Amsterdam Of India
Kasol is the very famous hill station in Himachal Pradesh, full of lush greenery and charming beauty, and is the tourist destination for a huge number of visitors for obvious reasons. It is also known as the “Amsterdam of India” and “mini-Israel” because of the huge influx of Israeli tourists.
Many Israelis find Kasol as their home. It is a beautiful hamlet which reflects Israeli culture, you can even get great variety of genuine Israeli food as well. It is situated among the lush green pines of the Parvati Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
It is also famous for its culture and the peace around here. It is very well known for the hippie culture. Also, on religious terms, there is a famous Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib, commonly known for its hot water spring, just near Kasol . An unexplored destination that has iconic landscapes and pleasant weather, It makes for a great summer escape. With number of hostels and cheap accommodations available, the village is also a popular destination among young backpackers seeking adventure.
It is blessed with fantastic weather throughout the year and experiences the entire cycle of seasons. Whether it is the pleasantness of the summer months or the snowfall of the winter months, the weather in Kasol is a beauty in all seasons you visit.
March to June is the best time to plan a trip for the first-timers and experience a lot of activities truly. Seasoned visitors who want to experience the beauty of different weathers can choose to do so in almost any month barring monsoon. Roads are mostly well maintained throughout the year.
Engage with the villagers who are just as welcoming as the natural surroundings and try some local cuisine for a new experience. Kasol holds a Trance Music Festival annually for all the trance music lovers in India, which is also a one-of-a-kind experience. A small village with so many options to engage in, Kasol, is definitely a treat for anyone on a budget with a great passion for travelling.
There are no direct trains or buses to Kasol. The maximum number of buses are available from Delhi. You can take a bus from Delhi to Bhuntar and then opt for a local HRTC Bus from Bhuntar to Kasol which is a roughly 50 mins journey. The buses from Delhi to Bhuntar can be booked from Himachal Bhavan which costs nearly INR 1000. If you don’t want to travel by bus you can also rent a car from Bhuntar to Kasol. In this way, you can explore the natural beauty at your own pace.
Places To Visit
Manikaran Sahib
Located at a distance of 4 km from Kasol along the banks of river Parvati in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, Manikaran is known as a famous pilgrimage destination for both Sikhs and Hindus. A good number of temples, Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib and hot springs attract pilgrims and tourists alike.
Chalal
While Kasol gets the spotlight amongst the villages of the Parvati Valley, one can enjoy the true serenity of the magical Himachal Pradesh by trekking a little further from this major town to the quaint little village of Chalal. Situated at an altitude of over 5300 feet and a 30-minute trek away from the tourist hub of Kasol, Chalal has managed to retain its old-world mountain village rustic charm.
Parvati River
Parvati River flows through the Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh and is an indispensable part of this gorgeous region. The thundering river originates from the Man Talai Glacier, flowing north through Parvati Valley and eventually flowing into the Beas River near Kulu. Though not really a place to visit, the Parvati River is definitely a top attraction in Kasol.
Malana
Isolated from the rest of the world lies a solitary village in Malana Nala, which is a side valley of the Parvati Valley. Known as Malana or the Malana Village, it is located in the Kullu district. Widely known for its strong culture and religious beliefs, with various sentiments embedded in the past, it is a place meant for people who seek spiritual guidance.
FAQs : Kasol
Which month is best for Kasol?
The best time to visit Kasol is March, April, May and June.
Is Kasol safe for family?
One of the key reasons to avoid visiting Kasol with your family is because it is a hub of marijuana lovers.
How expensive is food in Kasol?
It will cost you around Rs 400-500 for all meals if you only eat at cafes.