Cricket Ground in Chail

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Cricket ground in Chail is located 7500 feet above sea level, amidst of the dense forests of pine and deodars. It is one of the famous cricket stadiums in India. This cricket ground is also included in the Guinness book of world records as it is the highest cricket ground in the world. Cricket ground is one of the major tourist attractions of Chail. People from all over the world come to Chail to visit it. This cricket ground has the spectacular distinction of the world's highest ever cricket pitch. It is well maintained and is constructed by Maharaja of Patiala. Polo too has been played on this field.

Location of Cricket Ground in Chail:

It is situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh in North India. It is located in the scenic hill station of Chail at the height of 2144 m. The sights from the top of this ground s magnificent. To the northwest of the field is Shimla; to the east is the way of the Choor Chandni and Choor- Dhar. Along the slopes are thick woods of oak and deodar trees. The depths of the valleys are largely displayed off by numerous spurs and he trees.

History of Cricket Ground in Chail:

It was created by the cricket loving Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh in 1893. He wants to build his summer capital at this village when Lord Kitchener restricted his entry to Shimla in 1891. The Maharaja of Patiala later leveled the hilltop and created this cricket ground. The Maharaja used to play friendly cricket matches with the British in the ground. Now this cricket ground is under the ownership of the Indian army.

How to Reach Cricket Ground of Chail:

The closest airport to chail is Jubbar Hati, which is around Km from Chail. This airport has connecting flights to Delhi and Chandigarh. After reaching the Jubbar Hati airport you can either take bus or hire taxi to Chail and from Chail you can trek to the cricket ground. Nearest rail head to Chail is Kalka, which is 86 Km from Chail. After reaching railway station you can hire taxi or take private bus to reach Chail. Chail is easily accessible by road. You can travel on the NH 22 from Chandigarh / Kalka towards Shimla. At Kandaghat you should leave the highway and take a right turn towards Chail. If you are coming from Shimla side, take the road to Kufri and there is a diversion to Chail from the Kufri Bazaar.

This ground is one of the chail's famous landmarks.

One of Chail's famous landmarks, without any significant structure on it, is the polo and cricket ground. This was built in 1893 after levelling out the top of a hill. At 2444.4 meters (8019 feet) this is the highest cricket pitch and polo ground in the world - though it has its share of challengers. The label, 'highest' is at times applied to other places as competitive cricket is no longer played here and some polo grounds in Afghanistan and Ladakh claim a greater altitude. Polo too has not been played on this field for several years. Be that as it may, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh was an avid cricket player and the teams that have played here, have included the MCC. Bhupinder Singh was not averse to a spot of fun at cricket too. This once included a match with all the players dressed as women. The Maharaja took the crease in nun's black habit-sporting an equally black beard.

Travelers and cricket lovers can reach Chail easily by air, road and rail. By air one has to reach Shimla and then take a bus or car to reach here. Another way to travel is on the World HeritageKalka-Shimla Railways to Kandaghat. The train journey takes five hours and passes through beautiful scenery of forests, deep ravines, sharp bends and tunnels. By road the town is one and half hour's journey from Kandaghat. The town is 86 kilometers from Kalka.