The mountains have a way of calling you exactly when you need them the most – and this was one of those times. The hustle bustle of everyday life needed a break and that’s when we thought of packing our bags and heading for the hills. We chose to visit Chail, the peaceful hill destination in Himachal Pradesh which had always been on our list, and this time we finally made it happen. We travelled from Delhi and chose Sterling Shivalik Chail to be our abode where we experienced not just a comfortable stay, but also heartfelt hospitality, soulful food, and unforgettable moments in nature.

We started early from Delhi and reached Chail after a comfortable 9-hour drive. The journey escaped the city to the highways to the winding mountain roads, surrounded by pine trees and fresh mountain air. It felt as if we traded city lights for starlit skies, and chaos for calm, as the hills welcomed us with open arms. As we went higher, the air felt cooler and cleaner, instantly refreshing after the long ride.

By the time we reached Sterling Shivalik Chail, all the travel fatigue melted away.

The moment we entered the resort, we were greeted with a traditional Himachali welcome. The staff welcomed us warmly with smiles and polite conversation, instantly making us feel at home. To top it off, we were served hot Virgin Toddy, which was just perfect in the cool mountain breeze. That first sip itself set the tone for the entire stay – comforting, calm, and welcoming.

We were then taken to our 2 Bedroom Suite with Balcony & Valley View. This Duplex suite was just perfect for a family. It can comfortably accommodate four adults, with the option of additional bedding for children. As soon as we entered the room, we were impressed by the spacious layout and wooden interiors. The entire room was adorned in wood, giving it a cosy mountain-home feel. Inside the room, there is a staircase that led to the upper deck, which features an additional queen-size bed. This duplex layout made the room feel even more spacious and private. There was ample space for luggage, seating areas to relax, and all the signature amenities you would expect from a comfortable resort stay.

A highlight of the room was also the large private balcony which extended uninterrupted views of the Shivalik mountain ranges and the valley below. The unfiltered sky view from the window, made star-gazing at night an unforgettable experience. The bathroom was modern, and well-equipped with all essential amenities. Everything was thoughtfully arranged, making it both functional and comfortable.

Since we were a family of 5, we also took a Premier Room, which was exquisitely done with a heart-shaped backdrop. Infact, every premier room had a different backdrop. It was spacious and perfect for couples. The room was well-furnished with wooden interiors, comfortable bedding, and signature bath amenities, offering a more intimate stay experience.

After travelling for over nine hours, hunger naturally kicked in. We decided to enjoy hi-tea in the comfort of our room. The spread included Veg Cutlet, Mix Pakoda, along with tea and coffee. It was simple, comforting, and exactly what we needed to relax after the journey. Sitting on the couch by the window pane, we enjoyed warm snacks with mountain views, it felt incredibly soothing.

Sterling Shivalik Chail is a contemporary mountain resort where every room opens up to breathtaking views of the Shivalik Valley. The surroundings are serene, with lush green mountains, open skies, and the soothing sounds of nature during the day. At night, the silence is broken only by the wind and the sight of a clear, starry sky.

The resort has a fresh, modern vibe while still blending beautifully with its natural surroundings. The property feels young and vibrant, yet peaceful – ideal for families, couples, and even adventure lovers. The common areas are spacious, and the overall atmosphere encourages you to slow down and truly relax.

For dinner, we headed to Tibba, the resort’s in-house multi-cuisine restaurant. Stepping inside felt like entering a royal palace – wooden interiors, regal chairs, and red curtains setting the perfect mood.

Dinner was a delightful spread of Indian and Chinese flavours. From classic Dal Makhani and Paneer Lababdar to Mix Vegetable, Vegetable Fried Rice, Vegetable Manchurian Gravy, assorted breads, and a flavourful Chicken Curry – everything was spot on. The Manchurian stood out for its fusion twist, while the Chicken Curry impressed with its distinct, comforting taste.


We wrapped up the meal on a sweet note with Gulab Jamun, Ice Cream, and Moong Dal Halwa – the perfect ending to a long travel day. We retired to our room, enjoying the calm mountain night and a sky full of stars.

What stood out most was the staff – warm, personalized, and extremely efficient. Every interaction felt genuine, not forced, and they always went the extra mile to make sure we were comfortable.

The next morning, we woke up to a gorgeous view from our private balcony. Watching the mountains slowly light up with the morning sun was a peaceful experience that set the mood for the day.

Breakfast at Tibba was a lavish spread. It was an a-la-carte menu and one had a wide choice to choose from. From comforting classics like vada & idli sambar, poha, vegetable dhokla and porridge, to indulgent favourites like chhole bhature, puri bhaji and mix parathas, every craving was covered. Add to that eggs made to order, chicken sausages, fresh cut fruits, canned juices, shakes and tea & coffee, and you’ve got a breakfast that feels more like a celebration than a meal.


What I loved most was how thoughtfully curated everything was – warm, fresh, flavourful and perfect for slow mornings in the hills. Sitting down to this spread, surrounded by mountain calm, felt like pure comfort and luxury wrapped into one.

After breakfast, we spent some time soaking in the sun at the lawn area. A luxury we have forgotten in the city life.  The resort also offers a Cycling Experience within the premises, which looked really fun and is a great way to explore the property. In the lawn was also a small kids’ play area with a few rides, making it family-friendly.

It was time for sightseeing.

Our first stop was the Stone Temple, a truly extraordinary place. This unique shrine has been built entirely from locally sourced stone by a single devotee, Satya Bhushan, who began construction in the 1980s after seeing it in a dream. The temple feels raw, unique, timeless, and deeply spiritual. It is still evolving and very much “in process.” The Lord Shiva idol here is majestic and powerful, leaving a lasting impression. Inside, there was a cave of Veerbhadra as well who is a fearsome, warrior avatar of Lord Shiva. It was a unique and unforgettable experience.

Our second stop was Kali Ka Tibba Temple, situated at the top of a hill. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Chail. The main deity is Kali Devi, and the temple attracts devotees and tourists from all over. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Choor Chandni and Shivalik Range. The view is magnificent, and we spent some quiet moments soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

We returned to the hotel and headed for lunch. It was time for our first-ever authentic Himachali Thali experience. The meal included Sepu Vadi, Rajmah Madra, Arbi ki Subji, and Meethi Dal (Bedana).

This meal was soulful and comforting. The vegetarian dishes were a beautiful introduction to local Pahadi flavours. The rustic Sepu Vadi had earthy notes, the Rajma Madra was rich and creamy, and the curries had a slow-cooked, deeply traditional flavour. The thali was served with steamed rice and fresh accompaniments, reflecting true Himalayan hospitality. In the meal was also Badane Ka Meetha, a light, nutty dessert that was perfectly balanced in sweetness. If you’re in Chail and want to experience authentic Himachali cuisine, this thali is a must-try.

After lunch, we rested for a while and then headed for a guided Jungle Trail trek around the hotel. Sterling Shivalik Chail organizes several such treks, and we highly recommend enquiring about them during your stay.

My mom is a senior citizen, and the hotel staff was extremely supportive, helping her navigate slopes and narrow forest paths with great care. The trek took us through scenic forests of pine and deodar, and as we moved higher, we spotted trees like rhododendron, cedar, robinina, and blue pine. The views were stunning, and the weather was cool and pleasant. We also witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets, making the entire experience truly special. For longer treks, the hotel also organizes forest picnics. If you are an adventure enthusiast, this is a must do!

That evening, the hotel invited us for a dine-under-the-stars experience with a Bonfire. The setup was magical, with glowing embers, crisp mountain air, wine, and delicious snacks.

The experience was accompanied with juicy mutton seekh kebabs and flavour-packed chilli chicken to the ever-comforting hara bhara kebab and perfectly grilled paneer tikka – every bite added to the charm of the evening. It was one of those winter nights you wish would never end.

For mains, we had Mutton Curry, Dal Panchratni, Aloo Gobhi Adraki, and Paneer Angoori. Desserts included Rice Kheer, Shahi Tukda, and Gajar ka Halwa.

On our final morning, breakfast included idli sambhar, cut fruits, parathas, chhole bhature, upma, and more. A standout dish was the Himachali Childu with ghee shakkar – simple, soulful, and absolutely not to be missed.

And then, it was time to say goodbye.

Chail is truly a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With its peaceful surroundings, dense forests, and stunning Himalayan views, it offers the perfect escape from city life.

Our stay at Sterling Shivalik Chail was made even more special by the warm hospitality. A special mention to Som Dutt, the Manager of the hotel who ensured we were taken care of throughout our stay.

We left with beautiful memories, a relaxed mind, and a strong desire to return again. However, our trip did not end here. We headed to another beautiful property in the hills!