One of the smallest hill stations in the Himalayan foothills, Chail is an idyllic destination for nature lovers and is popular with birdwatchers. In the lap of nature, it is only two hours’ drive from Shimla. This lovely town was a former summer retreat for the Maharaja of Patiala and is a heaven for those looking to escape the mind-numbing restlessness of city life. Lying at a height of 2,250 meters above sea level, this picturesque lush green hill station is located 43 km South East of Shimla, the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh. I decided to stay with Welcomhotel’s latest Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail, away from the scorching Mumbai summer. The property embraces the region’s history, culture as well as the essence of the mountains to offer guests the ultimate getaway. Every experience at the hotel embraces the peace and calm of mountain living.
Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail is set among 6.5 acres of pine and oak forests – embodies the region’s culture and mountain spirit to offer guests the ultimate getaway. Find yourself far removed from the din of daily life and the only sound will be that of the wind whooshing through the trees and birds that come visiting. Each of the 65 guest rooms is well-appointed with large floor-to-glass windows offering breathtaking views of the Shivalik range.The rooms, including 18 quaint houses, are nestled among lush greenery and a luxury suite. Each room has a private balcony that welcomes the cool mountain breeze, mesmerizing views of the majestic mountains and verdant valleys of pines and cedars. Each room has a luxurious feel and is designed to provide the most modern amenities for business and leisure travelers.
Every experience at the hotel embraces the peace and tranquility of mountain life. I started my morning with a guided yoga session and walked along the oak and pine paths of the grounds. I decided to spend the lazy afternoons curled up in blankets and reading books in the hotel library and relaxing in the heated swimming pool as the sun began to set. If you’re traveling with the family, the kids will be more entertained at Ollie’s Corner, the property’s indoor and outdoor play areas, while you relax at the on-site spa, K by Kaya Kalp. You can even plan a family picnic in the nearby woods or by a gentle stream a short drive away. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, there are a number of outdoor activities for you, including paragliding, off-roading and winter snow driving.
Out of the major attractions you can visit the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary or the Himalayan Nature Park, or indulge in some local shopping at Chail Bazaar. There is also the serene Sandakphu Lake, Kali ka Tibba and Chail Cricket Ground which is the highest cricket ground in the world. For day excursions you can visit Kufri which is 1 hour away from the place.
There are three on-site restaurants that will ensure you’re spoiled for choice, with delicious local as well as international dishes. I immersed myself in Himachali culture through local ingredients and recipes. At Welcomsthalika, I enjoyed the traditional Himachali dham, an elaborate regional meal often reserved for festive occasions, consisting of a variety of lentils and vegetables served with local red rice, followed by metha chawal or rice, sweet. In keeping with tradition, Welcomsthalika’s dham is the ultimate indulgence, filled with local offerings like saag chana, rajma Himachali and madra (white beans cooked in yogurt), among more. I started off my meal with Dham ka Meetha, a delicious crunchy grain dipped in local honey and soaked in saffron. If you’re looking for local as well as international fare, dine at WelcomCafe Monal, aptly named after the single bird in the Himalayas with its vibrant blue color. Relax with cocktails and wine at the on-site Swizzle Bar or try your hand at a recipe under the guidance of the in-house bartender, while taking in views of the hills. They also serve amazing high tea in the restaurant terraces.
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Tavleen, Chail is a gorgeous hotel that enables you to imbibe the peace and calm of a mountain getaway in the most luxurious way.