Chail, a hill station with world’s highest cricket ground

Chail, an exotic hill station, surrounded by picturesque snow crowned summits and dense towering deodars offers a breathtaking scenic exquisiteness. It is situated at an altitude of 2,250 meters in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

Dual Inducement to travelers: Shimla is just 45kms from Chail. So a combined trip can be planned upon, to visit both Chail and Shimla in one go. During dusk, the view of the Valley Satluj, Kasauli and Shimla would be a unique and a splendid experience from Chail.

Another bit of interesting information regarding Chail is that the world’s highest cricket ground is situated here. It was built during 1893 and is situated at an altitude of 2,144 meters, above the sea level. The gigantic Himalayan ranges on the other side of the town, offer a spectacular lustrous sight when the sun shines on them.

Wild life Sanctuary at Chail: Chail is covered by soaring Oak and Deodar trees and greenery that serves as an ideal dwelling place for numerous wild species. In the district of Shimla, close to the Chail town, lies the Chail Sanctuary spreading across 10,854 hectares in area. It was notified a sanctuary in 1976.

Chail on three hills: It would be interesting to know that Chail is sited on three pinnacles. The Rajgarh Hill with the Pandhewa Hill and the Sadh Tiba Hill.

Chail’s Palace Hotel, a hotel with historic value, is said to be in existence since the end of the 19th century AD.

The majestic Rajgarh Palace has been designed and constructed during 1891 AD. The log chalets and cottages surrounded by thick forests, rambling lawns, a park for children and a Lover’s Hill attract tourists in large numbers.

The Sidh Baba’s Temple was built by the King Bhupinder Singh. It was originally planned as a palace. It has been said that once a saint named Sidh had appeared in the dreams of the king and declared the location as his place of meditation and hence this temple had been constructed instead of the palace.

The Chail Military School, an old school is said to be in existence since 1925 educating the children of military officials. During the II World War, the school was renamed as a college, which was again designated as the “King George’s school” during 1952 and 14 years later, it was once again been renamed as the Military School, Chail.

Kufri is a trendy small hill station. To enjoy sights in tranquility, you need to take a scenic and an adventurous long drive through the dense forests and small villages. A nature park and a stimulating trek leads to a blissful peak named Mahasu.

Sadhupul is a small village situated between the Chail and Kanda ghat. Here flows a serene stream called Ashwani and the bridge that spans this stream, offers a thrilling picnic experience.

Routes by Air / Rail / Bus to Chail: Shimla Airport at a distance of 45kms from Chail is the nearest airhead. To travel by rail, the toy trains chugging up the Kalka – Shimla track would take you through the thickly forested tracts, exciting bends, deep ravines and endless tunnels closing their journey at Kanda ghat (one hour’s journey from Chail). To travel by road, Kalka is the location to get down, which is 86 kms from Chail.

Taking the train would be a journey more exiting and stimulating, making the vacation a memorable one.