S U T L E J C I R C U I T
When Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of
Patiala was expelled from Shimla – The Summer Capital of the British India, he
decided to create his own capital for the warm months. The little
village of
Chail was perfect. It lay surrounded by magnificent deodar forests, Shimla was
in direct vision and most importantly, Chail at 2226 m was somewhat higher
than British controlled Shimla.
Today, the Maharaja’s creation can
be experienced by everyone. And for Himachal Tourism, now owner of the gracious
mansion, every visitor is a Royalty. Here is a resort in the true sense of
the word. A beautiful Palace with ornate furniture, charming cottages,
delightful log huts, thick forests, quiet walks, a ‘lovers hill’, an orchard of
its own, elegant lawns, badminton and lawn tennis court, billiards and even a
children’s park. Each regally appointed room, each quaint cottage and every
warm log hut offers a memorable holiday. Whether you are on a honeymoon and
in search of seclusion or wish to organize a conference, Chail offers it all.
Then, there are good sightseeing places and possibility of some fishing and
trekking. Chail also has the world’s highest cricket pitch and polo ground.
ACCESS:
Chail is connected by road. From Shimla via Kufri the distance is 45 km and via
Kandaghat is 61 km. Kalka is 86 km away. Regular buses for Chail leave from
Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi. The closest airports are at Chandigarh (120 km)
and Shimla (63 km).
CLIMATE:
In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are
required. In summer the climate is mild and light woolens / cottons are
recommended.
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CLASS: |
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- The suites, rooms and
cottages are sumptuously furnished with ornate and antique furniture and wall
to wall carpeting with fire place. The bathrooms are luxurious with bath tubs
provided. - The regular rooms and
log huts have wall to wall carpeting. They are airy, spacious, well
furnished with attached baths and running hot & cold water.
Satellite Television- Room service, Laundry
and Dry Cleaning facility - Firewood or room heaters
provided. Gift shop. - Parking within
premises. Taxi on demand. Doctor on call. Safe deposit facility. - Bar & Restaurant serving
Indian, Chinese, Continental and Himachali cuisine - Conference facility for
70 person. - Children’s Park,
Billiards, Lawn Tennis.
MasterCard / Visa / American Express Credit Cards accepted
CAFE PALACE:
HPTDC runs Open air Cafe Palace.
PLACES OF
INTEREST
SIDH BABA
KA MANDIR (1.5 km): Maharaja Bhupinder Singh originally began
building his palace at this site. It is said that a Sidh – saintly person -
appeared before the Maharaja in dream and declared that this was the place where
he had this temple built.
CRICKET
GROUND (3 km): Built in 1893, after leveling top of a hill, it stands
at 2444m and is the highest cricket pitch and polo ground in the world.
WILDLIFE
SANCTUARY (3 km): The Chail sanctuary has ‘ghoral’, ‘kakkar’, ’sambhar’,
red jungle fowl and ‘khalij’ and ‘cheer’ pheasants. Machan like sighting
posts have been built at Khuruin.
KUFRI:
An enjoyable drive through forests and small villages leads to this small but
popular station. The Nature Park here is a great attraction. A short trek
leads to the Mahasu Peak with breathtaking views.
SADHUPUL:
Between Kandaghat and Chail is this village and bridge astride the
Ashwani stream. A good picnic spot.
ADVENTURE
AND FISHING: A dozen or so trek routes lead out of Chail. Trails
lead upto the Choor Peak and to Shimla. There is fishing on Giri river at Gaura,
29 km away.
