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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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Built in 1891, the Maharaja's palace
is set in approximately 75 acres and has a truly regal
setting with spectacular views. A wide variety of cottages, suites
and rooms with different tariffs can accommodate every visitor who wish to
savor this majestic hill station.
ADDRESS:
The
Palace, Chail Distt. Solan (H.P.)-173217.
Tel: (01792) - 248141, 248143 Fax: (01792) - 248140.
Email: palace@hptdc.in
CLASS: A Premium Heritage Hotel.
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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.
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