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February, 2023February 15, 2023

A Weekend Trip to Raila – From Stunning Morning Views to Starry Nights at The Yellow Chalet

I have heard a lot about Raila during my multiple visits to Shangarh. Every time I came to Shangarh, I would come across a board that read Rupi Raila Waterfall. Once, I even tried to visit the waterfall while returning from Shangarh (heading to Aut), but the driver refused to go as he had a new car, and we had to return halfway. Though, it’s not the first time I returned halfway from a waterfall. Barshangarh Waterfall had a similar fate. Anyways, I had finally thought of making a weekend trip to Raila.

I had read a couple of blogs and even watched a vlog by Ronnie and Barty where they talked about this village, especially the Twin Towers. Having visited Shangarh so many times, missing out on this attraction of Raila was actually bothering me. 😂 Raila is not that far from Shangarh. It’s barely 15 KM, so you can understand. My weekend trip to Raila was dedicated to this village’s beauty and its attractions.

How I Planned A Weekend Trip to Raila

Well, Raila was not a new name to me. As I mentioned, every time I would go and come back from Shangarh, this village’s mention would always be there. However, it still took me quite late to reach here and explore its beauty. It takes a lot of convincing to stay at any other place if I am so close to Shangarh. Though I only planned to spend one night in Raila, but then I extended my stay there for one more night.

In the name of planning, I plan to leave since I travel unplanned (I have to link that article on unplanned travel, so I have to mention it in every blog 😂). Anyways, I had planned well. I spoke with two properties at Raila, and one of them replied on WhatsApp. And that’s how it all started. As mentioned above, initially, I only thought of spending one night in Raila and then moving to Shangarh the next day. But I spent two nights at The Yellow Chalet Raila.

Spending My Weekend at The Yellow Chalet Raila

The property is visible from the main road itself. Thus, you don’t have to navigate and get confused. I booked a cab from Sainj. I would call Tappe Ram bhaiya every time I was in Sainj for Shangarh; however, this time, I got to know that they had put up a system. One has to book a cab from the registered office, and every cab has its turn. So, I got a new driver this time. Heading to Raila, the driver continued talking and telling about the villages on the way to Raila.

When I reached The Yellow Chalet, I met someone there (can’t remember his name) who welcomed me and showed me my room. It was on the top floor (first), and there were two rooms. Both rooms shared a balcony that overlooked the majestic mountains with stunning views. This balcony has sitting space with matters and low tables for meals, work, or just casual sitting. That’s where I used to have my dinner, lunch, work, etc. The cook, Raju, cooked yummy meals all day.

Raju arranged my excursion. We first went to the much famous Rupi Raila Waterfall. In the evening, we trekked to Raila meadows and the sunset point view. My lungs almost ripped my chest off while I was trekking. However, it was worth the struggle and hardship when I reached the sunset point view—some of the best sunsets I have witnessed in Himachal Pradesh. The next day, I visited The Twin Towers and roamed all by myself.

It was a great weekend trip to Raila. Something fresh and refreshing. There were not many people around which I loved, and that’s what I love the most. Raila is an easy and comfortable place. Now, the village has started to get attention which was easily noticeable by several homestay properties under construction. There are several accommodation options. I was even approached by some local to start a homestay there.

The nights at The Yellow Chalet were amazing. I would sit in the balcony area to stare at the bluish-black sky embedded with so many stars which are not visible in Delhi or Gurgaon. That’s the beauty of mountains.

places to visit in Raila Raila Raila meadows Raila Sainj Valley raila sunset view weekend trip to raila

Rajat Kumar

Hi there I am a food & travel enthusiast, a music aficionado, poet, artist, and someone who loves to explore unexplored/off-beat places. I started this blog to share my food and travel journey.