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Charming Chail |
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Chail would have gone unnoticed but for the Maharaja of Patiala, who made it his own summer capital, having been exiled from Shimla. Built in comparison to Shimla, the Maharaja made sure Chail was no less in appeal.
Chail is situated at a higher altitude than Shimla. It seems to be isolated from the rest of Himachal but stands apart in terms of regality, as the Maharaja took special care to ensure the Chail palace overshadowed the resorts created by the British.
Chail is blessed with unending picturesque mountainside. Scenes of lush greenery watched over by the blue sky while the white clouds seem to descend, are worth capturing. The spectacular Himalayan ranges forms a backdrop to this charming hill station. The hill station offers a magnificent view of the valley below, with the river Sutlej winding its way between the mountains, overlooking Kasauli and Shimla.
The palace on the hills, spread over acres of land, stands majestic in all its royal splendour. Rajgarh Palace in regal settings is open to visitors. The elaborate furnishings inside and the sprawling lawns are a display of grandeur and flamboyance of the Maharaja and his style. |
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Places to see |
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Visiting spots are few. Shimla being close by, visitors usually proceed to Shimla to view the tourist's spots. Besides viewing the picturesque valley, one can indulge in trekking activities. There are many trekking routes which lead to Shimla. |
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Sadhupul is a picturesque picnic spot with a bridge over the Aswani River. It is situated at about 14 kms from Chail. |
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Within a distance of 3 kms is a wildlife sanctuary. The deodar and oak forests are the abode of some wild animals like the Ghoral and the Sambhar. |
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Sidh Baba ka Mandir is a temple built by the Maharaja for Sidh Baba. The baba - a saint, is believed to have appeared in the Maharaja's dream to say he had meditated in this spot. In memory of the dream a temple was built. |
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Fact File |
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Chail lies at a height of 2,250 metres above the sea level.
The best time to visit Chail would be summer - between April and July. Winters are cold and the temperature can drop to freezing point. |
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How to Reach |
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By Air |
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The closest airports are at Chandigarh (120 km) and Shimla (63 km). |
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By Rail |
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The nearest rail head is Shimla.
The Kalka-Shimla track can be covered by the toy train. From Kandhaghat it is an hour's journey, by road. |
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By Road |
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Chail is well connected by road.
From Shimla via Kufri the distance is 45 km and via Kandaghat is 61 km.
Shimla is 45 kms away.
Kalka is 86 km away.
Chandigarh is 120 kms away.
Delhi is 380 kms away |
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DYK |
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Chail Cricket ground is the highest in the world - located at a height of 2,144m. It was built in 1893. It is also used as polo ground. |
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Chail is spread over an area of 72 acres on three adjacent hills-the Rajgarh Hill where the Palace is built, the Pandava Hill, and the Siddh Tibba, where the temple of Baba Sidhnath is located. |
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