Places to Visit in Barog, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India

Places to Visit in Barog, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India

Barog, a small but amazing hill station is located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh state in the Indian continent. It serves as the starting point of visiting for the rest for the hill station in the state. The geographical coordinates puts this place at 30.89⁰N and 77.082⁰E. Barogh is 1,680 meters above sea level. During the summer the temperature ranges from 8⁰C to 20⁰C and in winter season the temperature ranges from -10⁰C to 10⁰C. Barog is also known as ‘Honeymoon Paradise’.

History of Barog

The place Barog was named after an engineer known by the name Colonel Barog during the 20^th century. The story between the place name and that of the engineer is quite touching.

Colonel Barog was given charge of constructing a tunnel for laying of a narrow gauge from Kalka to Shimla. In the process of constructing the tunnel he commenced the work from both the sides of rocky mountain. In the process of creating the tunnel he overlooked a miscalculation and hence either ends of the tunnel never meet. Barog was held guilty by the British Government and a fine of 1 Rupee was imposed on him. Unable to bear the shame and guilt he committed suicide. His body was later buried close to the tunnel which is left unfinished and since then the place got the name Barog.

In the year, 1900 to 1903 the tunnel was constructed at the cost of Rs. 840,000 under the supervision of Chief Engineer H. S. Harrington. The tunnel is built straight without any bend and happens to be the only marvel in the entire world. Just at the end of the tunnel is located the railway station of Barog.

People & Culture at Barog

Barog hill station offers a rich and diverse culture, with people from all caste, religion and sect residing throughout the place. One can come across people belonging to various religions such as Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Muslim and Hindus. Hindi, Punjabi, Kangri, Dogri, Pahari and English are the languages spoken by the people in and around Barog, with Hindi being the local language.

Local music, also known as folklores and dance also form the culture of the people residing in Barog.

Various Melas and other festivals are also celebrated by the people in Barog. Some them are Shivratri Mela, Shoolini Mela, Holi fair, Kamakhya temple fair, Chintpurni temple mela, Renuka mela, Minjar mela, Naina Devi fair.

Food and Shopping in Barog

The hill station Barog offers a wide range of Multi – cuisine, both vegetarian and non- vegetarian. Rice, wheat and maize has been the staple food in this region. Sidu is known as the local bread which is made from wheat flour. During the festive season Ankalos are prepared which is composed of rice flour. Sweets made from dry fruits form an integral part of the food.

There are plenty of shopping centers displaying wonderful crafted artifacts made from wood and metal. Beautifully crafted ornaments are also sold in shops within the city. There are shops selling garments with beautifully embroidery works, leather products, and paintings at a very reasonable rate.

Tourist Places in Barog

Barog being one of the smallest hill stations has amazing natural landscapes and geological findings. Some of them are mentioned below:

Dolanji Bon Monastery
Grave of Barog
Choor Chandni Peak
Renuka Lake
Dharampur
Dagshai
Suketi Fossil Park
Jatoli
Spencer Restaurant
Karol Tibba
Sholoni Devi Temple
Barog Camping Ground

The Renuka Lake is named after Goddess Renuka who according to mythology happens to be the mother of Parashurama

Means of Commutation to Barog

Barog is well connected to other places in India. The distance of Barog from cities within Himachal Pradesh state and cities of neighboring states are mentioned below

Chandigarh is located at a distance of 64 km
Delhi is located at a distance of 300 km
Indore is located at a distance of 1173 km
Solan is located at a distance of 4 km
Kasauli is located at a distance of 17 km

NH 22 runs through Barog linking Chandigarh to Shimla via road.

The Barog Railway station lies on the rail route linking Kalka to Shimla.

Accommodation Options at Barog

There are plenty of hotels and resorts in and around Barog Hill Station. Some of the hotels even have spa’s where can rejuvenate themselves. Some of the name of these hotel and resorts are mentioned below: