Chail
Around 43 km away from Shimla and at an elevation of 2250 m is Chail, a small idyllic hill town. Chail shot into prominence when Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala was denied an entry into Shimla by the British. At that point of time Shimla was the summer capital of the British and a hot favourite with the Maharajas as well.
History
When Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala, was expelled from Shimla - the summer capital of the British in India - he decided to create his own capital for the hot months. The King built the palace, which is the primary tourist attraction of Chail, in 19th century and the pretty cottages of the complex, that once accommodated the ADCs and guests of the royal party, are now part of a fascinating holiday resort.Built in 1893 at a height of 2250 m above sea level, the Chail Cricket Ground is the highest cricket ground in the world. This cricket ground is also the venue for polo matches.
Attractions In Chail
1. Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
Chail Sanctuary was notified on 21st March 1976 near Chail Town in Shimla. It covers an area of 10,854. 36 hectares. The Deodar and Oak forests with grasslands around the township are abode of wildlife.Visitors are welcome to Chir Pheasant breeding centers at both Blossom and Jhajja.One can see Goral, Red Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Sambar, Silver-white Oak, Barking Deer, Indian Hare, Common Langur, Leopard, Rhesus Macaque, Himalayan Yellow Throated Martin, Indian Porcupine, Kashmiri Flying Squirrel.
2. Palace Hotel
Built in 1891, the Maharaja's palace was purchased by Himachal Tourism in 1972. Set in approximately 75 acres of land, it has a truly regal setting with spectacular views. A wide variety of cottages, suites and rooms with different tariffs can accommodate every visitor who wishes to savoir this majestic hill station.
3. Sidh Baba Ka Mandir
The place, where this temple stands today, was originally intended to be the site of the royal palace. It is believed that a sidh (saintly person), once appeared in the Maharajas dream and pronounced the place, where he was to build his palace.
4. Sadhu Pul
14-km from Kandaghat a beautiful tiny village of Sadhupul, and the bridge over the Ashwani stream, a popular picnic-spot.
5. Cricket ground
Built at a height of 2250 m above sea level, in 1893, the Chail Cricket Ground surrounded by gigantic deodar and Weeping willows is the highest cricket ground in the world. This cricket ground is also the venue for polo matches.
Around Chail
1. Fishing & Skiing
About 29 km from Chail is a place called Gaura, on the banks of the Giri River. This place is a popular venue for fishing. Those who want to go skiing, can head to Naldehra, which is about 68 km from Chail. Skiing can be done only in winters.
2. Sadhu Pul
Named after a bridge built on the Ashwani stream at this place, the picturesque little village of Sadhupul is a popular picnic spot. It is en route to Chail, 14 km away.
Getting There
By Air
There is always the option of flying to Shimla.
By Rail
The ideal way of covering the Kalka-Shimla track is by the toy train. It takes five hours from Kalka to get to Kandaghat. The toy train with a maximum of half a dozen bogies chugs through the most thickly forested tracks, breathtaking bends, deep ravines and never-ending tunnels.
By Road
Chail is about 86-km from Kalka via Kandaghat. The approach of Chail is along the Kalka-Shimla route. One has to take a detour from Kandaghat. From Kandaghat, it is an hour and a half journey by road to Chail.
