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India » Chail
 City Guide
 
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Beyond the dust and diesel fumes of Kandaghat, on the Chandigarh-Shimla road, there s an enticing pine-perfumed mountain trail that wends its sinuous way to one of Himachal s most sought after holiday destinations. There s a delightful sense of timelessness in the verdant beauty of Chail s gigantic deodars, and heavily scented pines. As the wind rustles through flower-bedecked rhododendrons, it stirs up memories and legends of the daring exploits of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala and his famous summer retreat.
"From his accession in 1909 to his death in 1938, the Maharaja Bhupinder Singh was Patiala, was the Sikh nation, and even, for many in Europe, was India," according to biographer John Lord. The Maharaja of Patiala was an imposing man, his menacing bulk, dense black beard neatly rolled away and curling into the depths of his exquisitely tied turban would set many an Englishwoman s pulses racing. When he trained his dark unblinking eyes on the nearest beauty that caught his eye at one of those elaborate English balls in Shimla, even the handsomest Englishman was reduced to a pallid version of manhood in his presence.
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AIR
Jubbar Hati airport (45 km from Shimla) is the nearest airport to Chail (63 km) via Kufri. Indian Airlines flies thrice a week (Mon/ Wed/ Fri) from Delhi, but flights are dependent on weather conditions. Always check flight departures before leaving home.
RAIL
Kalka is the nearest railhead, about 86 km from Chail. You also have a narrow gauze train daily to Shimla (Chail 45 Kms) by the name of Himalayan Queen. Alternately you can get a train to Chandigarh, which has excellent rail connections to other parts of the country. Hire a car for your onward journey or catch a tourist bus going to Shimla and get off at Kandaghat for a local bus connection to Chail.
ROAD
There is no direct bus link from Delhi to Chail via the deluxe tourist buses that swing all the way up to Shimla. Instead, you have to catch a local bus at Kandaghat (29 km/ 2 hrs driving time) to drop you off at Chail town.
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Altitude
2,150 m (7,054 ft)
Languages
Hindi, Himachali, Garhwali, English.
CLIMATE
Long cool summers, cold winters.
STD CODE
01792 |
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 Chail Sanctuary
Chail is a hill station visited by many tourists. The Deodar and Oak forests with grasslands around the township are the abode of wildlife. Chail sanctuary was notified on 21st March 1976 near Chail Town in District Shimla and covers an area of 10,854.36 hectares.
Palace Hotel
The little hill station of Chail came into being when Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala was banished from Shimla, the summer capital of British India, after a dalliance with the Commander-in-Chief s daughter in the late 19th century.
Cricket Ground
Surrounded by gigantic deodar and well-maintained Chail Cricket ground is the highest cricket ground in the world. Built in 1893, this cricket pitch located at the height of 2,144m is also used as polo ground.
Maharaja S Palace
The magnificent Rajgarh palace, with elaborate furnishings, built in 1891. With comfortable log huts and cottages, dense forests and serene walks, sprawling lawns, a childrens park, a `lovers hill , and sports facilities, Chail is a resort in the real sense of the term.
Sidh Baba Ka Mandir
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh had originally intended this to be the site of his palace, and had even started building it, but as is believed, a sidh , saintly person appeared in the Maharaja s dream, and declared that this was the place where he had meditated. Consequently, Bhupinder Singh shifted his venue and built a temple on the spot. |
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Kufri, which is just 22 km away, makes for a wondrous driving tour or a great trek through vast swathes of lush jungle and flower-choked meadows for the more adventurous to the Mahsu Peak. If you re desperate for the bright lights of the concrete jungle of The Mall, swing around and wend your way to Shimla.
Naldera, which is close by, is perfect for golf, pony rides and picnics in summer? In winter add a new dimension to your holiday in Chail. Learn to ski at nearby Naldera. Or abandon yourself to snow ball fights and building snowmen. Beat the competition any which way you can?don t forget the hamper of hot coffee, cool drinks and scrumptious sandwiches to fortify your efforts in any weather?(your hotel can easily arrange one). Things taste so different in the open countryside.
Sadhupul(14Km)
14-km from Kandaghat a beautiful tiny village of Sadhupul, and the bridge over the Ashwani stream, a popular picnic-spot.
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