|
Chamba is nicely tucked between Jammu and Kashmir on the North West and Lahaul and Bara Bangal area of Himachal on the South-East. Chamba valley is chiseled out of high mountains on all sides and a river running through it. Sitting just 52 km from Dalhousie, Chamba wore a very different look from the colonial town. Dalhousie is today known for its colonial remains and heritage where as Chamba still clings close to its old customs and heritage.
Sharp cliffs, serene river, greenery and ancient heritage make Chamba a scenic beauty. The unique and protective landscape shielded the town from serious invasions. It is one of the only towns in North India to still preserve a documented history from 500 AD Circa. Temples constructed thousands of years ago by Chamba Rajas still continued to be places of worship and attract thousands of tourists.
The adjoining areas have immense scope of leisure pursuits too; the plateaus and the snowline can be sighted from any part of the town. The town was founded by Raja Sahil Varman in the beginning of 10th Century and was named after her beloved daughter Champa. Amazingly the great Muslim rulers like Akbar and Shah Jahan never invaded this smaller Rajput kingdom. In fact Shah Jahan was a close friend of Raja Prathvi Singh (1641- 1664), a Chamba king. Though there were occasional fights the kingdom was never destroyed beyond repair and retained its honor even during the British era. It was in 1948 that Chamba became part of Himachal Pradesh.
Apart from the snow capped mountains and rich scenic beauty, Chamba has many interesting and unexposed temples dating back to 1000 AD.
Places to Visit in Chamba:
- Kailash Mani mahesh( 4,170 metres )
It is 28 km from Chamba. The lake here is supposed to be blessed by goddess Kali and protected by Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims journeyed here to bathe in its sacred water to invoke blessings from God.
- Bhuri Singh Museum:
Open on 14th September 1908 and named after Raja Bhuri Singh who ruled Chamba from 1904 to 1919, it is one of the oldest Museums in India. It also housed popular Pahari miniature paintings. The museum is also home to many epigraphs, copper plates, historical documents, manuscripts, and sculptures in stone, metal and wood, coins, murals, wood carvings, armor and other decorative items.
- Laxmi Narayan Temple Chamba:
This temple is more than a thousands year’s old. Built by Sahil Varman in 10th AD, the temple was built in Shikhara style and was dedicated to Lord Lord Vishnu and Shiva. The architecture and the unique style of the temples are a great attraction. There are other Temples in the complex.
- Champavati Temple:
This temple was also built by Raja Sahil Varman in memory of his daughter Champavati. Intricate stone carvings and wheel roof characterize this temple. It is very different from all the temples you’ve seen and it is worth a visit.
- Pangi Valley:
This remote place has no proper contact with the outside world and most times it is completely cut off. A perfect place to escape from the Chaos of city life.
- Chaurasi Temples:
The temple complex has temples of Lakshana Devi, Ganesha, Manimahesh and Narsingha. The temples date back to 9th Century and remain an important place of worship for the Hindus.
Some other tourist destinations apart from these are- Kalatope Khajjiar Sanctuary, Lama Dal, Rang Mahal, Shakti Temple, Chamera Lake, Chowari Jot Chowari Pass, Suhi Mata Temple, Chamba Library etc.
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Aroma Palace
- Hotel Classic Hilltop
- Hotel Akhand Chandi
- Hotel Terrace
| 
