Just 43 kms from the maddening pace of Shimla is the quaint hill station Chail, happily isolated from the rest of Himachal and occupying prime position on three hills. Escape to the hills of Chail from the big city rush and experience nature at its best and have a tryst with adventure.
The drive to Chail is scenic, winding around the gorgeous valleys of Kandaghat, past forests thick with foliage and fruit laden orchards. Along the entire journey, you are aware that Chail stands apart from other Himachal hill stations in its majesty and location. When you finally reach Chail, you are rewarded with a spectacular view of the Himalayas. The twinkling lights of Shimla and Kasauli are clearly visible and Chail overlooks the Satluj Valley.
So travel to Chail and experience its mystic charm yourself.
How to Reach Chail?
By Air : The closest airport is at Chandigarh, 112 kms away. From Chandigarh one can get a taxi or bus to Chail.
By Rail : The nearest railhead is Kalka and the best train from Delhi would be the Howrah-Delhi-Kalka Mail. From Kalka Chail is a 2-hour ride by bus or taxi. The toy train from Kalka to Kandaghat takes 5 hours and chugs through picturesque hills and tunnels.
By Road : The drive to Chail from Shimla is 43 km via Kufri and 61 km via Kandaghat. Drive to Chail from Delhi on NH1 to Ambala and NH 22 to Kandaghat via Panchkula, Kalka and Dharampur. There are buses and tourist taxis to Chail from Delhi, Chandigarh, Kalka, Shimla and Kandaghat.
Best Time to Visit Chail
Chail is beautiful in summer when the days are warm and the nights cool. Summer day time temperatures remain a cool 25 degrees Centigrade while at night it falls to comfortable 12 degrees C or so. The best time to come to Chail is from April to early July and again from September to November when the monsoons are done.the monsoons come down hard in the hills at Chail, so it would be best to avoid this season as many a time there are landslides and road blocks happen. The winters are cold and see snow with temperatures falling to the single digit mark.
If festivals are your interest then you could visit in late July/August when the Minjair Festival takes place - this festival attracts many visitors and lasts a week during the month of Shravan.
Things to do in Chail
There are plenty of things to do in Chail. Wander off into the woods for a peaceful walk or go for a strenuous hike up the hillside, try some angling in the river nearby or go horse riding on the narrow trail around the hill. Enjoy playing at the highest cricket pitch and polo ground or visit the magnificent Chail Palace, which is a lovely place to spend a peaceful and luxurious holiday. You can also carry a picnic basket to nearby Sadhupul village or Kufri and enjoy few moments in tranquillity.
Places Near Chail
Some of the interesting places near Chail that you can visit from Chail are Shimla, Kufri, and Fagu.
Shimla makes for a good day trip with its many attractions like the Mall, the souvenir shops, and the restaurants - you can escape to Chail when the crowds begin to get to you.
Kufri 25 kms away is famed for its ski slopes and the panoramic vistas around. The crisp cool air of Kufri is rejuvenating and refreshing – so make a day trip. It is well worth it! In summer, horse riding and short treks into the surrounding hills and in winter skiing and tobogganing in the snow are some activities you can undertake.
Fagu lies off the beaten track just a few kilometres from Kufri. If you are looking for a peaceful quiet day out, make that trip to Fagu and get close to nature as you possible can with the most breathtaking views of the surrounding kaleidoscope.
Hotels in Chail – Choice is Yours
There are numerous hotels in Chail ranging from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star deluxe to budget hotels.