History: This small town, the summer residence of the Patiala state rulers has a story to tell. In 1891, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala incurred the wrath of lord kitchener, the then commander-in chief. As a result, he was banned entry into the summer capital of the raj, Shimla. This enraged the maharaja and he vowed to build a new and better summer capital for himself. He looked around and after quite some time realized it had all the while been in his possession.
Description: Chail, a little village close to Shimla, was a 'slice of heaven' surrounded by lush forests with a commanding view of the snow-capped Himalayas. Chail lies at a height of 2,250 metres above the sea level. Hill of Chail at 2226 m was somewhat higher than british-controlled Shimla. It lay surrounded by magnificent deodar forests. Nature is at her exuberant best and words like pollution and deforestation is no where in mind of the citizens of Chail. The unmatched natural greenary with soundless calm beauty adds to the immortal memories of the tourists.
Chail Quick facts
Chail Geography and Climate
Geographical Information About Chail
Altitude 2150 metres
Climate Comfortable around the year.
Best Season Around the year except July to September during monsoon.
Clothing Required Light woolen in summer and heavy woollens in winter.
STD Code 01792
Best time to visit Chail
Best time to visit may-july and september-november.
Chail Orientation
Chail This was once the summer capital of the princely state of Patiala . Today the old palace is a luxurious hotel . Chail is 45 km by bus from Shimla via Kufri, or you can reach it via kandaghat on the Shimla to kalka road or narrow gauge railway line. Chail at an altitude of 2250 meters ,is build on three hills , one of which is topped by the temple . Chail also boasts a temple of quite another religion - cricket . Here you will find another
Religion - Cricket . Here you will find the highest cricket pitch in the world !
Chail Near Getaways
ne of the most beautiful hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, a tour to Chail offers you beauty, serenity, peace and an unforgettable experience. With tourist attractions like ancient palaces, temples, gardens, forests, included in your itinerary, who wouldn't want to go on a sightseeing tour in Chail? Chail offers a number of trek routes and trails that leads to the Choor Peak and Shimla. Check out the tourist attractions that are worth visiting during your tour to Chail.
Sidh Baba Ka Mandir
It is believed that Maharaja Bhupinder Singh first chose the site on which the temple is now situated for his palace but when the construction was started, he had a strange dream. A saint came in his dream and told the king that he had meditated on this site and thus, he should not build the palace there. The ruler respectfully shifted the site of his palace and instead built a temple there in the honor of the revered saint. The shrine came to be known as Sidh Baba Ka Mandir.
Chail Sanctuary
The Chail sanctuary was inaugurated on 21st March 1976. It sprawls over about 11,000 hectares of land and is a pride of the hill station. It houses thick forests of deodar and oak trees, grasslands and a variety of wildlife, especially deer, Himalayan black bear and many colorful birds. The best way to explore this sanctuary is by going on a trek inside. The rugged terrain does not allow any vehicle to tread and tourists are encouraged to take a walk in the wild side of Chail.
Cricket Ground
The world's highest cricket and polo ground, Chail Cricket Ground is situated at an altitude of 2144 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by tall deodar forests and was built in 1893. It is also a chosen site for hockey camps that are organized here from time to time.
Chail Palace
Situated at an altitude of 2250 m, Chail is a very small but delightful hill resort. One of its major attractions is the Chail Palace, constructed by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala in 1891, as his residence.
Chail Distance(s)
45 km from Shimla
95 km from Kalka
390 km from Delhi
Chail is about 86 km from Kalka via Kandaghat (roughly 380 km from Delhi). The approach of Chail is along the Kalka-Shimla route. One has to take a detour from Kandaghat. From Kandaghat, it is an hour and a half's journey by road to Chail.
How to reach Chail by Rail
Kalka happens to be the nearest railhead to reach Chail. It is at a distance of 86 km. Chandigarh railway station is also an option for you to reach Chail. From there you can hire a cab or catch a bus to reach Chail.
The nearest airport from Chail is Jubbar Hati Airport which is 45 km from Shimla and 63 km from Chail itself. Flights from here connect to Delhi as well as Chandigarh.
Sidh Baba Ka Mandir
It is believed that Maharaja Bhupinder Singh first chose the site on which the temple is now situated for his palace but when the construction was started, he had a strange dream. A saint came in his dream and told the king that he had meditated on this site and thus, he should not build the palace there. The ruler respectfully shifted the site of his palace and instead built a temple there in the honor of the revered saint. The shrine came to be known as Sidh Baba Ka Mandir.
Chail Monuments
Chail Palace
Situated at an altitude of 2250 m, Chail is a very small but delightful hill resort. One of its major attractions is the Chail Palace, constructed by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala in 1891, as his residence. The story behind its construction is very interesting and speaks volumes of the medieval egoism of the royalty. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh had a row with British because of his dalliance with a daughter of a high official.
Because of this, he was expelled from Shimla, the Summer Capital of British India. Maharaja's vanity was wounded and he resolved to make a better summer capital for himself than Shimla. Chail was strategically chosen to be the site where this capital was to be made. 45 km from Shimla, the hill station was situated a little higher than Shimla. Thick deodar forests surrounded the place. Just 1.5 km from here, is the famous Sidh Baba ka Mandir, situated at an altitude of 8000 ft above sea level.
Maharaja Bhupinder built this temple also. Chail Palace, also known as Maharaja's Palace, has almost everything that can keep a person happy and entertained forever. Dense lush green forests surround it and interesting trails in them are a delight for nature lovers. Chail Palace comprises of elaborate furnishings, comfy log huts and cottages, expansive lawns, a lovers' hill, facilities for almost all kind of sports and even a children's park. A part of it has now been converted into a heritage hotel.
A dozen or so trek routes lead out of Chail. Trails Iead upto the Choor Peak and to Shimla. Skiing can be done at Narkanda during winters. There is fishing on the Giri river at Gaura , 29km away.
Camping
The camping sites that Himachal Pradesh has to offer to camping enthusiasts will enthrall all nature lovers. The scenic beauty of Himachal Pradesh makes camping here, a memorable experience.
Hang Gliding
Himachal Pradesh has something to offer each tourist. Nature lovers can explore the scenic landscapes that have been untouched by time; families can have a gala time exploring tourist attractions while the ancient ruins intrigue the philosophers.
Mountaineering
Himachal Pradesh offers a wide range of mountain slopes to tourists for climbing. There are gentle and easy slopes, along with some of the most challenging and treacherous peaks with breath taking views.
Paragliding
Paragliding is one of the most popular sports for adventure enthusiasts in Himachal Pradesh. This sport is much dependent on the season since thermal currents play an important role in it.
River Rafting
River rafting is increasingly becoming a very popular sport in the untamed rivers of Himachal Pradesh. Shooting through the rough river rapids, past tall pine forests, blooming rhododendrons and shiny snow-capped peaks in an inflatable rubber dinghy is quite an adventure.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is an adventure sport that requires strength and endurance. It always helps if you are trained in climbing rocks or have at least tried this sport once. In Himachal Pradesh, the rocks in natural surroundings are rugged and steep.
Gardens and Parks at Chail
There's also a Wildlife Park within walking distance with Deer & Birds.
Lake at Chail
Rwalsar lake - The Rewalsar lake , Pilgrimage centre for hindus , Buddhists and Sikhs , is high up in the hills 24km south -east of mandi . There is a mountain cave refuge ner here . The small lake is revered by Tibetan Buddhists and every year , shortly after the new year , many make a pilgrimage here , especially those from dharamshala. The festival , known as Tso-Pema , is particularly important in the years. At this time there are literally thousands of people here , and the dalai lama gives puja(prayers) in the monastery, and then does a circuit around the lake . It's a very colourful event , and will next be held in 2004.
Renuka Lake
Located at a distance of 37 km from Nahan and 60 km from Paonta Sahib, Renuka Lake is considered as one of the largest lakes in Himachal Pradesh. Situated amidst lush green forests of Indian Himalayas, the surroundings of the Lake offers an excellent venue to tourists for the adventure sports. For the tourists comfort and ease, the government of Himachal Pradesh runs their hotel named as Renuka ji, which is located on the bank of lake. Apart from this, there are PWD and forest rest houses located at a distance of 2 km from the Renuka Lake. The climatic condition of the region is not very severe but still tourists are recommended to carry light woollen clothes in winters and light cotton clothes in summer.
Largest In Himachal - Renuka Lake
Situated at a height of 672m above sea-level, Renuka Lake is spread over an area of 2.5 km. The legend says that the Lake comprises of Renukaji's embodiment, the wife of sage Jamadagini and the mother of Parshurama (ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu). In the vicinity of the Renuka Lake, there exists another Lake named as Parshurama Lake. Both the Lakes have temple built around them and the main temple is dedicated to goddess Renuka. The eighteen century old temple of Renukaji is believed to have constructed by overnight. Every year hundreds and thousands of tourists throng to the lake to witness the importance of this century old temple.
Tourist's Delight
Considered as one of the biggest lake in Himachal Pradesh, the Renuka Lake gets its water from an underground springs. The lush green surroundings of the lake support a large variety of vegetation. Boating and trekking are the additional attractions of Renuka Lake that attracts large number of adventure enthusiasts from all over the country. Apart from boating and trekking, tourists can visit a mini zoo located on the turf of Renuka Lake. This mini zoo houses spotted deer, lion-tailed macaques, nilgai, mithun, barking deer and Himalayan black bears. Besides, the travel & tourism department of Himachal Pradesh allows fishing.
How to Reach
Renuka Lake is well connected via road to Delhi (335 km), Paonta Sahib (60 km) and Nahan (37 km). Tourists can get taxis and buses from Renukaji to all the major places of Himachal Pradesh and India.
Chail Seasonals
Summer arrive generally in the month of may and lasts through june. The maximum summer temperature in Chail is generally around 26 degrees centigrade. Monsoon in Chail stretches from the end-june to september. Monsoon is regarded as the trekkers' season, which further continues till end-august. Winter which start from the month of october and lasts until february, are extremely cold.
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