Himachal Pradesh, India

Devbhumi : "Land of the Gods"

Chamba travel Guide

On the northwestern side of the state Himachal Pradesh, the Chamba town is placed on a plateau on the bank of the river Ravi. It is 915 meters above mean sea level. The valley is located between the grand Dhauladhar and Zanskar range in the southern part of the inner Himalayas. 

As a former princely State, it is one of the oldest in the century and dates back to the sixth century. It is well known for its splendid architecture and a base for numerous excursions. It is also the district headquarters.

Chamba blossomed as the ancient capital of the Pahari Rajas; it was named after King Sahil Varman’s daughter Champavati. Today it is the quintessential valley township, famous for its myriad temples, forests and charming hill folk.

Chamba is a delight from a tourist’s point of view. Chamba has many things to offer to a tourist in form of many temples and festivals. Chamba’s main attraction is not only the grandeur of nature in this town but also a number of intricately built temples.

Climate

In winter, the temperature gets very low because of cold winds, when heavy woolens are required. It is hot in summer and the temperature rises up to 38 degrees

How to reach

By Air 

The airport at Gaggal in Kangra is at a distance of 185 km, this is the nearest airport. It takers around six hours to reach Chamba from this place. As the flights are limited, and location is far off travelers generally avoid air journey.

By Bus/ Taxi: Distance from Chamba

By Rail 

The nearest railhead is Pathankot, 120 km away. Pathankot is on Delhi Jammu Railway line and there are plenty of trains to choose from at different timings.

Places of interest in Chamba

Champavati Temple

The main temple of Chamba is the Champavati temple. This temple is dedicated  to Champavati who was daughter of the founder of this town.

Laxmi Narayan Temple Complex

This is a small temple complex with six main Shikhara style temples and several smaller shrines, this is renowned for its finely executed classical forms.

Hari Rai Temple

The 11th-century Harirai Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is also made in the Shikhara style and has a triple headed statue of Lord Vishnu made from eight different materials. (Ashtdhatu)

Chowgan

Chamba's wide concourse is the hub of much of towns activity and also serves as its promenade.

Rangmahal

This old palace is an interesting mix of colonial and local architectural styles.

Bhuri Singh Museum

Named after Raja Bhuri Singh of Chamba, this is a treasure house of Chamba's rich past. The exhibits include copper plates, murals, doorways, costumes, paintings and stone carvings.

ST. Andrew's Church

Over a century old, this is a dressed stone structure with lancet windows.

Bharmour (69 Km)

 Its 84 ancient temples at a height of 2141m are well known. It is also the summer home of the nomadic Gaddi people.

Manimahesh (98 Km)

 This sacred lake (4183m) is associated with Lord Shiva and is a site of annual pilgrimage from mid of August to mid of September each year. Distance from Bharmaur is 28 Km.

Chatrati (45 Km)

 An attractive temple to Shakti Devi is located here.

Trekking

Chamba is also an ideal place if one wants to get engaged in mountain sports and trekking. From chamba one can go in to an exciting trekking expedition to dhauladhar and pir pranjal ranges. Chamba is a beautiful town and is a gift to human kind by Mother Nature. The greatest attraction of chamba is its high peaks and the lush green vallys and is a must go for anyone who wants to get away from the regular hustle bustle of city life and find some peace.

Handicrafts

Chamba rumals are moments of ecstasy captured by the Chamba embroiders. It is largely based upon the Kangra and Chamba schools of painting. Worked in details in beautiful colors, the stitches are so closely and finely spaced that no gaps are visible. It may conjure up vision of a handkerchief but to the discerning it is a form of adornment.

The Chamba Rumal or handkerchief about 2 to 6 feet in length is an important part of a Chamba bride's trousseau. These are also used for covering gifts placed on metal & bamboo trays and baskets on any special occasions as birthdays, weddings, festivals or fairs.