A Calm Hill Station Near Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Chail is a quiet hill station located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of around 2,250 metres above sea level. Surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests, Chail offers a calm and slow-paced alternative to crowded hill stations like Shimla and Kufri.
Chail was developed during the British period and later became the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala. Due to controlled development and forest protection, the region has remained largely untouched by mass tourism. Today, Chail attracts travelers who prefer silence, greenery, short walks in nature, and relaxed sightseeing rather than shopping streets or nightlife.
Chail is a peaceful alternative to Shimla, making it ideal for travelers who want to escape crowds and enjoy slow mountain travel.
Why Visit Chail?
• Less crowded than Shimla throughout the year
• Dense forests, clean air, and open landscapes
• Pleasant summer climate and peaceful winters
• Colonial heritage sites with historical value
• Ideal for couples, families, and slow travellers
Chail is suitable for travellers who want nature-focused travel with minimal disturbance and simple facilities.
Best Time to Visit Chail
March to June (Summer Season)
This is the best time to visit Chail. Day temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, forest walks, and outdoor activities. Families and senior travellers usually prefer this season.
July to September (Monsoon Season)
Chail receives moderate rainfall. Forests become lush green, but road travel can be slow due to rain and fog. Landslides are rare but possible during heavy rain.
October to November (Autumn Season)
Weather remains cool with clear skies. This period is excellent for valley views, photography, and peaceful travel before winter sets in.
December to February (Winter Season)
Temperatures may fall to –2°C. Light snowfall may occur in January or February, though it is not guaranteed every year. Tourist numbers are low, and the environment is very quiet.
How to Reach Chail
By Air
The nearest airport is Chandigarh Airport, approximately 120 km away. From Chandigarh, taxis are available and the journey takes around 4–5 hours depending on traffic and weather.
Train
The nearest railway station is Kalka Railway Station, about 85 km from Chail. Kalka is well connected to Delhi and other major cities. From Kalka, taxis and local buses operate towards Chail via Kandaghat.
and Road
Chail is around 335 km from Delhi.
Preferred Route:
Delhi → Chandigarh → Kalka → Kandaghat → Chail
Roads are mostly well maintained, though the final stretch from Kandaghat to Chail is narrow and hilly.
Top Places to Visit in Chail
Chail Palace
Built in 1891, Chail Palace served as the summer residence of the Maharaja of Patiala. Today, it operates as a heritage hotel, but the palace grounds and surrounding areas are open to visitors during permitted hours.
The palace is known for:
• British-era architecture
• Wide lawns and forest surroundings
• Scenic valley views
Chail Palace has also gained popularity as a film shooting location. Several scenes of the Hindi movie 3 Idiot used the palace’s historic interiors and forest surroundings as their backdrop. This has added to the palace’s appeal among movie fans and travellers alike.
Even if you do not stay at the palace, visiting the area offers a clear insight into Chail’s royal history, colonial past, and cinematic significance.
Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
Chail Wildlife Sanctuary spreads across a large forested area surrounding the town. It is home to animals such as sambar deer, barking deer, wild boar, and a wide variety of birds. Leopards are present but sightings are rare.
The sanctuary is best explored through:
• Designated forest paths
• Short guided nature walks
• Birdwatching trails
It is ideal for travellers interested in quiet forest experiences rather than safaris.
Chail Cricket Ground
Located at an altitude of around 2,444 metres, Chail Cricket Ground is considered the highest cricket ground in the world. Built in 1893, it was once used by British officers and is now maintained by the Indian military.
Visitors cannot enter the ground freely but can:
• View it from outside
• Take photographs of the surrounding forest landscape
• Learn about its historical significance
Kali Tibba Temple
Kali Tibba Temple is situated on a hilltop. It is one of the best viewpoints in Chail specially for Sunset. The location offers wide views of nearby valleys and distant mountain ranges.
The temple is:
• Peaceful and well maintained
• Popular during sunset hours
• Easily accessible by road
It is suitable for short visits and photography.
Sadhupul
Located about 15 km from Chail, Sadhupul is a small picnic area near a bridge over the Ashwini River. Visitors usually spend time relaxing by the river, enjoying tea or simple meals at nearby cafés.
Things to Do in Chail (Explained)
Forest Walks and Nature Trails
There are pine and deodar forests everywhere in Chail. Visitors can walk along forest roads near Chail Palace, wildlife sanctuary edges, and Kandaghat road stretches. These walks are mostly flat and suitable for beginners.
Short Hikes
Short hikes are possible around:
• Kali Tibba Temple trail area
• Forest paths near the wildlife sanctuary
• Open meadow routes near Chail Palace
These hikes usually last 1–2 hours and do not require professional guides.
Birdwatching
Chail’s forest cover attracts many bird species. Early mornings are best for spotting Himalayan birds along forest trails and quiet roads.
Photography and Sunset Viewing
Viewpoints like Kali Tibba and open forest clearings around Chail Palace offer good sunset and landscape photography opportunities.
Relaxation and Slow Travel
Chail is ideal for travellers who want to:
• Read or write
• Spend quiet evenings
• Enjoy digital detox
• Avoid crowded sightseeing schedules
Food & Local Cuisine
As Chail is not much crowded place the options are less but adequate.
• Simple North Indian meals
• Parathas, Maggi, momos
• Tea, snacks, and basic café food
Most hotels and resorts offer in-house dining. There are limited fine dining or multi-cuisine restaurants.
Where to Stay in Chail
| Category | Hotel / Stay Option | Approx Price (per night) | Notes |
| Budget | Local Guesthouses, | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 | Basic facilities |
| Homestays | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 | Local experience | |
| Mid-Range | Hotel Ekant, | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 | Good location |
| Maple Resort, | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 | Forest views | |
| Chail Inn | ₹3,000 – ₹5,500 | Family-friendly | |
| Premium | Chail Palace Hotel, | ₹8,000+ | Heritage property |
| Welcomehotel by ITC | 14000-15000 | Premium |
Estimated Budget for 3 Days (Per Person)
• Travel: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000
• Stay: ₹4,500 – ₹9,000
• Food: ₹1,000 – ₹1,500
• Local travel: ₹500 – ₹1,000
Total: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000
FAQs About Chail
1. Is Chail less crowded than Shimla?
Yes. Chail is significantly less crowded than Shimla because it has limited commercial development, fewer hotels, and no mall road. Even during peak summer months, tourist numbers remain manageable.
2. Does Chail receive snowfall every year?
No. Snowfall in Chail is not guaranteed every year. Light snowfall may occur in January or early February, depending on weather patterns. Heavy snowfall is uncommon.
3. How many days are ideal for a Chail trip?
A 2 to 3 day trip is ideal for most travellers. This allows enough time to visit major attractions, enjoy forest walks, and relax without rushing.
4. Is Chail suitable for couples and honeymoon travellers?
Yes. Chail is suitable for couples who prefer privacy, peaceful surroundings, and nature-based travel rather than nightlife or shopping.
5. What is Chail most famous for?
Chail is best known for Chail Palace, the world’s highest cricket ground, dense forest surroundings, and its calm hill-station environment.
6. Is Chail suitable for winter travel?
Yes, if you are comfortable with cold weather. Winter travel is quiet and peaceful, though sightseeing options are fewer and snowfall is not guaranteed.