Chail, overlooking the Sutlej Valley, is located 43 km south of
Shimla. It is a scenic hill resort built on the three hills - Rajgarh Hill, Pandhewa Hill and Sadh Tiba.
Chail was the summer capital of the flamboyant Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, until he was defeated and exiled to Shimla by the British in 1891. The majestic Chail Palace built by the maharaja was once the dwelling place of British and now a luxury hotel surrounded by pine and deodar forests.
Chail boasts the world’s highest cricket pitch and polo ground. There is a small wildlife sanctuary with residents such as ghoral, sambar, cheer pheasants and red jungle fowl. A picnic from Chail to Sadhupul village on the way to Kandaghat provides memorable experience.
Chail is a popular picnic spot and is often visited by tourists staying at Kasauli, Shimla and Kandaghat. It provides opportunities for a host of activities such as angling, horse riding, trekking and walking. There are several hotels providing comfortable stay in the vicinity. April to early July and September to November are the most ideal months.
Chail is 350 km from Delhi via Chandigarh and Kalka. Chandigarh Airport (112 km) and Shimla Airport (63 km) are the nearest airports. Nearest railhead is Shimla Railway Station. Buses and tourist taxis are available from Delhi, Chandigarh, Kalka, Shimla and Kandaghat to Chail. Solan is around 30 km west of Chail.
