Nestling in between the icy twirls of Shimla, lays a small town that goes by the name of Chail which is a must visit and a crucial destination while planning your Trip to Shimla. Chail is known for its majestic palace and for having the highest cricket ground in India. We, here are talking about the former, a palace that’s converted into a hotel. For many, the sound of a palace hotel rings bells of luxury and it being expensive, but there is a twist in the tale. Within the palace grounds, stands a dwelling that is different to say the least and has its own romance. We’re talking about the ‘Log Huts’.
Made from logs, this wooden paradise is a honeymoon delight. A spacious room with cosy interiors makes the room an ideal snuggling spot and scripts a very romantic evening. These log huts are wrapped around the blanket of tress, overlooking a valley, giving you a visual spectacle that is truly breathtaking. Whilst you bask in this raw beauty of nature, for food you have to resort to the more polished way of dining, in the palace hall itself. You do have an option of calling food to your room, but then we advise you to dine in the royal way, and in winters it is all easy on the wallet. More than the food, it’s the experience that tastes sweet.
Morning rays glide through your windows and wake you up with their gentle caress. When you answer their plea to come out and explore the wonder of nature, you’re bedazzled to see snow acting like a carpet on the top shelf of the mountains. Sun along with snow in the December chills is a surprise only a lucky few get. The joy for a snow virgin, like me, was ineffable. The white crystals that showered from the heavens above leave you stunned and make you wonder about the magic of nature.
As you stroll around and bask in the nature’s delight, a trip inside the palace is highly recommended. The high-ceilings and long gangways resonate with royalty. While the grandeur of the place takes you back in time, the beautiful paintings around the palace sing melodious tunes of tradition and culture.
A 10 minute drive and you are in the Chail market. It is small with precisely 12 shops taking up the entire space. With a mix of breakfast/lunch/dinner joints, general stores and an occasional group innocently ruffling around, the market doesn’t have much to offer. But the quietude of small town is a pleasant change.
I was lucky enough to spot a hairy monkey sitting quietly atop a roof. And to be honest, he felt encroached. I just captured his reaction and left him at peace.
A 20 minute-drive from Chail, you move towards Shimla. As the green valley sucks your vision in its vortex, you’re mesmerized by the swirling roads, tall trees and an occasional resort balancing itself on the foothills of the valley. Amidst a bright sunny seeming weather, the chills you experience here are one of the best ironies you could wish for.
On your way towards Shimla, you take a detour that takes you deeper into the valley – 300mts to be precise, but from what it seems, it is no shorter than 3kms. This is the way to Park Woods Resort, Shoghi. Nuzzling amidst the forest sits this 20 acre resort, where a vehicle can only go so far. Once parked on the hillside, one has to trek down for 5 minutes before entering this paradise. This resort is as satisfying a place for the unwinding kind as well as for those with an adrenaline rush! It offers activities including mini-rock climbing and mini-treks within the huge resort itself.
As hotel rooms can be experienced anywhere, this is a place where you absolutely must explore the other accommodation facilities. Set in-between the trees, rest comfortable Swiss tents and ethnic ‘Bamboo Cottages’. We strongly recommend the bamboo cottages, as the calm within the wooden walls is second to none.
A simple yellow-lit lamp that sits on the side table adds life to the cottage, a feat white lights cannot replicate. And the red, orange and yellow curtains that cover the windows light up within this yellow beam and bring out very vibrant, yet romantic soft emotions of the room. Every cottage comes with a patio, making way for a perfect sitting for a long evening conversation with hot coffee for company.
As the evening dawns on you, the forest calls out to you to experience its marvel. As the sun is settling in its bed, it lights up the sky and gives a view amidst mountains that resonates with supremacy, presenting a spectacle only God can create.
After basking in this visual wonder, you can move to the ‘Machaan’ which sits above the dining area for soup and snacks. A refreshing hot soup in the winter chills is the second best warmth to human touch you’d find here.
After a refreshing supper, we suggest you retire to a relaxed conversation on the benches or the hammocks kept for your comfort. The hammocks especially make way for a comfort unlike another. While dinner can be had at the dining area, hot food served at your room makes way for a cosy and romantic dinner amidst the yellow-lit lamp with some jazz music for company. Within the package offered, you could call for anything on the menu, and you won’t be charged extra (except snacks).
After a scrumptious dinner, an intimate warm bonfire awaits you. Get your partner close to you, look into each other’s eyes and dance to the beautiful voice of Sinatra. That’s what I did, just picture yourself in my place and let your imagination take over.