A hill station of Himachal Pradesh, Chail is located at a height of 2,250 m above sea level. The town is a very famous destination in Himachal Pradesh
for polo and cricket lovers as it is home to the world’s highest
cricket ground which is used for playing polo as well. Located at such a
height, amidst the greenery, Chail is also known as a hiker’s paradise.
It was once the capital of the Patiala kings. The palace, now converted
into an hotel, attracts a large number of tourists because of its
beautiful architecture. Chail is the perfect place for someone who wants
to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life for a while.
Listed below are some of the places you might not want to miss if visiting Chail.
1. Cricket Ground
Located at an altitude of 2444 m above sea level, this cricket ground
is the highest ground in the world. It was built by Maharaja Bhupender
Singh in 1893, who, they say, was a great cricket enthusiast.
Presently, this ground is taken care of by the Army as it lies in the
Cantonment Area. The same ground is used to play polo once in a while.
Sadly, civilians are not allowed within the premises of this ground. One
can, however, walk around the area and look at it from outside.
2. Chail Palace Hotel
The Chail Palace was built by the Maharaja when he was banished from Shimla,
in a new capital built by himself that lied at a higher elevation than
Shimla. The architecture of this place will leave you mesmerized. The
classic artworks add to the Victorian ambiance of the palace. This
palace would definitely make you feel like you are living in the
Victorian era. This palace was later converted into a heritage hotel.
Surprisingly, the prices aren’t very high and it also gives one the
opportunity to experience the royal lifestyle. The rooms also have
antique furniture to add to the “royalty feel”. This palace attracts a
large number of tourists.
3. Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
was once the hunting ground for the royalty that lived here. It was
only in 1976 that it was inaugurated as a wildlife sanctuary. This
sanctuary is home to a number of rare species of animals and birds.
Himalayan black bear, European red deer, common langur, sambar and
black-napped hare are some of the animals seen here. The sanctuary has
sighting posts to make it convenient for the tourists to observe the
animals and birds. It is a perfect place for bird watchers as well as
the animal lovers.
4. Sidh Baba Ka Mandir
Sidh Baba Ka Mandir
has a very intriguing history behind it. Legend has it that Maharaja
Bhupender Singh wanted to build his palace right at the spot where the
temple stands now. Even the construction had begun but due to some
reason or the other, it had to be stopped. While the attempts were going
on, a saint appeared in the King’s dreams and informed him that he
should stop the establishment of the palace because it is the same spot
where he meditated for years and was then buried beneath it. He told the
King to build a temple there instead. The king followed the advice and
had a temple built here dedicated to that saint.
5. Maa Kali Temple
Maa Kali Temple
is one of the most popular religious places of Chail. The locals
usually come here for praying to the diety. Though the architecture of
the temple is not that immaculate, the beauty around it is breath
taking. Being located at such a height, it is also a great trekking
spot.
Chail
is a place that can be visited throughout the year. The summers here
are pleasant and mild. However, if you cannot tolerate too much cold, we
would recommend you to stay away from this place during the winters
when the temperature drops down to 1 or 2 degrees C. Apart from visiting
these places, you can also go to Kufri on horseback. It is a very
exciting yet safe journey. Chail is not much of a place where you can go
for elaborate shopping trips; but some local special items of the
region are found here.
