Chamba Himachal Pradesh

Chamba Himachal Pradesh is a small but an enchanting town where tourists come to enjoy peaceful and pleasurable holidays. Famous as Valley of Milk, it is ideally located at an altitude of 926 m amidst the mesmerizing Shivalik hills. Chamba Hill Station sandwiched between the mountain ranges of Dhauladhar and Zanskar is just the place for rejuvenation. Replete in streams, meadows, paintings and temples; Chamba has temples that are visited by Hindus from all over India. Gaddi shepherds, the nomadic residents near snow clad mountains and the famous monuments here are what define the beauty of this land. Choose a Chamba Valley Tour and explore one the best preserved townships in the lap of Himalayas.

History

Chamba was founded by Raja Sahil Varman in the beginning of the 10th century. Initially the town was named as Champa as this place was once dotted with highly fragrant Champaka trees, and it is believed that it was guarded by Goddess Champavati, also known as Chameshni. Champavati temple was built at this place by Sahil Varman.

Major Attractions of Chamba

Chamunda Devi Temple

Built in honour of Goddess Chamunda, this 16th century temple has Goddess Chamunda (Durga) as the presiding deity. About 10 km from Palampur, this temple is also called Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham. The complex also has a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. While on a visit here, one can also view the abundant greenery of the surrounding area.

Katasan Devi Temple

A form of Goddess Durga, the temple of Katasan Devi, about 30 km from Chamba valley, sits amid picturesque surroundings. This ancient temple is also known as Uttam Wala Bara Ban and Hinduism followers come here to receive the blessings of the goddess.

Champavati Temple

Named after Champavati, daughter of Raja Sahil Varman, this temple has Goddess Mahisasuramardini as the presiding deity. Built in Shikara architecture, one can easily identify the place with the beautiful wheel on the roof and stone carvings. March to June is the best time to visit this place as the place is full of natural beauty at that time and also pleasant climate.

Vajreshwari Temple

Visited by devotees in large number, this temple was built in honor of Goddess Vajreshwari or lightening. This temple is around a thousand year old, but the beautiful carvings and delicate stonework doesn?t fail to impress a visitor. Every year in March a huge fair is organized in reverence to the goddess.

Sach Pass

A high mountain pass in Chamba district, this motorable pass connects Chamba Valley with Pangi Valley. Mostly travelled by jeeps, the pass has numerous history and mystery attached to it. The route is challenging and breathtaking, mostly closed due to harsh weather conditions. The pass is open from June or early July till mid- October.

Chowgan

Located in the heart of the town, Chowgan is a beautiful grassland and boulevard. It is also the venue and starting point of the week long Manjar Fair procession. During this time several shows, cultural events, sports activities etc are held here.

Bhuri Singh Museum

Established in the year 1908 in the honour of Raja Bhuri Singh, this museum had his paintings as the first display. Other rich collections added later are carved doors from old palace, miniature paintings, frescoes, grants and many such items. Various other materials that belong to medieval Chamba can also be found here.

Rang Mahal

Established in the mid-18th century by Raja Umed Singh, this Mahal is also known as the painted palace. A perfect combination of British and Mughal architecture, this palace has been a royal residence as well as a warehouse for royal grain and treasure.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Chamba is from April to October. For adventure sports enthusiasts, the best time time to plan a visit would be between November to March.

How to Reach

By Air: Pathankot airport is the nearest at 120 kilometres. Amritsar, Chandigarh and Kangra airports can also be considered to reach Chamba. Hire a taxi or board a bus to reach the airport.

By Rail: Pathankot railway station is at a distance of 118 kilometres from the town.

By Road: Chamba Bus stand, 3 km from Chamba town has buses to travel to nearby places.

Caper Travel India offers a wide range of Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages. For more details, fill up the query form below.