Know About Chail and SightSeeing Places

The former 'summer capital' of Patiala Chail is 49 km from Shimla. The Chail Palace is well known for its architecture. The cricket ground and a polo ground which is there at an altitude of 2,444 m was owned by erstwhile royal family of Patiala. The ground has the world's highest cricket ground. Chail is also considered as the hiker's paradise. The area is away from the bustling life of the state capital Shimla.

Chail lies at a height of 2,250 metres above the sea level.Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala,when was facing an exiled from Shimla, he decided to create his own summer capital, which was Chail.

Chail

Chail was perfect - it was surrounded by a thick cover of majestic, soaring deodars, Simla was just 45 kms away, and most significantly, the hill of Chail was decidedly higher than the then British - controlled Shimla.

The picturesque hill station located amidst scented forests of chir pine and gigantic deodars. Chail is built on three hills, the palace is on Rajgarh Hill, the Residency Snow View once occupied by British resident is on Pandhewa Hill and on the third hill Sadh Tiba where Chail is situated. Overlooking Satluj Valley, Shimla and Kasauli are also visible at night from here.

Chail has also the highest cricket ground in the world. Well kept and well maintained the ground is surrounded by huge trees of deodar and pine. On the other side of the town are situated the massive Himalayan ranges spectacularly gleaming in the sun and snow-covered every thing under it.

ACCESS Chail is connected by road. From Shimla via Kufri the distance is 45 km and via Kandaghat is 61 km. Kalka is 86 km away. Regular buses for Chail leave from Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi. The closest airports are at Chandigarh (120 km) and Shimla (63 km).

CLIMATE In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. In summer the climate is mild and light woolens / cottons are recommended.

PLACES OF INTEREST

SIDH BABA KA MANDIR (1.5 km) : Maharaja Bhupinder Singh originally began building his palace at this site. It is said that a Sidh - saintly person - appeared before the Maharaja in dream and declared that this was the place where he had this temple built.

CRICKET GROUND (3 km): Built in 1893, after leveling top of a hill, it stands at 2444m and is the highest cricket pitch and polo ground in the world.

WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (3 km) : The Chail sanctuary has 'ghoral', 'kakkar', 'sambhar', red jungle fowl and 'khalij' and 'cheer' pheasants. Machan like sighting posts have been built at Khuruin.

KUFRI : An enjoyable drive through forests and small villages leads to this small but popular station. The Nature Park here is a great attraction. A short trek leads to the Mahasu Peak with breathtaking views.

SADHUPUL : Between Kandaghat and Chail is this village and bridge astride the Ashwani stream. A good picnic spot.

ADVENTURE AND FISHING : A dozen or so trek routes lead out of Chail. Trails lead upto the Choor Peak and to Shimla. There is fishing on Giri river at Gaura, 29 km away.

How to Reach Chail

By Air

If you want to reach Chail by air, you will have to get down at Shimla - the nearest air link from the hill resort. Shimla Airport is serviced by a few airlines only, which includes Jagsons Airlines and Deccan Airways. The second option for reaching Chail will be to get down at Chandigarh airport, which has a comparatively greater number of flights operating to and from New Delhi.

By Rail

The nearest railhead from Chail is the one provided by the Kalka railway station. From there, you can take the toy train for Shimla, which will take you on a five hour journey - while bringing close to the unblemished and virgin beauty of nature. From Shimla, you can easily access the beautiful hill resort of Chail by Road.

By Road

For approaching Chail by road, you will have to take the Kalka-Shimla route. The hill resort is situated at a distance of 375 km from Delhi, 86 km Kalka and 43 km from Shimla. You will easily get buses from Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla for reaching the place.