History of Chail Sanctuary The premises of Chail Wildlife Sanctuary once were the favourite hunting grounds of the erstwhile Maharaja of Patiala, known as Bhupinder Singh. The beautiful hill station of Chail was developed by this very ruler immediately after he was denied permission to enter Shimla by the then Commander-in-Chief of the British Indian Army named Lord Kitchener as he had eloped with his daughter. The Chail Forest was officially proclaimed a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1976 and it was also declared a Protected Area under the local government. During 1988, the breeding and rehabilitation scheme of the Chir Pheasant was introduced in Chail Wildlife Sanctuary. Flora of Chail Sanctuary Trees like Deodar, Pine and Oak are a few of the lush green vegetation which are spread throughout the entire area of Chail Sanctuary, which measures over 10, 000 hectares. Different varieties of grass are also seen to be thriving in this well-known sanctuary. Fauna of Chail Sanctuary Chail Sanctuary possesses numerous wild creatures like Indian Muntjac, Rhesus Macaque, Goral Crested Porcupine, Leopard, Sambar, Himalayan Black Bear, Spotted Deer, Flying Squirrel, Black-Naped Hare, Common Langur, Wild Boar and many more. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh had ushered in the European Red Deer into Chail Sanctuary more than half a century ago. However, no such animals have been spotted here in 1988 according to the survey. Various endangered species of birds and reptiles are existent in Chail Sanctuary. Khalij Pheasant and Chir Pheasant are amongst the birds which are frequently sighted in this region, apart from the Grey-Headed Flycatcher and Golden Eagle. The ideal to visit Chail Sanctuary is between the period of March and October. |