Home »
Travel Guide » Chamba Travels
Chamba Travels
The town of Chamba, the district headquarter of Chamba district is situated in the western Himalayas between north latitudes 32°10' and 33°13' and east longitudes 75°45' and 77°33'. The town stands on a plateau on the right bank of the Ravi river valley between Dhauladhar and Zanskar ranges south of the inner Himalayas. This town was founded by Raja Sahil Varman when he conquered the lower Rani valley from the petty chiefs called Ranas and Thakurs in the beginning of 10th Century. It seems the original name of the town was Champa as mentioned in Kalhan's Rajtarangani.
In the bansauli or genealogical rolls of the Chamba Rajas a reference occurs of place which was adorned with highly fragrant Champaka trees and guarded by Goddess Champavati or more popularly known as Chameshni. The temple was built by Sahil Varman in the honour of his daughter Champavati who is worshipped as a goddess in Chamba. Champavati temple became the family temple of the ruling family.
Chamba town (915) stands on the Right Bank of the river Ravi. As a former princely state, it is one of the oldest in the country and dates back to the sixth century. It is well known for its splendid architecture and as the base for numerous excursions. It is also a district headquarters.
Places of see in Chamba
Hari Rai Temple:
This is dedicated to lord Vishnu and dates back to the 11th century.
Laxmi narayan Temple complex:
With six main shikhara style temples and several smaller shrines, this is renowed for its finely executed classification forms.
Other Temples:
The profusion of temples in Chamba and their craftsmanship is remarkable. Some important shrines are champavati, Vajreshwari, Sui Mata and Chamunda Devi.
The chowgan:
Chamba's wide concourse is the hub of much of the towns activity and also setves as its promenade.
Rangmahal:
This old place is an intersting mix of conical and saracenic architectural styles.
Akhand Singh Museum:
Named after Raja, Bhuri Singh of chamba this is a treasure house of chamba's rich past. The exhibits include copper plates murals, doorways costumes painting dressed stone structure with lancet windows.
Bharmour (93km):
its 84 km ancient temples at a height of 2141m are well known. It is also the summer home of the nomadic Gaddi people.
Manimahesh (93):
This sacred lake (4183) is associated with lord Shiv and it is the site of annual piligrimage. Chatrari (45km) An attractive temple to Shakti Devi is located here.
Chamba Travels, Reservation Form
