Other Places in & around Shimla

There are some beautiful places around Shimla. The roads, often laced with orchards, wind through undulating hills robed in pine and cedar forests, providing wonderful views of wide floored valleys and the magnificent Himalayas. You can hire a taxi or book conducted tours offered by Himachal tourism.

Kasauli

One of the small towns developed by the British during the 'hey day' of the empire, and reached by a branch road from the Kalka-Shimla road is the quite beautiful hill-station of Kasauli.Kasauli 77 kms from Shimla at 1927 mts is this quaint little town that seems to live in a time warp that belongs to the last century. Its colonial ambience is reinforced by cobbled paths, tiny shops, gabled houses with magnificent facades and scores of neat little gardens and orchards. Kasauli is encircled by a mixed forest of Chir pine, Himalayan oak and huge horse chestnut. Its narrow roads slither up and down the hillsides and offer some interesting vistas. A vantage position for the views is Monkey point, 4 kms from the bus stand.
As the hills climb away from Kalka towards Shimla, tucked away in the foothills are several picturesque spots. None is as pleasant and as fetching, as Kasauali. At the height of 1927 metres Kasauli is just 12-km from Kalka, along a hiking trail. The road distance, however, is a good 35 km. Kasauli can also be reached from Dharampur, one of the stops on the Kalka-Shimla line. From Shimla, Kasauli is nearly 77 km. Close by is Subathu, whose old fort is a major attraction.
The Shimla Hills stand on a water-parting between the Sutlej and the Giri, a tributary of the Yamuna. South of Shimla is the Panchmunda ridge which is crossed by a railway through a tunnel (the longest in the Kalka-Shimla run) at Barog, where a series of fissure to springs occur at its flank. The first ridge above Kalka rises abruptly to pine clad Kasauli at a height of 1,927 metres (6,322 ft) and is joined to by a 12 km [7.5 miles] bridle path. The distance by road, however, from Kalka is 35.5 km.

Chail

       Chail Built over three hills, once the proud seat of Maharajah of Patiala, site of the highest cricket ground in the world - Chail is a resort in the Shivalik hills. Perched at a height of 2,250 mtrs. It commands a panoramic view of pinnacles wrapped in snow, and ridges in the south which stand in relief against the sky. This little 'hill station' of Chail came into being when Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala was banished from Shimla, the 'summer capital' of British India, after a dalliance with the Commander-in-chief's daughter in the late 19th century. Facing Shimla-at Chail- the smarting Maharaja decided to build his own 'summer' capital. A splendid mansion surrounded by picturesque cottages, soon took shape. Chail is encircled by forests of 'deodar'- Himalayan cedar trees and has splendid views on all sides. Three adjacent hills carry the main landmarks of Chail. On Rajgarh hill stands the Maharajah's palace, now a hotel. On the Pandava hill stands the old residency, Snow view. And on the third, Sidh Tibba, is the ancient Sidh temple.
When Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala,was expelled from Shimla - the `summer capital' of the British in India - he decided to create his own capital for the hot months. The little village of Chail was perfect. It lay surrounded by magnificent deodar forests, Shimla was in direct vision and most important, the hill of Chail at 2226 m was somewhat higher than British-controlled Shimla. Today the Maharaja's creation can be experienced by everyone. Whether you are on a honeymoon or in search of seclusion or wish to organise a conference and demand all facilities, Chail has it all .Then, there is good sight seeing and the possibility of some fishing and trekking. Chail also has the world's highest cricket pitch and polo ground.

Places to Visit

Sidh Baba ka Mandir(1.5 km)
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh originally began building his palace at this site. It is said that a `sidh' -saintly person appeared before the Maharaja in a dream and declared that this was the place where he had meditated. Bhupinder Singh shifted his palace and also had this temple built.

Cricket Ground (3 km)
Built in 1893, after levelling the top of a hill, this stands at 2444m and is the highest cricket pitch and polo ground in the world.

Wildlife Sanctuary (3 km)
The Chail sanctuary has `ghoral', `kakkar', `sambhar',' red jungle fowl ' and 'khalij' and `cheer' pheasants. Machan-like sighting posts have been built near Blossom and at Khariun.