Location in the Shivaliks at 6,400 ft, overlooking the plains of Punjab, 77km from Shimla Route from Delhi NH1 to Ambala; NH22 to Dharampur via Panchkula and Pinjore; state road to Kasauli.

Strolling down quiet country lanes lined with aged chestnut trees, not a sound to be heard save for the sweet chattering of birds, Kasauli will help you rid your mind of its clutter and your body of its lassitude. Indeed, the very air of Kasauli is inspiring, making it the first choice of Khushwant Singh, who escapes to his cottage here for writing ? something that is not without its distractions in Delhi.

Chances are, you've picked Kasauli for its peace and tranquility. This seems to be shattered once a year, every first week of October, when the Lawrence School at Sanawar close by celebrates Founder's Day. Definitely a time to avoid Kasauli.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Good news ? there is practically nothing to do in Kasauli. If you do, however, want to drag yourself out of your comfy deckchair and trudge up the surrounding hills, Kasauli's bracing, crisp air offers comfortable walks to those insistent on some exercise. Also stroll through the town, from the Lower Mall to the Upper Mall, and around the Sanatorium. ?Views? have been built at different points, offering views of the Himalayan peaks in the distance.

Walks and vistas

Follow the Upper Mall and wander up to Monkey Point near the Air Force base.

Best all year round

Birdwatching and picnics

The charm of a leisurely picnic in virgin woodlands is yours to enjoy as much as it was for the town's British residents over 50 years ago. Binocs and bird books are essential accompaniments if you want to stalk humming birds and flycatchers, minuets and magpies? you might get lucky and spot a deer or hyena loping through the undergrowth. The townsfolk say there are leopards too, but no sightings have matured in some time.

Dagshai

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the pretty hill town of Dagshai, 16km away, has an even more undiscovered feel than Kasauli. Even today just a few visitors wend their way across the forested ravines and hills from Kasauli to Dagshai's picturesque environs. With its superb walks and picnic spots under the canopy of oaks and holly forests, it used to be top-of-the-pops for family outings during the Raj.

GETTING THERE

Air Nearest airport: Chandigarh (67km/ 2 hrs). Hire a cab for Kasauli ($30) Rail Nearest railhead: Kalka (41 km/1 hr).

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