Chamera Lake is located near the town of Dalhousie in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It is part of a hydroelectric plant situated on the river Ravi, which was conceived in 1994. Since the lake is artificial, there is a notable absence of aquatic life, which helps promote water sports such as boating, kayaking, sailing, and canoeing, all of which are supported by the local government. An interesting feature of the region is the fluctuating temperature, which varies between 18 and 35 Celsius depending on the time of day.
Facts About Chamera Lake – A Paradise on Earth
Situated at 1700 meters above sea level, the Chamera Lake truly feels like a slice of paradise on Earth. Part of the Chamera reservoir, this artificial lake provides a perfect hillside getaway for tourists looking to soak in the serene views of the surrounding Chamba hills.
Just a short drive from the small town of Dalhousie, the surrounding forests and hills boast splendid views of the lake. It is also a popular destination for trekking and camping. Adventure seekers can soak in the mesmerising views of the Himachal countryside and enjoy the lake’s many aquatic sports activities. Although this reservoir has no natural aquatic life, the local government has introduced aquatic life into the lake to promote fishing, boost the local economy, and promote tourism in and around the lake.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Dalhousie
Chamera Lake – Timings and Travel
Image Credit: Arati AK Bhandare for Wikimedia Commons
The official time that the lake is open to the public is from 9 AM to 7 PM. The surrounding roads and forests of the lake are frequented by many during the early hours of the day to enjoy the surrounding flora and fauna before the bustle of the day begins. Summer happens to be the most popular time to visit Dalhousie, between March and early June. During this time, the weather is quite soothing and offers the perfect relaxing atmosphere compared to the scorching heat of the metropolitan cities. The maximum temperature during these three months never exceeds 30 Celsius.
Most people visiting the lake stay at Dalhousie since it is the closest developed town in the surrounding area. However, there are also several good-quality hotels and quaint little homestays in and around the lake for those looking for a more disconnected experience. The closest one is about 6km from the lake. The drive down from Dalhousie towards Chamera takes almost 2 hours to cover 60km through the winding hilly roads, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding hills and forests. A local taxi service can arrange this short trip for around 2500Rs during the off-season and north of 3000Rs during the peak tourism season.
Places To Visit In And Around
If a visit to Chamera Lake isn’t enough to fulfil your adventurous desires, do not worry—there are several gorgeous sites nearby. A visit to Chamera Lake and the Chamba Valley would be incomplete without exploring this beautiful river valley’s captivating surroundings.
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Bhandal Valley
This beautiful valley, filled with luscious green meadows and cascading waterfalls, is rich with Himalayan flora and fauna. Often dubbed the ‘Garden of Chamba, ’ the Bhandal Valley is a popular trekking route for adventure enthusiasts. At just over 50km from Chamera, it is a perfect getaway if you have some extra time on your hands.
The valley is also home to the Gangul Siabehi Wildlife Sanctuary, which creates the perfect spot for trekking and bird-watching. Also in the vicinity are multiple quaint cottage homestays that blend in with the surroundings and form the perfect getaways for some peace and quiet.
Suggested Read: Homestays In Dalhousie
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Bhalei Temple
The Bhalei Mata Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bhadra. Legend has it that the idol at this temple was found by Raja Pratap Singh and placed at that very site hundreds of years ago. Situated at over 3800 feet, it is also one of the highest temple constructions in India. The temple is 40km from Chamba.
The deity is in front of an image of a black stone two feet high and is enshrined in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. Bhadra Kali draws a large number of pilgrims from far and wide, especially for the big havan ceremony performed during Navaratri.
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Khajjar
Khajjar is a hillstation just 22km from Chamba. This serene piece of heaven is fondly called ‘mini-Switzerland’ due to its striking topographical similarities to the European country. It is also famous for the Khajji Naga shrine which is a temple devoted to the serpent god Naga.
The Khajjar Valley is about 2,000 metres (6,500 ft) above sea level in the foothills of the Dhauladhar ranges of the Western Himalayas. It is also part of the Kalatop sanctuary, which is situated nearby. In Khajjiar, HP Tourism runs a hotel and some cottages where tourists can stay. There are also two rest houses, one each for P.W.D. and the other for the Forest Department. A couple of private hotels have also opened if travellers have a preference.Suggested Read: Honeymoon In Dalhousie
Gangul Siabehi Wildlife Sanctuary
The high-altitude wildlife sanctuary of Gamgul is located in the Bhandal valley in Salooni tehsil of Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh. The state of Jammu and Kashmir adjoins it at the northern end. It’s said that this is the only sanctuary located in Himachal Pradesh that has reported Kashmir stag. The sanctuary is also home to many native and migrating birds that keep the sanctuary active all year round.
It is a short 2-hour drive from Chamba, but the winding mountain roads and panoramic views of the Himalayas make the drive well worth it.
Further Read: Places To Visit in Chamba
The Chamera Lake and the quaint little town of Chamba must be a must-visit to anyone with a sense of adventure and appreciation for mother nature. The endless green hills and the bountiful Himalayan fauna captivate the mind and the body alike. So what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Himachal today, and don’t miss out on the experience of a lifetime!
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Cover Image Source: Amit J Sangekar for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Chamera Lake
Is the Chamera Lake deep?
The Chamera Lake has an average depth of 750 metres, so yes It is deep.
Is Chamera Lake a naturally formed water body?
No, the Chamera Lake is a man-made construction part of the Chamera Dam reservoir
Can we swim in the Chamera Lake?
Due to its depth and connection to the hydroelectric project, swimming is strictly prohibited at Chamera Lake.
What are the boating costs at Chamera Lake?
The standard boating charge at the Chamera Lake is 300Rs for adults and 200Rs for children with a lifejacket included.
Is fishing allowed in the Chamera Lake?
Yes, fishing is allowed but the equipment has to be self-brought, as there is no local contingency that allows you to rent out fishing gear.
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