Located at 1927 metres above sea level is a quaint little town Kasauli that seems to exists in a time wrap in an era that reminds one of the 19th century. Its colonial ambience is reinforced by cobbled paths, quaint shops, gabled houses with charming facades and scores of neat little gardens and orchards. Kasauli is surrounded by a mixed forest of chir-pine, Himalyan oak and huge horse-chestnuts. Its narrow roadslither up and down the hillsides and offer some magnificent vistas. You can get vantage views from Monkey Point, 4 km from the bus stand. The town takes its name from the village of Kasul that has since merged with the fringes of the town. HPTDC hotel is available here. Kasauli is 77 km from Shimla and 35 km from Kalka and road bifurcate at Dharmpur on the highway.
Churches & Cemeteries in Kasauli
1) St. Patrick's R Catholic Church: The Church was built in 1847 and erected by contributions from the East India Company, Father Candidus, the 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment and her Majesty's regiment, at a total cost of Rs 4500/-. It was maintained by the Kasauli garrison and was run by the Franciscan missionaries of the English province who were mainly serving the Irish soliders posted at Kasauli. Candidus was the first priest to run the church. At present this ancient and miraculous church is managed by a priest who belongs to Shimla-Chandigarh diocese. This church is located in the cantonement area behind the Brigade Head Quarters. The church still maintains its grandeur and is famous for its unique wooden interiors, arts and crafts, vintage paintings, murals that take you through the life of Jesus Christ. There is a grotto (1954) depicting the apearance of Mother Mary at Lourdes (1854) adjoining the church. The sylvan and serene atmosphere at the grotto is ideal for prayer and meditation. Many people visit the church for blessings and healings through the intercession of Mother Mary and St. Patrick.
Cemeteries: The four ancient cemeteries of Kasauli are of Colonial era, all of which are filled with graves of officials and soldiers who lost their lives in wars or succumbed to ailments. Most of the tabelts read " Requiescat in Pace" meaning, rest in peace. For more details please contact at Tel: 01792-272111 ; Email: frtitusbabu@yahoo.com
Dagshai
St. Patricks R.C. Church at Dagshai: This is one of the oldest churches in North India and the first church to be built in Dagshai Cantonment. It’s plan was passed in12/8/1835 and immediately the construction began and final completion was in the year of 1852 at the cost of Rs. 5030/- i.e. by contributions from the H.E.I.C Rs. 2000/-., H.M.98th Reg. Rs. 1600/-, Labour Cratis by 98th. Rs. 500/-, H.M.87th R.I.E. Rs.470/-, H.M. 70th Reg. Rs.300/-, T.C. Carli D.D. the Bishop of Ajmira (Bishop and Vicar Apostolate of Hidustan) Rs.100/- and sum of the Rs.2000 received by him from the government of India through Chief Secretary to the govt. of India Mr.C. Allen Eoquere in 28th March 1853. Then the church was repaired in 1861 by Rev. Fr.Augustin. Formerly it was maintained by the Dagshai Garrison and was run by the Franciscan missionaries of the English province who were mainly serving the Irish soldiers posted at Dagshai and Kasauli. At present this ancient and miraculous church is managed by the priest Fr.Titus Babu who belongs to the Catholic diocese of Shimla-Chandigarh. The church is located in the cantonment area close to Cheri Cross, and just right side below the road leading from Military Section Hospital family ward to Unit Head quarter. It is located at the height of about 6000 Ft. The church still maintains its grandeur. It is famous for its unique wooden interiors, the red stone floor, the unique Italian marble altar erected by George O.Weston in loving memory of his beloved wife Mary Rebecca Weston who died on 10th Dec.1909, and a Baptismal Pond made of Redstone. The slate roof and the Gothic structure are remarkable. The sylvan and serene atmosphere at the church is ideal for prayer and meditation.