About Chail
Chail_Himachal_Highest_cricket ground
When Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala was expelled from Shimla - The Summer Capital of the British India, he decided to create his own capital for the warm months. The little village of Chail was perfect. It lay surrounded by magnificent deodar forests, Shimla was in direct vision and most importantly, Chail at 2226 m was somewhat higher than British controlled Shimla. Today, the Maharaja's creation can be experienced by everyone. And for Himachal Tourism, now owner of the gracious mansion, every visitor is a Royalty. Here is a resort in the true sense of the word. A beautiful Palace with ornate furniture, charming cottages, delightful log huts, thick forests, quiet walks, a 'lovers hill', an orchard of its own, elegant lawns, badminton and lawn tennis court, billiards and even a children's park. Each regally appointed room, each quaint cottage and every warm log hut offers a memorable holiday. Whether you are on a honeymoon and in search of seclusion or wish to organize a conference, Chail offers it all. Then, there are good sightseeing places and possibility of some fishing and trekking. Chail also has the world's highest cricket pitch and polo ground.
ACCESS Chail is connected by road. From Shimla via Kufri the distance is 45 km and via Kandaghat is 61 km. Kalka is 86 km away. Regular buses for Chail leave from Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi. The closest airports are at Chandigarh (120 km) and Shimla (63 km).
CLIMATE In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. In summer the climate is mild and light woolens / cottons are recommended.
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.
The Chail Palace
Built in 1891, the Maharaja's palace is set in approximately 75 acres and has a truly regal setting with spectacular views. A wide variety of cottages, suites and rooms with different tariffs can accommodate every visitor who wish to savor this majestic hill station.
ADDRESS : The Palace, Chail Distt. Solan (H.P.)-173217. Tel: (01792) - 248141, 248143 Fax: (01792) - 248140. Email: palace@hptdc.in
CLASS : Premium Heritage Hotel
Check availability and book The Palace
FACILITIES :
•During May-June and 23rd December to 2nd January the rooms can optionally be sold on MAP or CP basis (Veg. Food).
•The suites, rooms and cottages are sumptuously furnished with ornate and antique furniture and wall to wall carpeting with fire place. The bathrooms are luxurious with bath tubs provided.
•The regular rooms and log huts have wall to wall carpeting. They are airy, spacious, well furnished with attached baths and running hot & cold water.
•Satellite Television
•Room service, Laundry and Dry Cleaning facility
•Firewood or room heaters provided. Gift shop.
•Parking within premises. Taxi on demand. Doctor on call. Safe deposit facility.
•Bar & Restaurant serving Indian, Chinese, Continental and Himachali cuisine
•Conference facility for 70 person.
•Children's Park, Billiards, Lawn Tennis.
•MasterCard / Visa / American Express Credit Cards accepted
•Ayurvedic Rejuvenation TherapiesClick for details
•CAFE PALACE : HPTDC runs Open air Cafe at Palace.
References: Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation web site.