Chail is a quiet hill station close (44km) to Shimla, known for the world's highest cricket ground and a heritage hotel, Chail Palace. Surrounded by pine and deodar trees, Chail is located at an altitude of 2,250m above sea level.
Tourists typically cover Shimla, Kufri and Chail in the same trip and many Shimla packages also offer the same. Chail is great for a day trip from Shimla as it takes just about 2 hours to reach here from the Mall road. However, you could also stay in one of the resorts for a more fulfilling experience. Solan, another important city is also located close by at a distance of just 45 km from Chail.
The former summer capital of Patiala, Chail was built by the former Maharaja of Patiala after he was banished from Shimla (he eloped with the daughter of then commander-in-chief of the British Army, Lord Kitchner). Since its foundation in the year 1893, Chail has been an attraction for tourists seeking a vacation with the beauty of Shivalik ranges. Three hillocks - Pandewa, Rajgarh and Sadh Tibba comprise the tourist town of Chail.
Chail also offers various trekking and camping options for adventure enthusiasts. Located on the banks of river Sandhupul, Chail also offers various camping options by the riverside. Travellers can also visit the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary here.
Chail has a handful of restaurants and local Dhabas. One can try local Himachali cuisine here too. Other than these, the options for food here are somewhat limited. Tourists covering Chail along with Shimla should make Shimla their base as it has a range of restaurants which serve different cuisines like North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Continental etc. Surprisingly, one may not find a lot of places in Shimla that serve the local Pahadi food, unlike Chail. View Top Restaurants in Chail
Suggested Itinerary for Chail
Chail could be visited just for the day from Shimla. For such a trip, leave Shimla in the morning for Chail, reach by noon time. Enjoy local sightseeing including the Chail Palace and cricket ground and leave for Shimla again by evening. However, if you wish to stay in Chail, you can follow the following itinerary
Day 1: Assuming you are staying in Shimla, take a local cab and leave for Chail in the evening. Stay overnight at the hotel in Chail.
Day 2: Leave for local sightseeing in Chail after breakfast. Visit the Chail cricket ground, located at an altitude of 2444 m, it is the highest cricket ground in the world. Then, visit the Maharajas?s palace, the palace was built in 1891 and is famous for its royal architecture and design. Later, enjoy horse riding on the snowy slopes of Chail. Back to hotel. Dinner and stay at the hotel.
Day 3: Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Chail wildlife sanctuary, located at an elevation of 2180 m, the sanctuary is home to various kinds of mammals and birds. Visit the Kali Tibba temple, trek to the Kail Tibba temple which is located on the top of mountain Blossom. The temple is dedicated to goddess Kali and offers the panoramic view of the Shivalik ranges. Back to hotel.
Day 4: Check-out from the hotel after breakfast.
Less crowded than other tourist locations in Himachal Pradesh. Chail is closer to nature. Weather is pleasant all around the year.
What is not so good about Chail?
Weather becomes harsh in the month of December and January. Not a lot of things to do here in Chail.
Who should visit Chail?
An ideal destination for the honeymoon couples. Chail is also good for people visiting Shimla and looking for a short excursion.
What is the best time to visit Chail?
April - June
Chail can be visited throughout the year. Summer from April to June is considered as the best time to visit Chail.
The summers in Chail are enjoyable and windy with pleasant weather. A great retreat not only to get away from the hustle-bustle of the city but also to beat the heat.
The winters are cold and chilly, enveloped in pristine white snow. Snowfall in Chail is a common occurrence, for snow lovers. Monsoon season in Chail is pleasing with little rainfall occurring but is prone to a number of landslides.
Chail has a handful of restaurants and local Dhabas. One can try local Himachali cuisine here too. Other than these, the options for food here are somewhat limited. Tourists covering Chail along with Shimla should make Shimla their base as it has a range of restaurants which serve different cuisines like North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Continental etc. Surprisingly, one may not find a lot of places in Shimla that serve the local Pahadi food, unlike Chail. Read More
What is the best way to reach Chail?
Chail is very close to Shimla (47 km) and taxis and buses are available from Shimla to reach here. The nearest major raiway station is in Kalka, which is 77 kms away. However, toy train runs from Kalka to Shimla and one can take that to reach Shimla. One can also take a bus or a taxi from Kalka to reach Chail. The nearest airport is also in Shimla in the Jubbarhatti area, which is around 63 km from Chail. Read More
How much does a package cost for Chail?
The packages for Chail start at INR 15500 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here
What are the things to do in Chail?
The top things to do in Chail are Chail wildlife sanctuary, Palace Hotel, Cricket Ground, Kali Temple, Chail, Shopping in Chail, Horse riding in Chail. You can see all the places to visit in Chail here
What are the places near Chail?
The top places near to Chail are Shimla which is 15 km from Chail, Kasauli which is located 23 km from Chail, Manali which is located 141 km from Chail, Kasol which is located 116 km from Chail, Shojha which is located 33 km from Chail
Have a Question on Chail?
Ask a question from the travellers who have experience.
Yes, you can. You can visit local jungle nearby and do the camping. But, beware there are wild animals in that jungle and nobody will be near to your location. I have done it few years ago and enjoye (Read More)d a lot. Also, make sure to equip yourself with proper clothes because at nights temperature drops.
If you are planning a trip to Chail, you can bundle it with Shimla & Kufri or Shimla & Kasauli. Road trip from Delhi is a good way to enjoy this route.
If you want to enjoy the pleasant weather of Chail you should visit the place in the summers when the temperature is around 15-20 degrees. During the winters the temperatures goes down to -2 degrees (Read More)so visit the place that time only if you are ready to brave such cold and snow.
