Image Source: Anup Kumar Sinha
About Waknaghat
Waknaghat is a small but increasingly significant town located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Like Kandaghat, it sits on the famous Kalka-Shimla National Highway (NH-5).
Geographical Setting
Waknaghat sits at a slightly higher elevation of about 1,550 metres (5,085 feet) than Kandaghat. Its position on the ridge offers clear views of the Shivalik and middle Himalayas. The area is surrounded by pine forests, step-farming fields, and small villages—typical of mid-Himachal landscapes.
What Makes Waknaghat Special
Educational Hub:
Waknaghat is best known today for Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT)—a major private university perched on a hill. The university has given Waknaghat a youthful, cosmopolitan edge, drawing students from across India. This academic identity is what really sets Waknaghat apart from quieter hill stops like Kandaghat.
Strategic Location
Because it lies on the NH-5, Waknaghat is a convenient rest stop for tourists heading to Shimla, Chail, Kandaghat, Kufri, and Solan. Small dhabas, fruit stalls, and roadside viewpoints make it a good stopover.
Connectivity
Waknaghat is well-connected by road, with frequent buses and taxis between Solan, Shimla, Kalka, and Chandigarh. It also has a railway station nearby (Kumarhatti or Kandaghat are the closest narrow-gauge stations for toy trains).
Nearby Attractions
While Waknaghat itself doesn’t have prominent standalone tourist sites like Kandaghat’s proximity to Chail, it does offer access to nearby places:
The JUIT campus itself is beautiful and open for visitors with permission—designed with stone buildings and panoramic views.
Kiarighat: A scenic pine-forest rest area just 3 km away, known for picnic spots.
Barog: A charming hill station about 8 km away, known for the Barog Railway Tunnel on the Kalka-Shimla route.
Solan: The Mushroom City of India is about 15 km away—visit the Shoolini Mata Temple, Mohan Shakti Heritage Park, or the Solan Brewery (one of India’s oldest breweries).