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Location:
Himachal Pradesh
Discovered In: 920 A.D
Altitude: 726m.
Attractions: Lakshmi
Narayan Temple, Bajreshwari temples, Chamunda
Shrine
Best Time To Visit:
Mid-May to Mid-October
Dale
Of Milk And Honey
 Chamba, the land of antiquity, art and scenic
beauty, is a wonder in itself for every visitor.
Situated at the height of 996 m. above sea level
on the south bank of the Ravi River, the ancient
Pahari capital was founded in 920 A.D. by Raja
Sahil Verma, who named it after his favourite
daughter Champavati.
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.
Chamba's serene beauty makes it the ideal
holiday retreat. The land of mystic serenity,
enchanting vistas, refreshing air, lofty
mountain passes and slopes, provides ample
opportunities to nature lovers. The place and
adjoining areas have immense scope of leisure
pursuits. The waters, hills, plateaus and the
snowline, which can be sighted from any of the
buildings and the main square, make a spectacle
that can become an inspiration for many painters
and poets
TEMPLES
Lakshmi
Narayan Temple:
Lakshmi Narayan Temple, which is the main temple
of Chamba town, was built by Raja Sahil Verma in
the 10th century AD. Built in Shikhara style,
the temple consists of Bimana i.e. Shikhara and
Garbh Griha with a small antralya. Lakshmi
Narayana Temple has a mandapa like structure
also. The wooden chhattries, the shell roof,
atop the temple were in response to the local
climatic conditions as a protection against
snowfall. more...
Chamunda
Devi Temple:
Located just one-km away from Chaugan, is the
ancient temple of Chamunda Mata, overlooking the
fortified Chamunda and the tempestuous river
Ravi. A good place for picnic, it offers a
panoramic view of the town as well as villages
situated on the left bank of the river.
more...
Katasan
Devi Temple: Another
popular temple of the Chamba district, it is
about 30-km from the town near Baira Siul
Project. This calm and peaceful spot is ideal
for picnic lovers and one can witness a full
view of the valley from its premises.
{ Book Temple Tours }
PALACES
Maharaja's
Palace: This
palace belongs to the erstwhile rulers of Chamba
and the most outstanding buildings in the town.
Of these, Rang Mahal or 'the Painted Palace',
with towers on either side, is undoubtedly the
most interesting one. There is one room in the
building, the walls of which are painted with
murals depicting episodes from the Ramayana and
the Mahabharata.
Rang
Mahal: Also known
as the 'Painted Palace', was built by Raja Umed
Singh in the mid-18th century. The architecture
of the palace reflects Mughal influences. Later
on, Jit Singh and Charat Singh made certain
additions. It became the women's residence until
1947 and now houses a college. The wall
paintings are splendid and represent one of the
most extensive hill collections. The Paintings
follow stories of Lord Krishna.
MUSEUMS
Bhuri
Singh Museum: A veritable storehouse of
exquisite paintings of the famous Kangra and
Basholi schools, as well as a mass of
epigraphical material on the history of Chamba.
Also housed in the museum are woodcarvings,
ancient manuscripts and murals from Rang Mahal.
OTHERS
Chaugan:
This public
promenade situated in the heart of the town is a
grassy maidan less than one-kilometre in length
and about seventy-five metres wide is a busy
local trading centre for villagers from the
surrounding hills. Each year Chaugan is the site
for the 'Minjar' procession, a fair that lasts a
week and comprise of large number of sports and
cultural activities.
Church
of Scotland: The
Presbyterian Church and Mission House of the
Church of Scotland lie opposite the Museum.
Khajjiar:
The lush green meadow with a small lake is
surrounded by thick pines and crowned by
forests. A little away from the lake is the
Khajji Nag Temple, which was built, in the 12th
century .
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