"Kasol is a second home for a traveler in India! Green, chill, smoke & lost"

Are you thinking about a getaway with your friends? Are you mad about the serene scenic beauty of nature? Are you crazy to take some amazing shots of serene nature? The answer to all your questions is "A Trip to Kasol". 

If you haven't planned yet, then you are on the right blog. I am going to share with you a complete travel guide and our experiences, along with the tips and measures you should follow.

About Kasol:

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. Kasol is in Kullu district, situated in Parvati Valley, on the way between Bhuntar and Manikaran. It is around 30KM from Bhuntar and 3.4 KM from Manikaran.

Kasol is also known as mini-Israel and the Amsterdam of India because of a great number of foreigners and Israel visitors. They prefer to live here as their home. Don't be surprised if you find more Israelis than Indians here.

Parvati River in Kasol

Culture in Kasol:

Kasol is also famous for its culture and the peace around here. Kasol 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. You will also find Lord Shiva followers in the mountains and valleys. The nearby Parvati valley and Shiva temple attract the followers.

The adventurous trek, beautiful villages, and the sight of Parvati Valley will make your trip a dreamy and glorious one. Nature feels so good here that you will never want to leave Kasol. The mesmerizing views, beautiful greenery, amazing landscape, phenomenal weather are something which you can't miss in one place.

The mesmerizing view of Kasol with Lush green pine trees and snow-covered Mountains

One more thing, the easy availability of the world-famous Malana cream makes Kasol really popular. This is probably one of the reasons to pull peace searching seekers to come here.

In Kasol, Hemp is grown in the wild

How is the Weather in Kasol?

Throughout the year, Kasol is blessed with tremendous weather and experiences all seasons of the cycle. You will experience pleasant summer and gratifying snowfall in the winters. In every season, Kasol's weather is just amusing.

Monsoon in the Kasol is just a delight. You will find a fantastic landscape, with lush greenery covering the valleys along the Parvati river. The weather is pleasant for the whole year. It's just that the temperature in the winters may reach as below as 0 to -1 degrees.

You can decide which season you like the most or how you want to amuse yourself, snow in the mountains or green lush all around the mountains. It is totally up to you!!

Tip: Try to avoid the monsoon, because the valleys and the places would be slippery. It is not preferred to go on the trek in the rainy season.

Beautiful scenic view in Kasol

What is the Best Time To Visit Kasol?

If you are a first-timer, then the best time to visit Kasol is from March to June. 

During Summers, the temperature will be around 15 degrees, you can chill around and trek. This is one of the reasons, why most Indians prefer summer to visit Kasol. Kasol is crowded during this summer. There will be parties and a chilling and hippie atmosphere during this time.

If you want less crowded and less commercial activity, choose to visit during the post-monsoon period, i.e September to November. There will be greenery and a bit colder.

Monsoon should be avoided, as the area is prone to landslides.

Beautiful Parvati river water level rises in Monsoon

How To Reach Kasol?

There are many ways to reach Kasol, you can pick anyone as per your choice,

1. Airway: Bhuntar is the nearest airport, which is 31 KM away. But be aware that there are limited flights to Bhuntar. The other nearby airport is Chandigarh airport, which is 295KM away. If you are taking this route, you can book a taxi from Bhuntar airport, and within an hour you will reach Kasol.

2. Railway: The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar railway station, which is 144 KM away from Kasol. It will take 4-5 hours to reach Kasol. You can directly book a cab after reaching the station.

There is another way also, take an early morning Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Chandigarh and reach there before 11 AM. After reaching Chandigarh, you can book a taxi or cab and reach Kasol.

3. Roadway: The best way for a Kasol trip is by Road. The distance from Delhi to Kasol is around 565KM. It will take around 12 hours. You will find amazing "Dhabas" on the Delhi-Chandigarh highway one of them is in Murthal "Sukhdev Dhaba". Once you exit Chandigarh, you will enter the greenery land and the hills will accompany you all along, with the music added, your journey will become really happening.

The road condition is also really good. It's definitely a worth-try trip.

Public Transport/Bus:

You will get many overnight buses from ISBT, Delhi to Bhuntar. The Volvo/AC buses are available from the INR 1500.

If you take a direct bus from Chandigarh, it will take around 8 hours to reach Bhuntar. After reaching Bhuntar you can change your bus and take private taxis or bus to Kasol. 

Tip: I would recommend taking a private taxi from Bhuntar to Kasol, as the frequency of the local bus is close to 1 hour.

Kasol Bus Stand

Local Mode of Transport:

The best mode to explore Kasol is defiantly by walking, on foot. You can explore the trek, outing, hikes. Enjoy the quietness and calmness near the bank of the Parvati river. You may find the roads for the vehicles but still, it is highly recommended that walking is the best in every way.

Note: Do not lose the way while moving, anyway, you will find the boards and signs for the way all along. 

Itinerary For Kasol Trip:

Now that you have a basic idea about Kasol, it is easy to plan your trip. Also, I am going to share a high-level itinerary for you, in case you are visiting Kasol for the first time, you can use the below itinerary, which will guide you to plan your trip.

Day 1: Reach Kasol (Delhi to Kasol/ Chandigarh to Kasol/ Bhuntar airport to Kasol)

Day 2: Kasol - Explore and chill around

Day 3: Plan to visit Tosh Village or Chalal Village or Plan for Kheerganga Trek. I have covered a detailed blog on How you can plan your Kheerganga Trek

Day 4: Return back from Kasol to Delhi/Chandigarh/Bhuntar airport)

Somewhere on the way to our Kasol Trip

Where To Stay In Kasol?

You will find many pocket-friendly options to stay in Kasol, Parvati Valley, and nearby villages. Good hostels, small hotels, lounges, or camping services are easily available in Kasol.

If you are traveling with your family, book a hotel before reaching there. there may be chances of houseful. 

You will find many guest houses, luxury hotels if you want a relaxing stay.

Note: Before booking or arriving at the hotel, try to have a look at the reviews. This helps you a lot in deciding which place will be the best for your accommodation.

In Kasol market lane Plenty of budget-friendly options are available for accommodation

What To Do In Kasol?

You will enjoy Kasol when you know, what can be done here. Other than beautiful tremendous nature, Kasol is famous for its commercial attractions. There are following some of the interesting things you can do in Kasol:

1. Kheerganga Trek: 

Kheerganga is at the extreme end of Parvati Valley, mostly covered with snow. This is like magical heaven for all of the tourists who come from all over the World. Once you reach the top of Kheer Ganga, you will see yourself in between beautiful and dense clouds, snow-capped mountains, long pine trees. 

Kheerganga trek is popular because after reaching the top one can enjoy and relax in the natural hot water spring which is also considered very auspicious. The trekking route has lots of interesting spots like Rudra waterfall, Shiva Temple, Pine trees along with an amazing view of flora around.

Please visit Tosh to Kheerganga Trek - A Complete Travel Guide to get a complete guide on Kheerganga Trek.

Kheerganga Trek

2. Visit Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara:

Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is located at about 6KM from Kasol, in the middle of River Beas. In spite of any religion, which you follow, this is a must-visit place if you are on a Kasol trip. There is a very famous natural hot water spring, and it is believed that taking a dip in its auspicious water can remove all the sins.

The "Langar" in this Gurudwara serves delicious food, which is cooked inside its four walls don't forget to try it do some "Seva" for your inner peace. Your visit will definitely be worth it.

Location: Hari Har Ghat, Manikaran road, Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh.

Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara

3. Kasol Party:

There are various music parties in Kasol, which keep happening here. If you love the party and chill culture, then parties at Parvati Valley should be a must to attend. People come here to forget all their worries and sorrows and enjoy the moment. 

Hype Music Festival is one of the most popular events in Kasol. The musical performances, bonfire, trippy decorations, and lighting effects enhance the vibes and makes the festive environment.

Parties usually organized on the other side of the Parvati River

4. Must try Israeli Cuisine:

This can be considered as one of the reasons that Kasol is known as mini -Israeli of India. You definitely cant miss lemon cakes, shakshouka, and another exotic Israeli cuisine.

There are various cafes in the streets of Kasol. You will find a golden chance to enjoy your dining an amazing food and fabulous weather, and long conversations with your loved ones. 

Try desserts in 'Evergreen restaurant and cafe'.

Evergreen Cafe in Kasol

5. Chalal Village:

Chalal is a village that can be addictive, full of chirpy birds and colorful trees. It feels like heaven, walking in the hike of Chalal. It takes around 25 minutes to reach Chalal village by walk. The solitude nature of this village will make you feel out of the world.

Another specialty here is the food, which is very yum. There are many cafes just beside the free-flowing Parvati river. The village is also wallet-friendly. You should not miss visiting this small but amazing village.

Note: Other than the above places there are many other small villages nearby Kasol, which are full of nature and beauty. But for a trip, the above places are must-try places.

On our way to Chalal Village Trek

What is the cost of the Kasol Trip?

This is defiantly a by default question that arises in everyone's mind, 'how much a Kasol trip will cost?'

The answer to this question basically depends on how long the trip is? If you are planning for a 4-5 day trip, the Kasol trip will cost you around 5000-7000, which again depends on where you stay and what you eat.

The main expense is actually traveling. The mode of traveling also plays a major role in the cost of your whole trip.

Tip: Try to plan a Kasol trip in a group, so that the costing could be shared and you can have a good affordable Kasol trip.

Important Points for Kasol Trip:

1. Try to keep some extra cash with you, ATMs are limited and you may not be able to get cash.

2. While going out, Carry your own water bottle and try to fill it up where ever possible. 

3. Try to wear good trekking shoes, if you are planning to go on trekking to avoid any casualty.

4. Try not to throw any plastic garbage in open areas, valleys, and mountains and be a responsible tourist.

5. In Winters, the path is covered in snow and you may not able to travel and it is recommended to avoid going on a trek in winter.

I hope this travel guide helps you in planning your trip to Kasol.

Feel free to share suggestions or feedback if you have any in the comment section. Thank you for reading!! :)

Being the dream destination of art and craft lovers, the Pink City, Jaipur will never stop amazing you with its archeological and historical mysteries in the form of monuments, forts, and palaces.

Today I am going to take you to the most fascinating astronomical observatory, located at the center of Jaipur city, Jantar Mantar.

Astronomical Observatory, Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is one of the world's largest astronomical observatories and is marked as UNESCO's world heritage site in 2010. Jantar Mantar has a collection of archeological and astronomical instruments. There are around 19 geometrical devices, each having a different specialty. There are devices to measure time, prediction of eclipses, the instrument to track orbital stars, determine celestial height. 

Jantar Mantar marked as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2010

All of the instruments are carved of stones and marbles. Some of them are designed by Raja Madho Singh himself.

The entire area covers the land of 18700m. The instruments named Samrat Yantra, Raj Yantra, Chakra Yanta, Disha Yantra, and many more are arranged in a uniform manner in the whole area.

Moving on to the history of Jantar Mantar.

History of Jantar Mantar?

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur is an astronomical site, built in the 18th century. This is one of the largest observatories in the world, made of interesting stone structures, made to identify the position of celestial bodies and also to calculate time. The huge instruments there are made up of stones, which can resist temperature changes, shakes, and inaccuracies, following the principles of Indian, Islamic, and western astronomy to attain the maximum accuracy.

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

Now let's move on, how the Jantar Mantar was built:

How Jantar Mantar was built?

Jantar Mantar was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, and he built 5 different observatories in different places of the country, Jaipur, Delhi, Mathura, Ujjain, and Varanasi. Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is the largest one of all.

Maharaja Jai Singh II is the founder and a potential ruler of Jaipur city. He was a great scholar in physics, mathematics, and astronomy.

Once a Mughal Emperor, Muhammad Shah assigned him a task to identify the position and movement of celestial bodies. Raja Jai Singh got desperate to determine the time. He decided to create a well-defined calendar. He was interested in mankind and wanted to prepare an accurate astronomical instrument.

To full fill his this dream, he constructed Jantar Mantar in the year, 1718. He made a mission out of this and started studying cosmological principles, based on the findings of Hindu, Islamic, European, and Persian civilizations. And finally constructed five different observatories.

Laghu Samrat and Narivalya Yantra, Jantar Mantar

The architecture of Jantar Mantar Jaipur?

Jantar Mantar is a collection of astronomical and architectural instruments. There are many instruments, out of which around 20 are the major devices, each having a different specific application.

The purpose of these instruments is to measure times, define the distances between the planets and other celestial bodies. Planetary motions, predictions of eclipses, tracking orbital stars.

The whole observatory is constructed in the land of around 18700 meters. The whole area covers so many instruments, and some of them are known for the largest instruments of their type. All the instruments are finely designed out of stones and marbles. You will be amazed after watching such instruments, and the small scales made of stones with proper measurement. Many instruments are still known for their accuracy.

Jantar Mantar Entry Gate

How To Reach Jantar Mantar, Jaipur?

If you are visiting Jantar Mantar on your Trip to Jaipur, you can directly take a cab to Jantar Mantar and cover both Jantar Mantar and The City Palace in one go.

If you traveling to Jantar Mantar directly from Jaipur Airport, you can opt for a Line 3 Bus from the airport to Tonk Phatak and catch a different Bus to Badi Chaupad from there. From Badi Chaupad, take a small walk and you will reach Jantar Mantar.

Or you can book a cab or taxi directly to Jantar Mantar.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Jantar Mantar?

The best time to Visit Jantar Mantar is definitely the Winters or Spring months. Summers are not irresistible in Rajasthan. So I would not suggest visiting in Summers.

Vrihat Samrat Yantra

What is the entry Fee of Jantar Mantar?

The entry fees of Jantar Mantar is Rs. 50 for Indian Visitors and Rs. 200 for Foreigner Visitors. 

Timing to Visit Jantar Mantar:

It is open from morning 9AM to evening 5 PM.

It will take 2-3 hours for the complete visit to Jantar Mantar. I would recommend taking a guide so that your visit would be exciting after knowing the working of each instrument and how it was built.

Location of Jantar Mantar: 

Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is located in Gangori Bazar, inside the market. It is very near to the City Palace. It is said that Jantar Mantar was extended after the construction of City Palace.

Instruments In Jantar Mantar:

Jantar Mantar has basically stone structures of different shapes, with perfectly aligned measurement scale to determine interesting spacial geometry and time.

 I am going to provide important information on the must-visit instruments in Jantar Mantar.

1. Vrihat Smarat Yantra : The Huge Sundial

Vrihat Samrat Yantra is a giant Sundial, constructed exactly at the center of Jantar Mantar. It is around 27 meters long and known as the tallest sundial in the world.

The meaning of Samrat Yantra is "Supreme Instrument", is an equinoctial, (celestial equator) sundial, which measures time up to two seconds accuracy.

There is the triangular wall of the yantra, whose shadow, which is kept at the north-south direction with an identical angle to the latitude of the position, travels equal distances in equal intervals of time. This is the standard movement of the shadow of the wall used to calculate/predict the time.

Prototype of Vrihat Samrat Yantra

Vrihat Samrat Yantra

2. Laghu Samrat Yantra :

This control is also known as "Small Samrat Yantra", since it is the small equipment to calculate time, with an accuracy level of up to 20 seconds.

There is a sundial with a ramp in the instrument, which points in the North pole direction. With the movement of ramp shadow onto the finer divisions marked on the curved scale, time is calculated.

Local time, Jaipur's time can be easily calculated by the shadow of the triangular wall of the yantra. 

Small or Laghu Samrat Yantra

3. Ram Yantra:

This yantra is used for the measurement of azimuth (the coordinate system in which a celestial object's position is described) and elevation of the sun and other planets. There is a tube-shaped structure, opening in the direction of the sky. Each tube has a pole defined at its center. The poles are of equal heights. There are scales available in the inside wall of the yantra, indicating the angle of altitude and azimuth of the celestial bodies. 

Ram Yantra is available only in Jaipur and Delhi Jantar Mantar.

Ram Yantra, Jantar Mantra

4. Jaya Prakash Yantra

Jaya Prakash yantra has two hemispherical-shaped sundials that look like bowls, graded with marble slabs. When the inverted image of the sky falls on the slabs, the movement of this inverted shadow helps to determine the elevation, exact position, azimuth, and hour angle of heavenly bodies.

5. Chakra Yantra:

This instrument is a ring, which is used by astronomers to calculate the coordinates of the sun and the hour angle. There are four semi-circular arches, meant for the shadow to fall. Because of this process, the declination of the sun reduces by four times a day.

Chakra Yantra, Jantar Mantar

6. Rasivalya(Zodiacle Circle):

This instrument is to determine the latitude and longitude of the celestial bodies. There is a total of twelve instruments that represent the zodiac signs, every instrument is measured when the corresponding sign of the zodiac transits the meridian.

Rasivalya(Zodiacle Circle), Jantar Mantar

7. Nadivalaya: 

This instrument is used to measure the time to an accuracy of less than a minute. This instrument consists of two circular plates, facing in the north and south direction which are its dials. The wall of the circular plates is inclined towards the south direction at such an angle that the instrument remains parallel to the plane of the Earth equator.

The needles placed at the center are parallel to the axis of rotation of the earth its shadow is projected on the graduated dials makes it possible to know the minutes and the hour.

Nadivalaya Yantra, Jantar Mantar

8. Kranti Vritya:

This is a special instrument used to measure the solar sign during day time. There are many small structures, equidistant from each other on the plane surface. You can't miss this instrument on your visit to Jantar Mantar.

Kranti Vritya Yantra, Jantar Mantar

Important Tips For Visiting Jantar Mantar:

1. Try planning your visit in winters or early monsoon season because summer would be very hectic with irresistible heat.

2. Carry a water bottle with you for the safer side.

3. Try to wear comfortable clothes and footwear because you may have to walk for a long.

4. If you keen on learning and knowing the historical instrument's working, definitely take a guide.

5. You are allowed to take the photographs.

Thanks for reading :)