Chamba Town in Himachal Pradesh
(Treasure trove of scenic attractions, sparkling streams, primeval lakes, meadows, dense alpine tree covers, rich wildlife)

Built on an irregular plateau the town of Chamba is memorable for its lush green deodar forests and meadows. Founded in 920AD by Raja Sahie Verma, the town is perched above the gushing river, Ravi. It draws its name from Raja’s favorite’s daughter Champavati. It has heritage and culture which is fully reflected in its architecture, paintings and hand embroidery. Temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu are sprinkled all over. As headquarters of the district, the town now has all the strings of modernity attached to it. Some of the old time structures including the palace of the Raja (a part of which now houses a degree college) stands gloriously apart in complete contrast to the brick and mortar buildings occupied by officials as offices and residences.

How to approach/reach Chamba?

Approach:

Trains from all metro cities of India can be taken for the journey up to Pathankot from where regular buses run by various agencies government. As well as private, conveniently transport a traveler to Chamba via the famous landmark, Banikhet.

Spots to See

Chaugan: - A big ground with a lush green grass carpet, greets the eye as you enter the town. It ia a place for leisurely walks by elders, fun and frolic for youngsters and a stage for cultural festivities.

Hari Rai Temple: - An 11^th century structure with bronze idol of Chaturmurti the four armed Vishnu.

Sarol:- Nice picnic spot with sheep breeding centre and landscaped gardens.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple: This a group are six ancient carved stone temples, with tall vimanas. Dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu, they were built around the 8^th century AD.

Bhuri Singh Museum: On display here is a collection of fine miniatures from the Kangra, Basholi, Chamba schools of painting and also murals and paintings from the Rang Mahal Palace which was damaged by fire.

Chamunda  Devi Temple: Just 1 km from the Chaugan this temple overlooks the river. Dedicated to the goddess Chamunda Devi, the temple stands on a raised platform and is embellished with fine wood carving. It commands a bird’s eye view of major landmarks of the town including Chaugan, Circuit House and most of the temples.

Champavati Temple: This temple was built by Raj Sahil Varman in the memory of his daughter Champavati. Located in the heart of city behind the city police post and treasury building. Champavati Temple is an adored hindu pilgrimage site and is thronged by tourists day in and day out. This temple enshrines the idol of Goddess Mahisasuramardini, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. 

 

Bajreshwari Temple: This ancient temple dedicated to Devi Bajreshwari is believed to be 1000 years old. At the end of Jansali Bazar, this temple has elaborately carved Shikara with wooden chhatries.

Rang Mahal: The foundation of Rang Mahal, one of the largest of the old monuments, was laid by Raja Umed Singh (1748-1764). The architecture of the mahal is an amalgam of Mughal and British styles. Presently, under the aegis of Handicrafts Department of the State Government, most of the rooms of this palace are being used as workshops for making shoes, chappals and rumals.

Akhand Chandi Palace: This place has beautiful painted walls and glass work, ceiling and intricate woodwork. The palace overlooks the Chaughan, Lakshminarayan Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple, Hari Rai Temple, Bansi Gopal Temple and Rang Mahal.

Saho: Popular for the temple of Chndrashekhar –Lord Shiva, Saho is 20 kms from Chamba and situated on a high plateau on the banks of river Sal.

Katasan Devi Temple: This famous place of pilgrimage has a charming view of the Chamba Valley. This temple is 30 kms from Chamba.

 

Bhandal Valley(1730 mts.): 22 kms from DSalooni, Bhandal valley is known for its wealth of wildlife. It’s a easily approachable from Chamba, based for a trek route which connects Chamba to Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir. The highest point on the track is the Padri Gali at 3049 mts.

Why Chamba Famous For?

Chamba is famous for Minjar Fair: Minjar fair has been declared as one of the International fair. It normally falls in the month of July or August and is a celebration of the beauties of nature and a prayer for good harvest. The name Minjar is derived from the term minjaries maize shoots or silken strands, which are cast on the water of the river Ravi.

There is a virtual riot of colour at Chaugan, the venue of the fair. The fair starts with religious ceremonies at the local Lakshaminarayan temple during which the melodious notes of Malhar rent the air. Villagers from far places converge on the lush green meadow for celebrations where tribal dances, traditional musical instruments and other cultural programmes form the chief attraction. The week –long fair concludes with the taking out of a procession from the historical palace of Chamba’ Akhand Chandi Mahal’ in which idols of lord Raghuvir, Raja Varman and various gods and goddesses are taken out in palanquins.

Bharmour and Manimahesh

At a distance of 69 kms from Chamba town, Bharmour(2,195 m) was the capital of the princely state of Chamba between 6^th and 10^th centuries. Located at the foot of Manimahesh range, Bharmour is famous for fine craftsmanship of 9 th century Chaurasi(84) Temples.

Legend has it that 84 yogi’s visited Bharmour during King Sahil Varman’s reign. Entirely pleased with the king’s humility and hospitality and they blessed him with ten sons and a daughter Champavati. A cluster of shrines commemorates that visit. The main shrines are splendidly set off by the dramatic mountain scape and the temple square is the centre of all activity in the little town of Bharmour. Under the great pine trees, near the temple platform, gaddi shepherds and travelers take rest.

35 kms from Bharmour is the lake of Manimahesh at the foot of Manimahesh Peak. It is considered sacred to Lord Shiva and his divine consort Parvati. Every year, following Janmashtami, the annual Manimahesh  Yatra is undertaken, which is a rare opportunity to see the customs and rituals of the local people. Post Gaddi villages and wide meadows it is a three day trek from Bharmour to Manimahesh Lake.