A wonder in itself for every visitor, Chamba is the land of antiquity, art and scenic beauty. Situated at the height of about 996 m. above sea level on the south bank of the River Ravi. It is situated in the northwest corner of Himachal Pradesh and surrounded by Jammu and Kashmir on the north-west; Lahaul and Bara Bhangal on the north-east, District of Kangra on the south-east; district of Gurdaspur (Punjab) on the south. Raja Sahil Varman who named the town after his daughter Champavati.The small town of Chamba is located amidst the Shivalik ranges and is well known for its splendid architecture and the base for numerous excursions.
Chamba valley is noted for the magnificence of it's scenery-touching the fringe of the Shivaliks and having three well-defined snowy ranges, the Dauladhar, constituting the outer Himalayas, the Pir Panjal or the mid Himalayas, and the Zanskar range or the inner Himalayas. It is believed that this area was at time inhabited by certain Kolian tribes, which were later, subjugated by the Khasas. Suhi Mata Festival, the annual festival of Chamba that lasts for four days in early April, related to Champavati who is worshipped as a goddess in Chamba. Only women and children participate in the festival.
Chamba is famous for its architectural beauty of temples and stylish buildings. Some of the major tourist attractions in Chamba are:
Laxmi Narayan Temple: Built by Sahil Varman in the 10th century AD. this Laxmi Narayana Temple is the main temple of Chamba which is famous for its six main 'Shikhara’ style temples and several smaller shrines. Three of these temples are dedicated to Vishnu and three to Shiva. The beautifully crafted wooden Chhattries (umbrellas), atop the temple were placed as a protection against snowfall.
Champavati Temple: Raja Sahil Varman built the temple in memory of his daughter Champavati; She is worshiped as a Goddess in Chamba. It is said that the town of Chamba was named after her. The annual festival of Chamba Suhi Mata Festival, lasts for four days in early April, commemorates Rani Champavati. The size of this temple is equivalent to the Laxmi Narayana Temple and built in Shikhara style with elaborate stone carving.
Chamunda Devi Temple: One of the most famous for the devotees Chamunda Devi temple is Located on the sharply pointed projection of the Shah Madar Hill. Dedicated to goddess Chamunda, the temple has artistic carvings on its pillars and the ceiling. From this sharply pointed projection of the hill one can enjoy the magnificent view of Chamba valley. Just behind the main shrine of the temple a small statue of Lord Shiva can be seen.
Hari Rai Temple: Lies in the north-west corner and coated with bright saffron colour, this temple built in 11th century and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Though this temple is a little away from the mail town but it is one of the most visited temple among all other old temples. Stands on a stone platform this temple is also built in Shikhara style and holds sacredly the bronze image of Lord Vishnu.
Akhand Chandi Palace: This is a residential palace of Chamba family, construction started sometimes between 1748-1764 AD. It attracts the tourists for its eye-catching woodwork, glasswork, stone carving and nicely painted walls. The Darbar Hall (Marshal Hall) was built in 1879 and this building was renovated later by Raja Shyam Singh. It is now used for the purpose of starting a Government College and District Library.
Rangmahal: Rangmahal is famous for its beautifully crafted architecture, which is the mixture of the Saracen and British style. Built by Raja Umed Singh in the mid 18th century this palace was once famous for its nice decoration. Now also it attracts tourists for its beautiful wall paintings and doors. Number of valuables of this palace has been shifted to the Museums for its better preservation.
Bhuri Singh Museum: Famous for its few miniature paintings this museum is one of the rich abode of Indian classic paintings. Here we can find some of the nice wall paintings and painted doors of Rang Mahal palace. Named after Raja Bhuri Singh this museum opened in 1909 where Raja Bhuri Singh donated his rich painting collection, which includes the unique paintings of Hindu God and Goddesses.
To buy, Chamba is famous for its handicraft items like all other hill destination. In this place one can buy the unique type of jewelries i.e. the hill jewelries, shoes and decorative pieces. Regarding accommodation, here one can get the charm and peace ness of calm and quite village environment with its wood buildings along with the other type of hotels and lodges.
How to get there:
By Road: To reach Chamba easily better to go from Dalhousie, it is the nearest destination from Chamba, about 52 km away. Other then this, Chamba is also well connected with other major places like Delhi, Amritsar, Shimla, Mandi, Jammu, Dharamshala, etc. For the purpose of tours or local site seeing, local taxis, buses, auto and Jeeps are available. And if you want to enjoy the peace ness of the vicinity, it is better to take a walk in the town.
By Rail: By rail Chamba is only 122 km from Pathankot. Direct trains to Amritsar, Delhi, Bombay
and Calcutta are also available.
By Air: The nearest airport is at Gaggal in Kangra valley about 170 km from Chamba. One can fly from Delhi to Dharamsala to catch the buses or taxis to Chamba.
Heavy to very heavy woolen cloths are required in winter as the temperature fall down to freezing point i.e. almost 0°C with snowfall and light woolens are required in summer.
It is better to avoid Chamba tour in winter and best time to visit Chamba is between Mid-May to October but adventure lovers can visit the place after November to enjoy the thrill of winter trekking in the snow clad region.
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