About Solan

Located about 45 KM away from Shimla, Solan is also nicknamed as “City of Red Gold” because of its huge production of tomatoes. The name of the city is given after the main deity of this region. Shoolini Mata.


Because of its strategic geographical location, strong association with history and culture of the region and development of infrastructure in the recent time, Solan has created an important place in the tourism map of India.

History of Solan

Solan has existed since the time of the Mahabharata. According to the Hindu Mythology, Pandavas stayed in this place during their exile period. Solan was constituted with former princely states of this region. Those states were Bhagat, Bhagal, Kuthar, Kunihar, Beja, Mangal, Mahlog, Nalagarh and some parts of Kothi and Keonthal. Due to the invasion of the Gurkhas during the period 1803 to 1805, most of the princely states got ambushed. In 1815, these states became free when the British Army defeated the Gurkhas. Solan Town was the capital of the Baghat Princely State. Solan City underwent lots of transformation during the British Rule.


The British Government had established a cantonment area in Solan. Later on in 1855, Solan had got its first brewery, Solan Brewery, established in 1855 as the area had very good quality of mineral water.  In the year 1902 Solan became the part of heritage railway route of Shimla-Kalka.  Around the same time, Kalka-Solan-Shimla roadway was opened for transportation which helped in the overall development of this area. In the year 1950, Solan Municipal Council was set up. Only after got recognition as an independent district in 1972 September, Solan City got declared as the district headquarters.

Location and Geography of Solan

Solan is surrounded by important cities and districts of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. In its north is the Shimla District and in its south are the Ambala District (Haryana) and Ropar District (Punjab). In the east of it, Sirmaur District (Himachal Pradesh) is present and in the west is the Bilaspur District (Himachal Pradesh).  The latitude and longitude of Solan City are 30.92 0N and 77.12 0E respectively. The city has an average elevation of 1502 m.

The highest point of Solan is the Mount Karol which has an elevation of 2280 m. Solan City enjoys pleasant climate throughout the year. The maximum temperature of this city is 320C and the minimum temperature is about -40C. The city gets snowfall during winter months.  March to November is the best period to plan a trip to Solan as temperature is neither too high nor too low.

Flora and Fauna of Solan

Solan houses diverse flora and fauna because of its climatic condition and location. The main trees found here are Ban, Deodar, Kail, Chil, Pine and Oak. Grooves of Oak Trees form dense forest in and around Solan. Trees like Kachnar, Bottle Brush, Silver Oak, Weeping Willows and Jhakranda are also found in Solan.


As Solan has different altitudes, diverse fauna is found here. The main animals found here are Panther, Black Bear, Barking Deer, Ghoral, Mongoose, Jungle Cat, Langurs, Monkeys and Jackal. The birds found here are Kolsa, ghughi, Pigeon, Jungle Fowl, Dhaula Teetar etc.

Demographics of Solan

According to 2011 Census, population of Solan City is 102, 078 and it ranks next to Shimla, the most populated city of Himachal Pradesh. The average literacy rate of Solan is 85.02. The Municipal Council of Solan is the largest Municipal Council of the state and has total area of 33.43 sq km. The common languages used here are Pahari and Punjabi. The official Language of Solan is English.

Economy in Solan

Solan is evolving as an important industrial center of Himachal Pradesh State. Tourism sector plays the most important role in the economic growth of Solan. Tourism based industries and businesses like hotel, banking, travel and tour companies, cyber cafes, entertainment sports, transportation, handicrafts and handlooms, food processing, leather etc. are booming at a great rate. Solan Brewery also plays significant role in the economy of this place by marketing products in the domestic and the international market. Insurance companies and software and IT based companies have also started venturing in Solan. Solan is an important pharmaceutical center of India since 1999.

Culture in Solan

Solan is inhabited with simple and friendly people. Residents of Solan are Pahari, Punjabi and Tibetans thus the city has a blending of culture. Irrespective of their ethnicity, people of this city take part in various religious and social activities together.  These people respect their culture and heritage a lot and always try to remain associated with the tradition of the region through their dresses, dances, songs and other rituals. Most of the ladies of Solan wear salwar kameez on regular basis. The traditional dress for women in Solan is Ghagra-Suit which is worn during different festivals or social functions. Traditional Jewelry items of Solan are Gajru, Chaak and nine Ladi Haar which are generally worn by the artists performing traditional dances.


Traditional dance of Solan is Pahari Giddha which is actually originated from Kunihar. Another type of traditional dance of Solan is Thodo, which is exhibited during the annual Shoolini Fair in Solan. This dance is based on archery, a popular sport of this region. Shoolini Mela or Shoolini Fair is an internationally famed fair that gets organized every year near the temple of Shoolini Mata in the Solan in the month of June.
 
Use of spices such as cinnamon, chillies, cloves and cardamom is the specialty of food items of Solan. Traditional dishes of Solan like Poode, Patande, Pachole, Sidu, Askalu, and Luske are prepared during festivals or social functions. Dham is the traditional community meal of Solan which is prepared by special group of Brahmins during special occasions. Chapatti, Rice and Vegetables are the staple food people of Solan. Pickles, milk products, curd and sweets are also part of daily food items of people in Solan. Dry fruits are used as main ingredients of many food items.

Administration in Solan

For administrative sake, the entire district of Solan is divided into 4 subdivisions where Solan sub-division has 2 tehsils namely Solan and Kasauli. Deputy Commissioner is the head of the administrative setup of the district who is assisted by Additional Deputy Commissioner. SDM Solan reports to ADM. Tehsildar of Solan along with Tehsildar of Kasauli and Naib Tehsildar of Krishnagarh report to SDM Solan. Solan Municipal Corporation looks after general sanitation, roads, public property, taxes and revenues and registration of births and deaths in Solan City. Solan City has been transformed to Solan Municipal Corporation from Solan Municipal Council in the year 2009.
 

Tourism of Solan

Solan has many interesting places in and around it. Many tourists heading towards Shimla, Kinnaur and other destinations of Himachal Pradesh State prefer to take halt at Solan for a day or two.  Some of the must-visit places of Solan are Karol Tibba, Mohan Shakti Heritage Park, Kiarighat, Khetrapal Marg, Nalagarh Palace, Arki Fort, Nauni Fort, Kuthar Fort, Dagshai Rail Museum, Jawahar Park, Children’s Park, Shoolini Mata Temple, Bonpo Monastery, Jatoli Shiva Temple, Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary, Manjhathal Wildlife Sanctuary, and Darlaghat Wildlife Sanctuary.


Solan also houses many heritage buildings which mesmerize viewers with their architectural marvel and historical significance. They are Solan Railway Station, Hari Mandir, Anees Villa, Krishna Niwas, Nanak Villa, Old Guest house of Baghat State etc.
 
Tourists do enjoy other activities like rafting, camping, trekking and shopping in Solan. Solan houses some popular market places and shopping malls where tourists get all types of local items and branded items as well. Read More.............

Transport in Solan

Solan is well approachable from all parts of Himachal Pradesh, adjoining states and other parts the country. Solan is located on Delhi-Shimla National Highway No. 22 and can be reached by buses, taxis and other road transport via road. Solan has direct bus services connecting it to other districts of Himachal Pradesh. Other important roads connecting Solan to its nearby cities are towns are Solan - Jatoli Road passing through Damrog; Solan – Arki Road passing through Subathu; Solan – Rajgarh Road; Solan – Kandaghat Road passing through Salumana and Basal; Solan – Jaunaji Road and Solan – Ashwani Khad Road.


Buses connecting to Solan and other major cities and town of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh and Uttaranchal etc. are very frequent. Buses are run by Himachal Road Transport Corporation and also by the private bus owners. HRTC buses are of 4 types. They are- High Tech buses, City buses or Mudrika Bus Services, Tata AC buses and ordinary buses. Solan Bus Depots have Interstate and Intrastate bus services. Buses for about 206 routes are available from Solan HRTC Bus Depot. Solan has two bus- stands; the New Bus Stand is located beneath ITI Solan and is on the by-pass Road. It is the main bus-stand of the city. The other one is the Old Bus Stand located near The Mall in Solan City.

Solan is part of Kalka-Shimla Heritage Railway. Solan is very well connected to Chandigarh through rail services. Through Kalka, Solan gets connected to the broad gauge railway that connects Solan to the other parts of India.

Jubbarhati Airport of Shimla and Chandigarh Airport are the nearest airports to Solan. From these airports, passengers get taxis, private cars and buses to reach Solan easily.

Lifestyle of Solan

When it comes to the lifestyle of Solan, people has an easy going and simple lifestyle here. You can get all the facilties that you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Be it beauty parlor or  a boutique, Solan has it all.

Beauty Parlors in Solan

Solan beauty parlors have trained professionals to cater the needs of men and women both. Find the list of beauty parlors in Solan:

Beauty Hair Dressers
Address:
Solan HO,
Near Bus Stand,
Solan - 173212
Phone No.: 9816 422 910

Chandel's Beauty Parlour
Address:
Lower Bazar,
Palace Road,
Solan HO,
Solan - 173212
Phone No.: 9816 024 871

Shabnam Beauty Parlour
Address:
Sukh Bhawan,
Tank Road,
Near Boy School,
Solan HO,
Solan – 173212
Phone No.: 9857 369 575

Grace Beauty Parlour
Address:
Old Dav School Building,
Rajgarh Road,
Near NCC Office,
Solan Ho,
Solan – 173212
Phone No.: 9418 020 626

Saundarya Beauty Parlour
Address:
Near Narsingh Mandir,
 Rajgarh,
Solan HO,
Solan – 173212
Phone No.: 9817 069 034

Femina Beauty Parlour
Address:
Ganj Bazar,
Solan HO,
Solan – 173212
Phone No.: 01792 220 891

Sringar Beauty Parlour
Address:
Lower Bazar,
Solan HO,
Solan – 173212
Phone No.: 01792 325 149

Himanshi Beauty Parlour
Address:
Rajgarh Road,
Solan HO,
Solan
Phone No.: 01792 329 863

Usha Beauty Parlour
Address:
Upper Bazar,
Solan HO,
Solan – 173212
Phone No.: 9817 072 927

Neelu Beauty Parlour
Address:
Central Plaza,
 Solan HO,
 Solan – 173212
Phone No.: 9318 617 524

Nikhar Beauty Parlour
Address:
Rajgarh Road,
Solan HO,
Solan – 173212
Phone No.: 01792 329 910

Styles Beauty Parlour
Address:
The Mall Solan,
Rajgarh Road,
Solan – 173212
Phone No.: 9882 572 400

Diksha Beauty Parlour
Address:
Saproon,
The Mall,
Rajgarh Road,
Solan Ho,
Solan – 173212
Phone No.: 9218 600 157

New Stylo Beauty Parlour
Address:
Murari Market,
Main Road,
Solan HO,
Solan – 173212
Phone No.: 9882 469 398

Bhanu Cosmetic and Beauty Parlour
Address:
Main Road,
Kumarhatti,
Solan – 173229
Phone No.: 9817 415 687

Chand Beauty Parlour
Address:
Dharampur,
Solan
Phone No.: 9418 283 271

Ritu’s Beauty Parlour & Training Center
Address:
Baddi, SAI Road,
Solan – 173205
Phone No.: 9882 190 440

Babi Beauty Parlour
Address:
Housing Board,
Solan – 173205
Phone No.: 9837 870 568

Mehak Beauty Parlour
Address:
Main Bazar,
Baddi,
Solan – 173205
Phone No.: 9218 975 392

Ashu Beauty Parlour
Address:
Main Bazar,
Nalagarh,
Solan – 174101
Phone No.: 9817 038 346

Goldy Beauty Parlour
Address:
Nalagarh Main Bazar,
Solan – 174101
Phone No.: 9736 295 342

Shakila Beauty Parlour
Address:
Main Bazar, Nalagarh,
Solan – 174101
Phone No.: 8091 360 540

Twinkle Beauty Parlour
Address:
Main Bazar, Nalagarh,
Solan – 174101
Phone No.: 9816 713 643

Boutiques in Solan

Boutiques play an important role in the lifestyle of people in the recent time. Solan also houses boutiques where visitors get to see innovatively designed dresses and accessories. Find here the list of boutiques in Solan.



Mahak Boutique
Address:
Rebon,
K K Blossoms Activity School
Solan - 173205
Phone No.: 8894 222 370

Saheen Boutique
Address:
Near Laj Dharmkanta
SAI Road
Solan - 173205
Phone No.: 9805 197 239

Darpna Boutique
Address:
Gole Market,
Near HP Gas Office
Sect – 1
Parwanoo
Solan – 173212
Phone No.: 9459 916 788

D. D. Boutique
Address:
The Mall Road,
Solan - 173212
Phone No.: 01792 222 486

Sarita Boutiques
Address:
Old Court Road,
Solan HO
Solan - 173212
Phone No.: 9418 151 689

Sanjana Stitch-N-Style
Address:
Hospital Road,
Solan HO
Solan - 173212
Phone No.: 01792 223183

Sanskriti Boutique
Address:
Anand Cinema Complex
The Mall,
Solan - 173212
Phone No.: 9816 521 161

Services in Solan

Public utility services are in abundant in Solan. You can find bank branches of both nationalized as well as private banks. Not only bank branches, Solan have good number of petrol pumps, cyber cafes, photography studios, catering service providers etc. In short, Solan can provide you with whatever you need.

Petrol Pumps in Solan

People keep coming to Solan and petrol pumps and filling stations in Solan help the locals and visitors to get sufficient fuel for their vehicles and get their vehicles serviced. Find  here the list of petrol pumps in Solan.

Gagan Filling Station
Address:
India Oil Petrol Pump,
Kunihar,
Solan – 173207
Phone No.: 01792 262 251

Baghal Service Station
Address:
Village Dugnihar,
P.O. Daria, Arki
Phone No.: 9816 388 803

Solan Filling Station
Address:
Bye-Pass Road,
Solan HO,
Solan – 173212
Phone No.: 01792 225 894

Catering Services in Solan

Be it a social function, religious occasion, family get-together or office party, catering services in Solan make it memorable with excellent food items, good decoration and professional services.

Find here the list of catering services in Solan.

Rattan Ccatering Services
Address:
Lakkar Bazar
Solan

Thakur Catering Services
Address:
Jaunaji Road
Solan
Phone No.: 9218 798 475

Cyber Café in Solan

Cyber Cafes in Solan have excellent setup where locals and tourists keep coming to surf internet, do financial transaction and get connected to rest of the world.


Netindya Cyber Cafe
Address:
2nd Floor, Mohan Complex
Opposite Geeta Garments
Ganj Bazar
Solan - 173212
Phone No.: 9418 451 874
Email Id: netindya@gmail.com

Digital Photostat & Communication Centre
Address:
Saproon,
The Mall,
Rajgarh Road,
Solan HO,
Solan - 173212
Phone no.: 1792 220 739 / 9418 022 349

Saral Technologies
Address:
Murari Market,
Main Road,
Solan HO,
Solan - 173212
Phone no.: 9882 366 315

Akarshit Com
Address:
Main Road,
Solan Bypass Chowk,
Pwd Resthouse
Solan - 173211
Phone no.: 9805 909 009

OM Cyber Valley
Address:
Central The Mall Saproon,
Near Central Bank
Saproon,
Solan - 173211

Abhishek Internet Plaza
Address:
SAI Road,
Baddi,
Solan - 173205
Phone no.: 9318 933 001

The Dream Cyber Cafe
Address:
Ward No-2,
Shiv Mandir Road,
Baddi,
Solan - 173205
Phone no.: 9805 553 253 / 8894 897 222

D D Cyber Cafe
Address:
Main Bazar,
Nalagarh,
Main Road,
Solan - 174101
Phone no.: 9318 103 306

Bank Branches in Solan

Banks play important role in the economic development of any place. Nationalized and private banks have their branches opened in different parts of Solan to help the locals and the visitors to perform their financial transactions well.



State Bank of India
Address:
Arki
Village and PO - Arki
Solan - 173208

State Bank of India
Address:
Village and PO - Darlaghat
Solan

The other SBI braches in Solan are in:

• Jaunaji
• Nalagarh
• Solan By-pass
• Subathu

Punjab National Bank
Address:
Nalagarh
Solan
Phone No: 01795 223 071

Punjab National Bank
Address:
By-Pass Road
Near DAV School
Solan - 173213
Phone No.: 01792 226 695
 
Punjab National Bank
Address:
Kunihar
Solan - 173207
Phone No.: 01796 260 495

Punjab National Bank
Address:
The Mall
Solan – 173212
Phone No.: 01792 223 659

Punjab National Bank
Address:
Dagshai,
Solan
Phone No.: 01792 266 158

The other PNB branches in Solan

• Bhoj Nagar
• Subathu
• Jagjit Nagar
• Piplughat
• Chambaghat Solan
• Deegal

Bank of India
Address:
Bhakru Complex Rajagra,
DC Office
Solan – 174102

State Bank of Patiala
Address:
Main Road,
Solan – 173212
Phone no.: 01792 223 241

State Bank of Patiala
Address:
Main Branch Nalagarh
Solan – 174101
State Bank of Patiala
Address:
Village Damrog
PO: Galanag
Solan

ICICI Bank
Address:
Kapoor Complex,
The Mall
Solan – 173212

IDBI Bank
Address:
Sco 9, 10
Fauzi Complex
SAI Road
Solan - 173105

Mobile Repairing Centers in Solan

Solan houses a number of branded mobile repairing centers those offer quality mobile rearing services. Below are some of the mobile repairing centers in Solan:



Thakur Mobile Repairing Center
Address:
Pakka Darvaja,
Nalagarh,
Solan - 174101
Phone no.: 9805 324 590

Rattan Mobile
Address:
S No-14,
Solan HO,
New Bus Stand
Solan – 173212
Phone no.: 9817 007 700 / 9218 507 700

Mobile World
Address:
Shop No. A,
Rampur Bushaha
Phase -1,
Indira Market,
Solan HO,
Solan - 173212,
Phone no.: 9816 347 223

Mobile Solution
Address:
SAI Road,
Baddi,
Solan - 173205
Phone no.: 9816 206 622 / 9318 593 015

Bablu Communication
Address:
SAI Road,
Baddi,
Solan - 173205
Phone no.: 9882 000 088

Mobile Clinic
Address:
Opp. Winsome Textiles,
1st Floor SAI Road,
Baddi,
Solan - 173205
Phone no.: 9882 121 656 / 9857 247 786

Frank Solutions
Address:
Shop No-3,
Chankya Complex,
 The Mall
Solan HO,
Solan - 173212,
Phone no.: 9459 000 590 / 9218 970 002 / 9816 660 002

Nokia Care Center
Address:
Sco 5 & 6,
1st Floor,
Foji Complex,
SAI Road,
Baddi,
Solan - 173205
Phone no.: 1795 245 693 / 8894 111 980

Harender Electricals & Repairing Centre
Address:
Gularwala,
SAI Road,
Baddi,
Solan - 173205
Phone no.: 9882 538 860

Raj Mobile Store
Address:
T Service Co Road,
Baddi,
 Solan - 173205
Phone no.: 9736 271 500

Banquet Halls in Solan

For organizing events in Solan, there are AC and non-AC banquet halls with all required facilities. Find here the list of banquet halls in Solan.



Parmeshwar Hall
Address:
Centrosa Resort Private Limited,
Rajgarh Road
Solan HO
Solan – 173212
Phone No.:  9805 918 282

Best Western Royal Park
Address:
National Highway 21 A
Nalagarh
Bhud
Baddi
Solan 
Phone No.: 9805 094 000

Abhishek Banquet
Address:
Deonghat
Solan HO
Solan - 173212
Phone No.: 9816 022 434

Orange Resort
Address:
Jharmajri Heights
Baddi
Solan – 173205
Phone No.: 9218 512 888

Hotel Apex
Address:
Bhud, Nalagarh
Solan – 173205
Phone No.: 9218 566 608

Courier Service in Solan

Solan has courier service offered by almost all domestic and international courier services. Faster and safe delivery and pickup of letters, documents and parcels are done by these courier service providers.  Find here the list of courier services in Solan.



Blue Dart Express Ltd
Address:
Chopra Chambers,
Ground Floor,
Commercial Complex,
Deoghat,
Solan - 173211
Phone No.: 9218 488 401

On Dot Couriers & Cargo Ltd
Address:
SAI Road,
Baddi,
Solan - 173205
Phone No.: 7832 903 005

First Flight Couriers Ltd
Address:
Baddi,
Gole Market
Solan - 173205
Phone No.: 9816 314 216

Track On Couriers
Address:
Nalagarh
Solan - 174101
Phone No.: 9816 024 165

Madhur Courier Services
Address:
Shop No 3,
Parak View Complex,
Near D C Office,
Solan Ho,
Solan - 173212
Phone No.: 9816 429 427

Akash Ganga Courier Ltd
Address:
Jama Masjid Complex,
Solan HO,
Solan - 173212
Phone No.: 9418 104 794

Thakur Express
Address:
Jama Masjid Complex,
Solan - 173205 
Phone No.: 9418 511 153

Origin Express India Limited
Address:
Near Dawat Restaurant
SAI Road
Baddi
Solan - 173205
Phone No.: 01795 246 277

Saini Communication
Address:
Tata Motor Service Station,
Nalagarh,
Solan - 174101
Phone No.: 01792 220 311

Airstate Logistics Pvt Ltd
Address:
Baddi,
Solan - 173205
Phone No.:9255 881 538
Apex ENT
Address:
Baddi,
Solan – 173205
Phone No.: 9816 405 287

Photography Studios in Solan

In Solan you can get quality photographers as well as photography studios. Below are some the renowned photography studios in Solan.



Rajeev Studio
Address:
Baddi,
Sai Road,
Opp Winson Textile Ltd
Solan - 173205
Phone no.: 9459 113 811

Tattoo Studio
Address:
Main Bazar,
SAI Road,
Baddi,
Near Gupta Hospital
Solan - 173205,
Phone no.: 9736 191 123

Chandigarh Studio
Address:
Shop No - 7,
Gole Market,
Nalagarh,
Near Girls School
Solan HO,
Solan - 173212
Phone no.: 1792 222 081 / 9816 232 081

Himachal Studio
Address:
Adjoining Anand Cinema,
I.T.I Road,
Solan HO,
Solan - 173212
Phone no.: 1792 220 264 / 9816 082 369

Bunty Studio
Address:
Anand Cinema Complex,
Solan HO,
Solan - 173212,
Phone no.: 9816 072 637

Simran Aman Photo Studio
Address:
Jandev Complex,
Near Hari Mandir,
Solan HO,
Solan - 173212
Phone no.: 1792 226 949

Shubham Art Studio
Address:
Solan HO,
Solan - 173212,
Chowk Bazar
Phone no.: 9816 785 869

Narender Art Studio
Address:
Chowk Bazar,
The Mall
Circular Road,
Solan HO,
Solan - 173212
Phone no.: 1792 224 669 / 9816 081 369
   
Cine Art Studio
Address:
Uppar Bazar,
The Mall, Solan,
Circular Road,
Solan HO,
Solan - 173212
Phone no.: 1792 225 786 / 9418 037 575

Fact File of Solan

Total Area: 33.43 sq km
Average Elevation: 1502 m
Total Population: 102, 078
Latitude: 30.905 0N
Longitude: 77.097 0E
Official Language: English
Common Languages: Pahari, Punjabi