Baba Balak Nath Temple

One of the most popular pilgrimage places in Himachal Pradesh, Baba Balak Nath Temple draws a large number of devotees all year round, especially during the Navratra (a holy nine-day festival) period. The medieval cave temple, lying on the outskirts of Kasuali, has been carved out in a hill and is considered to be the natural abode of Baba Balak Nath. An impressive idol of the deity is worshipped in the cave. A stone's throw away from the temple is the Shah Talai, another important tourist spot as Baba is assumed to have done penance here. It is considered sacred by the pilgrims who observe Sunday as an auspicious day of Babaji, who is said to be an ardent follower of Lord Shiva. It is widely believed in the region that a childless couple that offers prayers at the temple will soon be blessed with progeny. A traditional sweet bread made from wheat flour and jaggery is offered in the temple as prasad.

 

Baba Balak Nath Temple

Kasauli Baptist Church

Apart from the popular Christ Church, Kasauli also boasts the Baptist Church, which was constructed by the British in 1923. This quaint old structure is among the town’s many attractions. The architecture of the church is a blend of Gothic and Indian styles. A particular highlight of the church is the stained glass windows that depict scenes from the Holy Bible. Though the church was destroyed in a massive fire in 2008 and all its internal furnishings were burnt to the ground, it still remains a pulling force in the region. Its calm surroundings, the silent pine forest bordering it and rejuvenating sounds of chirping birds make it an attractive spot for tourists. The church remains open from 7 am to 7 pm, from Monday to Sunday.

Kasauli Baptist Church

Christ Church

One of the most popular and oldest churches in Himachal Pradesh, the Christ Church was constructed by the British families staying in and around Kasauli in 1853. Considered to be a unique blend of Gothic and Indian styles, this brick and wood church is located near Sadar Bazaar in the town and is dedicated to St Barnabas and St Francis. Ornamented with mirror work, the grey building of the church has been constructed in the shape of a cross and is visited by people of all faiths due to its picturesque structure and beauty. Its architectural innovations include a cruciform floor, stained glass windows, an aisle leading to an altar sculpture and a clock tower. Incidentally, the stained glass was imported from England when the church was being constructed. A cemetery in the church complex has graves that date back to the 1850s and some even before that. However, it is the simplicity of the place that transports visitors to the era when the British stayed here. Over the altar is an image depicting the crucification of Jesus Christ; it also shows Joseph and Mary on either side of the Lord.

Christ Church

Monkey Point

The highest point in the town, Monkey Point is situated on a 6,500-ft-high hilltop. From here, tourists can get a picturesque view of the town and the city of Chandigarh on a clear and sunny day. A temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman stands here, and invites devotees from all over the area. Legend has it that when Lord Hanuman was returning with the sanjeevini booti (divine medicine) for Lord Lakshmana in the epic Ramayana, his foot touched the hilltop of Kasauli. Interestingly, the hilltop is in the shape of a foot.

The area hosts a large number of monkeys who are quite friendly. As it falls under the territory of the Indian Air Force, visitors are not permitted to carry electronic devices inside the temple complex.

Monkey Point