Solan

Known as the mushroom city of India on account of its mushroom farming, Solan is the largest city in Himachal Pradesh, spanning across 33 sq km. For an interesting peek into local culture, plan your trip around the three day fair held at the Thoudo grounds in the month of June each year, during which locals hold music and dance performances and offer prayers to the goddess Shoolini Devi. Tucked 45 km away from the buzzing state capital Shimla, the city’s Sholini Devi Temple is visited by many pilgrims throughout the year. The town’s primary shopping area, the Mall Road, is always teeming with crowds looking for touristy knick-knacks.