Stationed at the foothills of the Himalayas, 45 km from Shimla, Chail is a quaint little hill station known for its breathtaking views, high-altitude treks and extensive architectural history. Nestled amidst forests of chir pine and deodars, this scenic hill station offers spectacular panoramic views of the neighbouring hills and valleys. Be it the pleasing surroundings, natural beauty, hiking trails, adventure sports or rich cultural heritage, Chail has something to offer every travel enthusiast. If you are planning a trip to Chail, rest assured that there are too many things to do in Chail.
10 Best Things To Do In Chail
Chail is a beautiful Hill station situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. Here are the top 10 things to do in Chail and places to explore on your trip.
1. Kali Ka Tibba
Photo: Pushkar Prashar / Wikimedia Commons
Situated atop a hill, Kali ka Tibba is one of the top things to see in Chail. Kali Devi, the main deity of the temple attracts several tourists and pilgrims from across the world. Trek or drive your way to the top and soak in the breathtaking view of the Shivalik range and Choor Chandni from the temple. The temple is 2 km away from the city centre in Chail.
Location: Chail, Himachal Pradesh
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2. Maharaja’s Palace Hotel
Photo: Sidnanda / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the heart of Chail, the Maharaja’s Palace Hotel is 5 acres of lush greenery. This premium heritage hotel surrounded by luxurious lawns and gardens has several accommodation options for visitors. This hotel was originally owned by the Maharaja of Patiala in 1981 and later purchased by Heritage Hotels. The vintage furniture, period interior and carpeting add to the antique charm of this place. It has an open-air café, multi-cuisine restaurants, a Tennis and Badminton court, a Billiards room and a kid’s play area.
Location: The Chail Palace, Palace Road, Chail, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
3. Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This area was earlier only a Hunter’s Reserve for the royals. Then, it was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1976 by the government. Home to a myriad of species of animals and birds, the sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers to explore. You can take a stroll through the dense deodar trees, listen to relaxing bird sounds and spot animals like sambar, leopards, wild boars and others on the way.
Location: Sadhupul, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Cost: N/A
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4. Chail Cricket Ground
Photo: Sridhar Rao / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Built by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh in 1893, a cricket enthusiast, the Chail cricket ground is a landmark spot located on top of a hill at an altitude of 2444 metres above sea level. Surrounded by green forests with gigantic deodars, the cricket ground serves as the playground for the Chail Military School and as a Polo ground during vacations. Belonging to the cantonment area, this ground is maintained by the Army.
Location: Chail, Himachal Pradesh 13 km from Shimla
Cost: N/A
5. Chail Gurudwara Sahib
Photo: Steven Baltakatei Sandoval / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Constructed in 1907 by the Maharaja of Patiala, the Gurudwara is surrounded by abundant greenery and a breathtaking view of the Himalayas. This place of worship emits a serene and peaceful vibe. Its church-like structure depicts the confluence of several religions and it is believed that the Gurdwara was built to celebrate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev to Chail. The Gurudwara has a dormitory, guest accommodation and a langar hall.
Location: Kandaghat-Chail-Kufri Road, Chail, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
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6. Sidh Baba Ka Mandir
Photo: Mithunkunwar9 / Wikimedia Commons
Set on a hill at a height of 8000 feet amidst Rajgarh and Pandhawa, Sidh Baba ka Mandir is believed to be the protector of Chail. The temple was also built by Maharaja Bhupender Singh after he got the command to construct the same in his dream. This heritage temple is aesthetically designed and travellers to Chail visit this temple to seek the blessings of Sidh Baba and honour him.
Location: Kandaghat-Chail-Kufri Road, Chail, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
7. Chail Trek
Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Being a mountain city, there are many captivating things to see in Chail for trek lovers. With its dense forests, snowy mountains, and picturesque landscapes, there are trekking options for people of all ages and difficulty levels. You can go solo trekking or opt for trekking tours that can guide you along the most scenic treks. Some of the most popular trekking routes in Chail are Kandaghat, Junga, Churu Chandni, Rajgarh, and of course Shimla.
Location: Chail, Himachal Pradesh
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8. Sadhupul Lake
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sadhupul Lake is a stream of the Ashwini River that runs amidst the plush greenery of Himachal near Sadhupul town along the path to Chail. This serene lake with its calm environment and pristine waters attracts travellers from far and wide. The bridge over the lake and the local food are the main attractions. You can either go boating, fishing, swimming or just relax by the lakeside listening to nature sounds.
Location: Kandaghat, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
9. Himalayan Nature Park
Photo: ShashwatJain99 / Wikimedia Commons
Resting in the lap of the Himalayas is the Himalayan Nature Park which is home to over 140 diverse species of flora and fauna. you can spot animals such as Snow Leopards, Black Bears, Sambar, and Yaks. You can enjoy a horse ride within the park premises as well. The rich biodiversity of this sanctuary coupled with well-defined trails and stunning views makes the journey unforgettable for the tourists. Wildlife enthusiasts can experience these exotic animals and a few endangered species like Gorals and Cheer Pheasants in their natural habitats.
Location: Kufri, Himachal Pradesh 171012
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
How To Get There: Through private vehicle or public transport
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10. Chail Bazaar
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Stationed at the heart of Chail City, Chail Bazaar is a vibrant marketplace and a tourist’s delight. It is the hub of local handicrafts, wooden artefacts, Himachal scarfs, Kinnaur mufflers, handmade shoes, rugs, carpets and Pashmina shawls. Be it for gifting, self-use or just a souvenir, Chail Bazaar is the place for you with innumerable options. Check out some silver, metal, stone or Tibetan jewellery that display the unique beauty of local craftsmanship.
Location: 24, Chail, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
If you are thinking about what to do in Chail, the place can help you relax, rejuvenate and be one with nature. Once the summer capital of Patiala, Chail is now one of the top choices for a quiet holiday in the mountains. It is a perfect summer retreat with opportunities for sightseeing, nature walks, adventure sports and more. So, get in touch with TripXL to make your Himalayan vacation a memorable one.
Cover Photo: Tvacute1 / Wikimedia Commons