Chail Hill Station

Information:

Chail is hiker's paradise. The area is very peaceful away from the hustle and bustle of Shimla.Bhupinder Singh,Maharaja of Patiala,was expelled from Shimla - the `summer capital' of the British in India - he decided to create his own capital for the hot months. The little village of Chail was perfect. It lay surrounded by magnificent deodar forests,Shimla was in direct vision and most important,the hill of Chail at 2226 m was somewhat higher than British-controlled Shimla. Today the Maharaja's creation can be experienced by everyone. Whether you are on a honeymoon or in search of seclusion or wish to organise a conference and demand all facilities,Chail has it all .Then,there is good sight seeing and the possibility of some fishing and trekking. Chail also has the world's highest cricket pitch and polo ground.

Attractions:

Chail Palace The palace of the maharajas,built in the late 19th century and the pretty cottages of the complex - that once accommodated the ADCs and guests of the royal party - are now part of a charming holiday resort. Chail has lobely walks and trails that meander through the dense pine forests - the home of barking deer,wild boar,pheasant and a variety of birds. Forest rest houses make overnight halts possible. For those interested in sports,Chail has fine tennis and squash courts and a putting green. There are excellent spots along the River Gaura with opportunities for anglers to tangle with the Himalayan mahaseer. Chail has also the highest cricket ground in the world - 2,250 m above sea level.

Chail SanctuaryChail is a beautiful hill station and a popular resort. The deodar and oak forests and grasslands around the town are part of the sanctuary. One can see sambhar,ghoral and cheer phesants at Blossom and Jhaja - where there are pheasant breeding centres. 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.

Sidh Baba ka Mandir Maharaja Bhupinder Singh originally began building his palace at this site. It is said that a `sidh' -saintly person appeared before the Maharaja in a dream and declared that this was the place where he had meditated. Bhupinder Singh shifted his palace and also had this temple built.

Cricket Ground Built in 1893,after levelling the top of a hill,this stands at 2444m and is the highest cricket pitch and polo ground in the world.

Travel Information:

• By Air: Shimla has an airport,22 km away,from the main city with regular flights to Delhi. Chandigarh airport,120 km away on the plains,has flights at more regular intervals. The flights to Shimla may be called off,during the winter months of December,January and February,so you will need to check them up in advance.
• By Rail: Broad-gauge trains run till Kalka,from all the parts of the country. From Kalka onwards,a rail car on narrow gauge takes you to Shimla which offers some fantastic sights. You can also take a bus from Kalka to Shimla.
• By Road: Shimla is connected by road to Chandigarh,Delhi,Dehradun,Kalka,and to many other places as well.