Shimla, a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh, attracts millions of visitors from around India. But many people don’t know about the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, which sits on the Himalayan Range and has beautiful surroundings of dense forests of deodar and pine trees.
The wildlife sanctuary was once a hunting reserve for the Patiala royal family and their guests. After independence, Chail becomes the capital of Paitala, and the Maharaja of Patiala decided to build a palace, a cricket ground (at a height of 7500 feet), etc. in Chail.
Therefore, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary has become a favorite spot for hunting. The Maharaja of Patiala has shifted his capital to Chail after being expelled from Shimla for having affairs with the British viceroy’s daughter.
It was notified as a wildlife sanctuary on March 21, 1976, under government protection. The sanctuary spans 110 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Flora
Chail wildlife sanctuary is home to carnivores like wild boar, Himalayan black bears, leopards, porcupines, etc. Herbivores like the Rhesus macaque, Indian muntjac, barking deer, and Sambar give wildlife watchers a perfect reason to come and explore the place. A Chir breeding center in the sanctuary has been established by the government to increase the population of Chir birds, a type of pheasant.
Nearby places
The Gaura River is a perfect spot for fishing and hiking through the forest. It is 29 kilometers away. A popular shrine, Kali Ka Tibba, is also located near Chail Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to reach Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
Road: The Chail sanctuary is 45 km away from Shimla. If you coming from Chandigarh take national highway No 22.
Train: The nearest railway station is Kalka
Airport: Two options, Chandigarh and Shimla airports, are the ones to consider.
Best time to visit Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
During the monsoon season, the valley receives a lot of rain, which causes landslides on the road. Otherwise, Sanctuary is open throughout the year.
Accommodation
No accommodation is available inside the wildlife sanctuary. However, there are budget and luxury hotels in the hill town.