Chail Sanctuary Tourist Attractions
The tiny hill station of Chail offers an array of tourist attractions for the visitors. Though it is the ideal retreat for quiet souls, the hill station makes sure you do not feel gloomy in the absence of activity. The places of interest in and around Chail will ensure you enjoy your trip to the fullest. Besides its natural beauty, what remains undiscovered is the interesting tourist locales perched in the whispering woods of the place. To know more about the places to see in Chail, read on.
Chail is a hill station visited by many tourists. The Deodar and Oak forests with grasslands around the township are the abode of wildlife.
Glance on Chail Sanctuary.
Spread in an area of more than 110 sq. kms, at the foothills of mighty Himalayas, Chail Sanctuary encompasses a vast forest cover. In 1976, Chail wildlife sanctuary was identified and was declared as a protected area. Apart from its animals and birds, the main attraction of the sanctuary is the Chir Pheasant breeding farm. The forests are mainly dense covers of Oak and Pin
Floral Attractions
The forests in Chail sanctuary mainly comprises of Pine and Oak trees. The northern slopes are forested while southern slopes support grasslands, usually with patches of forest or scrub in the depressions. Grasslands are maintained by regular burning and cutting of plants. Rhododendron forms pure stands in places and Cedar and Blue Pine have been sown in some areas. There is little mature forest and much secondary growth in these areas. The forest is largely confined to the northern half of the sanctuary. The grassland of Sanctuary also has some small stretches of Pine, Oak, Cedar and Robinia.
Wildlife Attractions
A former hunting reserve of the Royals of Patiala Kingdom, Chail Sanctuarywas declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1976. This sanctuary perched at the top of the mountains, at varying altitudes from 701 meter to 2180 meter above sea level provides for great views. The area has a dense forest cover with pine trees, shrubs, oak trees and grasslands. Chail Sanctuary has mainly mammals in its area. The large mammals include rhesus macaque, leopard, Indian muntjac and goral crested porcupine. Other species include Himalayan black bear, wild boar, common langur, sambar, black-naped hare. European red deer was introduced half a century ago by the former Maharaja of Patiala but none was sighted during a census in 1988. The avian population comprises majorly of Chir pheasant and Kalij pheasant. The Chir breeding and rehabilitation centre has helped increase in number of Chir birds in the forests.
The Park Safari
The Chail sanctuary can be best viewed by the means of trekking, as the uneven land does not allow to take a jeep safari in the park. The forest officers also encourage trekking, so the animals and birds feel safe and secure.
Chail Palace
The Maharaja's Palace is situated on the Rajgarh Hill. As the name suggests, it was the palace of the maharaja, which was built by him as his summer retreat. Extending over an astounding area, the palace offers breathtaking views of the sprawling surroundings. The palace was taken over by the Himachal Tourism in the year 1972 and transformed into a heritage hotel. Tourists are since then allowed to stay in the cottages or huts of the palace.
Sidh Baba ka Mandir
Sidh Baba ka Mandir is a popular tourist spot in Chail. It said that the place, where the mandir stands was originally chosen by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh to construct his palace. However, the maharaja had a vision or dream in which a saint appeared and told him that the place was meant for his meditation. After the vision, the king shifted his palace venue and constructed a temple here.
Cricket Ground
The Cricket Ground is another renowned tourist attraction in Chail as it is acclaimed to be the highest in the world. Built in the year 1893, it is located at an altitude of 2,144 m. The ground is surrounded by beautiful and soaring deodar trees. Apart from cricket, the ground is also used for playing polo.