Evocative of a bygone era, Chapslee, formerly the summer residence of the late Hon'ble Raja Charanjit Singh of Kapurthala, is now a small, exclusive Hotel. The Hon'ble Raja Charanjit Singh of Kapurthala was a member of the erstwhile Council of States and had the distinction and privilege of being an invitee to the coronations of both King George V and King Edward VIII. He was a host and gourmet extraordinaire and his table was considered to be one of the finest in northern India.

Built in 1835, Chapslee was acquired by Lord Auckland, then Governor General of the East India Company. The declaration of the first war against Afghanistan known as 'The Afghan Manifesto', was signed at Chapslee on the first of October, 1838.  Sir Edward Buck writes in his famous book,
Simla Past and Present, "In the opinion of many  good judges, Chapslee is surpassed by no other Simla residence in arrangement and general advantages".

" If Simla is the queen of the hills, then Chapslee is its crown..." Lady Penelope Betjeman.

" One of the oldest manor houses in Simla with extensive grounds, good views and period furniture ..." India companion by Louise Nicholson.

" It is worth going to Simla simply to stay at Chapslee..." Hill stations of India by Gillian Wright.

Chapslee reveals India's exotic past along with the rich variety of the present ...."     Indian style by Suzanne Slesin & Stafford Cliff.

Accommodation :

Kanwar Ratanjit Singh ,son of the late Lt.Col. Rajkumar Ripjit Singh, C.I.E., and grandson of Raja Charanjit Singh, opened Chapslee to visitors in 1976. He continues to reside there and Chapslee is still the family home it was, but he now shares it with his guests. Resplendent with heirlooms such as Gobelin tapestries, rare textiles and cabinetry from the Doge's palace in Venice, chandeliers from Murano, blue pottery jardinieres from Multan, Peshwa vases, Persian carpets, marble statuary and a collection of Indian object d'arts, Chapslee exudes old world charm.

An ambience of gentility pervades the atmosphere and the tradition of hospitality for which the royal house of Kapurthala is known, continues.

Chapslee  offers six elegantly appointed suites, a library and card room, tennis court and croquet lawn. It is also known for its cuisine and has found pride of place in almost all leading articles and publications on travel and architecture. 

Room View