From Delhi
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!
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