Charming Chamba nestles on a plateau on the right bank of the Ravi River like a medieval Italian fortress. It was founded by Raja Sahil Varman in early 10th century and was perhaps known as Chamba as it was full of fragrant Champaka trees and guarded by Goddess Champavati. The town is known for its ornately carved temples, palaces and stylised buildings. In fact, there are about 84 temples in and around Chamba.
Laxmi Narayana Temple:
The richly carved temple complex in ‘Shikara’ style was built by Shahil Varman in the 10th century. Other shrines in the complex are – Radha Krishna temple, Shiva temple of Chandergupta and Gauri Shankar temple etc.
Hari Rai Temple:
The 11th century shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Other important shrines of Chamba are – Champavati, Vajreshwari, Sui Mata and Chamunda Devi.
Chaugan:
The grassy ground is a public promenade in the heart of Chamba. It is a centre for all activities, the most important being the famous Minjar Fair. Other attractions are, the Akhand Chandi Palace, the residence of Chamba royalty; Rang Mahal, the fortified palace which was once used as a royal granary and treasury; Bhuri Singh Museum, providing an insight into the history and culture of Chamba.
Around Chamba
Chhatrari (40 kms):
It is famous for the 8th century shrine of Devi ‘Adi Shakti’. The temple is one of the holiest places in the hills.
Saho (20 kms):
The beautiful site on the right bank of Sai River is known for an ancient temple of Lord Shiva as Chandra Shekhra. An annual fair is held here in August/September.
Bharmour:
It is 65 kms. from Chamba and was the original capital of Chamba state. Bharmour was known as Brahmpur in 6th century and its glorious past is reflected in its ancient temples and monuments. The most important existing shrines are – Manimahesh, Lakshnadevi, Ganesh and Nar Singh. Bharmour is also the land of legendary ‘Gaddies’ a semi-nomadic and semi-pastoral tribe, who spend the summer on the alpine pastures grazing their sheep and goats and move down to lower regions in winters.
Around Bharmour
Manimahesh (35 kms):
The sacred lake of Manimahesh nestles at a height of 3950 metres at the base of the peak called as Manimahesh Kailash. On the banks of the lake is a small marble Shivalinga called as ‘Chaumukha’. The Shaivite pilgrim site is considered as important as the shrines of Amarnath, Kedarnath and Rameswaram etc. A large number of devotees undertake the famous ‘Jatra’ of Manimahesh in the mouth of August/September, which commences from Laxmi-Narayana temple in Chamba.
Dalhousie:
The hill resort par excellence nestles amidst the oak and pine trees on the outer slopes of the Dhauladhar ranges. Lord Dalhousie, the founder of the resort conceived it as a sanatorium due to its bracing climate and scenic beauty.
Panchpula of Five Bridges:
The scenic site has five small bridges over the streams emerging from natural tank, A ‘Samadhi’ in memory of sardar Ajit Singh, a freedom fighter and uncle of great martyr Bhagat Singh is built here.
Kynance:
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose stayed here at the bungalow of Dr. N. R. Dharamvir of Lahore. Netaji came to Dalhousie after his release from British jail on health grounds.
Subhash Baoli:
An enchanting water body amidst dense woods was the favourite palace of Netaji during his 7 months stay in Dalhousie in 1937.
Laxmi Narayan Temple:
The 150 year old shrine at Sadar Bazar enshrines a beautiful image of Lord Vishnu.
Churches:
Dalhousie is studded with four beautiful churches- St. Andrew’s Church and St. Patrick’s Church at Balun; St. Francis Church at Subhash Chowk and St. John’s Church at Gandhi Chowk.
Radha Swami Satsang Bhawan & Hospital:
It is an important site for the followers of the Radha Swami sect of Beas (Punjab). The Satsang Bhawan near Moti Tibba is visited by a large number of followers. The present Radha Swami chief Baba Gurinder Singh ji visits Dalhousie twice a year.
Around Bharmour
Kalatop (10 Kms):
It is one of the best picnic spots of the region. The sanctuary here is home to the ‘ghoral’ and Himalayan black bear.
Khajjiar (23 Kms)
The lush meadow is endowed with exceptional scenic beauty and is often referred by names like, ‘Mini Switzerland’ and ‘Gulmarg of Himachal’. It also has a small lake with an island in the centre. Near the lake is a beautifully carved temple of Khajjinag, dating back to 12th century.
HOW TO REACH
By Air: Nearest airport for Chamba is Jammu (245 Kms.) & Amritsar.
By Rail: Nearest rail head is Pathankot (120 kms).
By Road: Well connected by road, with all parts of the country.
