Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, Chamba Town sits at over 1670 metres above sea level. The tranquil town in Himachal Pradesh is still a relatively unexplored territory even though this status has changed after its submergence with old Tehri. The town is proudly perched between two splendid views; one side offers stunning views of peaks towering over the town and the other side offers delight to the eye with its lush green valley perfection. Chamba is anything but ordinary as it showcases its vibrant beauty in various forms every season. Today, it is becoming a tourist favourite due to its offbeat allure which offers a well-needed break from the bustling city life.
About Chamba Town
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A pristine destination, Chamba will win your heart in an instant. The quiet town has magical sparkly streams, fertile lands, meadows, and attractions with a rich cultural history. It borders Jammu and Kashmir, giving us a glimpse of magnificent peaks, valleys, and numerous blessings of nature. Whether you are looking for artistic heritage or want to unwind next to a river bank, Chamba has it all. It is for the reclusive travellers who want an untouched place, and it is also for the curious explorer who wants to see it all! The mélange of these offerings makes Chamba an exquisite destination for every person.
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History Of Chamba Town
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Chamba Town dates to the 6th century when it was founded by Raja Sahil Varman. Originally, he declared Bharmour the capital but later shifted it to Chamba. Chamba was like a piece of broken glass at the time, with tidbits of territory here and there. The Raja put it all together and divided it into Tehsils for easy administrative work. The town was named Champa after the King’s daughter, who was called Champavati. It soon became a family temple where other rulers also offered prayers. Champavati is also known as Chameshni in this region.
Things To Do At Chamba Town
Chamba Town is full of things to do and places to visit. Here are 7 picks!
1. Champavati Temple
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This ancient temple’s architecture is bewitching and inspiring, especially the shikhara style that reflects Nepali influences. It has beautiful wall carvings and is mainly dedicated to an avatar of Goddess Durga called Goddess Mahisarusamardini. The large wheel on top of the temple is what makes it distinct from the others in the region. Maintained by the ASI, the temple has Wazir and Vasuki Naga shrines as well making it a must-visit temple for travellers.
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2. Chaugan
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Chaugan is a place to visit if you want to revel in Chamba Town’s picturesque beauty and want some peace. The open green grass area with the backdrop of towering mountains is breathtakingly marvellous. You can have picnics, stroll along the vast area, or just lie down and take photographs of the immense location. Chaugan hosts various festivals and cultural, entertainment, and sports events. If you want to see the crowd, come during the festivals and events for an amazing experience.
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3. Chamunda Devi Temple
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The Chamunda Devi temple is over three centuries old and a temple you must visit on your trip to Chamba. The temple is carved out of wood and stone and it overlooks the town most brilliantly. The temple’s primary deity is Goddess Kali and its architecture is meticulously carved on the inside and outside. It will mesmerise you and make you feel like you are amongst divine energy. Come here with your family and experience the divinity for yourself.
4. Lakshmi Narayan Temple
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The Lakshmi Narayan Temple compound houses many temples and was built by Raja Sahil Varman in Chamba Town. It was constructed using stone with wooden beams for support using the Shikhara-style architecture. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The other shrines are dedicated to Radha Krishna and Lord Shiva. Each idol of the deity is sculpted with precision. You can find some remarkable designs in the temple that will just hold your attention due to their depiction.
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5. Bhuri Singh Museum
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The Bhuri Singh Museum was built by Raja Bhuri Singh, who ruled Chamba. This is a must-visit destination for history buffs as it houses some of the finest collections of artefacts. You can find miniature paintings, musical instruments, armours, coins, copper-place inscriptions, jewellery, and historical documents. All of these are carefully preserved and well presented in the museum that lies in the town area. It is a great way to explore and understand the rich history of the place.
6. Chandrashekhar Temple
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This temple is more than 1100 years old and is in the Saho Village which is just about 20 km from Chamba’s city centre. The speciality of the temple is that it has a naturally formed Shiva Lingam. People believe that Lord Shiva started his journey from Saho to the Manimahesh Kailash Peak where he eventually settled. The Bhasmasur Dance is one of the main attractions that you can witness during the annual fair held on the temple premises. It is generally held in September.
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Fairs And Fests
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The Minjar Fair is the major festival celebrated at Chaugan in July or August for abundant harvest. The Sui Mela is held at the Sui Mata Temple in April’s second week to thank Rani, who ended the town’s water problems. The Manimahesh Yatra is celebrated in August or September which involves trekking to the lake. The Chattradi Jatar is celebrated in September at the Shakti Devi Temple and includes a marked dance performance.
Weather And Best Time To Visit Chamba Town
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Chamba’s climate is moderate as the maximum temperature peaks at around 35 degrees Celsius, and the lowest temperature hovers around 3 degrees Celsius. Summers are from March to June, the monsoons arrive in July until the end of August or September, and the winters start from October to February. The best time to visit and explore Chamba Town is during the summer and after monsoon from September to December.
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How To Reach Chamba Town
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- You can get to the Kangra Airport, which is 116.3 km away from Chamba Town, and hire a cab to reach Chamba Town.
- The nearest railway station is the Pathankot station which is 117.7 km from the town. You can hire a taxi or bus to reach the town centre.
- You can easily connect with Chamba by road as the town is well-connected to popular cities and accessible via highways.
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Chamba Town is a spectacular place that holds immense cultural and historical value. You cannot miss it on your trip to Himachal Pradesh! The town has much to offer in terms of bustling tourist spots and quiet corners to relax. It is the ultimate destination for solo travellers and those travelling with friends/family. When are you booking your trip to the gorgeous Chamba?
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chamba Town
Why is Chamba famous?
The picture-perfect town is located between snow-capped mountains and valleys making it a quiet nature’s retreat for travel enthusiasts.
What was the previous name of Chamba?
The old name of the quaint town was Champa which was later changed to Chamba.
When to visit Chamba?
Tourists can visit Chamba anytime during the year as the weather is always amazing. But if you want the best views, you can visit from March to June and September to December.
Which language do people of Chamba speak?
Chambeali is the primary language spoken in the town.
Does Chamba get snowfall?
Yes, you can expect snowfall in Chamba in January and sometimes in December when the temperature dips the most.
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