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.

The Palace : 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.

Accommodation & Facilities :

• 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

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.