Quick Facts

Quick Facts

General Overview

• Location: Himachal Pradesh, India (between Kalka and Shimla)
• Altitude: ~1,550 meters (5,085 ft) above sea level
• Known as:
  • The Mushroom City of India
  • The City of Red Gold  (due to tomato production)

 Historical Background

• Named after Goddess Shoolini, the local deity
• Was the capital of the Baghat princely state during British rule
• Shoolini Devi Temple is a major spiritual site

 Climate

• Summer: Pleasant and moderate (April–June)
• Monsoon: Green and fresh but with occasional landslides
• Winter: Cool, rarely snowy (Dec–Feb)
• Best time to visit: March to June and September to November

 Tourist Attractions

• Shoolini Mata Temple – Spiritual heart of the city
• Mohan Meakin Brewery – One of India’s oldest breweries
• Jatoli Shiv Temple – A beautiful hilltop temple
• Karol Tibba & Meteol Tibba – Trekking spots with scenic views
• Children’s Park – Popular among families
• Solan Heritage Park – Showcases Himachali art and culture

 Education & Research

• Home to Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry – First of its kind in Asia
• Mushroom Research Centre – Contributes to its mushroom city status

 Transport

• Located on the Kalka–Shimla UNESCO toy train route
• Well connected by road to Shimla, Chandigarh, and Delhi