This idyllic resort, set amidst scented forests of pine and deodar, was once the summer resort of the maharajas of Patiala. Located on a wooded spur, Chail (2,150 m) overlooks the Sutlej Valley. Shimla and Kasauli are also visible and at night their twinkling lights seem part of the starlit sky.

Chail Palace
The palace of the maharajas, built in the late 19th century and the pretty cottages of the complex - that once accommodated the ADCs and guests of the royal party - are now part of a charming holiday resort.

Chail has lobely walks and trails that meander through the dense pine forests - the home of barking deer, wild boar, pheasant and a variety of birds. Forest rest houses make overnight halts possible. For those interested in sports, Chail has fine tennis and squash courts and a putting green. There are excellent spots along the River Gaura with opportunities for anglers to tangle with the Himalayan mahaseer. Chail has also the highest cricket ground in the world - 2,250 m above sea level.

Places to see

Chail Sanctuary
Chail is a beautiful hill station and a popular resort. The deodar and oak forests and grasslands around the town are part of the sanctuary. One can see sambhar, ghoral and cheer phesants at Blossom and Jhaja - where there are pheasant breeding centres. Barking deer and khalij pheasant are often spotted at dusk and dawn in the sanctuary. Treks from Chail to Gaura and Chail to Jhaja are popular.

Getting There & Away

Air: Nearest airports are Shimla and Chandigarh.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Kalka (86 Km).

Road: Accessible by road from Kalka via Kandaghat which is 32 Km short of Shimla, on the Kalka - Shimla Highway. Kandaghat - Chail is 29 Km.

General Information

Altitude : 2,150 m above sea level

Temperature : Bracing throughout the year.

Best Season : April-June/October-November.

Clothing : (Summer/Winter) Light Woollens/Heavy Woollens

About Kufri

Some great Hiking, some skiing, some beautiful scenes and a cool environment that's what Kufri is all about. It is famous for its trekking and hiking trails. Adventure-seeking travelers throng Kufri in winters to enjoy skiing and tobogganing along its snow-covered slopes. The Skiing season spreads between November to February and the tourist inflow is at its peak during winters.

Kufri is a tiny hill station located 19-kms from Shimla on the National Highway No.22. It has a Himalayan Nature park and close by is the Indira Tourist Park with HPTDC's Cafe Lalit. Indira Park provides some great views of the nearby places. Here one can enjoy a Pony or a Yak Ride.

The region around Shimla including Kufri was once a part of the Kingdom of Nepal. This region remained obscure from the rest of the world until the British 'discovered' it in 1819. The British made Shimla their summer capital in 1864 and it remained so until 1939. As Shimla gained importance, Kufri also began to be recognized as an important place to visit near Shimla.

Place to see

Mashru Peak: One can hike through thick forest around Kufri to the Mahasu Peak- the highest peak in Kufri.

Himalayan Nature Park: The Himalayan Nature Park, which has a collection of animals and birds, found only in Himachal Pradesh.

Indira Tourist Park: The Indira Tourist Park is near the Himalayan Nature Park and provides panoramic view of the locations around.

EXCURSIONS:

Shimla: The capital city of the state of Himachal Pradesh is only 19-km from Kufri and an important destination on the tourist map of India. The British developed Shimla as an important hill station and the summer capital of India to escape from the heat of Delhi. This sprawling hill station set amongst the picturesque Shivalik range and Shimla hills has a number of tourist spots and important temples, apart from its beautiful natural surroundings.

Fagu: Fagu is just 6-km away from Kufri, an interesting picnic spot set amongst forests and orchards.

ADVENTURE:
Kufri, near Shimla is one of the oldest places in India to be associated with skiing and the slopes are still in use during winter. Above Kufri, the Mahasu ridge also has some good slopes. There is a range of slopes, including a beginner's run, an advanced slope and slalom run. Himachal Tourism offers ski courses, instruction and has equipment on hire at Kufri.

HOW TO REACH:
Road: Kufri does not have an airport or a railway station. However, regular buses ply from Shimla, Narkanda, and Rampur to Kufri. Travelers can also hire taxis from Shimla to reach Kufri. The area around Kufri can be explored on horseback.

CLIMATE:
The weather in Kufri is alpine. Summers are mild while winters are cold. It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September and heavy snowfall in December-January.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS:
An annual winter sports festival is organized every year in the month of February in Kufri. Skiing enthusiasts and adventure seekers participate in this festival.