Just 43 kms from the maddening pace of Shimla is Chail, happily isolated from the rest of Himachal and occupying prime position on three hills.
The flamboyant Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala built Chail as his ‘summer capital’ when he was banned from Shimla after a clash with the British in 1891.Never one to be left behind, the Maharaja conjured his very own Xanadu, the Chail Palace, a magnificent mansion in surroundings that overshadowed any resort the British commanded.Chail is built on three hills - the palace on Rajgarh Hill, the British Residency on Pandhewa Hill and Sadh Tiba is the third hill. Sadh Tiba was originally the site of the palace but the Maharaja halted construction there and built a temple, Sidh Baba ka Mandir, following a dream. Today the Chail Palace is a luxury hotel that seems to hang from the clouds, perched on the hilltop and surrounded by pine and deodar forests.
The drive to Chail is scenic, winding around the gorgeous valleys of Kandaghat, past forests thick with foliage and fruit laden orchards. Along the entire journey, you are aware that Chail stands apart from other Himachal hill stations in its majesty and location. When you finally reach the resort, you are rewarded with a spectacular view of the Himalayas. The twinkling lights of Shimla and Kasauli are clearly visible and Chail overlooks the Satluj Valley.
The resort is a popular spot for a day excursion for holidaymakers staying at Kasauli, Shimla and Kandaghat. There is plenty to see and do here, starting with the world’s highest cricket pitch and polo ground at 2444 m - Chail’s best known attraction. Wander off into the woods for a peaceful walk or do a more strenuous hike up the hillside, try some angling in the river nearby or go horse riding on the narrow trail around the hill. Kids will enjoy the tiny wildlife sanctuary with ghoral, sambhar, cheer pheasants and red jungle fowl for company. You can also carry a picnic to Sadhupul village on the way to Kandagahat.
So venture forth to have a royal time!
Getting there: Chail is 350 km from Delhi, via Chandigarh and Kalka. The closest airport is at Chandigarh, 112 kms away . The drive to Chail from Shimla is 43 km via Kufri and 61 km via Kandaghat. The toy train from Kalka to Kandaghat takes 5 hours and chugs through picturesque hills and tunnels. There are buses and tourist taxis to Chail from Delhi, Chandigarh, Kalka, Shimla and Kandaghat.
Best time: Chail is beautiful in summer when the days are warm and the nights cool. The best time to come here is from April to early July and again from September to November when the monsoons are done. The winters are cold and see snow. Carry light woollens and cotton outfits for summer and heavy woollens and snow protection for winter.
Accommodation: The brightest star on the Chail horizon is the luxurious Chail Palace Hotel maintained by HPTDC. Tariffs range from Rs 1500 for a regular double room to Rs 6000 for the Maharaja suite. There are other moderate and budget hotels, motels and tourist lodges as well as deluxe Swiss tents and camps. Its best to book in advance during season. For further information contact the HPTDC centre at Shimla: Tel 0177-203294.
For more country information, see India.
For detailed state information, see Himachal Pradesh.
