| FACTS
& FIGURES
Population : 19,000
Languages : Hindi and Himachali
Best time to visit : March-June
STD Code : 01899
THE TOWN OF 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.
LOCATION
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.
VISITING TIME
The best time to visit Chamba is between
March and June
THE PAST
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 various 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.
TOURIST SPOTS
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.
Chowgan, the grassy promenade at the heart of the town,
is the focus for local festivals.
To the northeast of the Laxmi Narayan temple lies the
small Surara temples. Nearby is the Brajreshwari Devi
temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga. This temple is constructed
in the of traditional shikhara style and is known for
intricate carvings on its surface.
The Chamunda Devi Temple is located on a hill overlooking
the town of Chamba and one has to climb for about 30
minutes to reach it. This temple is dedicated to Chamunda,
the wrathful form of Goddess Durga. The entire wooden
ceiling of this temple is embellished with intricate
carvings depicting floral motifs and different deities.
This temple has a number of brass bells, offered by
the devotees, and footprints of the Goddess on a small
pillar.
The Sui Mata Temple is located between the Chamunda
Devi temple and Brajreshwari Devi temple, and is dedicated
to Sui Mata (a local princess, who gave her life for
the people in Chamba). Colorful paintings within the
temple depict the life of Sui.The 11th-century Harirai
Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is also made in the
Shikhara style and has a triple-headed statue of Lord
Vishnu made from eight different materials.
Other temples to visit in Chamba are the Radha Krishna
Temple, the Sitaram Temple and the Champavati Temple.
The Rangmahal or the Old Palace is another important
place to visit and houses the Himachal Emporium, from
where the travelers can buy handicraft items. The Bhuri
Singh Museum has a good collection of artifacts belonging
to this region. Of particular importance is the collection
of traditional miniature paintings. St Andrew’s
Church and Gandhi Gate are also worth visiting.
SITES NEARBY
The picturesque Chamba valley is the
home of a number of important places like Dalhousie,
Khajjiar and Bharmaur. Dalhousie is 43 km from Chamba
and is an important station. Khajjiar is 24 km from
Chamba and is a grassy meadow, amongst the pine trees
with a pond in the middle. Sixty-five kilometers southeast
of Chamba is Bharmaur and is famous for its trekking
trails and temples.
FAIRS AND 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 (Rangmahal)
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.
SHOPPING
Travelers hunting for souvenirs can
visit the Old Palace that houses the Himachal Emporium,
from where they can buy handicraft items like embroidered
fabrics and brass items.
HOW TO REACH
There is neither an airport nor a railway
station in Chamba. The bus station in Chamba is located
near the Chowgan. The bus service from Chamba to Bharmaur
(3½ hours), Dharamshala (10 hours), Khajjiar
(1½ hours), Dalhousie (3 hours), and to Pathankot
(6 hours) is very good.
PLACES TO EAT
Chamba is famous for its hot chili sauce
known as chukh, which is a mixture of green and red
peppers, lime juice, mustard oil and salt.
|
