Image Source: Yuvraj Thakur
About Kandaghat
Situated at an elevation of about 1,425 meters (4,675 feet), Kandaghat is a hill town located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, india. Strategically on the Kalka-Shimla highway (NH-5) the town lies midway, located just 30 km from Shimla, the state capital, and around 25 km from Solan town.
Geography and Climate
Unlike Shimla, which often gets crowded in tourist season, Kandaghat offers an uncrowded alternative. You enjoy a mild and pleasant climate for most of the year. In summer the temperature remains in the range of 15°C to 30°C. While in winter the region rarely receives any snowfall. It’s a year-round destination.
Its location on the gentle slopes of Shivalik hills is covered in pine forests, apple orchards, and scenic hills. The town is an excellent base for short hikes and nature walks.
Historical Significance
Kandaghat is a historically important place. It lies en route to Chail, a hill station that was once the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala. During the journey, Kandaghat used to serve as a halt for royal convoys traveling from Patiala and Kalka to Chail and Shimla.
One of its lesser-known historical landmarks is the Gurkha Fort at Subathu, which is about an hour’s drive from Kandaghat. This fort dates back to the early 19th when the Gurkhas ruled over parts of Himachal before the British annexation.
Tourism and Attractions
While Kandaghat itself is serene and uncrowded, it is known more as a base to explore nearby attractions:
1. Chail Palace: Just about 28 km away, the Chail Palace is a magnificent structure built in the late 19th century by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. The surrounding Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is home to deer, Himalayan black bears, and diverse birdlife.
2. Karol Tibba Trek: Adventure seekers use Kandaghat as a base for the Karol Tibba trek, which leads to one of the highest peaks in the Solan region. Karol Tibba is also known for its ancient Pandava cave, believed to be connected to the Mahabharata.
3. Kali Ka Tibba: A beautiful hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, located near Chail but easily reachable from Kandaghat. The panoramic views of the Choor Chandni and Shivalik ranges are stunning.
4. Local Orchards and Forests: Kandaghat’s surroundings are dotted with apple orchards and pine forests, offering opportunities for short village walks and local interactions.
5. Railway Heritage: The Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, passes close to Kandaghat. The nearby railway stations and old bridges are themselves tourist attractions for heritage lovers.
Local Life and Culture
Kandaghat reflects typical Himachali village life. The people are warm and mostly engaged in horticulture and small-scale farming. You’ll find traditional Himachali homes, terraced fields, and vibrant local fairs during festivals like Dussehra and Diwali .
Its calm pace of life makes it appealing for those seeking homestay experiences or spiritual retreats. Some colonial-era bungalows have been converted into small guesthouses and resorts.
Accessibility
Kandaghat is easily accessible by road and rail. The nearest broad-gauge railway station is Kalka, about 55 km away, while the Kandaghat station on the Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge railway brings in nostalgic toy trains chugging through tunnels and pine forests. The nearest airport is Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti), about 45 km away.