in Solan in 1855, due to availability of excellent quality mineral water.
*Establishing a brewery in Solan in 1855, due to availability of excellent quality mineral water.
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The list of heritage buildings in Solan town is as follows:-
The list of heritage buildings in Solan town is as follows:-
*Shoolini Devi temple.
*[[Maa Shoolini|Shoolini Devi temple]].
[[File:CHRIST CHURCH, KASAULI.JPG|thumb|Christ Church, Kasauli]]
 
*The Church in Solan cantonment.
*The Church in Solan cantonment.
*The [[Solan railway station]].<ref name="Solan Railway Station">{{cite web| url=http://indiarailinfo.com/arrivals/solan-sol/2872| title=Solan Railway Station| work=indiarailinfo.com}}</ref>
*The [[Solan railway station]].<ref name="Solan Railway Station">{{cite web| url=http://indiarailinfo.com/arrivals/solan-sol/2872| title=Solan Railway Station| work=indiarailinfo.com}}</ref>
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*Hari Mandir, a famous [[Krishna|Lord Krishna]] temple.
*Hari Mandir, a famous [[Krishna|Lord Krishna]] temple.
*The railway station and the railway rest house at Salogra.
*The railway station and the railway rest house at Salogra.
*The DC residence on Shilly road.
*The DC residence on Shilli road.
*Anees villa, ancestral home of [[Salman Rushdie]] Shilly road near DC residence.<ref>{{cite web|title=anees villa| date=25 December 2012| url=http://theoktravel.com/salman-rushdie-bungalow-himachal-solan/1136/}}</ref><ref name="Heritage">{{cite news|title=Heritage|url=http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721172413/http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf|archive-date=21 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*Anees villa, ancestral home of [[Salman Rushdie]] Shilli road near DC residence.<ref>{{cite web|title=anees villa| date=25 December 2012| url=http://theoktravel.com/salman-rushdie-bungalow-himachal-solan/1136/}}</ref><ref name="Heritage">{{cite news|title=Heritage|url=http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721172413/http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf|archive-date=21 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*S.E., PWD office which used to be a [[Durbar (court)|durbar]] hall of Baghat State.
*S.E., PWD office which used to be a [[Durbar (court)|durbar]] hall of Baghat State.
*Old guest house in the palace of Baghat state.
*Old guest house in the palace of Baghat state.
*Khalifa lodge (now the JBT college running in it).
*Khalifa lodge (now the JBT college running in it).
*Kishan Niwas and Hill View on circular road.<ref name="Heritage"/>
*Kishan Niwas and Hill View on circular road.<ref name="Heritage"/>
*[[St. Luke's Sen Sec School, Solan|St. Luke's Sen Sec School]]; the school built on a hill.
*Jatoli Temple (5&nbsp;km. far from Solan on Rajgarh Road).
*Jatoli Temple (5&nbsp;km. far from Solan on Rajgarh Road).
[[File:Jatoli.jpg|thumb|alt=Asia's tallest Temple devoted to Shiva in the Hills of Solan|Jatoli Temple, Solan]]
[[File:Jatoli.jpg|thumb|alt=Asia's tallest Temple devoted to Shiva in the Hills of Solan|Jatoli Temple, Solan]]
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*The Palace near Palace Road.
*The Palace near Palace Road.
*Pandavas cave at Mount Karol, Chambaghat, Solan
*Pandavas cave at Mount Karol, Chambaghat, Solan
*Dagshai Jail Museum
{|
{|
|[[File:Solan railway station.jpg|left|thumb|Solan railway station]]
|[[File:Solan railway station.jpg|left|thumb|Solan railway station]]
|[[File:Bon Monastery Dholanji,Solan.jpg|center|thumb|Bon Monastery Dholanji, Solan]]
|[[File:Bon Monastery Dholanji,Solan.jpg|center|thumb|Bon Monastery Dholanji, Solan]]
|[[File:Solan_panaroma.jpg|right|thumb|alt=Majestic Hills with houses built all across the Mountains as seen From Rabon|Panoramic View of Solan City]]
|[[File:Solan panorama.jpg|right|thumb|alt=Majestic Hills with houses built all across the Mountains as seen From Rabon|Panoramic View of Solan City]]
|[[File:Solan nightview.jpg|thumb|alt=Thousands of Shining lights like stars studded on hills seen at Solan from Night |View of Solan at night]]
|[[File:Solan nightview.jpg|thumb|alt=Thousands of Shining lights like stars studded on hills seen at Solan from Night |View of Solan at night]]
|}
|}
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==Geography==
==Geography==
Solan is located at {{Coord|30.92|N|77.12|E}}.<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/11/Solan.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Solan]</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Geographical setting|url=http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721172413/http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf|archive-date=21 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It has an average elevation of 1502 [[metre]]s (5249.34 [[foot (length)|feet]]). The highest point is atop Mount Karol, at 2280 [[metre]]s. [[Pandava|Pandava's]] cave, where Pandavas believed to have [[Meditation|meditated]] during their 12-year [[exile]], is located at the mountain top. Solan gets occasional snowfall during winters.<ref name="Solan Town Planning Report">[http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf Report page:8] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721172413/http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf |date=21 July 2011 }}</ref>
Solan is located at {{Coord|30.92|N|77.12|E}}.<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/11/Solan.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Solan]</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Geographical setting|url=http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721172413/http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf|archive-date=21 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It has an average elevation of 1502 [[metre]]s (5249.34 [[foot (length)|feet]]). The highest point is atop Mount Karol, at 2280 [[metre]]s. [[Pandava|Pandava's]] cave, where Pandavas believed to have [[Meditation|meditated]] during their 12-year [[exile]], is located at the mountain top. Solan gets occasional snowfall during winters.<ref name="Solan Town Planning Report">[http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf Report page:8] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721172413/http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf |date=21 July 2011 }}</ref>
Solan is a base station for the nearby tourist destinations, including [[Chail, Himachal Pradesh|Chail]], [[Dagshai]], [[Sabathu]], [[Kandaghat]], [[Kasauli]], [[Rajgarh, Himachal Pradesh|Rajgarh]], Salogra and [[Churdhar peak]].


==Climate==
==Climate==
Situated at an altitude of 1600 metres on an average, Solan can be considered an average temperature hill station. Solan is neither as cold as Shimla, nor as hot as Kalka, as the temperatures hardly rise more than {{convert|35|C|F|abbr=}}. That is why it is considered as an ideal station, from a residential point of view. During winters, Solan experiences light snowfall. Temperatures typically range from {{convert|-4|C|F|abbr=}} to {{convert|34|C|F|abbr=}} over the course of a year, with record high temperature of 39&nbsp;°C (102.2&nbsp;°F).
Situated at an altitude of 1600 metres on average, Solan can be considered an average temperature hill station. Solan is neither as cold as Shimla, nor as hot as Kalka, as the temperatures hardly rise more than {{convert|35|C|F|abbr=}}. That is why it is considered as an ideal station, from a residential point of view. During winters, Solan experiences light snowfall. Temperatures typically range from {{convert|-4|C|F|abbr=}} to {{convert|34|C|F|abbr=}} over the course of a year, with record high temperature of 39&nbsp;°C (102.2&nbsp;°F).
{|
{|
|[[File:Snowfall solan city.jpg|right|thumb|Snowfall 2013, Solan]]
|[[File:Snowfall solan city.jpg|right|thumb|Snowfall 2013, Solan]]
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{{Weather box
{{Weather box
| location = Solan (1981–2010, extremes 1999–2011)
| location = Solan (1991–2020, extremes 1999–present)
| metric first = Yes
| metric first = Yes
| single line  = Yes
| single line  = Yes
| Jan record high C = 27.5
| Jan record high C = 29.0
| Feb record high C = 29.2
| Feb record high C = 29.2
| Mar record high C = 32.5
| Mar record high C = 32.5
| Apr record high C = 35.8
| Apr record high C = 36.0
| May record high C = 38.0
| May record high C = 38.0
| Jun record high C = 39.0
| Jun record high C = 39.0
| Jul record high C = 35.1
| Jul record high C = 35.1
| Aug record high C = 33.0
| Aug record high C = 33.0
| Sep record high C = 32.0
| Sep record high C = 33.5
| Oct record high C = 31.5
| Oct record high C = 32.7
| Nov record high C = 30.2
| Nov record high C = 30.2
| Dec record high C = 27.0
| Dec record high C = 27.0
| year record high C = 39.0
| year record high C = 39.0
| Jan high C = 18.4
| Jan high C = 18.4
| Feb high C = 19.9
| Feb high C = 19.8
| Mar high C = 23.8
| Mar high C = 24.0
| Apr high C = 29.0
| Apr high C = 28.8
| May high C = 31.6
| May high C = 31.5
| Jun high C = 31.2
| Jun high C = 31.0
| Jul high C = 28.9
| Jul high C = 28.8
| Aug high C = 28.2
| Aug high C = 28.2
| Sep high C = 28.0
| Sep high C = 28.1
| Oct high C = 27.0
| Oct high C = 27.0
| Nov high C = 23.8
| Nov high C = 23.8
| Dec high C = 20.7
| Dec high C = 21.0
| year high C = 25.9
| year high C = 25.8
| Jan low C = 2.5
| Jan low C = 2.3
| Feb low C = 4.5
| Feb low C = 4.5
| Mar low C = 8.3
| Mar low C = 8.4
| Apr low C = 12.6
| Apr low C = 12.5
| May low C = 16.2
| May low C = 16.0
| Jun low C = 18.7
| Jun low C = 18.6
| Jul low C = 20.2
| Jul low C = 20.2
| Aug low C = 19.8
| Aug low C = 19.8
| Sep low C = 16.9
| Sep low C = 16.8
| Oct low C = 10.5
| Oct low C = 10.5
| Nov low C = 5.9
| Nov low C = 5.8
| Dec low C = 3.0
| Dec low C = 2.8
| year low C = 11.6
| year low C = 11.6
| Jan record low C = -3.6
| Jan record low C = -3.6
| Feb record low C = -2.8
| Feb record low C = -2.8
| Mar record low C = 1.0
| Mar record low C = 0.5
| Apr record low C = 4.6
| Apr record low C = 4.6
| May record low C = 8.5
| May record low C = 8.5
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| year record low C = -3.6
| year record low C = -3.6
| rain colour = green
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 61.8
| Jan rain mm = 49.5
| Feb rain mm = 69.9
| Feb rain mm = 67.1
| Mar rain mm = 74.3
| Mar rain mm = 55.9
| Apr rain mm = 46.0
| Apr rain mm = 35.7
| May rain mm = 61.5
| May rain mm = 51.1
| Jun rain mm = 118.0
| Jun rain mm = 123.0
| Jul rain mm = 218.5
| Jul rain mm = 221.6
| Aug rain mm = 218.9
| Aug rain mm = 206.1
| Sep rain mm = 138.4
| Sep rain mm = 148.2
| Oct rain mm = 22.3
| Oct rain mm = 14.3
| Nov rain mm = 14.9
| Nov rain mm = 4.5
| Dec rain mm = 47.6
| Dec rain mm = 26.4
| year rain mm = 1092.0
| year rain mm = 1003.5
| Jan rain days = 3.4
| Jan rain days = 3.1
| Feb rain days = 4.3
| Feb rain days = 4.2
| Mar rain days = 4.7
| Mar rain days = 3.7
| Apr rain days = 3.3
| Apr rain days = 3.2
| May rain days = 4.7
| May rain days = 4.2
| Jun rain days = 6.7
| Jun rain days = 7.2
| Jul rain days = 11.9
| Jul rain days = 11.3
| Aug rain days = 10.8
| Aug rain days = 10.1
| Sep rain days = 5.7
| Sep rain days = 5.6
| Oct rain days = 1.6
| Oct rain days = 1.1
| Nov rain days = 1.0
| Nov rain days = 0.6
| Dec rain days = 2.1
| Dec rain days = 1.7
| year rain days = 60.2
| year rain days = 56.0
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 52
| Jan humidity = 52
| Feb humidity = 49
| Feb humidity = 50
| Mar humidity = 45
| Mar humidity = 44
| Apr humidity = 38
| Apr humidity = 38
| May humidity = 37
| May humidity = 38
| Jun humidity = 52
| Jun humidity = 53
| Jul humidity = 73
| Jul humidity = 74
| Aug humidity = 78
| Aug humidity = 78
| Sep humidity = 70
| Sep humidity = 71
| Oct humidity = 52
| Oct humidity = 53
| Nov humidity = 49
| Nov humidity = 51
| Dec humidity = 51
| Dec humidity = 51
|year humidity = 54
|year humidity = 54
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDnormals>
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020
| publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]]
| access-date = April 8, 2024
}}</ref><ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
Line 256: Line 271:
}}
}}


==Nagar Nigam and District administration==
== Municipal Corporation and District administration ==
Municipal Corporation Solan is spread over an area of 33.43&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>  with a residential population of 39,256.<ref name="censusindia.gov.in"/> It is the 3rd largest Municipal Corporation of Himachal Pradesh.
[[Solan Municipal Corporation|Municipal Corporation Solan]] is spread over an area of 33.43&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>  with a residential population of 39,256.<ref name="censusindia.gov.in"/> It is the third largest Municipal Corporation of [[Himachal Pradesh]].
 
'''District administration and Centre Government offices'''
Being the district headquarters the city is the seat of district administration having offices in government buildings. There are:
*Mini Secretariat at byepass containing D.C. Office, S.P. Office, SDM Office, NIC, DYSSO, District Statistical Office, D.R.O., Copying Agency, DRDA, Zila Parishad, District Treasury office, ASP, DSP, DF&SC etc.
*PWD circle office near hospital on tank road. It houses the office of S.E., HP PWD, Solan circle.
*Public Works Department complex on Solan bye pass. It has offices of Executive Engineer (National Highways), Executive Engineer, HP PWD Solan Division, Assistant Engineer Horticulture Sub Division etc.
*District Industries Centre at Chambaghat. It has offices of GM, Industries and Mining officer.
*Tehsil Office at Kotla Nallah on Rajgarh road.
*District Public Relations Office near Gurudwara at Saproon.
*Town & Country Planning Office near Dohri Dwar on Barog Bye-pass.
*XEN, Public & Health office near Dohri Dwar on Barog bye pass.
*Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry on Jaunaji road
*District Agriculture office & District Horticulture office at Chambaghat.
*Chief Medical Officer's Office at Chambaghat.
*District Education Office (Primary & Secondary) at Chambaghat.
*Offices of HPSEB near Power House at Saproon.
*District Courts on the Mall road near Saproon.
 
A number of Central Govt. Offices too have their own departmental buildings.
*Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India
*N.R.C.M. (National Research Centre for Mushroom)
*C.I.P.M.C. (Centre for Investigation of Pest Management & Control)
*Z.S.I. (Zoological Survey of India)
*E.T.D.C. (Electronics Testing and Development Centre)


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
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'''Solan Work Profile'''
'''Solan Work Profile'''
Out of total population, 15,640 were engaged in work or business activity. Of this 12,147 were males, while 3,493 were females. In census surveys, 'worker' is defined as a person who does business, jobs, services, [[Agriculture|cultivation]], and labour activity for profit. Of total 15,640 working population, 93.31% were engaged in main work, while 6.69% of total workers were engaged in [[Marginalism|marginal work]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.census2011.co.in/data/town/800128-solan-himachal-pradesh.html|title= Solan Town Population Census 2011|website=census2011.co.in|access-date=18 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0209_PART_A_DCHB_SOLAN.pdf|title= DISTRICT CENSUS HANDBOOK SOLAN, VILLAGE AND TOWN DIRECTORY|website=censusindia.gov.in|access-date=18 September 2018}}</ref>
Out of total population, 15,640 were engaged in work or business activity. Of this 12,147 were males, while 3,493 were females. In census surveys, 'worker' is defined as a person who does business, jobs, services, [[Agriculture|cultivation]], and labour activity for profit. Of total 15,640 working population, 93.31% were engaged in main work, while 6.69% of total workers were engaged in [[Marginalism|marginal work]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.census2011.co.in/data/town/800128-solan-himachal-pradesh.html|title= Solan Town Population Census 2011|website=census2011.co.in|access-date=18 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0209_PART_A_DCHB_SOLAN.pdf|title= DISTRICT CENSUS HANDBOOK SOLAN, VILLAGE AND TOWN DIRECTORY|website=censusindia.gov.in|access-date=18 September 2018}}</ref>
'


'''City area'''
'''City area'''
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|[[File:Solan city at night.jpg|right|thumb|Twinkling hills of solan city at night]]
|[[File:Solan city at night.jpg|right|thumb|Twinkling hills of solan city at night]]
|}
|}
==Economy==
Solan is a hub of [[Horticulture industry|horticulture]] produce marketing. [[Tomato]]es, [[plum]]s, [[apricot]]s, [[Kiwifruit|kiwi]], [[apple]]s, and seasonal vegetables constitutes major economic activity for the town. There is a large complex on Saproon bypass, which houses a vegetables and fruits market.
[[Edible mushroom|Mushrooms]] are widely grown in town, and contribute to the economy of the inhabitants.
[[Tourism]] contributes to the economy of Solan. People from other places visit Solan to use the health, educational, commercial and other infrastructure available. They contribute in the economy of the city.
==Industry==
Solan is an industrial hub of Himachal Pradesh. It is also known for its [[pharmaceutical industry]]. The small-scale and medium industrial units provide employment, and play a role in the economy of the inhabitants of Solan.
These industrial units mainly belong to [[hosiery]], food, wood, paper, leather, glass, chemical, mechanical, pharmaceuticals, food processing, electrical, and electronics services.
The following major units are operating in town:-
* H.F.C.L. (Himachal Futuristic Communications Limited)
*Exicom ( a sister concern of HFCL)
*Himalayan Pipe Factory
*Shivalik Bi-Metal
*Decora Iron & Steel Industry.
*Mohan Meakins Breweries.
*Meridian group of companies
*'''TQM World Institution of Quality Excellence''', It provides training & consulting for the Quality and Productivity Improvement of [[Small and medium-sized enterprises]](MSMEs) and [[Multinational corporation]](MNCs).It also provide training and certification for Schools, Educational Institutions and Universities.
*Prime Kreation, provides services in website designing, development, digital marketing etc.
*Xchanging Technology Limited, this is an Information Technology Company is the only UK based MNC which exists in the Town and is the largest corporate employer in the region.
*Sentiss Pharma
Service industry has also come up in town to cater to urban and rural population. The major services provided are computer and internet based services, tourism, travel and ticketing, taxi operations, beauty and grooming,  mobile servicing, food and fashion.
==Culture==
[[File:Thodo.jpg|thumb|Traditional Thoda dance of Solan]]
[[File:Solan gidda.PNG|thumb|left|Traditional dance of Solan district. Pahari Gidda]]
[[File:Old local pahari song.ogg|thumb|right|An old Local song of Solan]]
[[Salwar]] suit is the main ethnic wear all over Solan District. Other [[Clothing in India|common dresses]] are also worn by ladies, whereas men have no specific traditional dress. [[Ghagra choli|Ghaghra choli]] is a traditional dress for women in Solan. However, it is not as common, and it can be seen only during specific [[Dance in India|cultural dance]] events.
When it comes to traditional ornaments, women wear 9 Ladi Haar (a nine-strand necklace), Chaak (a golden ornament worn on the head), and gajru (heavy silver bracelets).
Pahari giddha, or paruhan, is the traditional dance of the Solan district. This dance is originally from [[Kunihar]], a small town in the Solan district, which can be considered a cultural village of the Solan district. This dance is performed by group of women, to fast-paced traditional songs.
A historical dance, called Thoda, is also performed during the Shoolini melā every year in the month of June. The Thoda dance is a dance performed based on archery; bows and arrows are used in this dance.
People also perform [[Nati (dance)|Nati]], which is the traditional dance form of most of the Himachalis. People wear the cultural outfits rejta and dhaatu while performing Nati.
===Food===
[[Himachal Pradesh|Himachali]] people believe in [[Atithi Devo Bhava]] code of conduct. They practice [[hospitality]]; inviting an acquaintance, or even a stranger, into their home is a way of life. The host will offer whatever food is available in the house, here a general belief is: 'a guest should not leave without eating'.
Cuisines of Solan are [[Pungency|spicy]], so grab a glass of water before you start eating. The preferred food in Solan mainly consists of vegetarian food, with a generous dose of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and red chillies. The average cuisine churns out all sorts of lentil and cereals for tasty preparations.
While an everyday meal typically consists of dal-chawal-subzi-roti (the common north Indian meal of rice, lentil broth, dishes of seasonal vegetables, cereals and sorted bread), special dishes are usually prepared on celebratory occasions, such as festivals, weddings, seasonal holidays, and fairs. [[File:Askaali.jpg|thumb|left|Askaali is a traditional stone made utensil used to make the Askalu dish.]] [[File:Pachole.jpg|thumb|right|Pachole, the traditional dish of Solan]]
Some of the traditional dishes are as below:
*'''Poode''', made from a batter of wheat and jaggery syrup (gud), which is then shallow fried in [[ghee]], or oil.
*'''Lushke''', made from wheat, rice flour with little baking soda, and is similar to a pancake.
*'''Patande''', another dish of Solan and [[Sirmaur district|Sirmaur]] districts of the state. Patande is made from wheat and is similar to a pancake as well.
*'''Sidu''', a kind of bread made from wheat flour stuffed with [[dal]] and spices. It is kneaded with yeast, and the dough is set to rise for 4–5 hours. With a stuffing of fat, it is first browned over a slow fire, and then steamed. Sidu is normally eaten with ghee.
*'''Askalu''', made from wheat, rice flour with a small amount of baking soda. The batter is put into a special utensil made from stone called askali, which contains several small molds in it.
*'''Pachole''', a seasonal dish made from mashed sweet corns with spices, which is then steamed and eaten with ghee.


==Flora and fauna==
==Flora and fauna==
The Solan planning area contains Chil, Ban, and Kail, mainly [[Cedrus deodara|deodar cedar]] and [[pine]] trees in the city. [[Oak]] forests are also at higher elevations around moist locations. Places like [[Chail, Himachal Pradesh|Chail]] is the most predominant one for different species of vegetation. Besides the [[Native species|indigenous]] vegetation, there are [[Ornamental plant|ornamental]] and [[Introduced species|alien]] [[plantation]]s too. It consists of [[silver oak]], [[jhakranda]], [[List of plants known as bottlebrush|bottle brush]], [[Salix babylonica|weeping willows]], [[kachnar]], [[Poaceae|grasses]], etc.<ref name="Solan Town Planning Report"/>
The Solan planning area contains Chil, Ban, and Kail, mainly [[Cedrus deodara|deodar cedar]] and [[pine]] trees in the city. [[Oak]] forests are also at higher elevations around moist locations. Places like [[Chail, Himachal Pradesh|Chail]] is the most predominant one for different species of vegetation. Besides the [[Native species|indigenous]] vegetation, there are [[Ornamental plant|ornamental]] and [[Introduced species|alien]] [[plantation]]s too. It consists of [[silver oak]], [[Jacaranda mimosifolia|jhakranda]], [[List of plants known as bottlebrush|bottle brush]], [[Salix babylonica|weeping willows]], [[kachnar]], [[Poaceae|grasses]], etc.<ref name="Solan Town Planning Report"/>


Due to variations in altitude, there is a variety of fauna in the region. The [[Himalayan black bear]] & [[Panthera pardus tulliana|panther]], [[Leopard]] are the [[carnivore]]s typically found in the area, whereas the Ghoral and the barking deer are the [[herbivore]]s, found in and around the Solan planning area. Other animals include the [[jackal]], [[mongoose]], the [[Wildcat|Jangli Billi]], [[monkey]]s & [[Colobinae|langurs]], etc. [[Galliformes|Game birds]] include jungli murga, kabutar, ghughi, dhaula teetar and kolsa etc.<ref name=Fauna>[http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf Report page:9] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721172413/http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf |date=21 July 2011 }}</ref>
Due to variations in altitude, there is a variety of fauna in the region. The [[Himalayan black bear]] & [[Panthera pardus tulliana|panther]], [[Leopard]] are the [[carnivore]]s typically found in the area, whereas the Ghoral and the barking deer are the [[herbivore]]s, found in and around the Solan planning area. Other animals include the [[jackal]], [[mongoose]], the [[Wildcat|Wildcats]], [[monkey]]s & [[Colobinae|langurs]], etc. [[Galliformes]] include [[Red junglefowl]], [[Columbidae|pigeon]], etc.<ref name=Fauna>[http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf Report page:9] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721172413/http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf |date=21 July 2011 }}</ref>


==Tourism and other attractions==
== Notable sites==
[[File:Sharvilla.jpg|thumb|Sharvilla Health resorts Solan]]
[[File:Sharvilla.jpg|thumb|Sharvilla Health resorts Solan]]
[[File:Gugaghat.JPG|thumb|210px|right|Hill Ranges of the Solan area looking south]]
[[File:Gugaghat.JPG|thumb|210px|right|Hill Ranges of the Solan area looking south]]


'''Places of tourist Interest'''
*[[Badi ki dhar]]
 
There are many places of interest in and around Solan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hpsolan.nic.in/places-of-interest/|title=Places of Interest|website=HP Solan Nic in}}</ref>
*[[Maa Shoolini]] Devi temple on Shilly Road
*Jatoli Temple on Rajgarh Road
*Children's park on Mall Road
*20 mins away is internationally awarded Yogananda Library at [[Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences|Shoolini University]]
*Jawahar Park on top of a hill. The whole of the town can be viewed from here.
*[[Mohan Meakin]] Breweries the oldest distillery in India and one of the oldest in the world.
*Toy train and Solan railway station on [[Kalka-Shimla railway]] narrow gauge. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
*Karol ka Tibba
*[[Badi ki dhar]] Badi Dhar is situated at an altitude of 6781 feet above sea level. Beautiful sights of Shimla can be seen from the top of the hill. The place is famous for its Lord Shiva temple and annual fair which is organized on 14/15 June.
*Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park
*Water tanks on tank road
*Forest nursery area
*[[Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry]]
*[[Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry]]
*[[Barog railway station]]
*[[Barog railway station]]
*[[Kasauli]] Hill station
*[[Chail, Himachal Pradesh|Chail]] Sanctuary
*[[Chail, Himachal Pradesh|Chail]] Sanctuary  
*Giripul and Gauda
*Bon Monastery, [[Dolanji]]
*Water Park and Cafe at [[Sadhupul]]<ref>{{cite news|title=CM inaugurates Water Park at Sadhupul|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/cm-inaugurates-water-park-at-sadhupul/429917.html |newspaper= The Tribune India, Himachal|date=1 July 2017}}</ref>
*Water Park and Cafe at [[Sadhupul]]<ref>{{cite news|title=CM inaugurates Water Park at Sadhupul|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/cm-inaugurates-water-park-at-sadhupul/429917.html |newspaper= The Tribune India, Himachal|date=1 July 2017}}</ref>
Solan is fast developing into a tourist spot. It is also known as a reference station for tourists visiting nearby places. Included in that category are [[Chail, Himachal Pradesh|Chail]], [[Kasauli]], [[Dagshai]], [[Sabathu]], [[Kandaghat]], [[Churdhar Sanctuary|Churdhar Peak]] etc. Many visitors going to [[Shimla]], [[Kinnaur]] & other areas of the state use this town as a halting station. The tourism infrastructure includes dozens of hotels catering to the needs of budget and luxury tourists.
Besides the [[Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry]] at [[Nauni]], other places of interest in Solan include the [[Maa Shoolini]] temple, the Jatoli Shiv temple, and the Bon Monastery, [[Dolanji]], which is approximately 3&nbsp;km from Oachghat.
A tourist information office is functioning at Solan. It may soon have a few tourist minibusses so that sightseeing tours could be arranged to [[Dagshai]], [[Kasauli]], [[Sabathu]], [[Chail, Himachal Pradesh|Chail]], Giripul and other places of tourist interest.
The Solan Hills stand on the water – parting between the Sutlej and the Giri, a tributary of the Yamuna.
South of Solan is the Panchmunda ridge which is crossed by a railway through a tunnel (the longest on the Kalka – Shimla run) at [[Barog railway station]], where a series of fissure give rise to springs at its flank.
The first ridge above Kalka rises abruptly to pineclad Kasauli at a height of 1927 meters and is joined by a 12&nbsp;km bridle path for trekking. The distance by road, however, from Kalka is 36.5&nbsp;km.
The town of [[Kasauli]] is a hill-station for spending holidays and is a honeymoon destination with the temple devoted to the [[Hindu deities|Hindu god]] [[Shiva]]. It is also home to [[Military base|Army and Air Force base]]. At Monkey Point there is a temple of Hanuman. This is one of the small towns developed by the British during the 'heyday' of the empire. It can be reached by a branch road on the Kalka-Shimla road, near Dharampur.
The upper and lower Malls are the two principal roads that run along the length of Kasauli, a thick cover of pine, oak, rhododendron, and horse chestnut trees that embrace the entire area. Traffic is restricted on these roads, which is the reason why Kasauli is the quietest hill station in India. The resort's colonial aura is underlined by gabled houses with cobbled alleys and rows of orchards and gardens.{{citation needed|date=December 2017}}
Kasauli has The Central Research Institute (CRI), set up in 1905, is the oldest in India. The institute manufactures vaccines, antisera, dead emulsion, bacterial diagnostic reagents, and normal horse serum and blood
At 3647 mt, the [[Churdhar Sanctuary|Churdhar Peak]], looms over the sylvan surroundings, and just across these ranges, is Shimla town.
This region has also been witness to Gurkha expansion at [[Sabathu]] and to ruins of old Gurkha Fort, a three-hundred-year-old [[Gurkha]] fort at Nauni, which dates back to the time when the region was ruled by the Gurkhas of [[Nepal]]. Though the fort is in ruins, but it is strategically located atop a mountain point providing a panoramic view of the entire area.
The proposed ropeway between Chambaghat and Karol is expected to contribute more to the tourism industry of the town.<ref>[http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf TCP PDF: page7] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721172413/http://himachal.nic.in/tcp/DPSolan.pdf |date=21 July 2011 }}</ref>
'''Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park''' spreads over 40 acres of land at a cost of Rs 454 crore on the right bank of river Ashwani. It lies in 'Hart Village' which takes a detour of around 6&nbsp;km from the main highway after Salogra.
Elaborating on the concept of Heritage Park, Brig Kapil Mohan, chairman of Mohan Shakti Trust who has undertaken the Heritage Park project, said that it would be a center of learning and would generate sufficient inquisitiveness into the minds of people all over the world for Indian philosophy and ancient heritage. At the center of the park, is a grand temple where a magnificent collection of statues of gods and goddesses are installed. Besides, an ancient Indian research center is proposed for studying Indian Heritage and eminent scholars would be associated with it.
the project consists of following salient features
[[File:Mohan Shakti Heritage Park.jpg|thumb|Mohan Shakti Heritage Park]]
*Big temples with exquisite architectural marvels.
*Meditation center inside a cave.
*Theme park.
*Herbal Plantations.
*Fountains and landscaped gardens.
*Ropeway trolley.
*Research Centre.
*Ayurvedic healing.
*Yagyashala etc. etc.
Also, the park would have an auditorium facility provided with laser shows based on Indian mythology and epics of [[Mahabharata]] and [[Ramayana]].
'''Playgrounds and parks'''
The town has three parks. These are:
* Jawahar Park – Located at the highest point of the town proper, it has fountains, rides, baby train, small playfield, etc.
* Children Park – Located on the Mall road itself near DC Office, it has animal rides, rides, musical fountain & a cafe, etc.
[[File:Shiv ji Statue at Mohan Park.jpg|thumb|Mohan Park Solan]]
* [[Mohan Park]] – Built by Mohan Meakins breweries near Chambaghat on the Mall road, it has a terrace garden, rides, etc.
* [[Mohan Park]] – Built by Mohan Meakins breweries near Chambaghat on the Mall road, it has a terrace garden, rides, etc.
* Subhash Chandra Bose Park – Hospital road Solan.<ref name="Tourist Attractions in Solan">{{cite news|title=Tourist Attractions in Solan| url=http://www.himachal-tourism.net}}</ref>
* Subhash Chandra Bose Park – Hospital road Solan.<ref name="Tourist Attractions in Solan">{{cite news|title=Tourist Attractions in Solan| url=http://www.himachal-tourism.net}}</ref>
There are following grounds in the town:-
* Thodo ground – Near MC Office, it is the center of all cultural, official & sports activities.
* Police ground – Adjoining Police lines at Kather it is an upcoming ground & has the potential of the making of a stadium. It is the training ground of Solan policemen.
* Radhaswami Satsang (RRSB)– A large ground at Anji.
The town has a number of community halls. Some hotels nearby also have excellent facilities for arranging marriages, functions, meetings or parties. There are religious institutions too offering such facilities. MC Solan has its own community hall near Thodo ground.<ref name="Tourist Attractions in Solan"/>
For recreation and outing, there are two movie theaters and many fast food joints, restaurants, and bars.
==Accessibility==
[[File:Solan railway station.jpg|thumb|right|Solan railway station, one of India's highest]]
The National Highway No. 22 is a prominent road passing through Solan town. It is an important road from many points of view. Firstly it is a defense road connecting Delhi, Dehradun, Ambala, and Chandigarh to the China Border. Next, it is the lifeline of the State as it is the main road for all imports and exports in the state. It is on account of its significance that there are 2 bypasses within Solan Planning Area. These are :
*Solan bypass linking Saproon and Chambaghat.
*Barog bypass linking Saproon and Kumarhatti via Anji & Rabon. The [[NHAI]] has undertaken the 4-laning of this road. Work is under progress.
Besides N.H.-22, Solan has many other important roads connecting Solan to its nearby areas, towns, or settlements. These are: –
*Solan – Rajgarh road.
*Solan – Subathu – Arki Road.
*Solan – Kandaghat road via Basal and Salumana.
*Solan – Jaunaji road.
*Solan – Damrog – Jatoli road.
*Solan – Ashwani Khad road. It connects Solan to Hart Village, the site of Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park. It will connect Chail ultimately.
''By Road ''
Solan is accessible by road as well as train. It is 68 kilometers from [[Chandigarh]] (2 hours journey by bus) and 48 kilometers from [[Shimla]] (1-hour journey by bus).
'''By Rail'''
The [[Kalka-Shimla Railway]] which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List passes through Solan.<ref>{{cite news | work=The Hindu Business Line | url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/07/09/stories/2008070951530700.htm | title=Kalka-Shimla Railway makes it to Unesco's World Heritage list | date=2008-07-09 | access-date=2008-07-10 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090625175612/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/07/09/stories/2008070951530700.htm | archive-date=25 June 2009 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
Solan is in the middle of this narrow-gauge line. Kalka-Shimla toy train halts at Solan railway station. It connects Kolkata, Delhi,  Mumbai, and other cities by connecting trains running from Kalka railway junction.
On [[Kalka-Shimla railway]] there are a total of 44 railway tunnels up to Solan.
'''By air'''
*The nearest airport is Shimla airport which is about 45&nbsp;km from solan. The Himachal Pradesh government is setting up its first international airport at an investment of Rs.1,000 crore in Solan district of the state on a public-private partnership model given the significance and pace of development that Solan has witnessed in recent times in the state of Himachal.
*There is a helipad at Basal Road where helicopters of all the VIPs visiting Solan land.
*Presently Chandigarh International Airport ([[Chandigarh Airport]]) is serving the air transportation needs of the residents of the town and tourists.


==Sports==
==Sports==
'''Badminton''' : There is an indoor [[badminton]] hall near the MC office.
'''Football at Thodo ground''' : Near MC Office, [[association football|football]] and other sports activities are held in this ground.
*An indoor stadium will come up in the city.<ref>{{cite news|title=HP allocates Rs 45.4 cr for sports|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/hp-allocates-rs-45-4-cr-for-sports-1502679990.html |newspaper= The Statesman.|date=1 September 2018}}</ref>
*[[Gyms]] for fitness
'''Basketball''' at Police Ground
==Infrastructure==
'''ISBT Solan'''
There are two bus stands presently functioning in Solan city. One is the New bus stand which is below ITI Solan on the by-pass road which also is the main bus stand of the city. The other is known as the Old bus stand which is situated on The Mall and is used as the local bus stand.
Solan City also has a good intercity (Mudrika) bus service that connects the local areas of Solan city. Buses plying between Chandigarh-Shimla, Delhi-Shimla, and Nahan-Shimla halts at Solan. Free wifi facility is available at the Solan bus stand.


'''HRTC Solan'''
As of 2018 an indoor stadium was planned.<ref>{{cite news|title=HP allocates Rs 45.4 cr for sports|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/hp-allocates-rs-45-4-cr-for-sports-1502679990.html |newspaper= The Statesman.|date=1 September 2018}}</ref>
Himachal Road Transport Corporation Solan Depot came into existence on 1 November 1990 after shifting from Parwanoo. The depot is providing public transit facility to its passengers in the state of Himachal (rural and urban) and to the adjoining states and Union Territory like Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttaranchal. Almost each and every part of the District. Solan is linked with roads. The HRTC Solan is running its buses covering Solan, Sirmour, Bilaspur, Shimla, Hamirpur, and Kangra districts of Himachal Pradesh. There is a huge network of HRTC to cater the needs of the commuters. Journey to various stations of Himachal has become easier than ever because of the huge network of HRTC buses. The HRTC Solan is running approximately 206 single routes, with the fleet of 83 buses and operating four types of buses:
*Ordinary buses
*High-Tech buses
*City Bus (Mudrika)
*Tata Air-conditioned bus
Solan depot is a pioneer in introducing Electronic Ticketing Machine, implementing Tally software & almost computerized for the following work.
* Monthly Review Data & its Analysis
* Route-wise Information
* Vehicle-wise Information
* Payroll
* Inventory
* Daily Monitoring System
 
'''Solid waste management'''
 
MC Solan has a well-organized network of solid waste collection & disposal. Waste is collected from 132 collection points with the help of 115 sanitation workers. Out of these 132 collection points, as many as 42 are the dumpers. The council has 2 placers and 1 tipper which is privately hired. It has 4 drivers. A total of 10 tons of solid waste is collected every day and transported to the waste recycling plant at Salogra. The plant is fully capable of meeting with the requirements of the town.
 
The waste recycling plant situated at Salogra is a unique thing in itself. Firstly it's only at Shimla and Solan that we have the waste recycling plants in Himachal Pradesh. Salogra plant has the distinction of being the first in HP It is till date being maintained by a [[non-government organization]] (NGO) known by the name of "Jan Seva Ashram" which has its head office in New Delhi. The plant has a land and processing plant capable of handling a total of up to 20 tons of solid waste. Presently on average, up to 10 tons of waste arrives here. On festival days the quantum reaches up to 13 tons. As and when a dumper placer or a tipper arrives from a unit, the constituents are segregated by the workers into polythene, stone, [[medical waste]], paper, kitchen waste & such categories. Paper is recycled in the [[paper recycling]] plant. The organic waste is kept in open heaps which decomposes in a period of 40–45 days reducing it to compost. The other part of the waste being sanitary in nature is dumped on open land.
There are a number of facilities here. There is a JCB, a plant processor, [[soil test]]ing & compost testing lab, and an office.


==Education==
==Education==
The city is the educational hub Himachal Pradesh with multiple educational institutions and training centers. The various Primary and High schools of government and private bodies meet the needs of undergraduate students.


'''Private Schools'''
=== Private universities ===
*[[Baddi University of Emerging Sciences and Technologies]]
*[[Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh]]
*[[Jaypee University of Information Technology]]
*[[Maharaja Agrasen University]]


* MRA DAV public School, Solan [http://mradavsolan.org/]
Shoolini University and Jaypee University, were ranked '100-150' among Universities in India in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2019<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ananthakrishnan|first=Nilakantan|date=2018|title=National Institutional Ranking Framework criteria are against the interests of health science institutions|journal=The National Medical Journal of India|volume=31|issue=6|pages=379–380|doi=10.4103/0970-258x.262902|pmid=31397379|s2cid=199033574|issn=0970-258X |doi-access=free }}</ref>
* St.Luke's School Solan [http://www.stlukesschoolhp.com/]
* B.L. Central public Sr. Sec. School, Solan, Shamti
* Dayanand Adarsh Vidalya Solan
* PNNM Geeta Adarsh Vidyalya, Solan [https://gavsolan.in/]
* Durga Public School
* KK Blossoms High School
* Gurukul International School, solan
* Southvale the World School
* The Good Shepherd School
* Sanatan Dharam Senior Secondary School Solan
* Athena Public School, Solan
* Kidzee Solan
 
'''Central government'''
*Urdu Teaching & Research Centre, Solan [https://www.ciil.org/annrlcutrcs2011.aspx]
*Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry [http://www.yspuniversity.ac.in/]
 
'''State government'''
*Government Boys Senior Secondary School
*Government Girls Senior Secondary School
*Government PG College
*Government Polytechnic College for Women
*Industrial Training Institute
 
'''Private Universities'''
 
*[[Shoolini University]] of Biotechnology & Management Sciences, Solan
*[[Baddi University of Emerging Sciences and Technologies]], [[Baddi]], District. Solan
*Bahara University Solan
*[[Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh]], Barotiwala, District. Solan
*[[Jaypee University of Information Technology]], [[Waknaghat]], District. [[Solan district|Solan]]
*[[Maharaja Agrasen University]], District. Solan
*[[Manav Bharti University]], Kumarhatti, District. [[Solan district|Solan]]
 
Two of these Universities, Shoolini University and Jaypee University, were ranked '100-150' among Universities in India in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2019<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ananthakrishnan|first=Nilakantan|date=2018|title=National Institutional Ranking Framework criteria are against the interests of health science institutions|journal=The National Medical Journal of India|volume=31|issue=6|pages=379–380|doi=10.4103/0970-258x.262902|pmid=31397379|s2cid=199033574|issn=0970-258X}}</ref>
 
'''Private Dental Colleges'''
*Bhojia dental college and hospital, Budh (Baddi) Dist. Solan
*M.N.D.A.V. Dental College & Hospital, Solan
 
'''Private Medical College'''
*MM University & Medical College, Solan District. Solan
 
'''Private Engineering College'''
*Green Hills Engineering College, Kumarhatti, Solan
*LR Group of Institute,Solan
 
'''Private GNM and other Nursing colleges'''
*Murari Lal Memorial School & College of Nursing
*Sai Sanjivini Hospital, Solan
*Bhojia Institute Of Life Sciences, Nalagarh
*Lord Mahavira B.sc Nursing College, Nalagarh
*Murari Lal Memorial College Of Nursing, Nagali
*Sai Sanjeevini Institute Of Medical Sciences
*Awasthi Institute Of Nursing, Nalagarh
 
'''Homeopathic College'''
*Solan [[Homeopathy|Homeopathic]] Medical College, Barog Bypass, Kumarhatti.
 
'''Other Institutions of Importance'''
*[[TQM World Institution of Quality Excellence]], Deoghat, Solan.
The TQM World Institution of Quality Excellence through its Academic Outreach Initiative (WIQE-AOI), promoting [[Student Quality Circle]], [[Six Sigma]], [[Total productive maintenance]](TPM), [[5S (methodology)|5-S]] , [[Kaizen]],[[Lean project management|Lean]] and [[Quality circle]] concepts.Its providing training and certification for students and mentors at Universities, Management & Engineering Institutions and Schools.
 
*Motilal Nehru Central State Library
[[Motilal Nehru]] Central state [[library]] is situated on The Mall, Solan. Established on 29 June 1959, it is the only Central State Library in Himachal Pradesh. All the schools and public libraries in the state come under it. Till 1973 the library was running a certificate course in library science and had even initiated the Mobile Library project to benefit youth in rural areas of the state.
 
*Solan Library
This is a private library in Solan City. Library also runs a small cafe. It has theatre space which invites artists from all around India and the world.
 
==Health Care==
 
Solan has extensive healthcare services both in government and private domain.
 
State government Zonal hospital for primary and tertiary health care,
Private clinics and hospitals for prophylactic and therapeutic health care,Testing laboratories and imaging centers for diagnosis.There are also hospitals attached with medical and dental colleges
 
 
'''Government'''
* Regional Hospital, Solan
* Civil Hospital, Arki, District Solan
* Civil Hospital, Chail, District Solan
* Civil Hospital, Darlaghat, District Solan
* Civil Hospital, Dharampur District Solan
* Civil Hospital, Kandaghat, District Solan
* Civil Hospital, Kunihar District Solan
* Civil Hospital, Nalagarh, District Solan
* Civil Hospital, Sayari, District Solan
* Ayurvedic Hospital, Solan
 
'''Private'''
* MMU Medical College & Hospital, Kumarhatti,Solan
* Sai Sanjeevani Hospital, Solan
* Shri Balmukund Apex Hospital, Solan
* Dr. Verma's Shiva Hospital, Solan
* JP Hospital, Solan
* Abhinam Eye Hospital & Care Center, Solan
* Aravindam Eye & Neuro Psychiatry Clinic & Hospital, Solan
* Aastha Hospital, Solan
* Vrutika Hospital, Solan
* Grover Eye & E.N.T Hospital, Solan
* Bansal Orhopadeic Clinic, Solan


==Media==
==Media==
*[[Divya Himachal]]  – Mera Solan News Paper<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://epaper.divyahimachal.com/m5/1788485/Mera-Solan/Mera-Solan#page/1/1|title=Mera Solan|newspaper=Divya Himachal|access-date=16 September 2018}}</ref>
*[[Divya Himachal]]  – Mera Solan newspaper<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://epaper.divyahimachal.com/m5/1788485/Mera-Solan/Mera-Solan#page/1/1|title=Mera Solan|newspaper=Divya Himachal|access-date=16 September 2018}}</ref>
*Dainik Data Sandesh – Hindi Daily News Paper, Chambaghat Solan
*[[Himachal]] – National Mushroom Conference<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://hillspost.com/%e0%a4%ae%e0%a4%b6%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%82%e0%a4%ae-%e0%a4%b8%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%9f%e0%a5%80-%e0%a4%91%e0%a4%ab-%e0%a4%87%e0%a4%82%e0%a4%a1%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%af%e0%a4%be-%e0%a4%b8%e0%a5%8b%e0%a4%b2%e0%a4%a8/54817/|title=National Mushroom Conference}}</ref>
* BIG STORY- Digital News Channel & Newspaper
* First Verdict Media-A Newspaper and News/Media Agency from Solan


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
*[[Rajeev Bindal]] – Ex Speaker [[Himachal Pradesh]] Vidhan Sabha
*[[Rajeev Bindal]] – Ex Speaker [[Himachal Pradesh]] Vidhan Sabha
*[[Dhani Ram Shandil]] – Ex [[Member of parliament|Member of Parliament]]
*[[Dhani Ram Shandil]] – Ex [[Member of parliament|Member of Parliament]]
* [[Bikramjeet Kanwarpal|Major Bikramjeet Kanwarpal]] is an Indian film and television actor
* [[Bikramjeet Kanwarpal|Major Bikramjeet Kanwarpal]] - Indian film and television actor
*[[Ruhani Sharma]] is an Indian film actor
*[[Ruhani Sharma]] - Indian film actress
*Prasanta Kumar Barik is an Entrepreneur, Speaker and  Author of book "Handbook of Quality Circle"<ref>{{Cite book |last=Barik |first=Prasanta Kumar |title=Handbook of Quality Circle |publisher=Notion Press |year=2021 |isbn=978-1685545895 |edition=1st |location=India |language=en}}</ref>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 644: Line 345:
File:Platinum Mall Solan.jpg|Platinum Mall, Solan
File:Platinum Mall Solan.jpg|Platinum Mall, Solan
File:Bank lane,the mall.JPG|Bank lane, The Mall, Solan
File:Bank lane,the mall.JPG|Bank lane, The Mall, Solan
File:Solan_mall.jpg|Commercial mall,solan.
File:Solan_mall.jpg|Commercial mall, Solan.
File:Commercial_mall.jpg|SOLAN
File:Commercial_mall.jpg|SOLAN
File:Foot path on mall road.jpg|Footpath on Mall road
File:Foot path on mall road.jpg|Footpath on Mall road
Line 667: Line 368:
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}
<ref>[https://tadkabytes.in/travel/asia-highest-shiva-temple-jatoli-shiv-mandir/ Jatoli Shiva Temple Tallest Shiva Temple Of Asia] Retrieved 03 July 2025. </ref>


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}


*[http://hpsolan.gov.in/ Official Site]
*[http://hpsolan.gov.in/ Official Site]
*
*{{Wikivoyage inline}}


{{Himachal Pradesh topics}}
{{Himachal Pradesh topics}}
* http://www.divyahimachal.com
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Solan| ]]
[[Category:Solan| ]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Solan district]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Solan district]]

Latest revision as of 07:03, 8 March 2026

This article is about the town in India. For other uses, see Solan (disambiguation).

Solan
Mushroom City
City of Red Gold
City
From top, left to right:
 Panaromic night view of Solan city, Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park, Mall Road Solan, Solan railway station, Shoolini Devi Mandir, Shoolini Mahotsav in Thodo ground
Nickname(s): 
Mushroom City of India, City of Red Gold
Solan is located in Himachal Pradesh
Solan
Solan
Location in Himachal Pradesh
Solan is located in India
Solan
Solan
Solan (India)
Coordinates: 30°54′29″N 77°05′54″E / 30.907985°N 77.098403°E / 30.907985; 77.098403
Country India
State Himachal Pradesh
DistrictSolan
Government
 • BodyMunicipal Corporation Solan
 • MLADhani Ram Shandil
Area
 • Total33.43 km2 (12.91 sq mi)
Elevation
1,550 m (5,090 ft)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total47,418
 • Rank3 in HP
Languages
 • OfficialHindi
 • NativeMahasui (Baghati)[1]
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
173212
Telephone code01792
Vehicle registrationHP-13, HP-14, HP-15, HP-59, HP-64
Avg. annual temperature15 °C (59 °F)
Avg. summer temperature30 °C (86 °F)
Avg. winter temperature0 °C (32 °F)
ClimateCwa
Websitehpsolan.gov.in

Solan is a city in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and the district headquarters of Solan district.[2] It is located 45.5 kilometres (28 mi) south of the state capital, Shimla. Solan has an average elevation of 1,550 metres (5,090 ft).[3] The city is situated between Chandigarh and Shimla on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway-5. The narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla railway passes through Solan. Located on the Punjab-Himachal border, Solan is nestled in the Shivalik Hills of the Himalayas.

Solan was originally the capital of the princely state, Baghat.[4] A defining feature of Solan are its ancient temples[5] and monasteries.[6] The Shoolini Mata Temple and Jatoli Shiv Temple are popular tourist attractions. One of the most famous monasteries in this region is the Yundung Monastery. The hill-town is named after the Hindu goddess Shoolini Devi, which is a manifestation of another goddess, Durga, in her warrior aspect. Shoolini, when translated literally, means 'the goddess wielding the spear'. Every year in June, a fair venerating the Goddess is held, featuring a 3-day melā at the central Thodo ground.

Solan is known for the production of quality mushrooms,[7] as a result of the vast mushroom farming in the area, as well as the Directorate of Mushroom Research (DMR) [8] situated at Chambaghat. Due to this fact, Solan is also known as the "Mushroom City of India". Solan is also called the "City of Red Gold", due to the bulk production of tomatoes in the area.[3]

The city has one of the oldest breweries in the country, and also has a 300-year-old fort located at the top of a hill.

Solan is fast becoming a top weekend getaway destination in Himachal, due to location between two important cities Shimla and Chandigarh and improved road access and rising investment in resorts and wellness tourism.[9]

Historical evolution[edit | edit source]

The history of Solan goes back to the era of Pandavas. According to local folklore, Pandavas lived here during their exile.[10] In 1815, British won the Baghat state (now Solan) from the Gurkhas. Gurkha fort, or Arki Fort, is still standing tall on a mountain near to the city of Solan, and it is one of the historic tourist attractions of Solan.[11] The city has been a capital of the princely Baghat State. The word Baghat is derived from Bau, or Bahu, meaning "many", and Ghat, meaning "pass". Initially, the state headquarters of the Baghat State was located at Bhoch in the Bhuchali pargana. The headquarters of the state was shifted to Solan, after the construction of cantonment in the city; the railway was set up in 1902.[12] The evolution of Solan city can be understood in the following order or sequence:

  • Establishment of a cantonment area at Solan by Brits.
  • Establishing a brewery in Solan in 1855, due to availability of excellent quality mineral water.
  • Shifting of the headquarters of Baghat State from Bhoch to Solan.
  • Start of Kalka-Shimla rail line in 1902.
  • Start of transportation activity on Kalka-Solan-Shimla road.
  • The urban local body, i.e. Municipal Council Solan, came into existence in 1950.
  • Solan became an independent district on 1 September 1972, and the town of Solan became the district headquarters.[12]

Heritage[edit | edit source]

Solan's history is intertwined with that of the erstwhile princely state of Baghat. The Solan cantonment is still the best, and the most well planned part of the area, hence buildings are made in a planned manner. The church in Solan cantonment is a heritage building, with wooden and stone carvings. It has sloping roofs and arches, reminiscent of British architecture.[citation needed]

The list of heritage buildings in Solan town is as follows:-

  • The Church in Solan cantonment.
  • The Solan railway station.[13]
  • The Barog railway station.
  • Hari Mandir, a famous Lord Krishna temple.
  • The railway station and the railway rest house at Salogra.
  • The DC residence on Shilli road.
  • Anees villa, ancestral home of Salman Rushdie Shilli road near DC residence.[14][15]
  • S.E., PWD office which used to be a durbar hall of Baghat State.
  • Old guest house in the palace of Baghat state.
  • Khalifa lodge (now the JBT college running in it).
  • Kishan Niwas and Hill View on circular road.[15]
  • Jatoli Temple (5 km. far from Solan on Rajgarh Road).
Asia's tallest Temple devoted to Shiva in the Hills of Solan
Jatoli Temple, Solan
Solan railway station
Bon Monastery Dholanji, Solan
Majestic Hills with houses built all across the Mountains as seen From Rabon
Panoramic View of Solan City
Thousands of Shining lights like stars studded on hills seen at Solan from Night
View of Solan at night

Geography[edit | edit source]

Solan is located at 30°55′N 77°07′E / 30.92°N 77.12°E / 30.92; 77.12.[16][17] It has an average elevation of 1502 metres (5249.34 feet). The highest point is atop Mount Karol, at 2280 metres. Pandava's cave, where Pandavas believed to have meditated during their 12-year exile, is located at the mountain top. Solan gets occasional snowfall during winters.[18]

Climate[edit | edit source]

Situated at an altitude of 1600 metres on average, Solan can be considered an average temperature hill station. Solan is neither as cold as Shimla, nor as hot as Kalka, as the temperatures hardly rise more than 35 °C (95 °F). That is why it is considered as an ideal station, from a residential point of view. During winters, Solan experiences light snowfall. Temperatures typically range from −4 °C (25 °F) to 34 °C (93 °F) over the course of a year, with record high temperature of 39 °C (102.2 °F).

Snowfall 2013, Solan
Hills of Solan city in fog during winters
Solan during monsoon

[19] [20]

Climate data for Solan (1991–2020, extremes 1999–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 29.0
(84.2) 		29.2
(84.6) 		32.5
(90.5) 		36.0
(96.8) 		38.0
(100.4) 		39.0
(102.2) 		35.1
(95.2) 		33.0
(91.4) 		33.5
(92.3) 		32.7
(90.9) 		30.2
(86.4) 		27.0
(80.6) 		39.0
(102.2)
Average high °C (°F) 18.4
(65.1) 		19.8
(67.6) 		24.0
(75.2) 		28.8
(83.8) 		31.5
(88.7) 		31.0
(87.8) 		28.8
(83.8) 		28.2
(82.8) 		28.1
(82.6) 		27.0
(80.6) 		23.8
(74.8) 		21.0
(69.8) 		25.8
(78.4)
Average low °C (°F) 2.3
(36.1) 		4.5
(40.1) 		8.4
(47.1) 		12.5
(54.5) 		16.0
(60.8) 		18.6
(65.5) 		20.2
(68.4) 		19.8
(67.6) 		16.8
(62.2) 		10.5
(50.9) 		5.8
(42.4) 		2.8
(37.0) 		11.6
(52.9)
Record low °C (°F) −3.6
(25.5) 		−2.8
(27.0) 		0.5
(32.9) 		4.6
(40.3) 		8.5
(47.3) 		12.5
(54.5) 		16.0
(60.8) 		15.0
(59.0) 		10.5
(50.9) 		5.0
(41.0) 		1.0
(33.8) 		−2.5
(27.5) 		−3.6
(25.5)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 49.5
(1.95) 		67.1
(2.64) 		55.9
(2.20) 		35.7
(1.41) 		51.1
(2.01) 		123.0
(4.84) 		221.6
(8.72) 		206.1
(8.11) 		148.2
(5.83) 		14.3
(0.56) 		4.5
(0.18) 		26.4
(1.04) 		1,003.5
(39.51)
Average rainy days 3.1 4.2 3.7 3.2 4.2 7.2 11.3 10.1 5.6 1.1 0.6 1.7 56.0
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST) 52 50 44 38 38 53 74 78 71 53 51 51 54
Source: India Meteorological Department[21][22][23]

Municipal Corporation and District administration[edit | edit source]

Municipal Corporation Solan is spread over an area of 33.43 km2 with a residential population of 39,256.[24] It is the third largest Municipal Corporation of Himachal Pradesh.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

According to the 2011 Indian census, Solan has a population of 39,256,[24] making it the second largest city in Himachal, after Shimla. Solan had an average literacy rate of 85.02%.[25]

Solan is a Municipal Council city. It is divided into 17 wards for which elections are held every 5 years. The Solan Municipal Council has population of 39,256, of which 21,182 are males, while 18,074 are females, as per report released by Census India 2011.

Population of children with age of 0–6 is 3,524, which is 8.98% of the total population of Solan (M Cl). In Solan Municipal Council, the female sex ratio is of 8:53, against state average of 9:72. Moreover, child age ratio in Solan is around 886, compared to Himachal Pradesh state average of 909. Literacy rate of Solan city is 93.02% higher than the state average of 82.80%. In Solan, male literacy is around 94.01%, while female literacy rate is 91.86%.

Solan Municipal Council has total administration over 9,803 houses, to which it supplies basic amenities, like water and sewerage.

Solan Work Profile Out of total population, 15,640 were engaged in work or business activity. Of this 12,147 were males, while 3,493 were females. In census surveys, 'worker' is defined as a person who does business, jobs, services, cultivation, and labour activity for profit. Of total 15,640 working population, 93.31% were engaged in main work, while 6.69% of total workers were engaged in marginal work.[26][27]

City area Solan Planning Area covers 3,343 hectares = 33.43 km2 of land (2nd Largest city area in Himachal Pradesh).[28]

HPPWD Solan rest house and parking
Solan city
Twinkling hills of solan city at night

Flora and fauna[edit | edit source]

The Solan planning area contains Chil, Ban, and Kail, mainly deodar cedar and pine trees in the city. Oak forests are also at higher elevations around moist locations. Places like Chail is the most predominant one for different species of vegetation. Besides the indigenous vegetation, there are ornamental and alien plantations too. It consists of silver oak, jhakranda, bottle brush, weeping willows, kachnar, grasses, etc.[18]

Due to variations in altitude, there is a variety of fauna in the region. The Himalayan black bear & panther, Leopard are the carnivores typically found in the area, whereas the Ghoral and the barking deer are the herbivores, found in and around the Solan planning area. Other animals include the jackal, mongoose, the Wildcats, monkeys & langurs, etc. Galliformes include Red junglefowl, pigeon, etc.[29]

Notable sites[edit | edit source]

Sharvilla Health resorts Solan
Hill Ranges of the Solan area looking south

Sports[edit | edit source]

As of 2018 an indoor stadium was planned.[32]

Education[edit | edit source]

Private universities[edit | edit source]

Shoolini University and Jaypee University, were ranked '100-150' among Universities in India in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2019[33]

Media[edit | edit source]

Notable people[edit | edit source]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Twilight view of Solan in monsoon from Mohan Park
    Twilight view of Solan in monsoon from Mohan Park
  • Solan bypass
    Solan bypass
  • Mall road, Solan
    Mall road, Solan
  • Solan Bypass
    Solan Bypass
  • Thoda dance wall painting, The Mall, Solan
    Thoda dance wall painting, The Mall, Solan
  • Shilly sanctuary area Solan
    Shilly sanctuary area Solan
  • Platinum Mall, Solan
    Platinum Mall, Solan
  • Bank lane, The Mall, Solan
    Bank lane, The Mall, Solan
  • Commercial mall, Solan.
    Commercial mall, Solan.
  • SOLAN
    SOLAN
  • Footpath on Mall road
    Footpath on Mall road
  • Amravati Hills, Solan
    Amravati Hills, Solan
  • Solan railway station in 1911
    Solan railway station in 1911
  • Solan Bypass traffic lights
    Solan Bypass traffic lights
  • Old DC office during Shoolini Utsav 2012
    Old DC office during Shoolini Utsav 2012
  • Historical Thodo ground Solan
    Historical Thodo ground Solan
  • North-east part of Solan city at night
    North-east part of Solan city at night
  • Sakpal of Shoolini Devi
    Sakpal of Shoolini Devi
  • Shoolini Mahotsav, Solan
    Shoolini Mahotsav, Solan
  • Shoolini Mahotsav, Solan
    Shoolini Mahotsav, Solan
  • Solan city from Mount Karol
    Solan city from Mount Karol
  • Kunihar valley, Solan
    Kunihar valley, Solan
  • Himachal Belle, Mohan Park
    Himachal Belle, Mohan Park
  • Nauni Fort in Solan district
    Nauni Fort in Solan district
  • Palace of Nalagarh Princely State
    Palace of Nalagarh Princely State
  • Palace of erstwhile Arki/Baghal State
    Palace of erstwhile Arki/Baghal State
  • Entrance of palace of Kuthar Princely State
    Entrance of palace of Kuthar Princely State

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Language and dialect of Himachal Pradesh" (PDF). Literary Herald.
  2. ↑ "District Solan, Government of Himachal Pradesh | Mushroom City Of India | India". Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Solan Travel and Tourism Guide".
  4. ↑ Capital of Bhagat state Archived 25 November 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  5. ↑ "Religious Places of Worship, Temples in Solan, India". www.touristlink.com. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  6. ↑ him_admin. "Monasteries". Himachal Tourism Official Website. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  7. ↑ Service, Tribune News. "Solan has Mushroom City tag, yet Himachal lags behind three states in production". Tribuneindia News Service. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  8. ↑ "DMR".
  9. ↑ "Solan Rising in Tourist arrivals".
  10. ↑ "Travel Is Our Passion: Trek To Karol Tibba, Pandava Cave". travelisourpassion.blogspot.in. 2 July 2014. Retrieved 2 June 2016.
  11. ↑ "Gurkha Fort".
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Historical Evolution Solan City" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2011.
  13. ↑ "Solan Railway Station". indiarailinfo.com.
  14. ↑ "anees villa". 25 December 2012.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Heritage" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2011.
  16. ↑ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Solan
  17. ↑ "Geographical setting" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2011.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Report page:8 Archived 21 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  19. ↑ "Climate Data for Solan".
  20. ↑ "Climate of Solan".
  21. ↑ "Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  22. ↑ "Station: Solan Climatological Table 1981–2010" (PDF). Climatological Normals 1981–2010. India Meteorological Department. January 2015. pp. 547–548. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  23. ↑ "Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. December 2016. p. M72. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "Census of India 2011, Himachal Pradesh, Solan City census" (PDF).
  25. ↑ "Solan Literacy Rate 2011".
  26. ↑ "Solan Town Population Census 2011". census2011.co.in. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  27. ↑ "DISTRICT CENSUS HANDBOOK SOLAN, VILLAGE AND TOWN DIRECTORY" (PDF). censusindia.gov.in. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  28. ↑ "Proposed land use of Solan Planning Area" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2011.
  29. ↑ Report page:9 Archived 21 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  30. ↑ "CM inaugurates Water Park at Sadhupul". The Tribune India, Himachal. 1 July 2017.
  31. ↑ "Tourist Attractions in Solan".
  32. ↑ "HP allocates Rs 45.4 cr for sports". The Statesman. 1 September 2018.
  33. ↑ Ananthakrishnan, Nilakantan (2018). "National Institutional Ranking Framework criteria are against the interests of health science institutions". The National Medical Journal of India. 31 (6): 379–380. doi:10.4103/0970-258x.262902. ISSN 0970-258X. PMID 31397379. S2CID 199033574.
  34. ↑ "Mera Solan". Divya Himachal. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  35. ↑ "National Mushroom Conference".

[1]

External links[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Jatoli Shiva Temple Tallest Shiva Temple Of Asia Retrieved 03 July 2025.
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