History
The territory of the present-day district comprises the territories of the erstwhile princely states of Bhagal, Bhagat, Kunihar, Kuthar, Mangal, Beja, Mahlog, Nalagarh and parts of Keonthal and Kothi and hilly areas of the erstwhile Punjab State which were merged with Himachal Pradesh on 1 November 1966. This district came into existence on 1 September 1972. The district was carved out by amalgamating Solan and Arki tehsils of the erstwhile Mahasu district and Kandaghat and Nalagarh tehsils of the erstwhile Shimla district. Its name comes from Mata Shoolini Devi. It’s said that she saved Solan from been destroyed.
General Information
- Population: 576,670
- Geographical Area: 1,936 km2
- Literacy: 85.02%
- Tehsils: Arki, Baddi, Kandaghat, Kasauli, Nalagarh, Solan
- Sub-Tehsils: Darla, Kuthar, Ramshehar
- Sub-Divisions: Arki, Kandaghat, Nalagarh, Solan
- Villages: 2536
- Panchayts: 211
Map
Demographics
According to the 2011 census Solan district has a population of 576,670,roughly equal to the nation of Solomon Islands or the US state of Wyoming.This gives it a ranking of 532nd in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 298 inhabitants per square kilometre (770 /sq mi) .Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 15.21 %.Solan has a sex ratio of 884 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 85.02 %.
Climate
Situated at an altitude of 1600 metres on an average, Solan can be called as a cool station. Lying in the middle of the Parwanoo – Shimla segment of N.H.-22 it has a moderate set of conditions i.e., neither so cold as Shimla, nor too hot as Kalka as the temperature hardly rise more than 32 °C (90 °F).
That is why it is considered as an ideal station from residential point of view. During winters Solan experience little snowfall. Temperatures typically range from −4 °C (25 °F) to 32 °C (90 °F) over the course of a year.
How To Reach
By Air
The nearest airports to Solan are that of Shimla and Chandigarh. You can reach either of the airports by hiring a bus or taxi from Solan. From Shimla, you can utilize the services provided by Jagson Airlines and Deccan Airways, for reaching New Delhi. In case you decide to go to Chandigarh, Simplifly Deccan and Indian Airlines will be at your service.
By Rail
The nearest railway station from Solan is situated in Shimla, on the Kalka – Shimla narrow gauge line. Daily train services are available between Kalka and Delhi. From Kalka, you will have to take the adorable toy train for reaching Shimla. From there, you can get buses as well as taxis for reaching Solan. You can also get down at Kalka and from there, take a bus or taxi to Solan.
By Road
Solan falls on the Kalka-Shimla route, making it easily accessible by road from various parts of India. Buses and taxis are available for reaching there from the cities in Himachal Pradesh and neighboring states. You will easily get taxis and buses, both public and private, for reaching Solan from New Delhi and the seven hour journey will bring forth some of the most awe-inspiring vistas of nature.
