For its moderate climate Solan is an ideal tourist destination with picturesque vistas of the Himalayan foothills and a town replete with colonial heritage that is bustling with activities. Located between Chandigarh and Shimla, on the Chandigarh-Kalka-Shimla highway, the town draws its name from goddess Shoolini Devi, the presiding deity in whose honour a three day fair is held in June.
Before the British colonists turned it into a cantonment in the early part of the 19th century, Solan had served as a capital for Baghat, a princely state. It was after driving out occupying Gurkha forces in 1815, who had expanded their dominion from Nepal upto the bank of River Sutlej that British cantonments came to be established at Dagshai, Kasauli, Jutogh and Solan. Remnants of the old  forts are scattered around Solan.

Language

Hindi, English, Punjabi are understood and spoken by those engaged in tourism and Pahari, the local dialect, is usually spoken by locals in their everyday dealings.

Clothing Essentials

Neither cold as Shimla nor hot as Kalka, temperatures seldom rise more than 32 degree Celsius in Solan. Cotton and linen clothes are recommended for the summer months, while light to heavy woollens are needed in the winter.