CHAIL Location : 40 kms from Shimla District : Shimla District Altitude : 2,250 m Above Sea Level Major Highlight : Palace Hotel, Highest Cricket Ground

Lush Greenery Bestowed Upon Chail

Shimla Manali Kufri Chamba

Kullu Dalhousie McLeodganj Bilaspur

Palampur Tiger Reserve Kasauli Dharamshala Kinnaur

Chail – Sitting Pretty in Himachal's Lap

Welcome to Chail - the land that will give you an insight on how the summer capital of British would have looked before its flushed environs were chopped down to make way for smug imperial edifices. This town boasts of arrogance for its wooded royal retreat at the height of 7,054 feet above sea level. Covered by the thick cedar woods, from here one can see Shimla. This was the summer capital of Patiala and encompasses the world's highest cricket pitch and polo ground, along with the old palace located on the Rajgarh hill. Take up Himachal Pradesh tourism to enjoy further.

Enjoy Chail tourism, which is spread over an area of 72 acres on three adjacent hills namely the Rajgarh Hill, Pandava Hills and Siddh Tibba. This hill town is located at a distance of 43 kms from Shimla and offers the tourist with enchanting landscapes. The pristine hill station of Chail offers something to everybody be it a couple looking for isolation or a family planning a weekend break. Chali is significant with the clouds, hills and green valleys. Do not miss to include the name of Chail, while planning your tour itinerary to Himachal Pradesh.

History of Chail – Maharaja's Defiant Reply

History

This hamlet of Chail in Himachal has a very interesting history. It is said that Maharaja Bhupinder Sing was banished from the summer capital of British, Shimla, after his ignoble behavior with the daughter of Lord Kitchener, the then governor general of British India. The Indian prince was enraged at this and as a result vouched to built his own summer capital, that would be better than Shimla. It was then that this small 'piece of heaven' came to his notice, and he built a city as per his requirement. It is this Palace, that today serves as a hotel and the prime highlight of Chail.

In the year 1972, this palace was taken over for restoration by the Himachal Pradesh Development Corporation.

The Most Renowned Chail Palace

The Stunning Attractions of Chail

Enjoy a holiday in Chail, which is a honeymoon destination whose chief attraction lies in its landscape, views and the magnanimous mansion. Come to this small yet beautiful town during summer, when it becomes practically impossible to get a foothold, or during the rest of the year when one can enjoy this palace, as the royals left it. Take up tours of Chail to see the famous attractions of Chail in Himachal Pradesh.

This small town might not be having a great mall, but the tiny huddle of shops make up for it. In Chail you should see the the Pandava Hill where the old Residency 'Snow View' is snuggled.

Come to the Pleasure Palace

Monumental Heritage

Enjoy the popular attractions of Chail in Himachal Pradesh. When the Maharaja of Patiala, acquired Chail from the Gurkha in 1981, he planned to build his castle on the top of the highest hill, so that he can look down upon Shimla and Kasauli. However, due to certain short comings, this palace was eventually built on Rajgarh, the second highest hill. The chief attraction of the town also happens to be this Palace hotel, where honeymooning couples and Punjabi businessmen hop in for a day or two to live their princely excitement. Surrounded by the cedar trees, endogamous forests and wildlife in the countryside, this Georgian mansion cum hotel is the best place to be this holiday. Also known as 'Sylvan gateway', take a view of Shimla from here at nights, when the whole town lights up making it look like a sky. Look up to see two skies at one go – one lit with white shiny twinkles while the other seems to be floating with the colorful sparkling.

Drive along the narrow lover's lane interspersed between the log huts and tall cedar trees, to this hotel which reverberated with merry making couples drinking and smoking..listening to the tunes of the royal piano. The narcissus filled flower beds, looking at two white cherubs with jet black hair, will certainly make you feel like a king.

Pilgrim's Progress in Chail

Pilgrimage

While on Chail tourism you will find three facets of religion. The dominant one is Sikhism that is represented by Gurudwara Shaib, a former dominion of Patiala. Built in the year 1907, this is located 1 kms above Chail's Bazaar. The architecture and flanking facades will remind you of Goan churches. In this Gurudwara, you should see the two tower like structure fitted into these facade at the entrance.

Another significant pilgrim center is Siddh Baba ka Mandir, situated on the hill that lies between Rajgarh and Pandhawa. A tourist will draw an important temple attraction in the Kali ka Tibba placed on the top of a hill named after Rajmata's Cottage, Blossom. From here one can see the famous Choor Chandi Peak and the Shivalik mountain range.

Maha Kali Mandir in Chail

The Rickety Cricket Grounds

Walk in pairs or even if you are alone in this honeymoon destination, Chail is all about walking. Notice the monkeys that are not averse to attacking walkers on impulse.

There are quiet high altitude trekking routes that you cannot miss enjoying in Chail. Trek to Shimla and Kandaghat that will take you along villages shortcuts. If want to enjoy a long treks then savor the two day trek to Choor Chandni at Hamirpurghat( roughly 80 kms from Gauda via Rajgarh). Other important trekking routes will be Chail-Rajgarh and Chail-Shimla via Junga. You an also enjoy just strolling lazily around the undulated roads that has a well keep the astonishing element alive at every turn you take. The surprise package will be indulging in a safari trek in the Chail sanctuary, as the uneven grounds are not fit for jeep safaris. Here you will get a chance to see Goral, Red Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Sambar and Flying Squirrel during the months of March and October. Sprawling on an area of 110 kms, this covers a vast forested area where you should walk up to see the Chir Pheasant Breeding centres situated at Blossom and Jhajja. Bird sighting in the park is also an important activity while you are in Chail sanctuary. Enjoying a walk in the Oak and Pine forest is also an gratifying experience.

Reaching the Royal Countryside

Due to its juxtaposition with Shimla, it goes without saying that the nearest airport will be in Shimla. Though regular flights do connect Shimla with the rest of the country but that entirely depends on the weather conditions.

Railways is also a good option to come to Chail while you enjoy the valley way on your way. The nearest railhead will be about 86 km from Chail in Kalka via Kandaghat (roughly 380 km from Delhi). The approach of Chail is along the Kalka-Shimla route. One has to take a roundabout way from Kandaghat. From where it is an hour and a half's journey by road to Chail. The ideal way of covering the Kalka-Shimla track is by the toy train. It takes five hours from Kalka to get to Kandaghat. These five hours mark the beginning of this visit into the world of counterfeit. The toy train with a maximum of half a dozen coupes chug-a-lugs through the most thickly wooded tracks, exciting bends, deep gorges and unremitting tunnels.

If coming via roads then the route to take is NH1 to Ambala, NH 22 to Kandaghat via Panchkula, Kalka and Dharampur, state road to Chail via Sadhupul.