Chail- A Lesser Known Himachal Pradesh Hill Station

Chail, the serene Himachal Pradesh hill-station is only 44 kms away from Shimla. A former summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala, a place at Punjab province, Chail is a place ‘waiting to be discovered.’  Chail, the former barren city of Shimla, became a place with human setting at 1893, when Maharaja Adhiraja Sardar Bhupinder Singh of Patiala decided to make the place his summer capital.

Chail is situated in the center as a valley between Rajgarh Hill, Pandava Hill and Siddh Tibba, Chail is located for over 72 acres. Famous for its architecture of the palace, built in the British era, Chail also holds a cricket ground and a polo ground, the highest of the world, in a high altitude of 2,250 m, still owned by the erstwhile royal family of Patiala.

Also considered as a ‘hiker’s paradise,’ Chail is blanketed with bright sunshine, occasional cloud and mist. Apart from hiking, Chail also is available for its tourists with gifts like Rope Walk, Burma Bridge, Commando and other adventure sports with outstanding places to experience.

The heaven-like place, always blowing cool breeze and a comfortable weather, accompanied with the Himalayan breeze and harmony, is a place far from the cacophony of the world. Apart from the magnificent Chail palace, a two-km-away local bazaar in the area is a treat to you. The local people often found fond of tourists and happy of giving directions, the place is still ‘untouched by the winds of civilization.’  

A place to visit in the scorching summer months of India, Chail is connected by road from Shimla via Kufri. The distance by road is 45 kms. Another way to reach the tranquil and hilly area is via Kandaghat, distance 49 kms. Also, regular bus service is also available for Chail. The buses leave from Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi. The closest airports are at Chandigarh (120 km) and Shimla (63 km).