Location: Chail, Himachal Pradesh, India (2250m)
Distance: 350 km N of Delhi
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 of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, 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. In 1891, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala incurred the wrath of Lord Kitchener, the then Commander-in-Chief. As a result, he was banned entry into the summer capital of the Raj, Shimla. This enraged the Maharaja and he vowed to build a new and better summer capital for himself. He looked around and after quite some time realized it had all the while been in his possession. Chail, a little village close to Shimla, was a 'slice of heaven' surrounded by lush forests with a commanding view of the snow-capped Himalayas. He rebuilt the area according to his requirements and build himself a magnificient palce which now runs as Hotel Palace.
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.
Access:
Air - The nearest airport is located at Chandigarh 112 kms from Chail. Indian Airlines and Jagson Airlines operates flight from Delhi.
Rail -
*Himalayan Queen (Nizamuddin) From Delhi to Kalka Departure - 05:55 am Arrival - 11:20am
*Kalka Shatabdi /Delhi to Kalka /Dep - 07:40am & Arrv-12:00pm OR Dep 05:15pm Arrv: 09:15pm
*Kalka Express(Howrah) From Delhi to Kalka Departure : 10:50pm Arrival :05:00am
*Paschim Express From Delhi to Kalka Departure - 11:15am Arrival - 04:35pm
From Kalka to Chail: board the Shimla Hill Train till Kandaghat - from Kandaghat by local bus or taxi on hire. Local Taxi or bus available after every 10 minutes.
Road - Take NH1 to Ambala - NH22 via Zirakpur to Panchkula. Take the Solan bypass and turn right at Kandaghat to Chail which is 27 km further.
For Accommodation: http://fridaytravellershotel.blogspot.com/2007/12/chail.html
