Chail

Chail

The picturesque region of Chail was the summer capital of Patiala. Positioned atop three hills, Chail provides a captivating view of the mountain ranges and the valley created by the floating River Sutlej. Dotted with the chir pine and the deodar trees, Chail provides great opportunities for those interested in undertaking an adventurous hike.

After being prohibited from entering the summer capital of the British empire by the Commander-in-chief, Lord Kitchener in the year 1891, the Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala decided to create a summer capital in the small village called Chail near Simla. The sylvan beauty of the region captivated the king who rebuilt the city as his summer capital. The palace of the king has now been converted into a palatial hotel resort.

While in Chail, the tourists may visit the Chail Sanctuary that was established in the year 1976. Covering an area of 10,854.36 hectares, the sanctuary is home to variegated species of shrubs, trees and wildlife.

The Sidh Baba Ka Mandir is the religious shrine of the Sidh saint who had meditated in this region. The site was earlier the proposed place for the palace of the King who later changed his decision owing to a dream in which the saint himself appeared to inform the king of place where he obtained enlightenment.

The region of Chail also features a cricket ground that is placed at an elevated altitude of 2,144 meters. The cricket ground was established in the year 1893 and is also used to play the game of polo.

Last Updated on 14 June 2011