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Chail

''Chail is a beautiful hill station and a popular resort. 43-km from Shimla, Chail is an enticing hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. This idyllic resort, set amidst scented forests of pine and deodar, was once the summer resort of the maharajas of Patiala. Chail (2,150 m) overlooks the Sutlej Valley.
Shimla and Kasauli are also visible and at night their twinkling lights seem part of the starlit sky. Chail is just the summer destination for those, who want to take a break from the traffic and pollution of the city. ''

Chail is built on three hills – the palace on Rajgarh Hill, the British Residency on Pandhewa Hill and Sadh Tiba is the third hill.

The drive to Chail is scenic, winding around the gorgeous valleys of Kandaghat, past forests thick with foliage and fruit laden orchards. During winters, skiing is possible at Narkanda. The Giri river at Gaura, 29 km away, is ideal for fishing. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the hill station by exploring it on foot.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Ideal time to visit Chail is April-June/October-November.

PLACES AROUND CHAIL

Chail Sanctuary - The Deodar and Oak forests that surround the hill town of Chail was declared a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1976. The denizens of this 10,854.36 hectares sanctuary are Sambar, Goral, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Deer, Barking Deer, Indian Hare Common Langur and Leopard.

The Cricket Ground - at Chail is the highest one in the entire world. It was built in the year 1893 and is located at an altitude of 2144 m. The ground is also used for playing polo.

Sadhupul - A small but beautiful village, Sadhupul is a favourite destination for picnickers.

Kandaghat - Kandaghat is around 20 km away from Chail and has the Chail View Palace, Shiva Temples, Baba Thadda Mulla and the Karol Ranges as its prime attractions.

Maharaja's Palace - The Rajgarh Hill, houses the palace of the maharaja that he built as a place for his summer retreat. The palace spreads over an area of 75 acres and offers some fantastic views of the surroundings.

Sidh Baba Ka Mandir - Maharaja Bhupinder Singh had originally intended this to be the site of his palace, and had even started building it, but as is believed, a 'sidh', saintly person appeared in the Maharaja's dream, and declared that this was the place where he had meditated

KUFRI - An enjoyable drive through forests and small villages leads to this small but popular station. The Nature Park here is a great attraction. A short trek leads to the Mahasu Peak with breathtaking views.

CLIMATE

In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. In summer the climate is mild and light woolens / cottons are recommended.

HOW TO REACH THERE

Air: The nearest airport from Chail is Jubbar Hati Airport which is 45 km from Shimla and 63 km from Chail itself. Shimla and Chandigarh airports too are close by.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Kalka. It is at a distance of 86 km. Chandigarh railway station is also an option for you to reach Chail.

Road: Chail is about 86-km from Kalka via Kandaghat. The approach of Chail is along the Kalka-Shimla route. One has to take a detour from Kandaghat. From Kandaghat, it is an hour and a half journey by road to Chail.