Amsterdam of India or Mini Israel: Kasol A Must To Visit Place

A state of Nirvana, Kasol is not just a serene village but also a paradise for hipsters from all over the world. Kasol is a quaint little village in Himachal situated along the banks of the river Parvati. Commonly known as the 'Amsterdam of India', Kasol is a tourist attraction that is rapidly gaining fame as a popular hub for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Kasol is situated 23 kms from Bhuntar and next to the religious town of Manikaran and is one of the best places in the country just to sit back and chill in the panorama of snow-clad mountains, pine trees and gurgling river.

 

How to reach kasol

Being a popular tourist destination, Kasol is well connected to other parts of the country. Here is how one can reach Kasol.

• By Air: The nearest airport to Kasol is Kullu Manali Airport also known as Bhuntar Airport in Kullu district. Daily flights connect the airport to the country’s capital, Delhi. You can book a cab or a taxi to go to Kasol from the Bhuntar airport which is a mere 31 km and will take you about 1 hour to reach there.
   
• By Train: Kasol does not have a railway station of its own. To reach Kasol by railways you have to get off at the nearest railway station to Kasol which is Joginder Nagar railway station, about 144 km from the village of Kasol. You can take a cab from the station to reach Kasol or a bus from the Joginder Nagar Bus Stand towards Manikaran which should take about 4.5 to 5 hours.
   
• By Road: Being one of the most visited places in India by foreign tourists, the village is accessible via excellent road facility. The NH-3 is the main road leading to this village towards Manali. A road journey should simply just be as enjoyable and pleasant as Kasol itself. You can opt for self-drive or hire a cab. Also, buses ply daily to Kasol from Kashmiri Gate ISBT in Delhi mostly being semi-sleeper Volvos for about 1000 to 1500 INR per seat. This journey takes about 11 to 12 hours. You have to then get down at Bhuntar, and take another bus towards Manikaran.

 

Best time to visit

The best months to visit this scenic paradise is from October to June. Kasol has a mild and pleasant weather throughout the year. But from March to May you can experience the magical landscape of this place. The temperature varies from 15-22 degrees.

Where to stay

Kasol has a plethora of hotels of all standards. Prices shoot up during peak season, so it is advised to book in advance.

• Luxury Hotels in Kasol

1. The Himalayan Village Resort

The very sight of The Himalayan Village Resort in Kasol will entice you to book yourself into the property. The rustic cottages made of wood and stone built on a mountain slope are not just beautiful to look at, but also promise a great stay.
Location: Kailash Nagar, Doonkhara, Kasol
Tariff: Cottage: INR 7,627 onward*

2.  Parvati Kuteer

Located next to the Parbati River, and surrounded by Deodar trees, Parvati Kuteer is a beautiful property just 2 km off Kasol, so that you are in close proximity to the town and yet far from the hustle bustle of tourists.
Location: Manikaran Road, Kasol
Tariffs: cottage: INR 1,884 onward*

3.  Royal Palace

One of the most prominent properties in the Kullu Valley, Hotel Royal Palace has the best you can ask for under one roof.
Location: Manikaran, District Kullu
Tariff: Room: INR 1,605 onward*

 

• Medium Range Hotels in Kasol

4. Yerpa Hotel

Yerpa is a decent family hotel which is known for its contemporary décor and essential local feel.
Location: Old Kasol, Tehsil Bhuntar, Kasol Bus Stop, Kasol
Tariff: Room: INR 2,827 onward*

5. Panchali Holiday Home

The biggest highlight of Hotel Panchali Holiday Home is its mesmerising location in the very heart of Parvati Valley.
Location: Old Kasol, Tehsil Bhuntar, Kasol Bus Stop, Kasol
Tariff: Room: INR 3300 onward*

6. Hotel Sandhya

If you want the comfort of a sober 3-star hotel without digging a big hole in your pocket, lodge yourself in Hotel Sandhya. 
Location: Village Kasol near Manikaran District.
Tariff: Room: INR 2947 onward*
 

• Budget Hotels in Kasol

7. Hotel Anupam

Think budget hotels and the most popular property you will end up browsing is Hotel Anupam.
Location: Village Sumaropa, Near Kasol
Tariff: Room: INR 616 onward*

8. Kasol Inn

Kasol Inn is the perfect example of more for less. In less than a grand you get all the facilities, right from free Wi-Fi to parking.
Location: Old Kasol, Cafe Rock N Roll
Tariff: INR 850 onward*

9. Hotel Blue Diamond

Hotel Blue Diamond is a multi-storeyed property having well-furnished and spacious rooms.
Location: Manikaran Road, Kasol
Tariff: INR 1600 onward*

 

Best places to visit in kasol

1. Parvati River, Kasol

The soothing Parvati River flows through the Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh and is an indispensable part of this gorgeous region. The thundering river originates from the Man Talai Glacier, flowing north through Parvati Valley and eventually flowing into the Beas River near Kulu.

2. Kheerganga Trek, Kasol 

Kheer Ganga (3050 meters) lies at the extreme end of Parvati valley and the last inhibited village while trekking to pin valley via Pin-Parvati pass. Kheerganga's panoramic skies and vast greenery are a much-needed delight to the trekker's eyes and especially the tired legs. It is a holy place with a hot water spring, a small temple of Lord Shiva and a bathing tank. It makes a rare combination for any trekker to bath in hot spring water when everything is covered by snow.

3. Manikaran Sahib 

Located at a distance of 4 km from Kasol in the Parvati Valley along the banks of river Parvati in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, Manikaran is known as a famous pilgrimage destination for both Sikhs and Hindus. A good number of temples, Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib and hot springs forms the religious pattern of the place and attract several people.

4. Rasol, Kasol 

Nestled in Parvati Valley of the Himalayas is the magical village of Rasol. Located near Kasol at 10,000 feet above sea level, Rasol is an enchanting location where one is privy to breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Close to the famous Malana village and Kasol, Rasol is a simple yet exhausting trek from Kasol (around 3-4 hours), spanning between two and four hours. Chalal is the starting point of the trek.

5. Chalal, Kasol

While Kasol gets the spotlight amongst the villages of the Parvati Valley, one can enjoy the true serenity of the magical Himachal Pradesh by trekking a little further from this major town to the quaint little village of Chalal. Situated at an altitude of over 5300 feet and a 30-minute trek away from the tourist hub of Kasol, Chalal has managed to retain its old world mountain village rustic charm. Set in the beautiful Parvati Valley of the Himalayas, with a grand view of snow-capped mountains and majestic pine trees, this quaint town has been nicknamed as the "Isreal of Himachal Pradesh", and rightfully so.

     6. Nature Park

Nature Park is one of the idiosyncratic places to visit in Kasol. Engulfed by a peaceful atmosphere, the park has access to the mesmerizing Parvati River which flows through the worn-out rocks, making rumbling sounds.

 

Quirky Things to Buy From the Local Flea Market in Kasol

Kasol is a shopaholic’s paradise! The city’s colorful flea market has tons of wonderful stuff that you can grab to take home with you from chillums to Himachali caps and so much more.

1. Everything From Chillums To Bongs 

We all need souvenirs to recall an epic vacation! So while you’re in Kasol, you can’t possibly leave without grabbing some colourful looking chillums, bongs and amazing psychedelic glow in the dark tees. The market is filled with such stuff at cheap prices.

2. Bob Marley Tees

A Shiva and Bob Marley t-shirt is mandatory for every hipster who visits Kasol! Here, you’ll easily find Bob Marley t-shirts, posters, bands and bracelets in every possible colour since this part of Himachal

3. Himachali Caps

The beautiful city of Himachal lightens up the flea markets with its traditional handicrafts and handmade goods. So if you’re in Kasol for the first time, do not forget to go winter shopping and splurge on their colourful and beautiful Himachali caps made from the best quality wool and finest hand work.

4. Dreamcatchers

Engulfed with diverse tribes, the flea markets of Kasol possess some of the prettiest dream catchers for you to take home! Available in various colours, sizes and designs, the dream catchers are a must buy from here for they promise to be a great addition to your bedrooms.

5. Semi-Precious Stones

With small flea markets at every corner selling a variety of handicrafts, woolen caps and clothes, do not forget to shop for bracelets, necklaces, pendants, trinkets and other accessories made of semi-precious stones! They are colourful, pretty and are a great addition to your closet, so grab yourself some for sure.

6. Handicrafts

Surrounded by beautiful villages, the Kasol flea market offers a wide range of handicrafts and hand painted items. Himachal is famous for its traditional handicrafts, handknit clothes and the finest of accessories, so splurge away and get yourself a perfect souvenir.

 

Famous Food in Kasol

Kasol is sometimes referred to as Mini Israel, due to the presence of several Israelis in the town, who end up staying more than a few weeks, if not months.One cannot possibly go to Kasol and not gorge over some yummy Israeli delicacies. Bureka, Shakshouka and a lemon cake are the most famous dishes that one must try in Kasol. The German Bakery, The Evergreen and Turquoise Kasol, Jim Morrison Cafe, Moon Dance Cafe, Alpine cafe, are few of the most popular eateries in Kasol. The small Israeli joints that line up the streets have some gorgeous food as well. They are perfectly hygienic as well, since, dirt is a foreign concept in Kasol.