Chamba became the capital only in the 8th century and at the instance of Chamba, daughter of Rajesh Sahil Verma, who selected the present site
and had it removed from Bharmour, 70 km away, also giving the new capital her name. Regular buses link Chamba with Dalhousie and Pathankot. Chamba is 56 km (via Banikhet), on the right bank of the Ravi at an altitude of 915 metres (3,000 ft) from Dalhousie and 122 km from Pathankot. There is also a 30 km long-foot path from Dalhousie to Chamba via Khajjiar which passes through thick deodar forests. Chamba lies in the bosom of the Himalayas.
Located at a height of 2250 metres Chail is one of the smallest Himalayan hill resorts. When Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala, was expelled from Shimla, he decided to create his own summer capital, which was Chail.
Lying just 45 kms away from Shimla, surrounded by a thick cover of deodars and situated at a higher altitude, Chail was a perfect choice in the British-controlled Shimla.
Chail is a resort in the real sense of the term. Rajgarh palace with it's elaborate furnishings, comfortable log huts and cottages, dense forests, and serene walks, sprawling lawns, a childrens park, a lover's hill and sport facilities make chail worth a visit. It also provides good, opportunities for fishing and trekking and boasts of the world's highest cricket pitch and polo ground..
