Chail, a prefect destination

Chail is a prefect destination for those, who wish to take a break from a hectic day to day routine and the traffic within a city one residing in.
A 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 lies at a height of 2,250 metres above the sea level and serves as a perfect destination for honeymooners

History:
Chail was the summer capital of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. In 1891, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala incurred the wrath of Lord Kitchener and was sent to exile. He was banned to enter into the summer capital of the British Raj, Shimla. Thus, to avenge the dishonour Maharaja Bhupinder Singh decided to build a better summer capital. The little village of Chail is perfect and is well surrounded by magnificent deodar forests. The architecturally magnificent palace of Maharaja is now used as a tourist hotel.
How to reach:Nestled amidst the lush green mountain ranges of Himachal Pradesh, Chail is one of the preferred destinations amidst for the usual tourists and also for the honeymooners. The reason for this mainly comprises of the romantic ambience offered by the natural beauty and salubrious weather of the hill resort. On top of that, even reaching the place presents no problem at all, mainly because of the fact that Chail is well connected with all the major cities of India. The road distance of Chail from Chandigarh is 115 kms. In the following lines, we will tell you more about ‘how to reach Chail’.
Getting there: Chail is 115 km from Chandigarh , via Kalka.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 Chandigarh, Kalka, Shimla and Kandaghat.

By AirLocated at the distance of 45 kilometer from Chail, Jubbarhati Airport of Shimla becomes the nearest airport from the city. From there, one can find frequent flights to Delhi and Chandigarh. The next nearest airport from Chail is that of Chandigarh, from where one can opt for either taxis or regular buses for traveling to Chail. By RailKalka, located at the distance of 86 kilometers, forms the nearest railhead to reach Chail. It is well connected with almost all the key cities of India. Another option left with travelers is the next-nearest Chandigarh railway station, which has regular trains from the rest of the country. From Chandigarh, one can easily find taxis as well as buses for Chail. By Road Kandaghat, located at the distance of 29 kilometer from Chail, is the nearest road link from Chail. There are not direct buses from Chandigarh for reaching the hill station. However, you can take a bus till Kandaghat and from there, hire a local taxi. Another option is Shimla, get down at Shimla and from Shimla, take a regular bus or a taxi for Chail.

Weather of Chail:Chail has a natural air conditioned weather and the tourist find this place to be suitable to visit all throughout the year. Even during the summer the temperature doesn't rise to much, the autumn in all its colours is really fascinating. During autumn the fields and the forests are covered with a cloak of russet and gold, in winter it is nothing less than a paradise. The weather conditions are so perfect that even in the winter when there is snow fall there is an unusual featured warmth present avoiding the inconvenience of the people.
Best time: Chail is beautiful in summer when the days are warm and the nights cool. The best time to come here 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.

Places to visit:
Chail SanctuaryChail is a hill station visited by many tourists. The Deodar and Oak forests with grasslands around the township are the abode of wildlife. Chail sanctuary was notified on 21st March 1976 near Chail Town in District Shimla and covers an area of 10,854.36 hectares. Palace HotelThe little 'hill station' of Chail came into being when Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala was banished from Shimla, the 'summer capital' of British India, after a dalliance with the Commander-in-Chief's daughter in the late 19th century. Accommodation: The brightest star on the Chail horizon is the luxurious Chail Palace Hotel maintained by HPTDC. Tariffs range from Rs 1500 for a regular double room to Rs 6000 for the Maharaja suite. There are other moderate and budget hotels, motels and tourist lodges as well as deluxe Swiss tents and camps. Its best to book in advance during season.
Cricket GroundSurrounded by gigantic deodar and well maintained Chail Cricket ground is the highest cricket ground in the world. Built in 1893, this cricket pitch located at the height of 2,144m is also used as polo ground. Maharaja's PalaceThe magnificent Rajgarh palace, with elaborate furnishings, built in 1891. With comfortable log huts and cottages, dense forests and serene walks, sprawling lawns, a childrens park, a `lovers hill', and sports facilities, Chail is a resort in the real sense of the term. Sidh Baba Ka MandirMaharaja Bhupinder Singh had originally intended this to be the site of his palace, and had even started building it, but as is believed, a 'sidh', saintly person appeared in the Maharaja's dream, and declared that this was the place where he had meditated. Consequently, Bhupinder Singh shifted his venue and built a temple on the spot.
Wildlife:
The Chail Sanctuary has "Choral", "Kakkar, "Sambhar" (Deer variety), red jungle fowl and "Khalij" and "Cheer" pheasants. Machan-like sighting posts have been built near a place called blossom and at Khariun. The deodar and oak forests and grasslands around the town are part of the sanctuary. One can see sambhar, ghoral and cheer pheasants at Blossom and Jhaja - where there are pheasant breeding centers. Barking deer and khalij pheasant are often spotted at dusk and dawn in the sanctuary. Treks from Chail to Gaura and Chail to Jhaja are popular.

Nearby places:
KufriA long and enjoyable drive through lush forests and quaint villages takes one to the small but thoroughly popular hill station of Kufri. Its main attractions are the Nature Park, and the exciting trek that leads to the divine Mahasu peak.SadhupulHalfway between Kandaghat and Chail is the tiny village of Sadhupul, and the bridge over the Ashwani stream, a popular picnic - spot.
Where to Stay:
Chail has some good stay options for the visitors. Accommodation options vary in Chail from luxurious hotels such as HPTDC's Palace Hotel to budget hotels, cottages and tourist lodges, which are available at reasonable prices.

Jungle Livinn, Chail
Address V & P.O. JanedghatShimla Hills,Chail – Kufri RoadChail12 luxury Swiss tents with all modern amenities including an attached tiled bathroom with 24 hours hot and cold shower. Every cottage has it’s own unique view of the valley, natural light from dawn to dusk, wooden ceiling.

Boparai Camping Site, Chail, Himachal Pradesh Chail
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 wishes 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

Facilities:
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. There is a provision of Satellite Television.
Firewood or room heaters provided. Gift shop, Parking within premises, Taxi on demand. Doctor on call, Safe deposit facility, Bar and Restaurant serving Indian, Chinese, Continental and Himachali cuisine, Conference facility for 70 person, Children's Park, Billiards, Lawn Tennis.