Having been found in the 6th century Chamba is one of the oldest Princely States of India in uttaranchal. It is surrounded by many other hill stations fom all sides.
It has Jammu and Kashmir in the North, Ladakh in the East, Kangra and Gurdaspur in the South. The Ravi River flows through the district and also there are many hydro-electric generating stations.
The town of Chamba was found by Raja Sahil Varman at the onset of 10th Century. The town of Chamba covers an area of 6528 sq. kms and the population is around 4.60 lakhs. The best season to visit is between April and October. Winter trekking is also popular for adventurous tourist from November to March.
One can reach Chamba by road using a taxi or bus service. It is at a distance of 52 kms from Dalhousie. Services are easily available from Delhi, Punjab, Chandigarh and Shimla etc.
PLACES OF INTEREST
The hill station of Chamba is famous for its Temples and Palaces. They are great piece of architectural work and innovative designs.
LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE
The Temple was built by Sahil Varman and is the main temple of Chamba and known for its innovative style. It’s built in the style of a Shikhara. There are several other temples within the complex. The temple of Radha krishna, Shiva Temple of Chandergupta and Gauri Shankar Temple are among these. The temple of Laxmi Narayana continued to be embellished by the Rajas who succeeded to the throne of Chamba.
CHAMPAVATI TEMPLE
This temple is located behind the City Police Post and Treasury building. This temple was also built by Raja Sahil Varman in memory of his daughter Champavati who is believed to have influenced her father to set-up Chamba at its present location. The size of this temple is equivalent to the largest of the Laxmi Narayana Temple and is in a Shikhara style as well.
VAJRESHWARI TEMPLE:
This temple is dedicated to Devi Vajreshwari- The Goddess of lightning. It is situated at the northern end of the Jansali Bazaar. The temple is built in the Shikhara style with wooden Chhattries and stands on the platform. The Shikhara of the temple is elaborately carved. There are two other minor temples on either side of the main shrine.
CHAMUNDA DEVI TEMPLE
This temple is famous for its artistic carvings on the lintel and the pillars. There is also a small shrine of Lord Shiva in a Shikhara style. The temple is built on a raised platform. Another platform is built in the premises of the temple which have the 2 oldest peepal trees to provide shelter to the visitors and is also worshipped by all. The Ravi River is clearly visible from this temple.
This temple is at a distance of 3kms from Chamba and lies on the Chamba- Jhamwar road. This temple besides being a pilgrimage place is also a very good place for picnic.
RANG MAHAL
Rang Mahal was built by Raj Sri Singh around 19th century. Its architecture is a mix of both the British and the Mughal style. The look of the temple is that of a fort used only for granary and treasury. It was the residence of Raj Sri Singh and in today’s time the Mahal is being used as shops for making handicraft items. The palace was decorated with wide range of beautiful paintings carvings and sculptures. But once it’s open to visitors the paintings have been removed and now are placed in the museum. Some paintings are placed at National Museum of Delhi and some can still be viewed in the Bhuri Singh Museum in Chamba.
BHURI SINGH MUSEUM
Bhuri Singh Museum named after Raja Bhuri Singh has family collection of paintings in the museum. There are paintings of Bhagwat Purana and Ramayana, Krishna, Sudama, Rukmani vivah on display. These paintings are of peculiar styles inspired the artists patronized by Rulers of Chamba. Beside these paintings we also get to see a good collection of coins, jewellery, royal costumes, armory, few house decoratives and also a few musical instruments used in the olden times of kings.
MINJAR MELA
Minjar is a silk tassel which is won by both men and women and it signifies paddy crop and the maize crops. It is the most popular festival of Chamba as it marks the arriving of the crops in the month of July or August. This festival is celebrated with full pomp and joy in every district. Every person ears colorful clothes and houses and streets are decorated. There are many sports and cultural programs arranged and people take part in them. Many dances are performed in the cultural show. In earlier times the raja used to offer a few things wrapped in red cloth to the river thus marking the beginning of the festival. Now this tradition is followed by the chief guest of that place. This festival is associated with many stories and beliefs from all the districts of Chamba. This festival is one of the main festivals in Himachal Pradesh and is given wide coverage through electronic as well as print media.
SAHO
On the right hand side bank of The River Sal is the famous village of Saho. It’s at a distance of 20kms from Chamba. And is famous for its temples most of which are dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is in a tree grove among the trees. It has a huge Shivaling enshrined inside the main temple. Outside one can view the deities of Lord Shiva and Nandi the Bull. The architecture in the temple is magnificent and has been done with fine detailing and is a site to watch.One can easily stay at the rest houses in Saho.
Hotels and Resorts in Chamba:
Hotels and Resorts near Chamba:
- Kanatal Resorts & Spa. – Kanatal.
- Terraces Kanatal. – Kanatal.
- Hotel Drive Inn. – Dhanaulti.
- Dhanaulti woods- Mountain Camps. – Dhanaulti.
