One of the most gorgeous and popular hill stations in India, Chail is a perfect vacation spot that attracts tourists with its unmatched beauty, royal palaces and sprawling cricket grounds. The hill town once served as the summer capital of the princely state of Patiala and is spread across the Rajgarh, Sadh Tiba and Pandewa hillocks. Blessed with dense forests of chir, pine and deodars, Chail offers stunning views of the countryside. The main attraction is the Chail Palace. Built in 1891, it was owned by the Maharaja of Patiala and is now run as a heritage hotel. Its grand interiors and classic furniture are reminders of the princely lifestyle of the bygone era. Another must-visit site is the pristine Sadhupul Lake where tourists can witness nature at its best. Surrounded by lush green trees and mountain slopes, the lake gives tourists an opportunity to rejuvenate in peaceful environs. Cricket lovers can head to the School Playground, which was commissioned by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh (1891-1938), an avid lover of the sport. Perched at an altitude of 7,500 ft, the ground stands proudly as the highest cricket ground in the world. The Kali Ka Tibba or Kali Temple is not only a major spiritual site but also offers majestic views of the city. Tourists can also visit the Chail Gurudwara that dates back to 1907. Chail is home to a rich variety of animal and bird species like Himalayan black bear and flying squirrel that can be spotted at the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary. For trekkers, Chail offers amazing trekking trails like the rocky trails of Gaura and Jhajja, which take you to some of the best viewpoints. Adventure lovers can also indulge in activities like angling, which is quite popular among tourists flocking to the hill station. Chail is located at an easy distance of around 55 km from Shimla and is easily accessible from all parts of the country.