Chail: A Hidden Gem in Himachal

Located on the outskirts of the Himalayas, Chail is a beautiful hill station surrounded by snow-clad mountains and lush green conifers. The quiet town is merely 3 hour’s drive from Chandigarh and about 2 hours away from Shimla. Situated at an altitude of 2250m, the serene place is pleasant in summer and cold in winter, making it a tourist attraction all year round.

In 1891, Maharaja of Patiala, after getting restricted from the summer capital Shimla under the British Raj, built and made this town his summer haven. For a long time, Chail remained the capital city of Patiala kings. However, after the accession to the Indian Union, Maharaja of Patiala donated most of his property to the Military School in Chail and the Govt of India.

Often called a “Hiker’s Paradise” the exquisite small town offers a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Plan your weekend getaway to explore some hidden gems in the backdrop of the Himalayas.

Key Attractions

There are many places worth exploring when in Chail, however, there are some of the must-visit places you shouldn’t miss.

Chail Palace

The Palace is one of the most famous places to explore in Chail. Built in the 19th century, it was the summer abode of Maharaja of Patiala for a long time. The Chail Palace is managed by the Govt of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.

The Palace is spread over approximately 75 acres and consists of lawns, restaurants, a parking area, cottages and a children’s park. Furnished with antique and royal amenities, the place gives you vintage vibes with classic architecture.

Facilities

• The suites at the Palace are provided with antique furniture and carpets across the area with separate fireplaces.
• The regular rooms are spacious and royal, with carpeting from wall to wall and attached baths. Bathrooms are luxurious with plunge baths included.
• In-room dining, laundry and dry cleaning services are available.
• Children’s park, gift shop, lawn tennis, piano area in the hall.
• Conference facility, bar, restaurant and parking within premises.

Kali Tibba Temple

When in Chail you cannot miss visiting the famous Mata Kali Tibba Temple. Situated at the hilltop this serene temple offers you the peace of mind you need on a mountain trip. Dedicated to the goddess Kali this is open for pilgrims from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

You will reach the temple after a small trek through a dense forest of conifers. The view from the hilltop is breathtaking and will make your visit worth it. You can enjoy the stunning sight of the Shivalik range and Choor Chandni ranges from the top of the hill.

Gurudwara Sahib Chail

The Chail Gurudwara, a Sikh temple that resembles a church from the outside is a major attraction of the town. Merely 200 meters away from the bus stand Chail, you can start your quest from the gurudwara itself.

It was constructed in 1907 by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. Acquired by the govt of Himachal after the partition from Punjab and is now managed by the Department of Art & Culture.

Stoned Kumbh Shiv Temple

Located at a quiet corner of Chail, this notorious temple with stunning architecture is a hidden gem unknown to many. Dedicated to Lord Shiva this temple was built by a 64-year-old man Satya Bhushan on his ancestral property.

In 1980, inspired by his dream he started building the temple all by himself which took him over 38 years to complete. The marvellous architectural design of the temple will leave you speechless, wanting to visit again and again to this scenic shrine.

Chail Cricket Ground

Located at an altitude of 2444 meters above sea level, this is the world’s highest cricket ground. It was built in 1891 by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh who was known to be a devoted cricket fan. The ground is used as the school playground by the Chail Military School.

The ground is usually not open for visitors, however, you can see the ground from a distance to experience the serene vibes of the place around the ground.

Chail Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated on the outskirts of Chail, this wildlife sanctuary is one of the lesser-known sanctuaries in the country. Spread across a 110 km square area the sanctuary is densely covered with pine oak and deodar trees.

It was declared a wildlife sanctuary and a protected area under government consideration in the year 1976. You can spot different kinds of flora and fauna in the forest, the large mammals include leopards, Indian muntjac, rhesus macaque, wild boars, Himalayan black deers etc. Entry to this wildlife sanctuary is free and you can trek through the forest from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Plan your weekend hideaway to Chail from busy city lives and enjoy the tranquillity of nature amongst the breathtaking views of the Himalayan Ranges. You will undoubtedly want to return to the serene, picturesque hill station time and time again.

So, what are you waiting for? Secure your bookings for this beautiful destination and plan an exciting weekend today!