Chail at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance from Shimla | About 45 km, 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Distance from Chandigarh | About 106 km via Kandaghat, 3–3.5 hours |
| Height | About 2,250 m |
| Chail Palace | Original palace built 1891–92 by Maharaja Rajinder Singh of Patiala |
| Cricket ground | About 2,444 m, laid out in 1893 |
| Wildlife sanctuary | Chail Sanctuary, notified in 1976 |
Chail Palace
The Maharaja of Patiala built his first palace here in 1891–92, and his successors later rebuilt and expanded it; the main building was completed in its present form around 1951. Today it's run as a heritage hotel by the state tourism corporation, set in wide lawns among deodar and pine. Non-guests can usually walk the grounds and eat at the restaurant; check entry rules at the gate on the day.
The cricket ground
Chail's cricket ground, at about 2,444 m, is often described as the highest cricket ground in the world. Started by Maharaja Rajinder Singh and completed by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, it sits on a levelled hilltop ringed by deodars and now belongs to a military school, so access can be limited. Even from the edge, it's a striking sight.
Other things to do
- Kali ka Tibba: a hilltop Kali temple with wide views of the surrounding hills and, on clear days, the snow peaks.
- Chail Wildlife Sanctuary: forest about 3 km from town, home to goral, sambar, red jungle fowl and several pheasant species.
- Sidh Baba ka Mandir: a temple near the palace linked to the story of how the Maharaja chose the site.
- Forest walks: quiet paths through deodar and oak around the town.
Getting to Chail
From Shimla, the road goes via Kufri and the forest road through the sanctuary, or back down via Kandaghat; your driver will pick the better route for the season. From Chandigarh, the usual approach is through Kandaghat. Chail fits well on the way between Chandigarh and Shimla if you have the time, or as a full day out from Shimla. Our route pages show taxi fares.
When to go
Chail is pleasant from March to June and September to November. It gets occasional snow in winter, when it's very quiet and beautiful, and heavy rain in July and August. It's a good alternative to Shimla on busy weekends.
Chail is also a natural stop between Shimla and Kasauli, so many couples spend a night in each on a slow loop back towards Chandigarh. Our Kasauli and Chail package is built around that route.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Chail from Shimla?+
About 45 km, a drive of 1.5 to 2 hours.
What is Chail famous for?+
The Maharaja of Patiala's palace, a cricket ground at about 2,444 m often called the world's highest, Kali ka Tibba and the wildlife sanctuary.
Can we visit Chail Palace without staying?+
Usually you can walk the grounds and use the restaurant. Rules can change, so check at the gate.
Is Chail worth visiting?+
Yes, if you want a quieter, greener alternative to Shimla, especially as a couple or on a busy weekend.
How do I reach Chail from Chandigarh?+
By road via Kandaghat, about 106 km. Our Chandigarh to Chail page shows fares.
Does it snow in Chail?+
Sometimes, in January and February, but less reliably than Kufri or Narkanda.
