Day Tours from Shimla - Kufri and Chail
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Shimla is one of the top tourist destinations in Northern India. However, the heavy tourist rush has led to rapid commercialization of the town. Commercialization brings with it all the negatives of rush, hustle, and nuisance. This has led to tourists looking for options around Shimla rather than the town itself. Kufri and Chail are some of the top places that offer the natural beauty of mountains yet the quaint countryside charm.
Kufri, a small hill station nestled in the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh, is a place of serene beauty and tranquility. Surrounded by lush green forests and snow-capped mountains, Kufri offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Further apart from Shimla, situated at an altitude of 2,250 meters above sea level, Chail is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, serene environment, and pleasant weather. Originally built as a summer retreat by the Maharaja of Patiala, Chail is now a popular hill station frequented by tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
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| Meandering Roads to Kufri and Chail |
How to Reach Kufri & Chail
Reaching Kufri and Chail can be an adventure in itself, as both hill stations are located at a considerable distance from major cities. The most common way to reach Kufri is by road, either through private transportation or by taking a bus from Shimla, which is approximately 13 km away. The journey to Kufri is scenic, passing through quaint villages and dense forests, offering glimpses of the natural beauty that Himachal Pradesh is known for.
Chail, on the other hand, is located around 44 km from Shimla and can also be reached by road. The drive to Chail is equally enchanting, with winding roads and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Chail can also be reached directly from Kalka via road. Many tourists cover Chail on their way to Shimla from Kalka by taking a detour. Our recommendation is to take that route if you plan to spend a night in Chail. Otherwise, we recommend taking the day tour from Shimla.
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| Inching to the Destination on Day Tours from Shimla - Kufri and Chail |
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| Chail Palace is now an HPTDC Hotel |
Where to Stay
Kufri is very close to Shimla and hence does not need to stay overnight. Accommodation options in Chail range from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses, catering to all kinds of travelers. However, if you are planning to stay in the town, we would recommend staying at the historic palace itself. The Chail Palace is now a luxury hotel by the HP Tourism Department and hence can be booked for overnight stays. The ambiance and experience would be worth the premium that the place charges.
What to Explore on Day Tours from Shimla - Kufri and Chail
Fagu Valley in Floral Delight
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| Posing at Fagu Valley on Day Tours From Shimla - Kufri and Chail |
Kuri is Rustic Meadows
The town is famous for its picturesque landscapes, with rolling meadows and apple orchards stretching as far as the eye can see. Visitors can enjoy horse riding, trekking, and skiing in the winter months. The Mahasu Peak offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. Kufri also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with traditional Himachali architecture and local handicrafts on display in the bustling markets. The town's warm hospitality and delicious local cuisine make it a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful retreat.
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| Adventure Resorts in Kufri |
There is an adventure camp in Kufri that offers a few rides for all ages. The camp is slightly out of town but a good way to spend some time. However, it is totally skippable unless you have a lot of time available at hand. The rides are nothing special and can be found in any place in the plains. You may not want to spend precious vacation hours on this.
Tourists can also take a pony ride uphill to the Mahasu Peak. The rough terrains only allow for this means of transportation. The muddy path definitely provides a sense of adventure to the ride. There is a tourist park set up at the top of the peak. Enroute to the tourist park, one can enjoy the apple orchards and the view of the mountains ahead. However, we would like to highlight that one needs to be careful while taking the ride. It can be slightly alarming or frightening depending on your risk appetite. The tour operators send only one handler for every two or three ponies which leads to limited supervision. As you disembark at the base station, you will be surrounded by hoards of agents which can be overwhelming.
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| Ponies Taking You to Mahasu Peak in Kufri |
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| Scenic Viewpoints adorn Kufri and Chail |
Chail is a Peaceful Retreat
Chail offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Chail boasts of historic landmarks such as the Chail Palace and cricket ground, which is said to be the highest in the world. The town also offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks and dense forests that are perfect for leisurely walks or adventurous hikes.
One of the main attractions of Chail is the Chail Palace, which was built in 1891 and is now a heritage hotel. The palace offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and visitors can also explore its beautiful gardens, orchards, and cricket grounds. The Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is another site that can be included in your itinerary. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna including deer, wild boars, and Himalayan black bears.
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| Kali ka Tibba Temple in Chail |
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| Mesmerizing views from Kali ka Tibba Temple |
For adventure enthusiasts, Chail offers a number of exciting activities such as trekking, camping, and paragliding. The Kali Tibba temple, located at the top of a hill, is a popular trekking destination offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The Chail Cricket Ground, situated at an altitude of 2,444 meters, is the highest cricket ground in the world and a unique attraction for sports enthusiasts.
In addition to its natural beauty and adventure activities, Chail also has a rich cultural heritage. The town is home to several temples and shrines, including the Sidh Baba ka Mandir and the Gurudwara Sahib.
More about Chail Palace
We would spend additional real estate on the Chail Palace as it is the most important site of interest on this tour. With the shooting of some Hindi movies (including the famous 3 Idiots of Amir Khan), the palace has gained significant interest among tourists.
Chail Palace is a majestic architectural marvel nestled in the serene hills of Himachal Pradesh, India. It holds significant historical importance as it was built in the late 19th century as a summer retreat for the Maharaja of Patiala. The palace is perched at an altitude of 2250 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding majestic mountains and lush forests. The construction of this palace was initiated by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, who was known for his love for extravagant luxuries and opulent lifestyle. This was going to be his summer retreat as King of Patiala after he was moved out of Shimla.
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| Chail Palace is a Great Backdrop |
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| Cloud Formations at the Chail Palace |
The Chail Palace has been meticulously designed with a blend of British and Indian architectural styles, reflecting the grandeur and taste of the royal family. The intricate carvings, sprawling gardens, and regal interiors of the palace exude a sense of old-world charm and elegance. The palace also boasts of a cricket ground, which holds the distinction of being the highest in the world.
Influential individuals have contributed to the preservation and promotion of Chail Palace as a heritage site and tourist destination. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has played a key role in the restoration and maintenance of the palace, ensuring that its historical significance is preserved for future generations. The HPTDC has also promoted Chail Palace as a luxury destination for tourists, attracting visitors from around the world.
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| Kettle at Travel to Chail Palace |
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