Chail, nestling in the shelter of virgin forests, at a height of 2250 m is accessible by road from Kalka via Kandaghat which is 32 km short of Shimla, on the Kalka-Shimla Highway. Set amidst scented forests of pine and deodar, Chail was the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala before Independence.
The erstwhile palace is now the Chail Palace-Heritage Hotel. The verdant forests near Chail are alive with many species of birds, barking deer, wild boar, pheasant. Chail is also famous for its highest cricket pitch in the world. Built in 1893, after levelling the top of hill, this stands at 2444m. At Siddh Tibba there is the temple of Baba Sidhnath. Halfway between Kandaghat and Chail is Sadhupul astride the Ashwani stream which is a good picnic spot.
