The former 'summer capital' of Patiala, Chail
is 43-km from Shimla and dwelling in the midst of a
lush green setting. At 2,250m, it has the world's highest
cricket pitch and a polo ground, the old palace, now a hotel
and the possibility of some angling are added attractions.
Chail is hiker's paradise. The area is very peaceful away
from the hustle and bustle of Shimla. 3-kms from the hotel
is the worlds highest Cricket ground. Close by is a National
Park, which has limited number of birds and deers.
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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.
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. He rebuilt the city according
to his requirements and built himself a wonderful palace.
The picturesque resort located amidst scented
forests of chir pine and gigantic deodars. Chail is built
on three hills, the palace is on Rajgarh Hill, the Residency
Snow View once occupied by British resident is on Pandhewa
Hill and on the third hill Sadh Tiba where Chail is situated.
Overlooking Satluj Valley, Shimla and Kasauli are also visible
at night from here. Chail has also the highest cricket ground
in the world. Well kept and well maintained the ground is
surrounded by huge trees of deodar and pine. On the other
side of the town are situated the massive Himalayan ranges
spectacularly gleaming in the sun and snow-covered every
thing under it.
 ADVENTURE
If one is interested in angling, the Gaura
River is rich with mahseer fish. If one is an ardent trekker,
there are a number of high-attitude trekking routes including
the Kandaghat to Chail, Chail to Rajgarh and Chur-Chandni,
and the Chail to Shimla via Junga trek. And if nothing else,
the long pine scented walk with the utopic beauty of the
place is there. During winters, skiing is possible at Narkanda.
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