Chamba City

Chamba provides a glimpse into the ancient cultural heritage and architecture of the Pahari people, preserved in the erstwhile Chamba Hill State. It is a unique place and a must for any serious traveler. This land of mystic serenity, enchanting vistas, refreshing air, lofty mountain passes and slopes provides ample opportunities for nature lovers.

Courtesy of Mohan Gupta

The town is located over a mountain spur overlooking the Ravi River, locally known as Irawati. The valley is located between the Dhauladhar and the Pir Panjal ranges of the Himalayas. The town was founded in 920 A.D. by Raja Sahil Verman and named after his daughter, Champavati. The capital of the hill state was moved from Bharmour to Chamba at that time.

In the center of the town lies the grassy public promenade, referred to as Chaugan. In and around the town are numerous ancient temples built in the local hill-style architecture.

The Lakshminarayan temples, which were dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, were built between the 10th and 11th centuries A.D. and account for the majority of the temples found in the area. The tribal people of the town add charm to the old worl town with their unique costumes and ornaments.

Courtesy of Mohan Gupta

The black, slate-covered sloping roofs of the houses alongside the red tile-roofed royal palaces of the rulers of Chamba create a rare blend that gives the town its character. Rang Mahal, one of the palaces, was built around 1750 and is elaborately painted and decorated.

The Bhuri Singh museum is a storehouse of exquisite paintings and other historical and cultural artifacts, representing the peoples of Chamba, Basolhi, Kangra, and Guler.

There are several ideal picnic spots around Chamba that provide for local excursions. Jhamwar (10km), located amidst the forests, is famous for its apple orchards. Sahd village, famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Chandra Shakhara (Shiva), is situated on a high plateau on the banks of Sal River about 20 km from Chamba. Khajjiar, 23 km from Chamba, offers a lush green meadow surrounded by thick pines and crowned by forests. In the center of the meadow lies a small lake in which rests a small floating island. Khajjiar also is home to a Khajji Nag temple built in the 12th century.

For adventurers and hikers, Chamba is the base for short excursions as well as for long treks into the interiors of this valley full of tribal habitat, folklore and charisma. One can get a peak into the posterity as the change has been slow to come to these remote lands.

Chamba rumals, chappals (embroidered leather slippers), and shawls make attractive souvenirs from this ancient town.