Day 47 - Chamba

Chamba is an ancient town and a district in the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh. The town is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir in the north-west and west, by Ladakh and Lahaul in the north-east and east and by Kangra and Gurdaspur on the south-east and south. Historically, Chamba was ruled by the Maru Dynasty. Chamba is named after a local princess, Champavati. Bhamour was the capital of the Maru rule at the time of Raju Maru, in 500 AD. But later it was shifted to the town of Chamba in 920 by Raja Sahil Varman on the request of his daughter Champavati.Chamba has a long history. It was ruled by almost 67 kings of the Maru dynasty. The first ruler of Chamba was the Kolian tribes. In the 2nd century, it was ruled by Khasas and Audumbaras.  In the 4th century the Thakurs and Ranas ruled. It was also ruled by the Gurjara Pratiharas, the Rajput dynasty in the 7th century. Finally the British came and took over Chamba in 1846.


How to reach here:


By Air: Gaggal airport in Kangra valley is the nearest airport. The airport is 185 km away from Chamba.

By Rail: Pathankot is the nearest broad gauge railhed, which is 122 km away from Chamba town. Pathankot is well connected to Amritsar, Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi.

Best time to visit: Mar to Jun, Sep to Dec.


Languages spoken: Hindi, English.


Must eat: Moong dal, Madrah of rajma, boor ki kari.


Famous Restaurants: Jagan, Cafe Ravi, Park view.


Places you must visit:


Bhuri Singh Museum ,started in 1908 at Chamba is named after the illustrious King Raja Bhuri, who had contributed his family compilation of paintings to the museum. The inscription in Sarda scripts that are exhibited in the museum give vital information on the medieval account of Chamba.The Chamba rulers were great patrons of arts and culture, and the Museum houses outstanding collections of Guler-Kangra style Paintings. It is sure that the Basohli style paintings, which illustrates the Bhagwat Purana and Ramayana catches the attention of the visitor. Other fascinating attraction of the museum is the Chamba-Rumals that are famed for stunning embroidery work. In addition to all these, the Museum also holds Armour and arms, coins, hill jewelry and costumes, musical instruments and diverse ornamental artifacts.




Rang Mahal was founded by Raja Umed Singh. Once the abode of a division of the ruling reign this wonderful palace displays a perfect mixture of British and Mughal style architecture. The walls of this 18th century monument are wizened with fine exemplars of Punjab hill style wall paintings, which portray the life of Lord Krishna. A number of ornamental and vibrant wall paintings have been detached and taken to Delhi National Museum.




One among the imperative attractions of Chamba is the magnificent Central Park which provides panoramic views of the entire hill station. A verdant field, which is the jamboree of all the activities in the town, the central park, is the largest crowd puller in the city in recent years. This fabulous spot, on the precipice over River Ravi is also known as Chaugan and the most remarkable construction in this place is the Gandhi gate that immortalizes Lord Curson’s visit to Chamba. The park was a prominent spot for cricket tournaments during the British reign and now it houses various fairs and carnivals apart from being a Polo ground. This meadow is the hub of local trade and its vast stretch of luscious greenery makes it a popular esplanade. A beautiful temple of lord Shiva, where the famous Manimahesh Yatra takes place is an added attraction here.



Chamunda Devi Temple is situated on the banks of the beautiful Baner River.This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the ferocious incarnation of Durga Devi. Situated in a lovely ambience, this temple commands the pretty sights of the majestic mountains and the woody forests of Lahl and Pathiar. Chamunda Devi temple is believed to be 750 years old and it holds a fabulous legend, which says that it was here that the Goddess Ambika killed the two demons by name Munda and Chanda. The main deity in the temple is wrapped in a red cloth so that the devotees are not allowed to touch.A huge temple complex, the Chamunda Devi Temple also holds a boulder, which depicts the stone lingam of Lord Shiva. The temple premises are enshrined with the images of numerous other gods and goddess.



Church of Scotland was founded by the mission of Church of Scotland. Its arched windows and intricate carvings represent the Scottish style architecture. Constructed with modest bricks, its austere fascia & ornamental foundation lies entrenched in its baked walls. Built in the year 1903, this church building is now converted in to a library by the authorities.




Dedicated to the lord Vishnu, Shri Hariraya temple is located adjacent to the Central Park. Built in stone, this temple also exhibits the Shikhara style architecture. The deity’s bronze image with the three face is made out from eight different materials that presents a fine implementation. This 11th century temple is the abode of the other deities such as lord Shiva, Surya and Aruna. The main deity is artistically ornamented with bracelets, finger-rings, armlets, a beaded garland, mukut, necklaces, and kundals. Finely carved Shikharas and the superb sculpture of Vishnu straddling six horses have got an enchanting appeal. The saffron coloured shrine is supposed to have great antique value. It is the only structure that has been coated with saffron colour and stands out because of its prominent colour. The temple enshrines a marvelous bronze image of Lord Vishnu in the form of Chaturmurti.

Laxmi Narayan Temple is the oldest and the largest of all the temples in Chamba. It is a  10th century temple built in the Shikhara style by Sahil Verman. These temple complex houses six shrines dedicated to either Vishnu or Shiva. The main idol of Lord Vishnu is made up from a rare piece of Marble that has a glittering appearance. The temple complex also holds shrines dedicated to other deities like Gauri Shankar, Radha and Krisha. The temple consists of Garbhgriha, Shikhara or Bimana and a mandapa. The temples are constructed in such a way that it perfectly suits the climatic conditions of the locality.