Did you know that Chail was built because the British had banned Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala from Shimla? The quaint hill station was made accessible to tourists only after the royals of Patiala handed over their palace to the Indian government in 1972. Today, it serves as a popular getaway for nature lovers. The hill station is perfect for leisurely walks, family picnics, and thrilling hikes. By Karan Kaushik
Things to do in Chail
Chail Palace
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Spread over 75 acres, Chail Palace was built in 1891 by the Maharaja of Patiala after he acquired Chail from the Gurkhas. The palace stands on Rajgarh Hill and serves as a luxury heritage hotel. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala used to spend six months every year at this palace. Surrounded by tall cedar trees, the palace is the prime attraction in Chail, where tourists hop in for a bit of princely excitement. Fun fact: The palace was used as Ranchordas Chanchad’s house in 3 Idiots.
Chail Cricket Ground
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Famous as the highest cricket ground in the world, the beautiful stadium is perched at the height of 7,218 ft. Surrounded by deodar forests, the stadium lies in the cantonment area. Even though it is out of bounds to civilians, true cricket fans must take a walk around the stadium and earn bragging rights. You will get a clear view of the stadium from the main gate.
Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
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This small sanctuary is sprawled between the Krishna and Giriganga rivers. The sanctuary is home to brown bears, langurs, hogs, sambars, wild pheasants, ghorals, and the elusive leopard. The forest used to serve as a hunting ground for the royals of Chail. It was given the status of a wildlife sanctuary in 1976. You can spot wildlife on the way to Kali ka Tibba and Gauda, and the stretch from Chail Palace to Janerghat.
Gurudwara Sahib Chail
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Built by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh in 1907, the Gurudwara Sahib is located on Pandhawa Hill, a kilometre above the main bazaar in Chail. The beautiful little Gurudwara is flocked by devotees throughout the year. Located inside the Chail Military School Campus, the shrine is surrounded by oak and pine trees and makes for a peaceful experience.
Kali ka Tibba
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Kali ka Tibba on Blossom Hill offers the most incredible views in Chail. From here, you can see the Choor Chandni Peak and the Shivalik Range. Kali ka Tibba can be reached after a refreshing 6km hike from the main bazaar. The temple here is dedicated to Goddess Kali and offers stunning sunsets and sunrises.
Stoned Kumbh Shiv Temple
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This one-of-its-kind Shiva temple is a must-visit attraction in Chail. Located on the Chail-Kufri road, the temple has been built by Mr Satya Bhushan, who started its construction in 1980 after seeing an unusual Shiva temple in his dream. The stone carvings by Bhushan will leave you fascinated.
Trekking
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Chail offers amazing trekking opportunities. Some of the popular trails here include Chail to Shimla, Chail to Gaura, Chail to Jhaja, Kandaghat-Chail, Chur Chandni, and Chail-Rajgarh. Most adventure lovers take the Gaura-Jhajja Trek. Let the crisp mountain air ruffle your hair as you hike through gorgeous forests of pine, deodar, cedar, and rhododendrons.
Karan Kaushik
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