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Chail Sanctuary in Shimla

Shimla is gifted with the one of most beautiful natural surroundings of the world. Most of the Shimla is still surrounded with the natural dense forests of the deodar, pine and the other trees. If you are a wildlife lover, of the flora and fauna, you should visit the Chail Wildlife sanctuary of the Himalayan ranges.

Chail Sanctuary

Chail also has the historical significance as it became the capital of Patiala state before the independence. This area was the hunting reserve for the royals of the Patiala and their visitors. The former Maharaja of Patiala shifted his capital to Chail after the British authorities banned his entry in the city of Shimla. He was banned to visit Shimla due to his liaison with British Viceroy’s daughter.

About the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary

Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the wildlife sanctuaries in Shimla, which is situated near the Chail hill station. Originally, it was the hunting reserve of the royal families and their guests. It is one of the most popular places, which makes for a pleasant day trip for the visitors. The sanctuary protects the dense forests of the Oak and the pine trees. The abundant flora of the sanctuary attracts lot of birdlife and the wildlife.

Landscape of Chail Sanctuary

The Chail Wildlife Sanctuary was notified under the Govt. Authority on 21st March 1976, and declared under the govt. protection. The area of the Sanctuary is 110 km square. Chail Sanctuary has a vast forest cover, which is abode of the flora and fauna of the Himalayan ranges. The large mammals include the Sambar, Kalijin, Barking deer, kakkar, ghoral and various types of Pheasants such as Cheer.

It also houses the red jungle fowls, Rhesus macaque, goral crested porcupine, leopards and Indian Muntjac. You can sight the mammals such as the wild boar, Himalayan black bear, Black naped Hare and common langur. The dept. has built the sighting posts such as the machan for the tourists. You can also see the Kalijin and the barking deer during the dawn and the dusk.

The govt. has also established the Chir Breeding and rehabilitation center in the sanctuary which has helped to increase the number Chir Birds.

Things to do at Chail Wildlife Sanctuary

There are many things you can do in Chail wildlife Sanctuary. You can go as hiking in the forest and fishing at the Gaura River which is just 29 km away. You can also visit the Shrine which is known as the Kali ka Tibba. Chail Town is also home to the one of the highest cricket ground in the world.

Things to do at the Chail Sanctuary

You can also take a pleasant drive from Chail Sanctuary to Kufri.


Tips to Remember when Tripping to Chail Sanctuary

You should avoid the monsoon season and the cover of the clouds is very heavy. You should also avoid the peak seasons due to the heavy flow of the tourists. You can visit the sanctuary in the winter as the sightings are easier. When compared with the other sanctuaries, the sightings are difficult but the birdlife is prolific and are very easy to see.

How to Reach Chail Sanctuary

Shimla is just 45 km away from the Chail Sanctuary. You can visit Chail Sanctuary while you are staying in Shimla as there are regular buses which will take you to Chail Sanctuary. The nearest railway station is the Kalka Station, which is just 85 km away. You can also use Shimla Railway station to reach Chail Sanctuary.  From Kalka station, you can take toy train to reach Kandaghat. From Kandaghat, you can take local taxi or bus to Chail Sanctuary.

Birds at Chail Sanctuary

The nearest Airports are Shimla Airport, which is just 63 kms away and Chandigarh airport which is just 120 kms away.  From both places you can take taxis or buses for Chail Sanctuary.

Chail Sanctuary is connected to various big cities by good roads and regular bus services. These cities include Chandigarh, Delhi and Shimla. You can get down at the Kandagat and get the taxis or the buses. You can also take the private car to the Chail Sanctuary. If you are travelling from Chandigarh, you can take the National Highway No.22 to Shimla. From Shimla you can go to Chail Sanctuary.

From Kandhaghat, it is just 26 kms to Chail Wildlife Sanctuary. There is no transportation inside the wildlife sanctuary. Trekking is the best choice in this part of the Himalayan ranges.

Best Time to Visit the Chail Sanctuary

Although, the sanctuary is open throughout the year, the best time to visit and enjoy the sanctuary is from the second week of March to May. After that, the best time to visit the place is from second week of September to the second week of September. Avoid the place during Monsoon as the roads can blocked due to the landslides. The sanctuary gets heavy rains and it is clouded during the monsoons. Always avoid the tourist seasons such as the Diwali, New Year and the summer vacation. You can visit in December if you can tolerate the snow and the cold sightings.

Accommodation near the Chail Sanctuary

The sanctuary does not have any accommodation inside the jungle. But, you can get the best accommodation in Chail. There are many hotels and resorts, which are available for every section of the population, from the budget hotels to the luxury hotels in the proper Chail Town. The facilities are available from the small and cozy to the large and luxurious.

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