1. Introduction
Kandaghat, a small town in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, is often seen just as a highway stopover by most travelers. Located on the Kalka–Shimla National Highway, about 28 km before Shimla and only 14 km from Solan, thousands of vehicles pass through this Kandaghat, himachal Pradesh town daily. But the truth is, those who simply bypass it miss the true charm of this hidden gem.
Known as the “Gateway to Shimla Hills”, Kandaghat is a symbolic entry point for travelers heading from the plains into Himachal Pradesh. Despite its simplicity, the town offers a unique mix of Himachali culture, history, and spirituality.
Unlike the crowded tourist hubs, Kandaghat is peaceful and welcoming, with friendly locals and serene surroundings. Along the roadside, you’ll find several scenic sun spots and sunset points 🌞 that are rarely seen in busier towns on the Shimla highway.
For food lovers, Kandaghat hides a special surprise – Laxmanji’s Besan ki Mithai, famous across the region for its pure, unadulterated taste. Many travelers stop here especially to buy this mithai, making it a sweet identity of the town.
2. History of Kandaghat
The history of Kandaghat goes back to the era of Himachal’s princely states. It was once an important part of the Baghal princely state, whose capital was Arki, just 60 km away.
The Baghal rulers built Arki Fort and developed Kandaghat as a strategic trade and military route. During British rule, Kandaghat’s importance grew further since Shimla became the Summer Capital of India. With the construction of the Kalka–Shimla railway and road network, Kandaghat became a key junction and was given its own railway station, which is still an important halt for toy train passengers.
Culturally, Kandaghat is also significant. Locals call it the land of Devi–Devta, with the Kali Mata Temple being its spiritual pride. Every year, during Navratri, a fair is held here where people from nearby villages join with their local deities. Traditional music and Himachali nati dance make the celebrations vibrant.
Kandaghat’s history shows how even small towns played an important role in Himachal Pradesh’s political, cultural, and spiritual journey.
3. Things to Do in Kandaghat
🛕 Kali Mata Temple – The Spiritual Hub of Kandaghat
Perched on a scenic hilltop, Kali Mata Temple is the spiritual heart of Kandaghat and its most popular attraction. A short but refreshing climb leads you to this ancient shrine, where the panoramic views of Solan, Shimla, and the surrounding valleys are nothing short of breathtaking.
During Navratri, the temple becomes a festive spectacle. Villagers carry their deities in beautifully decorated palanquins (palkis), accompanied by traditional Himachali music, folk dances, and rituals, creating a divine and vibrant atmosphere.
Both sunrise and sunset from here feel magical — the valley glows in shades of gold and orange, like a living postcard. If you love photography or peaceful meditation, this spot is perfect.
🚉 Kandaghat Railway Station – A Slice of Heritage
Located on the UNESCO World Heritage Kalka–Shimla Railway line, the quaint Kandaghat Railway Station is itself a tourist delight. Surrounded by pine-covered hills and misty air, this tiny colonial-era station reflects the charm of a bygone era.
The toy train that passes through is world-famous for its slow, scenic journey through tunnels and over bridges. Travelers often pause here to click pictures of the pretty station building and to soak in the nostalgia of British-era engineering. If time permits, you can take a short ride on the toy train towards Barog or Solan — both routes are stunning.
🍬 Laxmanji’s Besan ki Mithai – Taste of Purity
Kandaghat is incomplete without Laxmanji’s legendary besan ki mithai. Prepared with pure desi ghee and no artificial additives, this sweet is famous across Himachal and beyond.
Travelers often make it a ritual to stop here, even when just passing through on the way to Shimla or Solan. One bite of this golden, melt-in-mouth mithai captures the essence of authentic Himachali sweetness that’s rare to find these days.
Tip: Buy an extra box — it makes a perfect edible souvenir!
🌞 Sun Spots & Highway Stopovers
Another hidden charm of Kandaghat lies in its roadside sun spots and sunset points. As you drive along the winding highways, you’ll come across natural viewpoints where golden sunlight falls directly on the hills and valleys.
Many travelers stop at these places for a steaming cup of tea ☕ or crunchy pakoras from small local dhabas. Imagine sitting on a roadside bench, sipping tea while the mountains bathe in orange-gold light — this is the real Kandaghat vibe.
If you’re into photography, these spots offer spectacular natural frames.
🏰 Historical Connections Nearby
Kandaghat is a great base for exploring nearby historical marvels:
- Arki Fort (60 km away): Built by the Baghal rulers, this fort is known for its Pahadi–Rajput architecture and old murals depicting scenes from mythology and battles.
- Subathu Gorkha Fort (about 36 km): A fort with ties to the Anglo-Gorkha wars, still carrying military heritage and offering a glimpse into colonial-era history.
These short drives from Kandaghat add a touch of history and heritage to your trip.
🛍️ Local Market & Himachali Handicrafts
Though small, Kandaghat’s local market is a treat for shoppers. Here, you’ll find:
- Traditional Himachali woolens – hand-knitted caps, socks, and shawls.
- Wooden handicrafts made by local artisans.
- Fresh Solan apples, walnuts, and dry fruits, perfect to carry home.
The market is peaceful and less crowded than those in bigger towns like Shimla, making for a relaxed shopping experience.
🌲 Nature Trails & Village Walks
If you love nature, Kandaghat offers serene walking trails through pine and deodar forests. A leisurely stroll around nearby villages lets you experience authentic Himachali rural life — terraced fields, traditional houses, and friendly locals who might invite you for a cup of chai.
Morning walks here, with birdsong and cool mountain air, are pure bliss.
✨ Travel Tip
- Best Time to Visit: March–June and September–November for pleasant weather.
- How to Reach: Kandaghat is well-connected by road (NH-5) and is also a key stop on the Kalka–Shimla toy train route.
- Stay Options: Small homestays and hillside cottages offer warm hospitality and great views.
4. Local Food & Shopping in Kandaghat
🍬 Laxmanji’s Besan ki Mithai
The most famous food identity of Kandaghat is its besan ki mithai. Its purity and rich taste have made it a cultural legacy. Many say a trip on the Shimla highway feels incomplete without stopping here to taste it.
🌯 Pahadi Snacks & Chai
Roadside stalls and dhabas serve hot pakoras, momos, and pahadi chai, which taste even better when enjoyed with mountain views. Evening tea at these spots during sunset is truly memorable.
🛍️ Local Shopping
- Woolens – Handmade caps, socks, and shawls by local women.
- Wooden Handicrafts – Small carved decorative items in Himachali style.
- Apples & Dry Fruits – Fresh from Solan district’s orchards.
5. Best Time to Visit Kandaghat
Kandaghat’s beauty changes with the seasons, so you can plan your trip depending on the experience you want:
| Season | Months | Weather & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Spring – Summer | March to June | The most popular season. Pleasant temperatures (15°C–28°C), perfect for sightseeing, forest walks, and enjoying roadside tea with sunset views. |
| Monsoon | July to September | Lush greenery and misty hills. Nature lovers and photographers will love the fresh waterfalls and clouds, but occasional heavy rain can cause slippery roads. |
| Autumn – Early Winter | October to November | Clear skies, golden sunsets, and mild chill (10°C–20°C). Great for temple visits, village walks, and local shopping. |
| Winter | December to February | Cold (2°C–12°C), with chances of light snowfall in surrounding hills. Ideal if you enjoy cozy stays, misty mornings, and a quiet, offbeat experience. |
Travel Tip:
If you want to witness the Navratri celebrations at Kali Mata Temple, plan your visit during March–April (Chaitra Navratri) or September–October (Sharad Navratri).
6. Nearby Attractions from Kandaghat (Detailed)
1️⃣ Jatoli Shiva Temple (approx. 20 km)
Known as one of Asia’s tallest Shiva temples, Jatoli is perched on a hilltop and built in traditional South Indian architectural style. The serene surroundings and spiritual ambiance make it a perfect spot for devotees and nature lovers alike.
2️⃣ Menri Monastery (approx. 29 km)
This is the oldest and largest Bon monastery in India. The monastery is famous for its magnificent Tibetan-style murals, giant Buddha statue, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to meditate, experience Tibetan culture, and enjoy stunning mountain views.
3️⃣ Chail (approx. 30 km)
Often called the “City of the Maharaja,” Chail is a charming hill station surrounded by dense deodar forests. Highlights include the world’s highest cricket ground, the historic Chail Palace, and several scenic hiking trails. It’s perfect for nature walks, photography, and a quiet escape.
4️⃣ Shoolini Mata Temple, Solan (approx. 15 km)
Dedicated to Goddess Shoolini, this temple is the spiritual heart of Solan. Every year, the Shoolini fair draws devotees and travelers with vibrant local traditions and cultural performances. The temple area and nearby markets offer a beautiful blend of faith and Himachali culture.
5️⃣ Mohan Shakti Heritage Park (approx. 13 km)
A magnificent spiritual and heritage site, this park features grand statues, landscaped gardens, and architecture inspired by ancient Indian temples. It’s an excellent spot for family outings, photography, and peaceful exploration.
7.Our Experience in Kandaghat
Being from Solan, Kandaghat has always been a part of my travel route whenever I head towards Shimla. For me, this town is not just a stopover but an emotion — because every journey feels incomplete without halting here. Since my regular Solan to Shimla travel often passes through Kandaghat, I have had countless opportunities to explore its charm.
The first thing that pulls me back every time is the famous Laxmanji ki Besan ki Mithai. I personally stop at Kandaghat just to taste this sweet because its purity and traditional flavor are unmatched. Unlike modern sweets, this mithai feels authentic and reminds you of true Himachali taste. For many travelers, this becomes a memory of Kandaghat, and I can proudly say it’s one of my favorite travel rituals.
Another thing that makes Kandaghat special is the natural sunset points along the highway. Once during one of my evening drives, I stopped at a roadside tea stall. As I sipped hot pahadi chai with pakoras, the golden sunlight fell over the mountains and the valley glowed with a warm hue. That peaceful moment, away from the rush, is something I’ll never forget — and I believe every visitor can relate to such small yet powerful experiences in Kandaghat.
What makes the town even more interesting is that it’s not just about food and sunsets. There are some really good places to visit near Kandaghat. For example, Chail is only a short drive away and offers royal heritage and serenity. Similarly, Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park near Solan is one of the grandest spiritual and cultural parks in India. The historic Arki Fort and spiritual Jatoli Shiv Mandir are also close by. So, if you plan a trip, Kandaghat can be your base to explore these destinations while enjoying its calm vibes.
For me, Kandaghat Himachal Pradesh is not just a gateway town but a small treasure of Himachali culture, food, spirituality, and natural beauty. And I can guarantee, if you spend even a little time here, you’ll take back memories that are as sweet as its Besan ki Mithai.
8. Kandaghat, Himachal Pradesh Location, Photos & Video
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Photos Of Kandaghat Small Town
Location Of Kandaghat Town
9. FAQs about Kandaghat, Himachal Pradesh
Where is Kandaghat located?
Kandaghat is a small town in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, situated on the Kalka–Shimla highway. It is around 14 km from Solan and 28 km before Shimla, making it a perfect gateway stop for travelers heading to the hills.
Why is Kandaghat famous?
Kandaghat is famous for its Kali Mata Temple and the iconic Laxmanji ki Besan ki Mithai. Travelers also love the peaceful roadside sunset points and its location as a base to explore nearby attractions like Chail, Arki Fort, and Mohan Shakti Heritage Park.
What is the history of Kandaghat?
Historically, Kandaghat was part of the Baghal princely state with Arki as its capital. It was an important trade and military route during British times, and later became significant due to its proximity to Shimla, the summer capital of India.
What can travelers do in Kandaghat?
Travelers can visit the Kali Mata Mandir, enjoy authentic sweets at Laxmanji’s shop, stop at sunset points for tea and snacks, shop for local woolens, or explore nearby forts and temples. It’s a mix of spirituality, history, and natural charm.
Is Kandaghat a good stop for food lovers?
Yes, absolutely! The Besan ki Mithai of Kandaghat is legendary for its purity and traditional flavor. Apart from this, roadside dhabas serve hot chai, pakoras, and pahadi snacks that make the journey even more memorable.
What are the best places to visit near Kandaghat?
Nearby attractions include Chail ( for heritage and wildlife, Arki Fort for history, Solan City for temples and parks, and Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park for spirituality and culture.
How can one reach Kandaghat?
Kandaghat is easily accessible via the Kalka–Shimla highway. It lies on the famous Kalka–Shimla toy train route and also has a railway station. By road, buses, taxis, and private cars connect it conveniently from Solan, Shimla, and Chandigarh.
Is Kandaghat worth visiting or just a stopover?
Kandaghat is more than just a stopover — it’s a peaceful Himachali town with cultural identity, historic importance, spiritual temples, and tasty local food. Spending even an hour here gives you an authentic experience beyond the usual hill station rush.
