About Chamba

Chamba is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh located in North India. Chamba has a pleasant climate and breathtaking sights of the snow-clad mountains and lush greeneries in and around that serve as perfect summer destinations. Chamba’s in and around which is a snow-clad mountain is extremely popular for snow skiing. Not only skiing but river rafting excursions are also among the popularity organized by many private and government-run, an adventure trek also starts from Chamba i.e from Manimahesh. According to history, Chamba is ruled by Rajputs, Raju Maru from around, 500 AD from the ancient capital of Bharmour, 65 km from the Chamba. “Chamba” is named after Raja Sahil Varman’s daughter Champavati after he shifted the capital of the kingdom to Chamba. This town is also famous for numerous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and palace which is famous for its untouched natural beauty. There are two popular fairs hosted in Chamoli namely ‘’Suhi Mata Mela’’ and the ‘’Minjar Mela’’. Chamba is a small yet attractive destination known for natural beauty and amidst picturesque valleys, in above this there are five beautiful lakes, wildlife sanctuaries, and countless number Temples with pleasing climates.                                        

Chamba Geography

Chamba is a beautiful small town of Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 1006m above sea level. The town is situated on the bank of the Ravi River at its confluence with the Sal River and 55 km away from Dalhousie which is a small hill station of Chamba. It is bounded by Jammu and Kashmir on the north-west, Ladakh on east and north-east, and Lahaul and Bara- Bangal area of Himachal Pradesh on the south-east and Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh and Gurdaspur district of Punjab on the south. The beautiful town is surrounded by a lofty hill range and Chamoli is well known for its handicraft, textiles, art, and crafts particularly “Pahari Painting” which originated in the Hills kingdom of north India.

Plan My Package Recommends: Place to Visit In Chamba

Lakshmi Narayan Temple

The Lakshmi Narayan temple is the oldest and the biggest temple in Chamba that is built by Sahil Varman in the 10th century in the shape of a Shikhara with wooden chhatris and a shell roof. It houses six stunning idols of Losh Shiva and Lord Vishnu, and the central idol of Lord Vishnu is Carved out of marvel and makes a sight to behold. Irrespective of the weather outside, the temple architecture itself reflects how the temple has been structured in such a way of pleasant inside and attractive. And besides the idol of Lord Vishnu, there is a temple that houses a metallic image of Garuda i.e lord mount. There is another temple, Gauri Shankar which has a beautiful idol of Goddess Gauri and Lord Shiva and a complex also has an art museum and library which have old manuscripts.

Himachal Emporium, Rang Mahal

Himachal Emporium, Rang Mahal is a great place for those who love handicrafts and many other handmade items. It is the house in Raja Umed Singh’s Rang Mahal in Surara Mohalla which is heaven for all handmade things that one will fall in love with at one glance, just a few min walks from the central city. This emporium is an antique shop, housing artworks, garments, handkerchiefs, shawls that are woven on wooden looms which is fantastic as well a prime example of a tradition that follows still in Chamba. Some rare items include Chamba rumal, chappals, traditional artworks, etc. And most importantly don’t forget to taste and buy the Chamba pickle while returning.

Timing:- 10AM-1PM and 2PM-5PM.

Hari Raya Temple

Hari Raya Temple is one of the among aesthetic marvels found in Chamba constructed in 11th century in traditional style carved in Shikhara style of architecture and enshrine the Lord Vishnu with three faces and four arms which depicts him like a boar, Varaha one side, lion, Simha on other side and human on the center. The idol is made out of eight different materials, covered in saffron, adorning all jewelry, rings, armlets, mukut, and other precious gemstones, etc the temple is also a shrine to Lord Shiva and Surya. All famous Hindu festivals and Vaikuntha Ekadashi are celebrated here with a great ritual.

Champavati Temple

Champavati Temple is located in the heart of the city near the police post and Treasury building, and it is a reserve Hindu pilgrimage site built by Raja Sahil Varman in memory of his daughter, Namesake champavati. The temple has a distinctive Shikara style feature i.e Nepal architecture design which boasts several rock carvings and a magnified wheel on the rooftop that makes it unique and rare in the region along with large sculptures grace and beautiful stone carving walls. Champavati Temple’s main deity is Goddess Mahisasuramardini which is an avatar (incarnation) as well as houses the shrines of Vasuki Naga and Wazir. The temple beholds great religious and historical relevance for Hindu, often compared to the beautiful Laxmi Narayan temple. It is managed and maintained by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).

• Fair and festival held every year in March and September.
• Best time to visit- March to June.
• Famous festivals- Navratri.

Akhand Chandi Palace, Chamba

Akhand Chandi Palace is located at Chowgan Mohalla, Chamba at a walkable distance of just 1 km. Akhand Chandi Palace is constructed by Raja Umed Singh, king of Jodhpur during mid of 18th century i.e between 1747-1765 AD. It is very famous for its unique architecture situated amid picturesque and tranquil settings which were residences of a ruling family at an elevation of 1000m above sea level. Over the year it was renovated and reconstructed several times by both Mughal and British which add on Darbar Hall also called Marshall Hall, the Zenana Mahal, and several other specimens of Mughal. Akhand Chandi Palace in Chamba is a living example of Raja Umed Singh’s architectural skills and knowledge. The splendid views of Chaugan, Sui Mata, Chamunda Devi Temple, Laxmi Narayana Temple, Hari Rai Temple, Bansi Gopal Temple, and Rang Mahal from Akhand Chandi Palace can be experienced with great views as well as one shouldn’t miss out.

Bhuri Singh Museum

Bhuri Singh Museum is situated in the heart of Chamba town founded in 1908 by Raja Bhuri Singh, the former ruler of Chamba, to collect and preserve the scattered cultural heritage of Chamba. This museum is a set of paradise for Indian epics and tex enthusiasts. Raja Bhuri Singh had gifted his inherited art collection and J. Ph. Vogel, an Indologist imparted his invaluable services for setting up the Museum. The Bhuri Singh Museum holds a few valuable collections of carved doors from the old palaces which signify the richness, incredible frescoes artworks, antique copper plate grants, old miniature paintings, remarkable title deeds, and ancient inscriptions also display on the medieval antiquity of Chamba. And also display the popular Barsholi and Kangra style painting. The former building was shredded down and replaced by a concrete monolith, which was inaugurated in 1975 which holds the Bhuri Singh Museum. This place shouldn’t miss out while traveling to Chamba.

Sui Mata Temple

Sui Mata Temple is located in the Saho district in Chamba 1km from the city center built by King Varman in memory of his beloved wife Queen Sui who sacrificed her life for the people. This shrine with a spectacular bird’s eye view of the tiny township is situated on top of the Shah Darbar hill and is decided into three-part which include the main temple, a channel, and a memorial dedicated to Queen Sui Mata. The interior of Sui Mata Temple is has been tastefully done in beautiful paintings depicting the life and time of Queen Sui. According to legend, the region had no rain for years and everyone is suffering and stress for a long time, then King Sahil Verman tried to please the god in almost all possible ways offerings and praying but there’s no response so nothing worked. After every means at last he consulted a few brahmins and told him that he needs to sacrifice either his wife or his son to bring the water to the kingdom. Along with a heavy broken heart, he made a decision and decided to sacrifice his son but the  Queen could not bear the sone sacrificing instead she sacrifice herself. After her death, the body and maiden were buried around the temple’s premises, soon after that water started flowing into the kingdom, and from then on, there has never been a lack of water. Every year, from the beginning of March 15 to April 1, a fair is organized to pay respects to the queen who sacrifice her life for the welfare of the people, a large number of married women and girls came also sings a song in her praise along with colorful paintings that depict the life of the Queen.

Chamera Lake

Chamera Lake is located 11 km from the central city near Dalhousie in the Chamba district, it is a mystic lake that is a man-made reservoir for the Chamba dam, located 25 km from the main hill station at an elevation of 763 m above sea level. It is perfect for family, friends, and couples to spend the day as well as a perfect picnic spot and one can also explore the lake on a speed boat or a rowboat along with an activity like kayaking and canoeing. It is a famous tourist destination with squeaky cleanliness and a perfect year-round climate, also famous for sightseeing, boating, Speed boats, Fishing, Photography.

Church of Scotland

Church of Scotland is located 14 km from city center construction from 1885 and ended in 1905, architected in the presence of Dr. MClymont, a Scottish monk. It is a quiet sanctuary that speaks of strong Scotti’s artistic sensibilities in the art design of its window and deep craving with absolutely no alterations. The church is also known as St. Andrews Church which is extraordinarily well preserved that stands tall in the main market and has a beautiful eye-catching backdrop of the Himalaya range which is 120 years old built-in dress stone structure with a lance window that attracts many tourists.  

Places Near Chamba 

Thala Waterfall (approx 63.6 Km from Chamba)

Thala Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located 9km from Bharmour and 100 m from Thala bridge which is near Chamba. Thala waterfall is a popular waterfall in India that can be seen in monsoon because of very low or no water during other times. This cascading water is the best place to enjoy a good time and have a picnic. There are another two waterfalls nearby the Thala waterfall which is only 1km i.e Chho Chhundu Waterfall and Ghared waterfall. It also forms a small natural pool at the bottom of the waterfall. However, it is advisable not to take a dip since the water is too cold and the water pressure is too high one may get sucked into the bottom of the waterfall falling from a very good height. This fantastic waterfall is surrounded by immense natural beauty and is easily accessible by taxi or by walk.

Bharmour (approx 59.5 Km from Chamba)

Bharmour is located approx 59.5 km from the city center of Chamba known to be a well-kept secret of the state, Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of about 2133m above sea level. It is a little hilltown that boasted many lush green and snow-clad mountains with scintillating scenic beauty and is also known for its several ancient temples. Bharmour is devoid of frequent crowds of commercial purposes but echoes of natural tranquility, peace, and calm. The main attraction here is Chaurasia which is a temple that has 84 shrines i.e built in between the 7th- 10th centuries, boasting quite striking architecture. Bharmour is sometimes also known as ‘’Land of Shiba’’ so often referred to as Shiva-Bhumi. It is also based on the famous Manimahesh yatra that has sublime shikhara and various trek moreover Lakshana Devi Temple is a must-visit to pay respect to the high meter idol of the goddess in solid brass housed in the sanctum sanctorum. The town is also famous for its apples and locally made blankets.

Manimahesh Lake (approx 51 Km from Chamba)

Manimahesh Lake is located about 51km from Chamba situated in the Pir Panjal Range of Himalayas in the Bharmour subdivision of the Chamba district at an elevation of 4080 m above sea level also commonly known as Dal lake. This lake means ‘’Shiva’s jewels’’ and the peak of Manimahesh is regarded as one of the mythical abodes of Shiva. To reach the lake one has to trek for 13km through enchanting mountains and lush greenery. Manimahesh Lake is esteemed by Gaddi tribes and Hindus also the lake is known as Shiva Bhumi. According to legend, the lake is created by Lord Shiva after he marries Goddess Parvati, and in another account, it says that Lord Shiva perform penance for 700 years and water started flowing from his hair and took the form of a lake. The lake is divided into two parts and it is in the shape of the saucer in which the larger part is known as Shiba Karotri i.e bathing place for shiva and the lower part is Parvati Kund i.e bathing place for Parvati. On the full moon night, one can experience the jewels of Shiva i.e reflected by moonlight, walking on the bank is an incredible experience with the aura of the lake which is pious and pure that purify mind and soul. There is also an image of Lord Shiva in marble on the bank of the lake which is known as Chaumukha and the lake is surrounded by mesmerizing landscape and a small temple in Shikhara shape which houses a brass image of Goddess Lakshmi Devi known as Mahishasuramardini.

Chaugan, Chamba (approx 80 Km from Chamba)

Chaugan is located 80 km from Chamba city center, when one goes to a choice of destination it is impossible to return without shopping so Chaugan is perfect for a shopping destination that can soak to the local handicrafts and everything organic. Chaugan means a plain in the local Himachali language, that attracts many locals as well as tourists not only for shopping it is famous for many different recreational activities and sports like polo in this grassy plain as well as many festival and celebration were organized in the vast ground with crowd loaded people. This well-maintained open space is perfect for spending good quality time with friends and family in above this camping can also be done here which is one of the prominent activities that one enjoys and can be spotted relishing the funs. The central Chaugan is the place where all sorts of sparkling stone and metals artefacts can be found which one can purchase as souvenirs and the famous Chamba and Kangra painting, as well as the famous Chamba chappals, is must needed thing to take.

Vajreshwari Temple, Chamba (approx 126 Km from Chamba)

Vajreshwari Temple is located 53 km from the city center of Chamba situated at the end of Jansali Bazaar. This temple is dedicated to the goddess of lightening popularly knowns as Goddess Vajreshwari. And the temple is 1000 years old which depicts the shikhara style of architecture also known as Bajreshwari temple also believed to be a manifestation of Goddess Parvati and worshipped here in pinid form. The temple is an ideal combination of spectacular carvings and delicate stonework. The temple has 18 inscriptions on outer walls and tiny inscriptions on one of the two-pillar and some on the gigantic pillar guarding the entrance. The main entrance of the gate has a Nagarkhana (drum house) that is similar to the Bassein fort entrance. The shrine has an idol of Goddess Druga which is seated on a lion along with God Vishnu on the three faces side i.e faces, boar, and lion. There is also a huge fair organized in honor of Goddess Vajreshwari which is held on Amavasya in March and the next most grand festival is Navratri which is also celebrated in March.

Chamunda Devi Temple (approx 1Kmfrom Chamba)

Chamunda Devi Temple is located 53 km from Chamba City Centre in a spectacular position of Shah Madar’s range of hills and opposite Chamba town. It was built by Raja Umed Singh in 1762, the only wooden temple with a gabled roof in Chamba, situated on the bank of river Baner dedicated to Goddess Kali which is also known as ‘’Goddess of war’’. It is a major holy place for pilgrims just 15 km away from Dharmshala. Earlier, the temple was accessed through a stone-paved steep of around 400 steps, but now travellers can be easily accessible at only 3 km from Chamba. This temple is 700 years old also known as Chamundi Nandikeshwar Dham home to god shiva and shakti. Lord Hanuman and Lord Bhairav guard the front gate once enter there will experience a thick forest of patriarch and Lahla and the enchanting views of the beautiful township. The shrine is boasted with beautiful decor and architecture also has carvings on a silver sheet in the inner sanctum. The temple also has a handicraft shop which is best for pretty souvenirs and Navratri is the busiest time of the year.

Best Time to Visit Chamba

Chamba can be visited all year round. Summer in Chamba is warm during day and night is cool and pleasant, monsoon is bit shower and even cooler, misty and picturesque and Winter is very cool which drop the temperature till minus with good amount of snowfall. So summer is the best and ideal time to visit Chamba i.e between March to June.

Chamba in Summer (April- June)

The summer season in Chamba is short starting from April and ending in June with an average temperature between 15°C to 35°C. It can be considered as the best time to visit Chamba which is perfect for strolling across the town and enjoying many activities like mountain climbing, trekking, horse riding, etc. Suhi mela is celebrated in April. Fairs are held at this time which lasts for 15 days. It is a perfect time to witness the cultural vibrance of the town with amazing scenery.

Chamba in Monsoon (July- October)

Monsoon in Chamba begins from July and lasts till October with an average temperature of 15°C to 25°C with heavy rainfall. And Monsoon is not a good time to visit Chamba but the town offers picturesque views and endows the land with massive amounts of lush greenery and pristine beauty with mist and fog. Monsoon is not an ideal time for activities like mountain climbing and trekking due to the land being slippery and unsafe. One of the major festivals falls in August i.e Minjar Fair which is a thanksgiving ceremony performed for God of rain that las for 7 days and Bharmaur Jatra Fair is also another colourful fair held in August.

Chamba in Winter (October-March)

Another ideal time to visit Chamba and longest season is winter and perfect for an off-season tour plan. The temperature falls between 0°C to 12°C suitable for budget travellers. December and January is the month that will experience snowfalls and will remain snow-covered until the end of March. Skiing and sledging activities on the soft snow can be enjoyed during the winter wonderland in which the mountain top is covered in snow. Winter in Chamba is a bit risky for travelling and due to snowfall blocking the road result in quite cheap.

How to Reach Chamba

Chamba by Air

The nearest airport to reach Chamba is Pathankot airport at a distance of 120km and other airports apart from Pathankot namely, Kangra at 172km, Amritsar at 220km, Chandigarh airport at 400km, and Gaggal airport, Dharamsala at 185km which connects flights from Chandigarh, Delhi, and Kullu. From the airport, one can hire a taxi/cab to proceed to the beautiful Chamba.

Chamba by Train

There are no regular trains to Chamba from major cities, the nearest railway station to Chamba is Pathankot at a distance of about 118km from Chamba town which connects major cities. One can also take a train to Chandigarh or Delhi then further recommence by car, taxi or buses. The distance of the following destinations from Chamba are:

• New Delhi from Chamba (580km) 
• Chandigarh from Chamba (356km)

Chamba by Road

Chamba has well connectivity to most of the neighbouring regions by road and major parts of Himachal Pradesh. Roadways are the best way to reach Chamba. There are a lot of Private buses and state-owned buses serving everywhere else, frequently, the Chamba Bus stand is at a distance of 3 km from the main Chamba town. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) runs regular buses throughout the state.

• Pathankot (102km) at SH-28 to Chamba.
• Shimla (365.7km) at NH-503 to Chamba.
• Kangra (127.5) at SH-43 to Chamba.
• Solan (356.8) at NH-503 to Chamba.
• Dharamsala (129km) at SH-43 to Chamba.
• Bharmour( 59.5km) at NH-154A to Chamba.
• Khajjiar (22.6KM) at Chamba Road.
• Dalhousie (53km) at Chamba road.

Places to Stay in Chamba

Hotel City Heart

Hotel City Heart is inclined by the magic of nature. The magnificent hotel reflects elegant interiors with modern amenities. The property offers Deluxe and Super Deluxe rooms. The hotel has a restaurant, bar, and dining area. The add-on services like laundry, free parking and Wifi are also available. The restaurant serves amazing local and North Indian food. 
The check-In time of Hotel City Heart: 2 pm
Check-Out time of Hotel City Heart: 12 pm
Location of Hotel City Heart: Chowgan Maholla, Chamba

Hotel Ashiana Regency

Hotel Ashiana Regency in Chamba is a 3-star hotel with Deluxe and Super Deluxe rooms. Hotel Ashiana Regency is one of the popular stays in Chamba. It has a pleasant dining area with a nice and peaceful ambience. The food served here is clean and tasty serving local and North Indian cuisines. The amenities given by them are free Wifi and parking services. The other services offered by them are room service, laundry service, mail services to name a few.
The check-In time of Hotel Ashiana Regency: 12 pm
Check-Out time of Hotel Ashiana Regency: 11 am
Location of Hotel Ashiana Regency: Upper Jalukari, Chamba

Anontson Resort

Anontson Resort is situated near the River Ravi provides an amazing view of the River Ravi from the property. The property has Deluxe rooms, Deluxe balcony room with River view, 02 Bedroom Cottage with Balcony. The resort also offers childcare services along with, Yoga, paid airport transfers, kids play area, laundry, and parking. 
The check-In time of Anontson Resort: 2 pm
Check-Out time of Anontson Resort: 12 pm
Location of Anontson Resort: Rajpura, Chamba

Places to Eat in Chamba

The food of Chamba is both vegetarian and nonvegetarian but mostly people like vegetarian foods and daily food of Chamba are rice, chapatti, lentil, and vegetable curry, etc also nonlocal foods like paratha, momo, and other Tibetan foods are famous here, And few more famous food can include Madhya, Dhaam, Tudkiya Bhath, Bhey or Spicy Lotus stems, Chha Gosht, Siddu, Babru, Aktori, Kullu Trout Fish, etc which can experience the taste and found mostly in local cafe or restaurant.

Tasty Tibet

Located in the walkable distance with a  cheap and reasonable rate with tasty Tibetan dishes, best for one to explore something new taste rather from Dhaba. With a secret and preparation method with large volume, not only ready to eat food but also offer a packaged product food-related to Tibetan preparation. From here one must try Thupka and Thankthuk which will jaw-drop at one scoop.

Chowgan Restaurant

Located only about 500m which is a walkable distance that serves a variety of north Indian cuisine and Chinese cuisine mainly confections like cakes and pastries as well as Indian cuisines like Gulab  Jamun and Chashnidar. This place can be heaven for the sweet lover and which one can feel home taste. The seating arrangement includes wooden chairs and tables spread across open spaces and there is also an outdoor seating arrangement to dig the dishes while enjoying the breeze and refreshing environment.

Park View Restaurant

It is located in the Museum Road in Chamba which is within walkable distance. This restaurant serves mainly Indian cuisine in various range of choice and another cuisine like Chinese, Italian as well as Fastfood item. It can consider as a perfect place to dine in Chamba among friends and family which offers outdoor seating arrangements as well as popular for hosting a Birthday party and one must try the famous cheesy pizza here.                                                                               

Do`s and Don`ts in Chamba

Do’s

• Do wear a mask while visiting.
• Do carry sanitiser.
• Do carry a small water bottle.
• Do carry an umbrella.
• Do  try the local dishes
• Do check government rules before visiting
• Warm clothes are advisable

Don’t

• Don’t break the government imposes rule.
• Don’t litter while traveling.
• Don’t mistreat religious ethics.
• Don’t go trekking without checking weather conditions.

The Pincode of Chamba is 176310.