Chail 

Chail was capital of the Patiala State and is famous for world’s highest cricket ground at altitude of of 2250 m, built in 1893. There is also a wildlife sanctuary 3 km from there.  Chail, in the Shivalik belt, is a secluded little haven. As the ‘summer capital’ of the erstwhile princely state of Patiala, the small settlement of Chail came into being when its Maharaja was expelled from the British dominated town of Shimla. Completed in 1891, the Maharaja built a splendid mansion which is now Himachal Tourism’s Heritage Palace Hotel. The verdant forests near Chail are alive with many species of birdsand deer but it is best known for its Scottish red deer which were introduced by the Maharaja. Chail is built over three hills – the Palace Hotel crowns the Rajgarh Hill, the Sidh Baba ka mandir is atop the Sidh Hill, while the third is Pandhewa hill which holds the house of the former British Resident to Patiala. Since the early 1970s, Chail has been a popular resort destination and down the years, this continues to retain its myriad charms.

GETTING THERE :

• By Rail : Kalka is 86 kms away and the Chandigarh railway station is at a distance of 112 kms. If you are travelling on the narrow-gauge Kalka — Shimla Heritage Train, disembark at Kandaghat which is 29 kms from Chail; you may also travel right upto Shimla on this, and then drive to Chail which is at a distance of 45 kms via Kufri.
• By Road : Chandigarh is 112 kms away, Delhi is at a distance of 370 kms, and Shimla is 45 kms away via Kufri – while the distance is 61 kms via Kandaghat.
• By Air : Chandigarh is 115 kms away and Shimla (Jubber Hatii) is at a distance of 65 kms.

CLIMATE:

Summer is mild and cottons and light woollens are suggested. In winter, the sunny days are pleasant – though the nights are cold and fairly heavy clothes are required. Through the rest of the year, light woollens / cottons are suggested.
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ATTRACTIONS:

• The Sidh Baba Temple (1.5 km) was the original site of Bhupinder Singh’s Palace. The temple is highly revered and the Baba is said to grant boons.
• Chail’s Cricket and Polo ground was created in 1893 after levelling out the top of a hill. At 2444.4 m, this is considered as one ofthe highest in the world.
• The Wildlife Sanctuary : Chail falls within an 11,000 hectare sanctuary that has the rhesus macaque. leopards, the Himalayan black bear, the crested
  porcupine, the wild boar, the common langur, hares, ‘ghoral’, ‘kakkar’, ‘sambhar‘, red jungle fowl, and the ‘khalij‘ and ‘cheer’ pheasants. Elevated sighting posts are near ‘Blossom’.
• Mahakali Mandir (8 km) : Located on a hill top popularly known as Kali-Ka-Tibba, there is a famous temple of Mahakaliji. The temple is connected by road through the thick forests. This place is extremely popular among tourists because of its majestic views of the Chur Chandni Peak, Karol Tibba and other neighbouring areas of Sirmaur, Solan and Shimla Districts.
• Fishing is possible on the Giri river, at Gaura (29 kms).
• Sadhopul (15 kms) lies between Kandaghat and Chail; this is an attractive spot by a stream.Several hikes, short drives and walks are available within and around Chail. .
• Kufri (28 kms ) has long been famous for its wide views and ski slopes. While the slopes may have limited skiing today, the views remain as wonderful as ever and this makes an excellent excursion from Chail. The Himalayan Nature Park is located here.

HOTELS

THE PALACE CHAIL – A Premium Heritage Resort
The historical Palace of Maharaja of Patiala, set in approximately 75 acres of land and surrounded by pine and deodar woods, it has a truly regal setting with  spectacular views. This is a heritage hotel and former palace built in the ‘colonial style‘ with the ambience and grace of yesteryears.

ADDRESS : The Palace Chail – 17321 7 (HP)
Tel. :(O1792)248141 , 248142 &248143, Fax : 248140
E-mail : palace@hptdc.in