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!
Getting there: 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: 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.
