Chamba Hill Station

INTRODUCTION (Chamba)

Chamba was founded by Raja Varman who named the town after his daughter Champavati.The small own of Chamba is located amidst the Shivalik ranges and is famous for its temples. The architecture of the temples of Chamba reflects the unmatched architectural superiority of the Indian sculptures.Chamba has a grassy promenade which is the focus for the Sui Mata and Minjar festivals.

Location: At an altitude of 926m.Chamba is 56 km from Dalhousie via Khajjiar.

Distance: 600 kms from Delhi

Weather Summer: 38C- 15C Winter: 15C-8C
Temperature(deg C): Summer- Max. 39, Min. 8; Winter- Max. 10, Min. 1.1.
Languages : Pahari(local language),Hindi and Himachali
Best Time to Visit : March-June

HISTORY(Chamba)

Chamba was a part of the Mughal Empire 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.Raja Varman who named the town after his daughter Champavati.The small town of Chamba is located amidst the Shivalik ranges and is famous for its temples.

PLACES TO SEE (Chamba)

Laxmi Narayan Temple : It is the most famous tourist attraction place in Chamba.There are six temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.Three temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and another three to Lord Shiva.

Brajeshwari Devi Temple: This is the temple dedicated to goddess Durga and is famous for the fine carved sculptures.The style which makes the temple different from others is the shikara style and in top there is a wooden amalaka.

Chamunda Devi Temple: This is one of the famous temples in this quieenee valley,The Chamunda Devi temple is dedicated to goddess Chamunda,the wrathful form of Durga.One can find the fine wood carved ceiling featuring animal and floral motifs .This temple is located in the hilltop and gives a clear view of the Chamba valley .The devoties offer little brass bells to get their wish fulfilled.footprints of the Goddess is one more thing one can see.

Sui Mata Temple: The sui mata temple is in between the Chamunda Devi temple and Brajeswari temple.This temple is dedicated to Sui Mata, the local princess of Chamba who sacrifice her life for the people of her kingdom.Colourful paintings on the temple wall depicts the story of SuiMata.

Gandhi Gate: The Viceroy of British Government Lord Curzon had got a warm welcome by a bright orange gateway built in 1900 . It is the main gatway of Chamba.

Bhuri Singh Museum: The rich culture of this valley yhe Basohli and Kangra style of paintings is collected in this musium .Particularly the miniature paintings of the this two schools are jewells of Indian classic paintings.

EXCURSION (Chamba)

Dalhousie : Acquired by the British from the Raja of Chamba, it is famous for its public schools.It is about 42 km from Chamba.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Chamba is famous for its vivid festivals. The Sui Mata festival is held for four days in March/April every year in memory of princess Sui. She is known to have scrificed her life for the cause of her people,that is, the people of Chamba.

At the time of the harvest of the maize crop which is the main crop of this region the local people in order to show their happiness and to enjoy after a hard toil celebrate.the festival is named as Minjar festival.

TREKKING

Chamba valley is famous for trekking as it has three well-definned snow ranges Laskar,Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal .

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Air : Nearest airport is Dharamshala connected to Delhi by Vayudoot services.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Pathankot (120 kms) which is connected to all the major cities of India.

Road: Important road distances are: Amritsar 245 kms, Kangra 180 kms, Pathankot 120 kms, Shimla 422 kms, Manali 470 kms, Mandi 334 kms, Jammu 229 kms, Dharamshala 180 kms, Dalhousie 56 kms, Khajjiar 30 kms etc.