Things to do in Chail — 4 stops, and which need a car
How this list is built
Sorted by distance from the centre of Chail. The minutes are our own road routing, and each entry links to its own page inside one of our copyable itineraries.
On the hill
1. Chail Palace
The summer palace of the Maharaja of Patiala, built in 1891–92, rebuilt in 1951 and a hotel since 1972, 4 minutes from the centre. Chail Palace.
2. The cricket ground
Begun in the 1890s at about 2,444 m and often described as the highest in the world, 9 minutes from the centre; now a school playground.
3. The sanctuary forest
The Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, about 110 km², surrounds the town, with sambar, goral and cheer pheasants; March to October is the best time.
Down the valley
4. Sadhupul
A village on the Ashwani Khad stream, 37 minutes from Chail. Sadhupul.
Putting it together
The one-day plan covers stops 1 to 3. The two-day plan adds Sadhupul. For arrival see how to reach Chail, and for timing when to visit Chail.
Questions people ask
What are the best things to do in Chail?
See the Chail Palace, built in 1891–92 as the Maharaja of Patiala's summer retreat, then the cricket ground at about 2,444 m, which is often described as the highest in the world. Walk in the sanctuary forest around the town, and drive down to Sadhupul for the stream.
What can you do in Chail for free?
Walk the forest and the road to the cricket ground, and look at the palace from outside. Entry to the palace itself depends on its hotel rules, which we cannot confirm. The costs are the drive and any meal, so budget for a car from Shimla.
How many days do you need in Chail?
One day covers the palace, the ground and the forest. A second day adds Sadhupul. Many visitors make Chail a single night out of Shimla, 40 km and about 89 minutes away, which is enough for a slow day among the cedars.