Incredible India - The Chail, Himachal

Chail was essentially a sleepy little mountain village set in a beautiful locale till the 19th century. Its transformation began in 1893, when the Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala decided to create a new summer capital which would be 'better' than Shimla; all this for a bruised ego, after he was banished from Shimla for eloping with Lord Kitchner's daughter. Lord Kitchner just happened to be the Commander-in-Chief of the British Indian Army at that time.

The present Chail is spread over an area of 72 acres on three adjacent hills-the Rajgarh Hill where the Palace is built, the Pandava Hill where the old Residency 'Snow View' is located and where the British Resident lived, and finally the Siddh Tibba, where the temple of Baba Sidhnath is located at a height of 2226 ft. Located on a spur, on a clear day, Chail offers a magnificent and splendid view of the valley. It is an out-of-this-world experience to look down and see the River Sutlej winding its way between the mountains, overlooking at the same time both Kasauli and Shimla (45 km) further via Kufri. It is an even more splendid view in the night, with the distant lights of the surroundings creating its own magic pattern on the horizon.

Nestling in the shelter of virgin forests which cover many untrodden hills, Chail is a tiny resort in the Shiwalik region of Himachal Pradesh and has interesting history; The British Government annexed Chail from the Gurkha General Amar Singh in 1814, along with Shimla Hills. Later, the British Government gifted Chail, a quiet hamlet, part of the erstwhile Keonthal estate, to Maharaja Bhupinder Singh.

Originally, it was a part of Keonthal State. Then it came under the sway of the Gorkha warrior Amar Singh. Finally it became a royal resort and summer seat of Maharaja of Patiala. The story behind the rise of Chail as the summer seat of Patiala state is quite interesting.

The year was 1891. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala incurred the wrath of the Commander-in-Chief, Lord Kitchener, who banned his entry into the British summer Capital of Shimla. Enraged, the Maharaja resolved to build himself a new summer Capital better than Shimla. The British Government had already gifted him Chail.

With the majestic snow-capped Shivalik peaks in the background and the beautiful orchards and sylvan pine valleys around reminding one of the many wonders of nature, Chail is sure to cast a spell.

One has to see to believe what poets and writers have been describing the Himalayas as since time immemorial. One is awestruck to see the massive Himalayan ranges, their snow-capped peaks spectacularly gleaming in the sun.

A must see in this place is the palace of the maharaja. Built on three hills, the palace is on Rajgarh Hill, while the Residency Snow View, which was occupied once upon a time by the British Resident, is on Pandhewa Hill. On the third hill, Sabba Tibba, is the township of Chail. The maharaja had planned this palace as a retreat, replete with all necessary things he'd need for relaxation, and therefore, he built hunting and fishing lodges, which are open to the public.

During spring-summer, the rhododendrons are in full bloom and the bright orange hues are a treat to the eyes. So pack your bags and do visit Chail this summer.