The Best Places to Visit & Things to Do in Chail | Himachal Pradesh
The erstwhile summer capital of the princely state of Patiala, Chail is an alluring hill station that lies about 63 km from Shimla. Nestled in the Himachal Pradesh’s Shivalik region, Chail basically is spread across the three hillocks - Sadh Tiba, Pandewa and Rajgarh. It is spread over an area covering 72 acres of land and overlooks the canyon of River Satluj. Chail enjoys pleasant weather all around the year and is thus visited not just by the tourists but also the locals. Further, it also brings forth scenic and elegant views of the enclosing countryside. Overlooking both Shimla and Kasauli, Chail used to be a sleepy little mountain village that underwent a transformation in the year 1893.
Chail along with Shimla and Kufri is also known as the Golden Triangle of Himachal Pradesh. It is a beautiful hill station that is free from the massive crowds that throng Shimla and consequently allows the travellers to relish the charm and the beauty of the place in its relative peace.
The lush green outfields, dense cover of deodar and pine trees and the stunning views of the mountains along with the breathtaking natural beauty, makes Chile one of the most significant tourist attraction of Himachal Pradesh.
Places To Visit In Chail For A Perfect Hill Town Retreat In Himachal Pardesh:
1. School Playground
School Play Ground tops the list of best places to visit in Chail. It is a small town that once served as the summer capital of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, an avid cricket lover. He commissioned this cricket ground that sits at an altitude of 7500 ft and is the highest cricket ground in the world.
The ground is maintained by Army officials as it is a part of the cantonment region. Tourists can enjoy a walk around and click pictures, but they are not permitted to enter the ground.
2. Sadhupul Lake
Sadhupul Lake is one of the top places to visit in Chail. The highlight here is the lake restaurant that serves snacks such as Maggi and bread-omelette. Munch on your choicest snacks and beverages as you dip your feet in cold lake water, and enjoy the breezy weather and lush green surroundings. You will have the time of your life here and will not be disappointed by everything that this lake has to offer.
Sadhupul Lake is one of the top places to visit in Chail. The highlight here is the lake restaurant that serves snacks such as Maggi and bread-omelette. Munch on your choicest snacks and beverages as you dip your feet in cold lake water, and enjoy the breezy weather and lush green surroundings. You will have the time of your life here and will not be disappointed by everything that this lake has to offer.
3. Chail Palace Hotel
Built-in 1891, Chail Palace was owned by the Maharaja of Patiala. Ever since it got converted to a heritage hotel, it has become one of the top tourist Chail attractions, Himachal Pradesh. Classic furniture and historic interior are reminiscent of the royal lifestyle in the erstwhile era.
You can find many cottages in Chail, but this is the best option for a cozy yet classy staycation. In case, you’re not in for a stay, you can enjoy a short visit to a part of this palace.
What’s special: The Cafe Palace is an open-air dining area where you can not just have great food but also enjoy the beauty of pristine nature
Built-in 1891, Chail Palace was owned by the Maharaja of Patiala. Ever since it got converted to a heritage hotel, it has become one of the top tourist Chail attractions, Himachal Pradesh. Classic furniture and historic interior are reminiscent of the royal lifestyle in the erstwhile era.
You can find many cottages in Chail, but this is the best option for a cozy yet classy staycation. In case, you’re not in for a stay, you can enjoy a short visit to a part of this palace.
What’s special: The Cafe Palace is an open-air dining area where you can not just have great food but also enjoy the beauty of pristine nature
4. Maharaja’s Palace
Constructed in 1891, this palace is located at the Rajgarh hill in Chail. This Palace has also named the Rajgarh palace which is well-furnished and boasts regal furnishing with a touch of the royal lifestyle. There are log huts and cottages which surround the palace amidst the dense forest and lawns. There are a children’s park and a lover’s hill around the palace. This is amongst the most popular Chail tourist places.
Constructed in 1891, this palace is located at the Rajgarh hill in Chail. This Palace has also named the Rajgarh palace which is well-furnished and boasts regal furnishing with a touch of the royal lifestyle. There are log huts and cottages which surround the palace amidst the dense forest and lawns. There are a children’s park and a lover’s hill around the palace. This is amongst the most popular Chail tourist places.
5. Kali Ka Tibba
Kali Ka Tibba, or Kali Temple, is located right at the top of a hill. There is absolutely nothing surrounding the temple, other than a few trees. One of the most beautiful places to see in Chail, the temple is popular for the magnificent views it provides, along with many activities such as horse-riding and angling.
Kali Ka Tibba, or Kali Temple, is located right at the top of a hill. There is absolutely nothing surrounding the temple, other than a few trees. One of the most beautiful places to see in Chail, the temple is popular for the magnificent views it provides, along with many activities such as horse-riding and angling.
6. Siddh Baba Ka Mandir
Another famous Chail tourist places is Siddh Baba Ka Mandir, dedicated to Saint Siddh Baba. As the legend goes, he appeared in the dream of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh and told him that this spot is where he meditated. The dream led the king to order the construction of the temple. Before you’re blown away by the serenity of this place, remember to be respectful towards the customs and traditions of Chail and follow the instructions mentioned outside the temple, like taking off your shoes before going inside.
Another famous Chail tourist places is Siddh Baba Ka Mandir, dedicated to Saint Siddh Baba. As the legend goes, he appeared in the dream of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh and told him that this spot is where he meditated. The dream led the king to order the construction of the temple. Before you’re blown away by the serenity of this place, remember to be respectful towards the customs and traditions of Chail and follow the instructions mentioned outside the temple, like taking off your shoes before going inside.
7. Gurudwara Sahib
The interesting thing about Chail Gurudwara is that it looks like a church. It was built in 1907 and faced deterioration until an NGO named Chail Heritage Foundation took the initiative to restore it.
One of the popular religious and famous places in Chail, Himachal Pradesh, Chail Gurudwara is quite an attraction at the time of Sikh festivals like Gurupurab and Baisakhi. Besides being a lovely praying place, it offers free accommodation to visitors in its dormitory and guest rooms.
The interesting thing about Chail Gurudwara is that it looks like a church. It was built in 1907 and faced deterioration until an NGO named Chail Heritage Foundation took the initiative to restore it.
One of the popular religious and famous places in Chail, Himachal Pradesh, Chail Gurudwara is quite an attraction at the time of Sikh festivals like Gurupurab and Baisakhi. Besides being a lovely praying place, it offers free accommodation to visitors in its dormitory and guest rooms.
8. Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
If you love wildlife, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is certainly one of the best places to visit in Chail for you. Perched at a height of 7152 ft, it offers spectacular scenic views besides the glimpses of vivid birds and animals living on the premises. This is amongst the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh.
In Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, you can spot a variety of animals including Himalayan Black Bear, Langur, Wild Boar, European Red Deer, Flying Squirrel, and Goral.
Entry Fee: Free
If you love wildlife, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is certainly one of the best places to visit in Chail for you. Perched at a height of 7152 ft, it offers spectacular scenic views besides the glimpses of vivid birds and animals living on the premises. This is amongst the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh.
In Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, you can spot a variety of animals including Himalayan Black Bear, Langur, Wild Boar, European Red Deer, Flying Squirrel, and Goral.
Entry Fee: Free
9. Himalayan Nature Park
Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri is among the best wildlife places to visit near Chail. Here, you can spot animals like Deer, Black Bear, Tibetan Wolf, Leopard Cat, and Cheer Pheasant, among others. Shopaholics can also take home wooden handicrafts and handloom stuff from nearby. Take a tour guide along if you’re not confident of navigating this place alone. You will have a blast here with your near and dear ones. It is one of the best places to visit on the Chail Shimla route.
Entry Fee: INR 20 per head for adults | INR 10 per head for children
Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri is among the best wildlife places to visit near Chail. Here, you can spot animals like Deer, Black Bear, Tibetan Wolf, Leopard Cat, and Cheer Pheasant, among others. Shopaholics can also take home wooden handicrafts and handloom stuff from nearby. Take a tour guide along if you’re not confident of navigating this place alone. You will have a blast here with your near and dear ones. It is one of the best places to visit on the Chail Shimla route.
Entry Fee: INR 20 per head for adults | INR 10 per head for children
10. Gaura And Jhajja
Are you an adventure freak? If so, you’re going to love trekking through the rocky trails of Gaura and Jhajja. Walk under the shadows of tall pine trees while enjoying the cool and calm air of mountains. There are some great viewpoints where you can sit and enjoy the raw beauty of nature. Start the trek from Chail and go all the way to Gaura and Jhajja.
Are you an adventure freak? If so, you’re going to love trekking through the rocky trails of Gaura and Jhajja. Walk under the shadows of tall pine trees while enjoying the cool and calm air of mountains. There are some great viewpoints where you can sit and enjoy the raw beauty of nature. Start the trek from Chail and go all the way to Gaura and Jhajja.
Are you clueless about how to reach Chail? Do not fret. There are many ways to reach Chail. You can opt for the train, bus or plane. Let us look into detail in these three modes of commute:
- Train: The nearest major railhead is Kalka, at a distance of 81 km. In order to reach Chail from Kalka, you can board a bus or hire a taxi.
- Road: Government and privately-run buses frequently ply between Chail and other neighbouring towns and cities, such as – Delhi, Shimla, Chandigarh, Kalka, and Kandaghat.
- Air: The closest airport from Chail is located in Chandigarh, which is 117 km away. You can opt to go on a bus or hire a taxi to reach Chail.
Comments
Post a Comment