Chamba travel Guide

On the north-western side of the state Himachal Pradesh, the Chamba town is placed on a plateau on the bank of the river Ravi. It is 915 meters above mean sea level. The valley is located between the grand Dhauladhar and Zanskar range in the southern part of the inner Himalayas.

As a former princely State, it is one of the oldest in the century and dates back to the sixth century. It is well known for its splendid architecture and a base for numerous excursions. It is also the district headquarters.

Chamba blossomed as the ancient capital of the Pahari Rajas; it was named after King Sahil Varman’s daughter Champavati. Today it is the quintessential valley township, famous for its myriad temples, forests and charming hill folk.

Chamba is a delight from a tourist’s point of view. Chamba has many things to offer to a tourist in form of many temples and festivals. Chamba’s main attraction is not only the grandeur of nature in this town but also a number of intricately built temples.

Chamba Weather

In winter, the temperature gets very low because of cold winds, when heavy woolens are required. It is hot in summer and the temperature rises up to 38 degrees

How to reach Chamba

By Air

The airport at Gaggal in Kangra is at a distance of 185 km, this is the nearest airport. It takers around six hours to reach Chamba from this place. As the flights are limited, and location is far off travelers generally avoid air journey.

By Bus/ Taxi: Distance from Chamba

 By Rail

The nearest railhead is Pathankot, 120 km away. Pathankot is on Delhi Jammu Railway line and there are plenty of trains to choose from at different timings after that you can go by road.

Places of interest in Chamba

Champavati Temple

The main temple of Chamba is the Champavati temple. This temple is dedicated  to Champavati who was daughter of the founder of this town.

Laxmi Narayan Temple Complex

This is a small temple complex with six main Shikhara style temples and several smaller shrines, this is renowned for its finely executed classical forms.

Hari Rai Temple

The 11th-century Harirai Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is also made in the Shikhara style and has a triple headed statue of Lord Vishnu made from eight different materials. (Ashtdhatu)

Chowgan

Chamba’s wide concourse is the hub of much of towns activity and also serves as its promenade.

Rangmahal

This old palace is an interesting mix of colonial and local architectural styles.

Bhuri 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, paintings and stone carvings.

ST. Andrew’s Church

Over a century old, this is a dressed stone structure with lancet windows.

Bharmour (69 Km)

Its 84 ancient temples at a height of 2141m are well known. It is also the summer home of the nomadic Gaddi people.

Manimahesh (98 Km)

This sacred lake (4183m) is associated with Lord Shiva and is a site of annual pilgrimage from mid of August to mid of September each year. Distance from Bharmaur is 28 Km.

Chatrati (45 Km)

An attractive temple to Shakti Devi is located here.

Trekking

Chamba is also an ideal place if one wants to get engaged in mountain sports and trekking. From chamba one can go in to an exciting trekking expedition to dhauladhar and pir pranjal ranges. Chamba is a beautiful town and is a gift to human kind by Mother Nature. The greatest attraction of chamba is its high peaks and the lush green vallys and is a must go for anyone who wants to get away from the regular hustle bustle of city life and find some peace.

Handicrafts

Chamba rumals are moments of ecstasy captured by the Chamba embroiders. It is largely based upon the Kangra and Chamba schools of painting. Worked in details in beautiful colors, the stitches are so closely and finely spaced that no gaps are visible. It may conjure up vision of a handkerchief but to the discerning it is a form of adornment.

The Chamba Rumal or handkerchief about 2 to 6 feet in length is an important part of a Chamba bride’s trousseau. These are also used for covering gifts placed on metal & bamboo trays and baskets on any special occasions as birthdays, weddings, festivals or fairs.

Khajjiar Travel Guide

Often called India’s Switzerland, the exquisite glade of Khajjiar (altitude 1960m, 6500 feet) has a circumference of about 5 km. It is a small picturesque saucer-shaped plateau surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests, Along its fringes, thick forests of deodar climb the slopes, the snow-line rests above these woods.

At Khajjiar there is a 12th century temple dedicated to Khajji Nag (serpent god) from which the name is believed to have been derived. In the mandapa of the temple one can see the images of the Pandavas and the defeated Kaurvas hanging from the roof of the circumambulatory path. The sanctum of the temple has been beautifully carved from wood.Khajjiar has an islet with a small lake surrounding it. The lake has been neglected over the years and its waters, which at one time reflected the clear blue skies, today give its resemblance to a shallow pond.

The lake is unfortunately squeezing due to silting problem and the growth of weeds. Grazing herds of sheep, goats and other milch cattle present a prefect pastoral scenery. The presence of animals provides a rural background to the place and it looks so beautiful to see the herds of animals grazing in the glade.

Khajjiar weather and Climate

In winter, the temperature hovers around freezing point with snowfall and heavy woolens are required. In summer, the climate is mild and light woolens / cottons are recommended.

How to reach Khajjiar

By Air

The airport at Gaggal in Kangra is at a distance of 160 km, this is the nearest airport. It takers around five hours to reach Khajjiar from this place. As the flights are limited, and location is far off travelers generally avoid air travel.

By Bus/ Taxi: Distances from Khajjiar

By Rail

The nearest railhead is Pathankot, 105 km away. Pathankot is on Delhi Jammu Railway line and there are plenty of trains to choose from at different timings after that you can go by road.

Dalhousie Travel Guide

One of the most sought after hill stations in Himachal Pradesh is Dalhousie. Built on five hills, Dalhousie is located on the west of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. The hill station of Dalhousie is full of old world charm and holds lingering echos of the Raj era. It covers an area of 14 sq. km. and is built on five hills – Kathlog, Patreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun. It is named after the British governor General of the 19th century, Lord Dalhousie. The town’s heights varies between 525 m and 2,378 m, and is surrounded by varied vegetation – pines, deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendron.

Dalhousie has charming colonial architecture, including some beautiful churches. Its location presents panoramic views of the plains and like a long silver line, the river Ravi twists and turns below Dalhousie. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains are also visible form this enchanting town.

The lingering old-world charm of colonial era reminds us of the times when British took hold of the reins of this city from Raja of Chamba. Dalhousie is also famous for its public schools. The evergreens here include huge pine trees, deodars, oaks and rhododendron plants. Its old churches from British Raj are worth a visit.

Dalhousie Climate

In winter, the temperature can drop to freezing point when heavy woolens are required. The summer temperature are mild and light woolens / cottons are recommended.

Summers

Summer season in Dalhousie lasts from mid-March to mid-June. In this season, temperature is moderate and thermometer fluctuates between 15.5 deg C and 25.5 deg C. When rest of India experiences hot and humid weather, Dalhousie remains pleasant and cool. Thus, people who want some respite from merciless hot temperature opt for the hill resort.

Winters

Dalhousie experiences heavy snowfall and even rain in winters, which last from November to February. The winters are tough here. Being located at high altitude, the place experiences minus temperature in winters. So in winters required woolen cloths like like shawls, sweater, cardigans etc.

How to reach Dalhousie

By Air

The airport at Gaggal in Kangra is at a distance of 135 km, this is the nearest airport. It takers around four hours to reach Dalhousie from this place. As the flights are limited, and location is far off travelers generally avoid air travel

By Bus/ Taxi: Distance from Dalhousie

By Rail

The nearest railhead is Pathankot, 80 km away. Pathankot is on Delhi Jammu Railway line and there are plenty of trains to choose from at different timings.

Tourist Spots in Dalhousie

Churches:

There are four beautiful churches in Dalhousie. These are 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.

Subhash Baoli (1 km):

It was at this enchanting spot surrounded by majestic trees, that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose spent time in 1937, contemplating and meditating. It is named after Subhash Chandra Bose, who is believed to have visited the place every time he traveled to Dalhousie. The spring of Subhash Baoli is situated at a height of 6,678 ft in Dalhousie and provides excellent views of snow-capped mountains.

Panchpula (3 km):

This is a picturesque spot where a stream feed a series of pools. A monument has been built here in memory of the freedom fighter, Sardar Ajit Singh. Located at a distance of 3 kilometers from Dalhousie, Panjpulla or a memorial with five bridges is a popular tourist attraction. It has a natural tank and calming surroundings. There are several small natural pools here that are fed by perennial streams.

Kalatop wildlife santuary(10 km):

This wild life sanctuary is a home to the Ghoral, Himalayan black bear and barking deer. The sanctuary is full of versatile flora and fauna.  Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary also offers good trekking & mountaineering opportunities to travelers, for further exploration of nature as well as adventure.

Shopping in Dalhousie

Gandhi Chowk and Subash Chowk

Both these spots are market places, full of attractions for shopping, with historical importance. Shops and restaurant situated near Gandhi Chowk show the lifestyle of Dalhousie. Similarly, Subhash Chowk houses Himachal Handloom Industry showrooms, where travelers shop for indigenous artifacts and products.