Chail Travel Guide

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The former 'summer capital' of Patiala, Chail is 43-km from Shimla and dwelling in the midst of a lush green setting. At 2,250m, it has the world's highest cricket pitch and a polo ground, the old palace, now a hotel and the possibility of some angling are added attractions.Chail is hiker's paradise. The area is very peaceful away from the hustle and bustle of Shimla. 3-kms from the hotel is the worlds highest Cricket ground. Close by is a National Park, which has limited number of birds and deers. Popularly known as Sylvan Gateway. The hotel porch faces Shimla and at night its lights are visible. From another side its lights are visible. From another side one can gaze at the highest peak of the region, the Choor Chandni, Kandaghat and valleys, covered with ferns and forests, are visible.

Situated at a higher altitude than Shimla and surrounded by a thick cover of deodars, Chail is a resort in the real sense. The Rajgarh palace with its elaborate furnishings, comfortable log huts and cottages, dense forests and serene walks, sprawling lawns, children's park, lover's hill and sport facilities make a visit to Chail memorable. Chail also provides good opportunities for fishing and trekking and boasts of the world's highest cricket pitch and polo ground.


Getting There:
Air
Nearest airports are Shimla and Chandigarh.
Rail
Nearest railhead is Kalka (86 Km).
Road
Accessible by road from Kalka via Kandaghat which is 32 Km short of Shimla, on the Kalka - Shimla Highway. Kandaghat - Chail is 29 Km.

Tourist Attractions:
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 a dream and declared that this was the place where he had meditated. Bhupinder Singh shifted his palace and also had this temple built.

Cricket Ground (3 km)
Built in 1893, after levelling the top of a hill, this 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 near Blossom and at Khariun.

Adventure and fishing
A dozen or so trek routes lead out of Chail. Trails Iead upto the Choor Peak and to Shimla. Skiing can be done at Narkanda during winters. There is fishing on the Giri river at Gaura , 29km away.


Excursion From Chail
Mandi
A famous tourist destination of Himachal Pradesh, Mandi rightly situated on a accessible route from Shima, Chandigarh and Delhi. Situated amidst lush green forests of Indian Himalayas, the city is known for its century old temples and palaces.

Kufri
A scenic destination of Himachal Pradesh, Kufri is located at a distance of 13 km from Shimla. A large number of tourists throng to Kufri to participate in the annual winter sports festival, which is organized every year in the month of February.

Paonta Sahib
Situated amidst lush green forests of Sal trees, the city of Paonta Sahib is a famous pilgrim center for the Sikh as well as Hindu community. A famous Paonta Sahib Gurudwara is located in the vicinity of Paonta sahib, dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh (10th Guru of Sikh). Apart from the Gurudwara, Paonta Sahib also houses a famous temple, which is located on the bank of river Yamuna.

Bilaspur
Bilaspur, which is located on the bank of Gobindsagar lake is easily accessible through the Chandigarh - Manali national highway no 21. A newly established town of Himachal Pradesh, Bilaspur presents itself as a blend of traditional and modern lifestyle.

Renuka Lake
Located at a distance of 37 km from Nahan and 60 km from Paonta Sahib, Renuka Lake is considered as one of the largest lakes in Himachal Pradesh. Situated amidst lush green forests of Indian Himalayas, the surroundings of the Lake offers an excellent venue to tourists for the adventure sports.