Chamba himachal Pradesh : Chamba district is a part of Himachal Pradesh State in India and Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Bharmour and Chamba are the part of District Chamba.  Chamba conjures up picture of distant land known for enchanting folklore unspoiled life style and cultural heritage, at once, unique and abundant. The landscape with its rugged beauty beckons the restless spirit. “Chamba –des-achambha” goes the saying above the town of Chamba,”if you come here for a day you spend a full month”. The town sprawls lazily over a big plateau under the pine covered Shah Madar hill on the right bank of Ravi and nestles in the care of snow laden mountains. The plateau of Chamba is divided in two extensive terraces. Mighty and majestic palaces mark this division on the outer edge of upper plain, bringing into view their splendour from the down town Chowgan which unrolls as a grassy carpet somewhere in the middle of the town.

Chamba Himachal Pradesh : Chamba Himachal Pradesh is the most attractive and ideal valley for various types of tourism. It is situated at 996mts in the bosoms of the Himalayan Mountains on the bank of the Ravi River and is known for its scenic beauty, landscapes. the  valley has its own cultural heritage with rich art and culture due to cool climate and peace atmosphere, considerable flow of tourist from all parts of country and abroad poured into the valley to see its glamour. conjures up picture of distant land known for enchanting folklore unspoiled life style and cultural heritage, at once, unique and abundant. The landscape with its rugged beauty beckons the restless spirit.; Chamba; des-achambha; goes the saying above the town of Chamba,”if you come here for a day you spend a full month;.

Chamba Himachal Pradesh is bounded on the north-west by Jammu and Kashmir, on the north-east and east by the Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir and Lahaul and Bara Bangal area of Himachal Pradesh. On the south-east and south by the District Kangra of Himachal Pradesh and District Gurdaspur of Punjab State. The town sprawls lazily over a big plateau under the pine covered Shah Madar hill on the right bank of Ravi and nestles in the care of snow laden mountains. The plateau of Chamba is divided in two extensive terraces. Mighty and majestic palaces mark this division on the outer edge of upper plain, bringing into view their splendor from the down town Chaugan which unrolls as a grassy carpet somewhere in the middle of the town.

Bazaars flank this green and we overlook the blue stream of Ravi encircling and flowing past the town. We can behold the tiny villages in their natural setting of fields far beyond. Chamba presents a continuous pattern of blue -grey roof-tops if you view this town from Chamunda temple located on the southern spur of Shah-Madar hill. Interspersed among the houses and shops are the ancient temples; their lofty spires making the godly presence felt, urging the devout to bow his head with reverence. Lanes converge on the cross-roads, winding as they do they touch the entry point of every house.

Famous Places in Chamba Himachal Pradesh:

 

Luxmi Narayan Temple in Chamba: Which occupies a large compound in the northern sector of the town. Six large temples stand in a row facing east, three temples are devoted to Lord Vishnu and three other to Lord Shiva constituting the largest group in this part of the country. Luxmi Narayana is the presiding deity of Chamba Town. It is a Vakunth murti of marble covered with a acretitionery clothes, jewellery and golden caskets bearing portraits of rajas of Chamba. Another worth mentioning is the bronze group of Gauri Shankar (c.1025 AD) standing in fluid grace, Nandi depicted behind the divine couple. Smilingly Gauri and Shankar look on the devotees with benevolence and with abhay-mudra blessed them ever. Strict schedule of pooja archana is followed through out the day.

 

Museum of Chamba: Museum is one of the important place for all of us. Bhuri Singh Museum was inaugurated in 1908 by Raja Bhuri Singh. As name suggest Museum is named due to late king of Chamba Bhuri Singh. It is a variety house of exquisite paintings of the famous Kangra  and Basholi schools. It contains Chamba Rumal portable sourced most probably in the 2nd decade to 20th century. Here you can see coins of different king's and dresses and lot more but the main attraction of Museum is Tambar Patre. Letters written in copper plate. Research revealed that must of Tambar Patre were found in Chamba. Uttar Pradesh is the main city where you get these letters but 80 percentage of those are from Chamba and even now a days too we are getting them.

 

Maa Suhi Devi Temple Chamba: Suhi temple and the legends that adhere to it are as old as the Chamba town itself. The Suhi temple is situated on an elevation of shah-madar hill in the east of the town. According to an old story, Chamba was in difficult conditions due to water. Water is not easily available in Chamba. the Charpat Nath Yogi said to Rani that one member from the King's family have to sacrifice if they want to bring water in Chamba. The same night, Rani Sunayana, wife of Sahil Verman, had a dream that only if she sacrifice her son, husband or herself the state will get the water. Water would flow into the channel. Finally Rani decided to sacrifice herself for bringing the water in the state. In the next morning, she wended her way up to the spot near the village of Maloona, where a grave was dug and she buried her self a live. The legends goes on to say that when the grove was covered with stones and earth water begins to flow. Later on Sahil Verman constructed a small shrine on the spot where his wife, Rani Sunayana laid herself to rest.

 

Chamunda Devi Temple Chamba:

This temple is located on the spur of the Chamunda Hill overlooking the town to its south east. The temple stands on a raised platform. The temple has artistic carvings on its lintel, pillars and the ceiling. Behind the main temple is a small shrine of Lord Shiva in the Shikhara style. There is another platform in front of this temple where two very old peepul trees provide shelter to the visitors. From this platform a bird's eye view of most of the land marks in the town including Chouwgan, Circuit House, most of the temples and river Ravi can be had. The temple is being looked after by Archaeological Survey of India. This temple can be approached by road from Chamba ( 3 km. ). The temple is an ideal picnic spot throughout the year because it has an easy approach and a commanding view.

 

Chamba Rumal: Chamba embroidery is done on both the sides on plain fine cotton or silk cloth. It is done in running stitch without any gaps in between and space filled so that the same figure appears on both sides of the cloth. Sunni embroidery is done on one side of the cloth. The Chamba Rumal conjures up an image of a finely embroidered miniature painting. Historically, the craft mainly flourished during the reign of Raja Umed Singh of Chamba (1748-68). The oldest Rumal dates back to the 16th century and is said to have been embroidered by Bebe Nanki, sister of Guru Nanak. This piece is now kept in the Sikh shrine in Hoshiarpur. Another important Rumal was presented by Raja Gopal Singh to the British in 1883 and is now displayed at the Victoria Albert Museum, London. This piece depicts the battle of Kurukshetra.

 

Akhand Chandi Palace Chamba:

Construction of this residential building of the Chamba family was started by Raja Umed Singh sometimes between 1748-1764 AD. The place was rebuilt and renovated during the reign of Raja Sham Singh with the help of British engineers. The Darbar Hall (Marshal Hall) was built in 1879 by Capt. Marshal and the Zanana Mehal was added in the reign of Raja Bhuri Singh. The subsequent additions and alterations clearly betray the Mughal and the British influence. In 1958 the Palace building was sold by the descendants of the royal family to the Himachal Government. The latter handed it over to the Education Department for the purpose of starting a Government College and District Library. The beautiful structure of the palace with its painted walls and glass work, ceiling, intricate woodwork are fast deteriorating, since sufficient funds are not available for the maintenance of this monument. The palace has a commanding view of the Chouwgan, Laxmi Narayana Temple, Sui Mata, Chamunda Devi Temple, Rang Mehal, Hari Rai Temple and Bansi Gopal Temple.

 

Bhalai Mata Chamba:

 

The temple of Bhader kali popularly known as Shri Bhalai Mata is located on a beautiful square of 3800 feet height at a place called Bhalai which is now a sub-Tehsil headquarters. The temple can be approached either from Chamba or from Dalhousie side and is at a distance of 40 kilometers from Chamba and 35 kilometers from Dalhousie. The deity is in the front of an image of black stone of two feet height and is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Bhader Kali draw a large number of pilgrims from far and wide. A big havan ceremony is performed during navratras of Ashwin and Chait months. The temple of Bhader Kali seems to have been built originally by Raja Partap Singh during his reign. He was a religiously disposed king and has to his credit construction, repair and renovation of many temples in the district. The legend is that the deity appeared to Raja Partap Singh in dream and told him that she was lying hidden in a place called Bhran about three kilometers from the present site of temple.

 

Chamba Church : Situated in the main Chamba market is the beautiful Chamba Church. This Church was erected by Raja Sham Singh and gifted to the church of Scotland mission for the use of the Christian community in Chamba. Its foundation stone was laid on 17th February, 1899 A.D. and its work was finished in 1905 A.D. There is also a 100 years old Piano of a very different kind. It is still in harmony. It is played like a Piano, but pumped as a Harmonium by the feet. Over the Hundred years old this church was founded by a mission of Church of Scotland. This Church is remarkable for its fine stone work and buttress.

 

Government College Chamba : The old Palace is now the Government College of Chamba. It is a very beautiful building. It also houses the Chamba Library. There is also an IGNOU ( Indira Gandhi National Open University ) Study Centre in the College. It is open from 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. It is opened in Sunday from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. but only for counseling. College complex has a beautiful fountain in the centre of the Palace, but now a days due to lack of funds these fountains are unable to run by the Authorities.

 

Shiva Temple Sahoo Chamba: Chandrasekhar Temple at Sahoo There is a beautiful temple devoted to Lord Chandershekhar in the heart of Saho village. According to one belief , this temple was constructed by Raja Sahil Varman and according to the other belief, the temple was constructed by Satyaki, the son of King Bhagota. the inscription on a slab discovered from the village now preserved in Bhuri Singh Museum in Chamba town unfolds that Satyaki had married to Somprabha, a daughter of Kishkindha royal family. Kishkindha finds mention in Ramayana as the realm of the monkey king Sugriva but here it denotes Himgiri pargana. Satyaki is said to have built this temple to establish unshaken friendship between Somprabha and mountain daughter, Parvati.

 

Manjari Garden Chamba: The proposed site is located at the entrance of the entrance of the town on the bed of Ravi river. This site has been built by the Department of tourism by making 3 lawns which has been covered with green grass and a good place for picnic also. Presently wall statue are being build on wells to depth the culture of Chamba which has recently been appreciated by the Minister of Tourism during his recent visit to Chamba from Tourism angle. There is a proposal to provide Restaurant facility in the vicinity. The site is approachable by road.

 

Chamba is the most attractive and ideal valley for various types of tourism. It is situated at 996mts in the bosoms of the Himalayan Mountains on the bank of the Ravi River and is known for its scenic beauty, landscapes. the valley has its own cultural heritage with rich art and culture due to cool climate and peace atmosphere, considerable flow of tourist from all parts of country and abroad poured into the valley to see its glamour. conjures up picture of distant land known for enchanting folklore unspoiled life style and cultural heritage, at once, unique and abundant. The landscape with its rugged beauty beckons the restless spirit. “Chamba -des-achambha” goes the saying above the town of Chamba,”if you come here for a day you spend a full month”. Here is a very panoramic view of Chamba valley after the Rain.

 

Chamba Library : Inside the Government College of Chamba is the old Chamba library. You can find books on almost every topic of Himachal Pradesh here, i.e. Himachal history, geography, states, books explaining ancient art and culture along with photographs of ancient coins, armor etc. If you are interested in the monuments, manuscripts, ornaments, wooden articles of utilities etc., found in the Bhuri Singh Museum , then you must visit Chamba Library. f you are interested in the monuments, manuscripts, ornaments, wooden articles of utilities etc., found in the Bhuri Singh Museum, then you must visit Chamba Library. Here you can find truck loads of books on these topics. There is also an office situated near the library and you can find various books on other topics here. And not to mention, you can also find mystery-thriller and adventurous novels of various writers here. 

 

Hari Rai Temple Chamba : This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and dates back to 11th century. It was probably built by Salabahana. This temple lies in the north-west corner of the main Chaugan, which had became the official entrance to the town by the end of 19th C. A steep path leads to the old Shitla bridge, which was constructed in the year 1894. The temple is built in Shikhara style and stands on a stone platform. The Shikhara of the temple is finely carved. This is one of the major old temples, which is away from the old township and the only one near the Chaugan.

Brajreshwari Temple Chamba:- This ancient temple is believed to be 1000 years old and is dedicated to Devi Vajreshwari-Goddess of lightning. The temple is situated on the northern most corner of the town at the end of Jansali Bazaar. No historical record of the temple is available. The temple is built in the Shikhara style with wooden Chhattries and stands on the platform. The Shikhara of the temple is elaborately carved. There are two other minor temples on either side of the main shrine. Brajreshwari Temple, Chamba (HP) This temple is also of Shikhara style built in stone at the entrance of Sarota outside the town dedicated to goddess Vajreshwari. It is known for its fine sculpture. It is believed to have been erected in eleventh century A.D. There is a short tree-line inscription carved on one of the two pillars in front of the entrance of the shrine. There are eighteen brief one-line epigraphs on the outer walls of the temple. An inscription on the pillar records that on the 17th day of Asadh 1992, the work was started in the temple. . This work evidently refers to the repairs of renovation of the temple which was probably carried out during the reign of Udai Singh. At the entrance gate there are two dvarpalas standing with staff held in their hands. In the niches to the exterior of the temple the images of four-armed Durga seated on a lion and Vishnu in Vaikuntha form three faces-human, boar and lion-are depicted. The temple pillars are beautifully carved depicting various deities on them. The temple has a stone image of Mahishasuramardini, a form of Durga standing in alidha posture, placing her right foot over the asura emerging out of the buffaloes in human form carrying a sword and shield. The trident of the goddess held in the her right hand is shown pierced into asura's body. The goddess has eight arms. In her right hands she holds a trident, an arrow and chakra, while in her left hands she holds a shield, a bow and the tuft of the asura standing to the left. The fourth hand is broken. The image is not of great antiquity, but could be assigned to a date around 15-16th century A.D.

 

Champavati Temple Chamba: The temple of goddess Champavati is Shikhara style stands near the royal place and the tradition holds it that this temple was made in the name of Raja Sahil Verman's daughter Champavati. Champavati was of religious disposition and used to visit sadhu's place, the site of the present temple. The Raja grew suspicious of her going to sadhu, so he followed her one day with dagger drawn in his hand. But when he reached sadhu's places, he found neither sadhu nor his daughter there. A voice however came from the stillness upbraiding him from his suspicion and saying that his daughter has been taken away from his as punishment. He was further commanded to construct a temple in her memory to atone for his sin and to avert calamity to his family. The temple was accordingly built and named after the king's daughter, who is worshipped as goddess. The presiding deity in the temple is the goddess Mahishasuramardini, a form of Durga, whose image remains installed in the temple. In the courtyard of this temple there is a small shrine housing the image of Vasuki Naga and Wazir.

 

Chamba, Bansi Gopal Temple: This temple is also of Shikhara style and is situated in the vicinity of Chamba palace. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna whose image holding a flute is enshrined with Radha . In copper plate of Raja Balbhadra issued in A.D. 1595, mention is made of this temple. The occasion of the issue of the copper plate grant was the conservation ceremony performed by the King at the temple of Gopal now called Bansi Gopal. This shows that some repairs or renovation had been done to the temple and the completion of the work occasioned the ceremony. It is indicated in the inscription that the donated village was formerly granted by Ganesh Varman to a Brahman named Rama. The entrance gate of the temple depicts Ganga and Yamuna standing holding a vase. A curious feature of the temple is the depiction of amorous scenes of Khajuraho type on the exterior of the temple. In the niches outside the temple are depicted various deities, including Surya, Hari-hara, Krishna with flute, Hanuman, Mahishasuramardini, Anantasayi Vishnu, Vishnu with three faces (those of hanuman, a lion and a boar), Uma Maheshvra, Narsimha and Varaha.

 

Chamba Town : Located on the banks of the Ravi river the township resembles an Italian village fortress. The weather of Chamba is always pleasant, not too cold and not too hot because of its typical height of 1006 meters from mean sea level. A gentle cool breeze is refreshing the whole town at intervals. There are many famous places around Chamba Town. Chamba is known for its streams, meadows, temples, paintings, rumal ( handkerchief ) and lakes. Chamba Town sometimes experiences snowfall during winter that adds to the beauty of Chamba Town. The people of Chamba are very helpful and innocent. Chamba Town is also the main market for many villages from near and far.

 

Hidden Treasures of Chamba Himachal Pradesh India Near By Places for the sight seeing:

 

Bandal :- ( 78 km. ) A lush green place, this is the meeting point for the borders of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.

 

Salooni :- ( 56 km. ) with an excellent views of the surrounding hills, Salooni is located on a ridge at the entrance to Bhandal valley.

 

Sarol :- ( 8 km. ) A picnic spot in a landscape garden on the left bank of Ravi river. A tourist can get lot of information and also pleasure in visiting the sprawling horticulture farm, with many species of Cirus plants, Sheep breeding farm, Poultry farm, Bee keeping farm and canning unit of Sarol.

 

Shakti Devi Temple :- ( 40 km. from Bharmaur ) located at Chatrari. This temple is of great archaeological interest. The brass idol of the goddess is in the Kashmiri style.

 

Pangi Valley :- ( 167 km. from Bharmaur ) Pangi valley is a rugged country, severe in its topography, with high steep mountains and little vegetation. Pangi is the house of beautiful people and of colorful folk dances. The headquarters of the Pangi Sub-Division is at 'Kilar' located in deep, narrow hills by the Chenab river.

 

Lama Dal ( Long Lake ) :- Held sacred to Lord Shiva, this lake lies amidst bare rock. 'Lama Dal' means a long lake. It is in the inner slopes of Dhauladhar range. This is a group of seven lakes, the largest of all is Lama Dal. It is 20 km from Dainkund (Dayankund). It is said to have unknown depth.

 

Pangi Range :- This range of the Himachal in the Mid-Himalaya called Pir Panjal by geologists and Pangi Range by common people. It is the direct continuation of the main Himalayan axis entering the Himachal on the East of Bushier. After dividing Kullu from Lahaul-Spiti, it enters Chamba territory on the Western border of Bara Banghal and traverses the district for more than sixty miles. This range divides Chamba into two unequal sections and separate these from each other to such an extent that even in the summer there is comparatively little inter communications. The Northern or smaller section called Pangi and Chamba-Lahaul, is then completely isolated from the outer world. This range forms a second mountain barrier with magnificent snowy peaks, some of which reach an altitude of 19,000 feet or so. The mean elevation of the peaks cannot be less than 17,000 feet and the passes range from about 14,328 to over 17,000 feet. At the point where the Pangi Range first touches the Chamba territory, it gives off the Manimahesh branch to the south, which divides Chamba from Bara Banghal as far as the Ravi. Thence the boundary runs up to the summit of the Dhauladhar. Pangi is blessed by nature but the life is not so easy here.

 

History of Chamba:

 

Chamba is bounded on north-west by Jammu and Kashmir, on the north-east and east by Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir state and Lahaul and Bara-Bangal area of Himachal Pradesh, on the south-east and south by the District Kangra of Himachal Pradesh and Gurdaspur District of the Punjab.

 

The Chamba District is situated between north latitude 32° 11΄ 30″ and 33° 13΄ 6″ and east longitude 75°49 and 77° 3΄ 30″, with an estimated area of 6528 square Kilometers and is surrounded on all sides by lofty hill ranges. The territory is wholly mountainous with altitude ranging from 2,000 to 21,000 feet.

 

Regarding the early history of this region it is believed that this area was at time inhabited by certain Kolian tribes, which were later, subjugated by the Khasas. The Khasas too after a time came under the sway of Audumbaras (2^nd centaury B.C.). The Audmabaras had republican form of government and worshiped Shiva as their principal deity.

From the Gupta period (4th Centaury A.D.) the Chamba region was under the control of Thakurs and Ranas who considered themselves superior to the low tribes of Kolis and Khasas. With the rise of Gurjara Pratiharas ((7th Centaury A.D.) the Rajput Dynasties came to power. In circa 500 A.D., a legendry hero called Maru migrated to north-west from Kalpagrama (a mythical place from where majority of the Rajput dynasties claim their descent) and founded Brahamputra (Bharmour) in the valley of the Budhal river, seventy five kilometer to the east of present Chamba town. His successors continued to rule over the country from that capital city for over three hundred years until Sahil Varman shifted his capital from Brahamputra to the more centrally located plateau in the lower Ravi valley.

Sahil Varman  named the town after his beloved daughter Champa. His Rani voluntarily offered herself as a scarifies to bring water for the town’s people through a running channel which takes origin at a place called Bhalota. The layout of the plan of Chamba seems to be in conformity with the ancient texts. From then on the rajas of Chamba continued to rule from here in an uninterrupted and direct line of descent.

Chamba is the only state in northern India to preserve a well-documented history from circa 500 A.D. Its high mountain ranges have given it a sheltered position and helped in preserving its centuries old relics and numerous inscriptions. The temples erected by rajas of Chamba more than a thousand years age continue to be under worship and the land grant-deeds executed on copper plates by them continue to be valid under the law.

The Muslims never invaded Chamba, though it had its occasional fights with the neighboring states in the hills having similar cultural background. Thus, the damage to Chamba from these invasions was seldom serious and never beyond the possibility of repair. Even the powerful Mughals were kept at bay on account of difficulties involved in communications and long distances. Akbar tried to extend a loose control over the hill states including Chamba and attached fertile tracts of these states to the imperial territory south of Dhauladhar.

Aurangzeb once issued orders to the Raja of Chamba Chatter Singh (1664-1694AD) to pull down the beautiful temples of Chamba. But instead the raja in clear defiance to the Mughal ruler placed glided pinnacles on the temples. He was ordered to come down to Delhi to face the imperial wrath. But Aurangzeb himself had to leave for the Deccan from where he could not disentangle till the end of his life.

On the whole, the northern India experienced comparatively peaceful condition during the Mughal regime Raja Prithvi Singh (1641-1664 AD), a handsome and a gallant knight was favourite of Shahjahan and visited the imperial court many times. He introduced the Mughal style of court life including Mughal-Rajput art and architecture in Chamba.

On 15^th April 1948 merging three principal states formed A.D. Himachal…. Chamba, Mandi-Suket, Sirmour and all the other state falling in Shimla hills. Before Raja Sahil Varman came on the same the Chamba region was divided into bits and pieces of territory called Rahnu occupied by numerous Ranas and petty Chieftains who carried on relentless warfare with each other. Raja Sahil Varman subjugated the Ranas and unified the territory. Rajas, therefore, for better administration divided Chamba into five zones known as Mandlas. These Mandlas were later reamed as Wizarats. This five fold division of Chamba region continues till today. The Wizarats are now called Tehsil. These are Bharmour, Chamba, Bhattiyat, Churah and Pangi.

 

Fairs in Chamba Himachal Pradesh India: Minjar Fair, Suhi Mela, Chamunda Devi Mela

 

Festivals:  Baisakhi or Bisoa, Holi, Nag Panchami, Rath Rathni.

 

Climate: The summer temperatures range between 15° C and 38° C, while the winter temperatures usually remain between 8° C and 15° C.

 

Best time to visit: March to May and September to December is the best time to visit Chamba