Chail
Forested Calm, Palace & the Highest Cricket Ground
About Chail
Tucked into thick deodar and pine forest at about 2,250 m, Chail is a tranquil alternative to busier hill towns. It was developed as a summer retreat by the Maharaja of Patiala, whose Chail Palace still anchors the town. Chail also boasts the world's highest cricket (and polo) ground, laid out in 1893 at around 2,444 m.
Surrounded by the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, the town offers quiet forest walks, the hilltop Kali Ka Tibba temple, and clear-day views toward Shimla and Kasauli. It pairs well with Shimla and Kufri on a Himachal circuit.
Things to Do
Chail Palace
Heritage palace-turned-hotel set in sprawling wooded grounds.
Highest Cricket Ground
The famous 1893 cricket and polo ground at ~2,444 m.
Kali Ka Tibba
Hilltop temple with sweeping Himalayan and valley views.
Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
Forest trails with deer, pheasants and quiet nature walks.
How to Reach
~44 km from Shimla and ~30 km from Kandaghat through forested hills.
HRTC buses and taxis run from Shimla and Kandaghat.
Nearby Places
Frequently Asked Questions
Chail is a quiet hill station near Shimla famous for the world’s highest cricket ground (at about 2,444 m, built in 1893), the heritage Chail Palace built by the Maharaja of Patiala, and dense deodar and pine forests with views of the lower Himalayas and even Shimla and Kasauli on a clear day.
Chail is about 44 km from Shimla and roughly 45 km from Kufri, a scenic 1.5–2 hour drive through forested hills. It is also reachable from Kandaghat on the Kalka–Shimla route.
Visit Chail Palace and its grounds, see the famous cricket and polo ground, walk to the Kali Ka Tibba temple for panoramic views, explore the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, and simply enjoy the calm, uncrowded forest atmosphere that sets Chail apart from busier hill towns.
March to June offers pleasant weather ideal for sightseeing and walks. September to November is crisp and clear. December to February can bring snow, making the forests especially scenic, though some roads may be slippery.
Drive or take a bus from Shimla (~44 km) or from Kandaghat (~30 km) on the Kalka–Shimla road. The nearest airport is Shimla (Jubbarhatti) and the nearest toy-train stations are Kandaghat and Shimla.
Location & Map
Quick Facts
Don't Miss
- • Chail Palace grounds
- • The historic cricket ground
- • Sunset at Kali Ka Tibba
Travel Tips
- • Great as a quiet base near Shimla
- • Roads are narrow & forested — drive slow
- • Carry layers; nights are cool
Photography
- • Palace amid the deodars
- • Valley views from Kali Ka Tibba
- • Misty forest mornings
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