How to Reach Chail from Delhi and Shimla: Complete Route Guide

Introduction to Chail: The Royal Himalayan Retreat

Nestled amidst dense forests of deodar, blue pine, and giant oak at an altitude of 2,250 metres (7,380 feet), Chail was established in 1891 by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala as his lavish summer capital after he was banned from entering British-controlled Shimla. Spread across three tranquil hillocks—Rajgarh, Pandhawa, and Sadh Tiba—Chail offers an unhurried, royal alpine charm in sharp contrast to the bustling crowds of Shimla. The town is famous for the historic Chail Palace, the world's highest cricket ground at 2,444 metres, and the pristine wilderness of the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary. To understand all that this magnificent haven has to offer, explore our detailed Chail travel guide.

Travelers heading to Chail from Delhi or Shimla can choose between two main routes: the standard climb from NH5 via Kandaghat and Sadhupul, or the scenic highland forest road from Kufri. Whether you are driving a private car, taking the UNESCO Kalka-Shimla toy train to Kandaghat, or catching a connecting bus, this guide provides complete directions, fares, and road conditions.

Distance and Travel Overview

Here is a summary of distances and typical travel times across key routes:

• Delhi to Chail (via Himalayan Expressway & Kandaghat): ~340 km, 7 to 8 hours driving time.
• Shimla to Chail (via Kufri): ~45 km, 1.5 to 2 hours driving time.
• Shimla to Chail (via Kandaghat): ~55 km, 2 to 2.5 hours driving time.
• Kalka Railway Station to Chail: ~80 km, 2.5 to 3 hours driving time.
• Nearest Commercial Airport: Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) - 115 km / Shimla Jubbarhatti Airport (SLV) - 62 km.
• Nearest Broad-Gauge Railhead: Kalka (KLK) - 80 km; nearest toy-train station is Kandaghat (29 km).

Route 1: Driving from Delhi to Chail via Kandaghat (The Standard Route)

The primary route from Delhi follows the multi-lane National Highway 44 to Ambala and the Himalayan Expressway (NH5) through Solan, turning off at Kandaghat. To see how this compares with other routes in the region, check out our guide on Delhi to Shimla road trip best routes.

Turn-by-Turn Route Breakdown:

1. Delhi to Ambala & Zirakpur (approx. 240 km): Take NH 44 through Panipat and Kurukshetra to Ambala Cantt, continuing north along the Zirakpur flyover onto the Himalayan Expressway.
2. Himalayan Expressway to Solan and Kandaghat (approx. 70 km): Ascend NH5 past Parwanoo, Dharampur, Kumarhatti, and Solan bypass. Continue past the Solan bypass tunnels until you reach Kandaghat bazaar (altitude 1,430 m).
3. Kandaghat Turnoff to Sadhupul (approx. 14 km): At the Kandaghat junction, branch right off NH5 onto the Chail-Kandaghat Road (MDR 30). The road descends gently toward the Ashwani River valley and crosses the famous Sadhupul bridge. Sadhupul is a popular resting spot where wooden tables and chairs are set directly in the shallow river stream.
4. Sadhupul to Chail (approx. 15 km): Beyond Sadhupul, the road begins a steady, picturesque climb through deodar and pine groves, passing Janedghat and entering Chail town near the Chail Palace gates.

Route 2: Driving from Shimla to Chail via Kufri (The High Ridge Circuit)

If you are already in Shimla and want to visit Chail as a day trip or onward destination, the Kufri route is by far the most scenic. It completely avoids backtracking down to Kandaghat.

Turn-by-Turn Directions:

1. Shimla to Kufri (approx. 15 km): Depart Shimla via Sanjauli and Dhalli tunnel along NH 5, climbing through the cedar slopes up to Kufri (2,600 m).
2. Kufri to Chail Forest Road (approx. 30 km): At Kufri Chowk, turn right onto the Kufri-Chail road. This single-lane asphalt corridor winds through the deep interior of the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary. The road is tranquil, free of heavy commercial traffic, and offers spectacular views of rolling Shivalik valleys. Along this stretch, you can spot cheer pheasants, barking deer, and varied birdlife.

After exploring Shimla's local sights, such as those covered in things to do in Shimla and the souvenir lanes of places to shop Shimla, taking this forest drive to Chail offers the perfect quiet retreat.

Traveling by Train to Chail

Travelers looking for a relaxed railway journey have two excellent choices:

• Broad-Gauge Train to Kalka: Take the fast Kalka Shatabdi Express (12011/12005) or Howrah-Kalka Mail from New Delhi to Kalka Railway Station (4 hours). From Kalka, hire a direct private taxi up to Chail (80 km, 2.5 hours).
• Kalka-Shimla Heritage Toy Train to Kandaghat: Board the UNESCO World Heritage toy train at Kalka and disembark at Kandaghat Railway Station (approx. 3 hours of leisurely travel through 100+ tunnels). From Kandaghat station, take a local taxi or bus for the remaining 29 km climb to Chail.

Public Buses and Shared Utility Options

Public transport to Chail is economical and reliable:

• Buses from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate: Board any Shimla-bound HRTC Volvo or ordinary bus. Request a drop-off at Kandaghat on NH5 (Fare: INR 450 to INR 900; Duration: 6.5 hours).
• Connecting Buses from Kandaghat to Chail: Local HRTC buses run regularly from the Kandaghat main bazaar bus stop to Chail between 7:00 AM and 6:30 PM (Fare: INR 50-60; Duration: 1 hour).
• Direct Buses from Shimla (Rivoli / ISBT Tutikandi): HRTC runs several daily direct buses from Shimla to Chail via Kufri and via Kandaghat (Fare: INR 80-100; Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours).

Taxi and Cab Fares

Prepaid and union-regulated taxi rates for the Chail circuit include:

• Kalka Railway Station to Chail: INR 2,400 to INR 3,000 for a 4-seater sedan (Dzire/Etios) and INR 3,800 to INR 4,800 for an SUV (Innova/Ertiga).
• Chandigarh Airport / City to Chail: INR 3,000 to INR 3,800 (sedan).
• Shimla to Chail (One-way drop): INR 1,800 to INR 2,200 (sedan).
• Shimla-Chail Same-Day Return Sightseeing: INR 2,800 to INR 3,500 including waiting charges at Chail Palace, Kali Ka Tibba, and the cricket ground.

Key Attractions and Sightseeing Logistics

Chail is home to the famous Chail Cricket Ground, built in 1893 on a leveled hilltop surrounded by deodars. For visitor hours, photography tips, and historical facts, read our specialized Chail cricket ground guide. Other major stops include Kali Ka Tibba for dramatic 360-degree sunset views and the grand Maharaja Palace. For luxury and boutique accommodations nestled among the cedar woods, consult our guide to the best resorts in Chail.

Safe Driving Tips for the Chail Route

• Sadhupul Monsoon Crossings: During heavy downpours in July and August, the water level at the Ashwani River near Sadhupul can rise quickly. Always cross via the main bridge rather than driving through low river causeways.
• Kufri-Chail Forest Road: The road between Kufri and Chail is narrower than NH5 with occasional blind turns. Keep your speeds under 35 km/h, sound horns at bends, and watch for wildlife crossing the road.
• Fuel Availability: There is a small fuel station near Chail market, but it is wise to fill your tank at Kandaghat or Solan where major multi-pump stations operate.

Conclusion

Reaching Chail is a smooth, scenic journey that provides the ultimate mountain escape without the congestion of major hill towns. Whether you drive up via the peaceful deodar slopes of Kandaghat and Sadhupul or traverse the alpine ridge from Kufri, Chail promises crisp mountain air, royal history, and tranquil pine forests.