About Chail

In the realm where clouds meet the emerald embrace of the Himalayas, there exists a hidden town named Chail.

Chail is a small town in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, renowned for its massive forests, diverse flora and fauna, heritage, culture and tourism. It would be an understatement to say that Chail has centuries old trees of Deodar, Oak, Pine and Cedar. Simply the scale of its well-preserved diversity is ancient and inexhaustive. The native population of Chail has woven its livelihood around this natural resource, mainly practicing agriculture, horticulture and floriculture for its livelihood. The second comes tourism and its allied activities. What draws tourists to Chail is not just the vistas, but also natural health-care, rejuvenation, fruit orchards, organic produce and its flower gardens. Perched at the top of Solan district, the region is uncrowded yet very much developed. This leads to mainly three types of tourism business opportunities - luxury accommodation, adventure activities and health retreats. All of the three can have an overlap as well. Experiential tourists however, seek heritage and cultural tours in addition to the aforementioned.

Chail History

Chail has been a cluster of tiny hamlets for centuries. Her people and her traditions are as ancient as the time itself. However, the core of this quaint habitat changed hands from being a segment of Keonthal state to the Maharaja of Patiala in 1815. In 1892, the Maharaja built a villa on one of the tops. Later on, he developed it into a full swing summer retreat, even hosting some European visitors. Gradually, the village spurred its growth into a town and the town got its own post office, sub-treasury and other developments. In 1972, Chail Palace became the Palace Hotel after being taken over by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. While the town modernized, the charm of its temples remained untouched, and the crisp mountain air continues to be a defining characteristic.

Connectivity

Chail is accessible via road, bifurcating from Chandigarh-Shimla National Highway at Kandaghat. It is approachable from Kufri and a dirt track from Solan.

Distance from:

Roadways

Airport

Railways- Kalka-Shimla railways

Major Tourist Attractions -

Kali Ka Tibba - The temple is perched at the top of the region. It is dedicated to a local deity, Maa Kali. It also serves as an important vantage point offering a direct view of Churdhar, Habban, Solan and Shimla. World’s Highest Cricket Ground - The cricket ground falls under army occupation. It is the World's only cricket ground located at 2250m above sea level. At times it hosts many matches among local groups. Heritage, The Chail Palace - The palace dates back to 1891. It is a fine example of stone masonry embracing few elements of colonial architecture. The entire property spans over 75 acres. Wildlife Sanctuary - Chail Wildlife Sanctuary and others alike are the lungs of North India. The 110 km wide forest is straight out of a fairytale. It is home to some of the rarest Himalayan species, some even endangered. Stoned Kumbh Shiv Temple - The Stone Kumbh Shiv Temple was created by Satya Bhushan. The idol of Lord Shiva and aesthetics of the premises are made entirely of stone and raw concrete. Buddhist Monastery - This Buddhist Temple lies just next to Sadhupul, a beautiful gift to multiculturalism under the aegis of lamas. Mohan Shakti Heritage Park - This temple complex is a work of art. The entire premises is flooded with Greco-European style, embodying the most revered deities of Hinduism. The road to this temple links downwards from the Kalka Shimla National Highway near Salogra. Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri - Call it a Zoo or call it a home to Himalayan wildlife species, Himalayan Nature Park is parked beside the Chail Kufri road, near Kufri. The Park houses several wild animals and birds native to the Himalayas, some even endangered species. Sadhupul - Flowing water has its own way of conducting its charm. Sadhupul is perhaps the most idyllic place one can imagine in peak winters and the most joyful place one can experience in peak summers. Sadhupul is a detour point on Kandaghat Chail road where it meets the sweet Ashwini River. You can step in the same river twice, thrice and as many times as you like, just the flow would be a new one each time. Shri Ramlok Mandir - Yet another beautiful place near Sadhupul. Shri Ramlok Mandir is a magnificent abode to various Gods and Goddesses. Sidh Baba Balaknath Temple - The temple is in Chail, devoted to ‘Balyogi Baba Balak Nath’, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The vibe at the temple is of absolute serenity and neatness, just as the deity himself. Riva Waterfall - It is a beautiful waterfall concealed in the hills of Solan, near Mohan Shakti Park. To get there you have to take the link road from Kalka Shimla Highway at Salogra The way to the fall is a short trek through boxy boulders where the road ends. Water has caved into the rocks and formed a natural spooned pond beneath. It also holds a splendour of natural vegetation and birdsongs. Gurudwara Sahib Chail- Gurudwara Sahib Chail is in the heart of the town, established in 1907 by Maharaja Bhupindar Singh. It can be accessed through a tight road that can also be walked for only 2 minutes. It is a spiritual haven sitting atop Chail's main market.

The location of Chail and its proximity to Chandigarh makes it ideal for hosting events and staycations. The place is also good for weekend tourists who need a replica of Kasauli near Shimla. And of course there are various nature bathing opportunities for visitors. Aside from these factors, Chail also has a potential to develop in various aspects. Its Instagram-worthy environs is its biggest attraction.

The location of Chail and its proximity to Chandigarh makes it ideal for hosting events and staycations. The place is also good for weekend tourists who need a replica of Kasauli near Shimla. And of course there are various nature bathing opportunities for visitors. Aside from these factors, Chail also has a potential to develop in various aspects. Its Instagram-worthy environs is its biggest attraction.