Chamba India

Area : 6,528 sq. km. (11.72% of HP)
Location : Situated on the north-west and west of J&K; Lahaul and Bara Bhangal on the north-east and east; District of Kangra on the south-east; district of Gurdaspur (Punjab) on the south in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Altitude : 996 m.
Population : About 460,499 (according to Census 2001)
Climate : Ranges from semi-tropical to semi-arctic.
Temperature : Between 36 C in summer and 0 C in winter
Best Season : Throughout the year
Clothing : (Summers/Winter) Light Woollens/Warm Woollens

Chamba
The district is wholly mountainous with elevation ranging from 2000 to 21000 ft.. Chamba is blessed with some of the most spectacular and enticing landscapes rare to see anywhere. Chamba is a travellers paradise with lofty snow dresses peaks, far down gorges, extensivess green valleys, fast falling rivers, majestic mountain lakes, flower adorned meadows, magnificent temples and monasteries. Chamba is packed with all sorts of delight - be it for relaxing, sightseeing, trekking, mountaineering or just strolling Chamba has it all.

In the higher reaches of the Ravi Valley, about 56 km from Dalhousie, Chamba is hooked on a little plateau about 100 m above the river. The capital of an ancient kingdom, Chamba was founded in 920 AD by Raja Sahil Varma who named it after his daughter Champavati. Surrounded by high ranges, Chamba developed its own form of architecture and art. Chamba, known for the brilliance of its temples and for its impressive miniatures and handicraft ,has preserved most of its heritage with utmost care and respect.

Arriving At Chamba
By Flight : The closest airport is at Gaggal in Kangra valley, 180 km from Chamba. Indian Airlines operates its flights on the Delhi-Dharamsala sector.
By Trackways : The nearest narrow gauge railway station is Pathankot, 122 Km. Chamba town is 122-km from Pathankot, the closest broad gauge railway station, which is linked by direct trains to Amritsar, Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta. Chamba is well-connected with major places in and outside the state.
By Roadways : Chamba is well connected by road. Regular bus service is available from Dalhousie and one can also hire jeeps, but it is relatively expensive.

The Major Fascinating Sights at Chamba
Lakshminarayanan Temple
There are six ancient temples in a group, carved in stone, with rising vimanas. Built around the 8th century AD, these temples are dedicated to both Shiva and Vishnu. The Lakshminarayan Temple is the oldest in this group, is beautifully ornamented.

Bhuri Singh Museum
It is a collection of exquisite miniatures from the Kangra, Basholi and Chamba schools of painting. There are also murals and paintings from the Rang Mahal Palace which were demolished in fire.

Chaugan
A large grassland forms the heart of the town and the axis of all its cultural activities. Every year, the colourful Minjar Mela celebrating the harvest is held here.

Hari Rai Temple
This is a 11th century temple located near the Chaugan. It has an impressive bronze image of the Chaturbhuj - the four armed Vishnu, enshrined in the sanctum.

Chamunda Devi Temple
Chamunda Devi Temple is settled just 1 km from the Chaugan. The temple overlooking the river is dedicated to the goddess Chamunda Devi, the temple is decorated with fine wood carvings.

Kalatope Khajjiar Sanctuary
30-km from Dalhousie to Chamba along the eastbound road from Gandhi Chowk is a short but steep scaling, which leads to the Kalatope wildlife sanctuary, from where one can walk into an alluring path.