The palace of the maharajas, built in the late 19th century and the pretty cottages of the complex - that once accommodated the ADCs and guests of the royal party - are now part of a charming holiday resort. The clouds, the hills, and the sprawling greens-all these signify Chail, a honeymooners' paradise.

Chail has lobely walks and trails that meander through the dense pine forests - the home of barking deer, wild boar, pheasant and a variety of birds. Forest rest houses make overnight halts possible. For those interested in sports, Chail has fine tennis and squash courts and a putting green. There are excellent spots along the River Gaura with opportunities for anglers to tangle with the Himalayan mahaseer. Chail has also the highest cricket ground in the world - 2,250 m above sea level.

Places to see

Chail Sanctuary - Chail is a beautiful hill station and a popular resort. The deodar and oak forests and grasslands around the town are part of the sanctuary. One can see sambhar, ghoral and cheer phesants at Blossom and Jhaja - where there are pheasant breeding centres. Barking deer and khalij pheasant are often spotted at dusk and dawn in the sanctuary. Treks from Chail to Gaura and Chail to Jhaja are popular.

Sadhupul - 14-km from Kandaghat a beautiful tiny village of Sadhupul, and the bridge over the Ashwani stream, a popular picnic-spot.

Sidh Baba Ka Mandir - Maharaja Bhupinder Singh had originally intended this to be the site of his palace, and had even started building it, but as is believed, a 'sidh', saintly person appeared in the Maharaja's dream, and declared that this was the place where he had meditated. Consequently, Bhupinder Singh shifted his venue and built a temple on the spot.

Maharaja'S Palace - The magnificent Rajgarh palace, with elaborate furnishings, built in 1891. With comfortable log huts and cottages, dense forests and serene walks, sprawling lawns, a childrens park, a `lovers hill', and sports facilities, Chail is a resort in the real sense of the term.

Best time to visit - May-July & September - November.

How to Reach

By Air - The nearest airport from Chail is Jubbar Hati Airport which is 45 km from Shimla and 63 km from Chail itself.

By Rail - Kalka happens to be the nearest railhead to reach Chail. It is at a distance of 86 km.

By Road - Since there is no direct roadway to reach Chail from Delhi, you need to catch a local bus at Kandaghat. Kandaghat is itself 29 km away from the Chail town. Deluxe and semi deluxe buses as well as cabs are available to transfer you to Chail from Shimla.