Summer capital of the Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, and later Maharaja Yadevendra Singh, President of PEPSU, and the last ruler of Patiala before independence, Chail 86 km from Kalka via andaghat, at a height of 2,150 metres (7,054 ft) has the highest cricket ground in the world. 
Well kept, and maintained scrupulously, the pitch is surrounded by tall forest trees. Both the late rulers were avid and keen cricket players and, on occasion, captained the Indian team in the Test Matches played in England and India, against the M.C.C. from England. During World War I, the late Maharaja Bhupider Singh, then a young officer, displayed conspicuous gallantery and became one of the A.D.Cs to his Majesty King George V. Dashing and handsome, he was an instant success in the official and sporty society of Shimla, where, more often than not, business was mixed with pleasure. With his prowess in cricket and horsemanship, and consequent popularity with the distaff side of the Viceroy's staff, he incurred the jealousy of the top officials, including the Commander-in-Chief. The British Government had already gifted him. 

Chail, a picturesque little hamlet, of the Keonthal State, which had been annexed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh in 1814 and fallen into the lap of British Government, alongwith the Shimla Hills, after the Nepalese wars. The tiff with the C- in-C developed into an altercation. 

Maharaja Bhupinder Singh vowed never to enter Shimla and determined to develop Chail into a resort par exellence exceeding Shimla in every way. The proud ruler kept his word to the latter. Shim la's loss was Chail's gain. Located on a spur, Chail affords a splendid view, on a clear day, of the valley through which the river Sutlej winds its way, overlooking, at the same time, both Kasauli and Shim la, 45 km (29 miles) away via Kufri, their lights, in the darkness, making a myriad, magic patterns in the distance. On the other side rise the massive Himalayan ranges, spectacular in the sun and snow. 

In this lovely town, all seasons are a delight. Chail is charming in the summer, fascinating in the Fall (Autumn) when field and forest are cloaked in russet and gold, in winter it is a winter paradise when the snow casts its mantle and remains till the beginning of Spring in April. Now all the flowers are out, flowers, to find a way into the heart of the most fastidious woman, filling the meadows with hyacinth and celandine, while the carmine rhododendron trees are surrounded by solemn forests of deodar and towering pine. Built on three hills, the palace of the Maharaja is on Rajgarh Hill, the Residency, "Snow View", once occupied by the British Resident, is on Pandhewa hill and on the third hill, Sadh Tibba, is the township of Chait. Developed as a retreat, the Maharaja built hunting and fishing lodges, which are all open to the public. 

The palace is now the Chail Palace Hotel, offering the Maharaja and Maharani suites on the third floor, nine other suites and more rooms on the ground floor. The complex of pinecottaqes that once housed his ADCs and secretaries, now provide attractive and comfortable accommodation. 

The cottages are equipped with every modern amenity. Each with two or three bedrooms with an attached bath, they also include a kitchen, sitting and dining rooms. Chail, for a holiday, provides everything dear to a sports-man's heart plus other attractions. Besides the long pine scented walk-with glimpses of breath- taking, scenic splendour, there is the Gaura river, silvered, and rich with superb Mahseer fish for the angler and Challenging trekking routes for the adventurous. The surrounding woods are the home of barking deer, wildfowl, pheasant and a large variety of Birds for the wildlife enthusiast, complete with rest houses to stay overnight. Besides the cricket ground, Chail has a well-maintained tennis and squash courts, as also a putting green. Several athletic and sporting events are held in the resort every year.

High altitude routes; Kandaghat to Chail; Chail to Rajgarh and Chur Chandni and Chail to Shimla via Junga, offer marvellous treks. The best way get to Chail is from Kalka, on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway till Kandaghat, 32 km (20 miles) short of Shimla, from Kandaghat, the branch road leads to Chail, 29 km (18 miles) away.

Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala...