Kasol Himachal Pradesh is called "Amsterdam of India"

 Kasol is a picturesque little village in Himachal, situated on the banks of the river Parvati. Commonly referred to as the 'Amsterdam of India', Kasol is a tourist attraction that is gaining popularity as a popular destination for trekkers, backpackers and nature lovers. Kasol is located 23 km from Bhuntar and next to the religious town of Manikaran. It is one of the best places in the country to sit back and enjoy the panorama of snow-capped mountains, pine trees and gurgling river.

Kasol is famous for its trekking routes, which include treks to Kheerganga, Yanker Pass, Sar Pass and Pin Parbati Pass. To get a feel for the culture of this region, visit the village of Malana. Located just a few kilometres from Kasol, Malana is a small hamlet where people live in self-imposed isolation. The people of Malana describe themselves as descendants of the Aryans, which is why they avoid contact with outsiders. However, the village has a lot of scenic sights and is often referred to as 'Little Greece'.

Kasol is inhabited by a large number of people from Israel, which can be seen in the abundant Israeli food and the Hebrew street signs. There are several street cafés in Kasol serving delicious food. The experience of sitting and enjoying a meal amidst the dark green forests and impressive mountains makes the meal even more enjoyable.

There is a flea market in Kasol where you can take home jewellery, souvenirs, pendants and even semi-precious stones for your family and friends.

Although this village does not have much to offer apart from its natural beauty, Kasol is by no means an obscure tourist destination. Popular among bold travellers, the village is not far from the most famous tourist destination of Manali. Travellers with a penchant for adventures in the unexplored should definitely visit this natural tourist hotspot that has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing. Kasol is also a place that exhibits the charm of Indian hospitality and is home to a colony of Israeli immigrants, giving the place a Jewish touch. Be it the aura of Tosh, the beautiful river Parvati or the majestic Gurudwara at Manikaran, Kasol is a place not to be missed, especially if you are in the Kullu Manali region.

Kasol is part of a multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-lingual state and follows the Himachali culture and religion itself. As a result of the large influx of tourists, the place is multicultural. You will find people from different cultures speaking different languages on board. There is a school in Kasol. The locals live in small colourful huts. Most of them run cafés and others are local guides. Kasol has a culture that is heavily influenced by Israelis. It has become home to many Israelis who, after falling in love with the beauty of the city, never think of returning. For them, Kasol has a homely feel with white sands near the Parvati River and wild char, which can also be found in Israel. More than half of the population in Kasol are Israelis. For this reason, Kasol is also called "The Mini Israel of India". The cuisine of Kasol therefore has a mixture of German, Italian and Israeli dishes. The modern culture of Israel has led to the night and rave parties. However, these parties are illegal and if caught, it can land the offender behind bars. But, as said before, better safe than sorry!

The nights are full of rave parties in Kasol. The parties are held in areas that are not easily accessible. The Himachal police is on alert during the nights. Hence, they conduct raids in such areas. There are cafes that are open till midnight.

Some of them are 24-hour restaurants. So for your late night cravings, there are some great solutions. To name a few: Bhoj Cafe (24 hours), Buddha Place (12am) and Mama Cafe (2am).

Summer Hill Festival

This is the most stunning party that happens every year at the end of June. It's time to say goodbye to the hot summers and enjoy the serenity of the cool breeze in Kasol. The Summer Hill Festival is always ready to amaze you with its amazing arrangements that take place in the lap of nature. Celebrating in a valley full of lush green trees and a river flowing beside it is amazing. The festival is spread over a map of 2 days. The music festival is nature's way of reviving the soul. Its aura is so grand, the environment so balanced, the socialising so lively and the food so tempting. The nights are spent dancing under the sky full of twinkling stars in such an exuberant environment. You even have personal tents available for your quiet times. There are interactive group activities like group discussions, face painting, campfires, cleanliness activities etc. This helps people to engage in cultural interaction with each other. A day pass costs INR 1000 and a two-day pass costs INR 1500 per person. Entry is also possible on the spot.