MOUNTAIN ESCAPES
| CHAIL |
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| Chail guide
>>> Chail travel guide and tourist information on Chail, how to get to Chail,
also details on sightseeing in Chail, best time to visit Chail and accommodation in Chail |
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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 up 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 Chail, 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.
Chail is a popular spot for a day excursion for holidaymakers staying at Kasauli, Shimla
and Kandaghat. There is plenty to see and do in Chail, starting with the world's highest
cricket pitch and polo ground at 2,444 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 Chail and have a royal time!
Getting to Chail
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 to visit Chail
Chail is beautiful in summer when the days are warm and the nights cool. The best time to
come to Chail 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 in Chail
The brightest star on the Chail horizon is the luxurious Chail Palace Hotel maintained by
HPTDC. Tariffs range from Rs1,500 for a regular double room to Rs 6,000 for the Maharaja
Suite. There are other moderate and budget hotels, motels and tourist lodges as well as
deluxe Swiss tents and camps. It's best to book in advance during peak season.
For further information contact the HPTDC centre at Shimla: Tel 91-177-2652561, 2658302 .
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