Located at a height of 2,250m above sea level, Chail is a hill station in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India located 44 km from Shimla and 45 km from Solan. If you as tourist are looking for a quiet relaxing holiday, then Chail is better than overcrowded Shimla, a prime tourist destination in the state. it is part of the golden triangle of tourism in Shimla region alongside Kufri and Shimla. Solan, another major tourist destination is also located just 45 km from Chail.
Chail is known for its pristine beauty and virgin forests. The former summer capital of the princely state of Patiala, Punjab; the Chail Palace is its biggest attraction here and is well known for its striking architecture. The palace was built as a summer retreat for the Maharaja of Patiala during British Raj, on land allotted to him by British colonial rulers for his assistance in the Anglo-Nepalese War. Chail is located on the banks of river Sandhupul.
Chail is located on the Shivalik mountain range and is spread over an area of over 72 acres across three hills namely Rajgarh, Pandewa, and Sadh Tiba. Overlooking both Shimla and Kasauli, Chail was a mountain village till 1893 when it was developed into a hill station by the Maharaja of Patiala, Rajendra Singh, who ensured it matched Shimla in every aspect. It was an act of revenge by the Maharaja of Patiala, Rajender Singh who was banished from entering Shimla, India’s summer capital during British colonial rule, after eloping with the daughter of Lord Kitchener, the then Commander-in-Chief of the British Indian Army.
The maharaja had resolved to build for himself a new summer capital better than Shimla.
Besides Chail Palace, Chail Cricket ground, the world’s highest cricket ground, and Chail Military School are the 2 most famous locations in the hill station. Chail is famed for its beautiful orchards, deodar, and pine valleys. It is covered in snow during the winter season that makes it more attractive to visitors. Tourists can try trekking to the top of Chor peak. Also, a trek to Kali ka Tibba, a popular shrine, and the rocky trails of Gaura and Jhajja is worth it. Chail wildlife sanctuary is a must-visit place for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Chail is a starting point for treks to Junga, Kufri, and Ashwani Khad at Solan.
Tourists can visit Rastriya Military School in Chail, one of the five such military schools in India. Chail also offers various camping opportunities by the Sandhupul riverside, many eco camps are held here. Adventure seekers also have options like paragliding and zorbing for adventure enthusiasts. Amongst other places worth visiting are Chail Military School playground, Sadhupul lake, and Rajgarh Maharaja Palace. Those wanting to visit religious places can visit beside Kali ka Tibba, Shiv Mandir, Gurudwara Sahib, and Siddh Baba ka Mandir. Nature lovers can also visit the Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri. Tourists can also visit the Lover’s Point where the Maharaja of Patiala used to serenade the British aristocrat girlfriend.
The best time to visit Chail is from April to June and September to November. If interested in wading through heavy snow, tourists can visit in December and January. Besides Chail Palace, which is now a hotel, there are a few hotels that provide mid-range to budget accommodation. There are few good restaurants that serve delicious local Himachali food. Well-connected by road with rail link provided by Solan and air link with Chandigarh, Chail is a seemingly quiet place for people who relish the peace of mind away from hustle and bustle of city life.
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