The Palace Hotel Chail (HPTDC)
4.3The 1891 palace itself
Heritage roomsPalace groundsRestaurantBonfire
From 6,500 /night
EnquireAbout Chail for 2026 — Forest Cantonment Retreat
Chail is what Shimla was 80 years ago — a quiet cantonment town at 2,250 m with the world's highest cricket ground, the erstwhile Maharaja of Patiala's palace, and untouched deodar forests. It sits 45 km from Shimla and 30 from Kasauli, making it a great add-on or a standalone weekend from Chandigarh. The shortlist is intentionally small.
Why choose this destination
- Chail Palace — 1891 royal retreat, now a heritage hotel.
- World's highest cricket ground (2,444 m).
- Untouched Chail Wildlife Sanctuary right outside town.
- Only 4 hours from Chandigarh, 5.5 from Delhi.
- Cantonment status keeps commercialisation in check.
Curated hotel picks
Hand-verified by our Himachal team. Tap WhatsApp for live rates.
Chail Villas & Cottages
4.4Independent cottages near the palace
Cottage-styleFamily friendlyHome mealsBonfire
From 4,500 /night
EnquireGreen Woods Chail
4.2Forest resort with family rooms
Forest settingFamily roomsRestaurantParking
From 3,800 /night
EnquireChail Heights
4.4Boutique property with valley views
Valley viewQuietWarm hostsHome-style meals
From 3,500 /night
EnquireCompare at a glance
| Hotel | Highlights | Rating | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Palace Hotel Chail (HPTDC) | Heritage rooms • Palace grounds • Restaurant | 4.3★ | ₹6,500 |
| Chail Villas & Cottages | Cottage-style • Family friendly • Home meals | 4.4★ | ₹4,500 |
| Green Woods Chail | Forest setting • Family rooms • Restaurant | 4.2★ | ₹3,800 |
| Chail Heights | Valley view • Quiet • Warm hosts | 4.4★ | ₹3,500 |
Price ranges
Budget
₹2,000 – ₹3,500
Cottages and guesthouses outside town.
Mid-range
₹4,000 – ₹6,000
Family resorts, Chail Villas.
Premium
₹6,500 – ₹10,000
Chail Palace log huts and cottages.
Best time to visit
March–June and September–November. Winter is cold with occasional snow.
How to reach
Airport: Chandigarh (94 km). Rail: Kalka (75 km). Road: Chandigarh–Kandaghat–Chail (4 hrs).
Nearby attractions
- Chail Palace
- Cricket Ground
- Kali Ka Tibba (view point 5 km)
- Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sadhupul (12 km)
- Kufri (32 km via Kufri road)
Things to do
- Palace tour
- Cricket ground visit
- Wildlife walk in the sanctuary
- Sunset at Kali ka Tibba
- Trout picnic at Sadhupul
Restaurants and cafés
Palace Restaurant (HPTDC)Café SolitudeGreen Woods restaurant
Local travel tips
- Tip 1. Cantonment area — respect silence hours and no littering.
- Tip 2. Book Chail Palace log huts in advance; only 8 available.
- Tip 3. Combine with Kasauli or Shimla for a 4-night loop.
Suggested itineraries
2 days
Chail weekend
- Day 1: Arrive + Palace tour + Kali ka Tibba
- Day 2: Cricket ground + sanctuary walk + return
Frequently asked questions
Ready to book?
Tell us your dates and group size. We'll come back within 30 minutes with 3 hand-picked options and negotiated rates.
Explore related collections
Luxury Hotels In ChailBudget Hotels In ChailFamily Hotels In ChailBook Hotels In ChailBest Hotels In ShimlaBest Hotels In ManaliBest Hotels In DharamshalaBest Hotels In KasolBest Hotels In JibhiBest Hotels In Tirthan ValleyBest Hotels In BirBest Hotels In KasauliBest Hotels In DalhousieHotels In Himachal PradeshSnow View Hotels In HimachalHoneymoon Hotels In Himachal
Also see: Full chail destination guide