Barog

Barog, Solan, Himachal Pradesh

Barog, Solan, Himachal Pradesh

Barog was settled in the early 20th century during the building of the narrow gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway. It is named after Colonel Barog, an engineer involved in building the railway track in 1903.

Barog is a small hill station in Solan district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

Barog is situated at the height of 1,600m. One can have a panoramic view of Churdhar Peak (3,647m) and is Just 8-km from Solan and 37-km from Kalka which poetically translates into 'Mountain of the Silver Bangle'. Barog was an important stop on the railway line in the earlier part of the century. Now it has longest tunnel on Shimla Kalka narrow gauge railway line. The major attraction is Barog height resort situated at the top of the hill, which offer the picturesque view of the surrounding area.

On the Kalka - Shimla Highway, Barog (1680m) has grown from a mere stopover to a full-fledged destination. Surrounded by pine and oak forests, Barog has a commanding setting. Barog makes a conveniently accessible destination and a travel stopover to or from Shimla.

Barog, the engineer, was responsible for designing a tunnel near the railway station. He commenced digging the tunnel from both sides of the mountain, which is quite common as it speeds up construction. However, he made mistakes in his calculation and while constructing the tunnel, it was found that the two ends of the tunnel did not meet.

Barog was fined an amount of 1 Rupee by the British government. Unable to withstand the humiliation, Barog committed suicide. He was buried near the incomplete tunnel. The area came to be known as Barog after him. Later it was constructed under Chief Engineer H.S. Harrington's supervison guided by a local sage, Bhalku,[3] in a short period from July 1900 to September 1903 at a cost 8.40 Lakh rupees (Rupees 840,000).
This tunnel is the longest of the 103 operational tunnels on the route of the Shimla-Kalka Railway, which is 1143.61m long. Barog station is immediately after the tunnel. Barog tunnel is the straightest tunnel in the World.
Trains take about 2.5 minutes to cross this tunnel, running at 25 kilometres per hour

CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature can drop near to freezing point when heavy woolens are required and in summers light woolens / cottons are recommended

RAILWAY STATION (3 km) : On of the most attractive station in the Scottish style on the Kalka - Shimla rail route.

DAGSHAI (7 km) : A one time British cantonment. This is small town surrounded by pine trees and has an old church.

SOLAN (8 km ): Located on the National Highway - 22 Solan derives its name from "Shoolini Devi" a local deity whose temple is situated in Solan Graon which is in existence since ancient times. Solan also remained capital of erstwhile Bhagat State for many years. A famous "Shoolini Fair" is commemorated every year in 2nd week of June at Thoda Ground. The town has various cultural and recreational centers besides temples and churches. There are beautiful parks such as Children Park, Mohan Park and Jawahar Park which have adequate arrangements for comfortable sitting and strolling. A mini zoo in the park adds to the fascination of the environment. Durga Club, Central State Library, Lower and Upper Bazaar and Mall road are worth visiting. Ancient Durga Temple, Sanatan Dharm Mandir, Hari and Narsingh Mandir are also quite famous.

SOLAN BREWERY (11 km) : This is in existence since 1855 AD. Formerly Dyer Meakin Brewary, it is not only known in the country but also in foreign countries for its products.

JATOLI (15 km) : 7 km from Solan this small but beautiful village on Solan - Rajgarh road famous for Vishal Shiva temple.

DOLANJI BON MONASTERY (18 km) : On Solan - Rajgarh road there is a small village known as Ochhghat. 5km from here on Narag-Sarahan road, located at famous Bon Monastery known 'Yungdrung Bon Monastery' being run by Yungdrung Bon Monastic Centre. This was founded in 1969 by the Abbot Lungtog Tenpai Nyima. After 14 years of hard work, he managed to create a totally self sufficient monastery with 120 monks, developing it into a thriving, active centre of all branches of Tibetan traditional learning. On the eve of New Year and on other occasions three sacred Bon dances are performed here which are of great attraction.

KAROL GOOFA (17 km) : On the Karol Tibba (2135m) and 8 km from Solan town is an ancient Sidh Goofa which is considered to be one of the longest Goofa in Himalayan region. It starts from Karol and ends somewhere at Pinjore. Besides Goddess Kali and Lord Hanuman temples, Thakur Mandir on top of the hill are some the great attractions for the pilgrims and visitors. The trek up to Karol is steep but quite enjoyable. This place is very popular amongst the trekkers and adventurous picnickers.

HORTICULTURE AND FORESTRY UNIVERSITY (16 km) : In the surroundings on Rajgarh Road the University is an unique centre of higher studies and research in horticulture and forestry. The entire campus is worth seeing.

GAURA : Located alongside the Solan - Rajgarh road, this place is famous for Mahasheer fishing in Giri river.

RAJGARH (53 km): A picturesque area with numerous orchards and picnic spots like Habban and Nacchana.

Historic