A quiet hill station barely two hours away from the capital of Himachal, Chail makes for a picture-perfect mountain short getaway in the lap of nature. Popularly known as the summer capital of the flashy imperial families of the princely state of Patiala, Chail is surrounded by lush greenery and mesmerizing views.
With its stunning panoramic views and calmness around, it will be a memorable travelling experience if you are looking to get away from the other cramped places in the state. With a dense cover of pine and Deodar trees, its lush green meadows and stunning mountain views, this place should be on your must visit list.
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Seasonal variations in Chail –
- Summer (March end to mid June) – This is considered the best time to visit Chail. Many tourists come over to take a break from the scorching heat. The weather during this time in Chail stays pleasant, allowing the tourists to enjoy sightseeing and relax.
- Autumn (September to November) – Autumn is a good time to visit Chail. Along with pleasant weather, you’ll find lesser tourists and thus good deals on hotel bookings.
- Winter (December to mid March) – With winters come snowfall in Chail. This is a perfect time for those wanting to spend time amid snow. However, be prepared with a good woolen and winter clothes!
Note: During the monsoon season (June end to August), Chail experiences average to heavy rainfall. Sometimes there also are risks of landslides, and thus it is not a good time to visit Chail.
How to reach to Chail?
Train: The nearest major railhead is Kalka, at a distance of 81 km. In order to reach Chail from Kalka, you can board a bus or hire a taxi.
Road: Government and privately-run buses frequently ply between Chail and other neighboring towns and cities, such as – Delhi, Shimla, Chandigarh, Kalka, and Kandaghat.
Air: The closest airport from Chail is located in Chandigarh, which is 117 km away. You can opt to go on a bus or hire a taxi to reach Chail.
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Must visit places in Chail –
School Play Ground tops the list of popular places to visit in Chail – a small town that once served as the summer capital of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, an avid cricket lover. He commissioned this cricket ground that sits at an altitude of 7500 ft and is the highest cricket ground in the world.
The ground is maintained by Army officials as it is a part of the cantonment region. Tourists can enjoy a walk around and click pictures, but they are not permitted to enter the ground.
Sadhupul Lake is the perfect hangout place in Chail. The highlight here is the lake restaurant that serves snacks such as Maggi and bread-omlette. Gorge on your choicest snacks and beverages as you dip your feet in cold lake water, and enjoy the breezy weather and lush green surroundings.
Kali Ka Tibba is located right at the top of a hill. There is absolutely nothing surrounding the temple, other than a few trees. One of the most beautiful places to see in Chail, the temple is popular for the magnificent views it provides, along with many activities such as horse-riding and angling.