This picturesque hill station is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Chamba attracts thousands of tourists every year who come here to cherish the breath taking view of the scenic snowy ranges, the virgin rivers and the terraced cultivated field. It has a lot of ancient Hindu temples. It is believed that Chamba was named after Raja verman’s daughter Champavati. Chamba is also dubbed as valley of milk and honey. Surrounded by the Himalayas, the region of Chamba is mountainous. Chamba stands on the banks of river Ravi and river Chandra is another major river flowing through the town. The place is also known for the Shikara Temple which is known for the architectural splendour. Chamba also hosts annual fairs of Sui Mata and Minjar. Procession of Gaddis, Lishoo, Pathroru, and Nawala festivals.
History:
Chamba was ruled by a Rajput since 550 A.D till the time of independence. One of the foremost rulers was King Maru Verma, who had set Bharmour as the capital of his kingdom. It was in the 900s that Sahi Verma, descendent of the throne, shifted the capital to Chamba. It was after his daughter Champavati that Chamba was named.
Snow sports: During the winter adventurous tourists can look forward to a host of snow activities that Chamba has to offer. One can go skiing , ice skating or Heliskiing.
Mountain cycling: An enjoyable experience. As you cycle along the rough terrains you are greeted with the spectacular views making it an excellect way to spend time.
Golf : Another tourist attraction in the nine-hole Golf course where one can engage in the rich man’s game.
Mountaineering and rock climbing: While in Chamba these are activities one cannot miss.
Treks – One would be surprised to know at the number of options one has while planning a trek from Chamba. One can also book with the Manali Mountaineering Institute at Bharmaur which organizes treks. The best time for trekking is from April to mid June. Some of the popular trek paths are to Manali, via Chamba then Hadsar, Kugti, Duggi, Alyas, Kugti Pass, Shansha and Rohtang Pass. To go to Kishtwar, one can trek from Chamba to Sach Pass and then to Kilar. Other destinations to which one can take short treks are Chhatrari, Saral and Bhandal.
Water Sports: While in Chamba you can also take up Water sports. One can choose from a range of activities from kayaking, white water rafting, canoeing to the leisurely fishing.
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of Chamba. Currency can be converted at the currency exchange counters at the Airport. Credit and debit cards are accepted in only large shops and major hotels.
No permit is required to travel to Chamba, other than a visa for India.
As there is no airport or railway station at Chamba the best way to reach Chamba is by bus. The bus station in Chamba is located near the Chougan. The bus service from Chamba is very good. There are frequent buses plying from Chamba to Khajjiar approximately a two hour journey, Bharmaur is approximately a three and a half hour journey, Dalhousie is approximately a three hours journey and Pathankot is approximately a six hours journey.
Getting Around – By air
The nearest airport is at Gaggal, in Kangra which is 170 kms from Chamba. Other major airports are Jammu Airport , Amritsar Airport , Chandigarh Airport, Shimla Airport and Delhi International Airport
Getting Around – By Road
Chamba is best accessible by road as it is connected to all parts of the country by State Highway No. 33/35 The bus stand is at Chougan from where there are regular buses operating to Pathankot, Khajjiar, Dharamshala, Bharmaur and Dalhousie. It is around 24 km from Khajjiar and 580 km from Delhi.
Getting Around - By Rail
The best option to reach Chamba by train is to take a train to Pathankot as it happens to be the nearest railhead to Chamba. It is approximately 120 kms drive from Pathankot to Chamba.
Getting Around – Trekking
A lot of private trekking agencies in Himachal Pradesh organize treks to Chamba starting from McLeodganj, Manali, Dalhousie and Khajjiar.
Laxmi Narayan Temple
The most popular tourist destination in Chamba, the Laxmi Narayan Temple is constructed in Shikara style and hill architecture. While three temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, the other three are dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Bhuri Singh Museum
Located in Chowgan, the Bhuri Singh Museums exhibits the miniature paintings of the Kangra and Basholi school of Art. This museum also showcases scripts that were predominant in the ancient times. A lot of epigraphic material on the history and culture of Chamba Valley can also be found here. The museum also displays the various artifacts of the region.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Monday and other gazetted holidays.
Champavati Temple : This temple was built by Raja Sahil Varman in memory of his daughter Champavati, after who Chamba is also named.
Vajreshwari Temple: Dedicated to the Devi Vajreshwari known as the Goddess of lightening is said to be at least a thousand years old. The temple is intricately carved and done in the Shikhara style of architecture.
Sui Mata Temple: The temple is dedicated to Sui Mata, who as the legend holds, was a local princess who had given her life for the people of Chamba. It is in her honour that an annual fair is hosted for four days in March or April. Colorful paintings within the temple adorn the walls of this temple depicting the life of Sui.
Hari Rai Temple : Built in the 11th century the temple is constructed in the Shikhara style. Hari Rai temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The statue of Lord Vishnu is made of eight variety of materials and the temple is triple headed.
Chaugan:The place is buzzing with activity as it is the heart of the town and the axis of all its cultural activities. The annual colourful fair, the colourful Minjar Mela is held here to celebrate harvest.
Akhand Chandi Palace: The Palace was originally built by the foremost Rajas-Raja Umed Singh which was later renovated and rebuilt by Raja Sham Singh with the help of British Engineers.
Rang Mahal: Known to be one of the largest monuments, Rang Mahal is located in Surara Mohalla. The architecture is an amalgamation of British and Mughal style. Once home to the royalties the palace is now under the auspices of Handicrafts Department of the State Government.
Saho : Situated on the banks of river Sal, Saho is known for the famous Lord Shiva temple with a moon crown. It is believed that the spring water from Saho has medicinal value.
Where To Eat: Essential to have while in Chamba is chukh, a traditionally spicy delicacy cooked in mustard with a tang of chilly sauce. Another popular dish here is Chamba Madhra which is prepared with pure ghee, kidney beans with ghee and yoghurt. Most of the Restaurants offer sumptuous vegetarian North Indian, Chinese, Gujarathi and Chamba food. Some restaurants worth trying are the Neelkanth Restaurant of Aroma Palace Hotel, Olive Green Restaurant, Moti Restaurant, The Orchid Restaurant of the Hill Top Resort and The Khaatir restaurant of Hotel City Where To Stay: At Chamba one can choose from a great range of hotels to suit each one’s pockets. Most popular options are the heritage guest houses which is done up with modern facilities. Ensure to ask for a room opening to the scenic view of the Himalayas while booking. Some of the hotels are Hotel City Heart, Akhand Chandi Hotel, HPTDC’s Hotel Iravati, Himalayan Orchard Hut, Orchard Hut, The Terraces, Jimmy’s Inn.
Known for it’s scenic beauty, Chamba also makes for an ideal holiday for the adventurous lots as it gives a lot of options for snow sports and mountain treks. Do not forget to carry enough woolens when planning a trip to Chamba.
