Chamba The land of Hill Kingdoms,Temples

The small town of Chamba is located in a picturesque valley, amidst the Shivalik ranges and is famous for its medieval temples.The architecture of the temples of Chamba reflects the glory of its erstwhile rulers. It is also known for its local festivals.Chamba is located in the northwestern part of the state of Himachal Pradesh in the northern region of India. The town lies on River Ravi, in a valley between two mountain ridges. Chamba is 56 km from Dalhousie via Khajjiar. The weather in Chamba is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September.

Chamba is that one getaway you've always dreamed off. Minimal human alteration in the topography and environment and the balanced temperatures of the area make it the perfect destination all year round. The river Ravi cuts across town and adds to the scenery. Chamba is present at the confluence if Ravi river with Chal river.

Chamba is quite famous for its traditional handicrafts and art. In particular, it is renowned for it miniature Pahari paintings, which is a form of Indian painting that originated from the Himayalan hill kingdoms of North India during the 17th to 19th centuries. The Basohli style paintings are famous, as are the ones with Mughal influence and murals. The paintings depict themes from Hindu mythology such as love scenes between Radha-Krishna, Shiva-Parvati, and have animals such as deer and different birds prominent in them. The romantic monsoon season is also a common backdrop of the paintings. They are available on display in different museums across Chamba. Chamba is also known for its exquisite handicraft items including weapons made out of metals like copper, brass and iron. Large plaques used for wall decoration and temple kupolas are also made with these metals. Chamba has its own local footwear, traditional shawls and handkerchiefs, jewellery and wood carvings. Musical instruments like Nagara (a form of kettle drum), cymbals and many other traditional ones are made in the town.

History

The local Rajput rulers ruled Chamba valley in the 6th century AD and made it their capital city. Raja Sahil Verman founded the town in 10th century and named it after his daughter Champavati. It was a part of the Mughal Empire in the medieval period and later became the part of  Sikh kingdoms. It was finally taken over by the British and became a part of the state of Himachal Pradesh, when India became independent in 1947.

Fairs & Festivals
Chamba is known for its festivals. The Sui Mata festival is held for four days in March/April every year in memory of princess Sui, who gave her life to protect the people of Chamba. Women in Chamba revere her and her image is carried from the Old Palace (Rang mahal) to her small shrine accompanied by singing and dancing.

The Minjar festival is celebrated in late July/early August every year. The origin of this festival goes back to the 10th century AD. This festival marks the harvesting of the annual maize crop. It culminates with a procession to River Ravi and throwing of the silk tassels or Minjars (representing sheaves of maize), worn by men and women into the river.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Chamba is between March and June

How to Reach

BY AIR - The nearest airport from Chamba in Himachal Pradesh is the Gaggal airport in Dharmshala, which is located at a distance of 124 km. this airport is well-connected with all the important cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh and Kullu. Once at the airport, you can hire a taxi to reach your destination.

BY RAIL - The nearest railway station to Chamba is Pathankot railway station. It is located at a distance of 120 km. from outside the railway station, cab services and buses are available to reach
Chamba. Trains to and from Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu, Hatia, Udhampur, Mumbai, Bhatinda and Kolkata ply between the two stations.

BY ROAD - Chamba in Himachal Pradesh is well-connected by road to most of the neighboring towns of the state and cities of the country. You can opt for a private cab. To reach Chamba, state-run and private buses are also available from Dharamshala, Khajjiar, Charmour, Pathankot and Dalhousie.

Tourist Attractions

The Laxmi Narayan Temple is the main tourist attraction of the town. The architecture of the six temples in this complex is an example of the Hindu shikhara style of architecture. However, the local
flavor is distinct and makes the carvings on these temples unique. Three temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and another three to Lord Shiva. The temple was built in the 10th century AD and was
renovated in the 16th century. This Laxmi Narayan Temple complex also some fine sculptures of residing deities, which include figures of Lord Vishnu (of the Hindu trilogy), Goddess Laxmi (Goddess of wealth), Narasimha (Lion form of Lord Vishnu) and Lord Krishna.

One should Spend at least two to three days to explore Chamba,Besides its natural beauty, Chamba is a repository of local art and architecture. The town sprawls along the bank of the Ravi River. The Lakshmi Narayan temple is the oldest temple of the group of six stone temples depicting the 8th century shikhara style of architecture. The Bajreswari temple is another temple with fine carvings. The 11th century Hari Rai Temple and contains a finely crafted four-armed bronze statue of Lord Vishnu. The Chamunda Devi temple, away from the town centre, is noted for its woodwork. Chamba is one of the places that fostered the Pahari School of miniature painting. A visit to the Bhuri Singh Museum (closed on Mondays and other holidays; http://bhurisinghmuseumchamba.in/)
will acquaint you with these local arts. A must buy in Chamba is the exquisitely embroidered ‘rumal’ (scarf).

If you want to explore the countryside, there are plenty of options too. Jhumhar, 10km away, is known for its alpine meadow and apple orchards; you can go on a picnic to Sarol, 11km away, and known for its sheep breeding centre apiary; Saho, 18km away, a picturesque plateau by the Sal river, is famous for the Chandrasekhara Shiva temple.