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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.
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.
PRIME ATTRACTION
TEMPLES
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.
OTHERS
Sadhupul: 14-km from Kandaghat a beautiful tiny
village of Sadhupul, and the bridge over the Ashwani
stream, a popular picnic-spot. |
