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Chamba is the northwestern district of Himachal Pradesh, in India. The
towns of Dalhousie and Khajjhiar, which are popular hill stations are
vacation spots for the people from the plains of northern India, are
well-known in the district. Chamba is one of the oldest Native States in
India, having been founded during the late sixth century. It is situated
in the bosom of the Himalaya Mountains, and the boundaries are as follows:
On the north-west and west, Jammu and Kashmir; on the north-east and east,
Ladakh, Lahaul and Bara Bangahlaa; on the south-east and south, the
districts of Kangra and Gurdaspur. The Ravi river flows through this
district. Many hydel projects have come up here.
FACTS & FIGURES: CHAMBA
Languages Hindi and Himachali
Best time to visit March-June
STD Code 01899
BEST TIME TO VISIT : CHAMBA
The best time to visit Chamba is between March and June
HISTORY : CHAMBA
The local Rajput rulers ruled Chamba valley in the 6th century AD and made
it their capital city. Raja Sahil Verman founded the town in 10th century
and named it after his daughter Champavati. It was a part of the Mughal
Empire in the medieval period 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, when India became independent in 1947.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS : CHAMBA
The Laxmi Narayan Temple is the main tourist attraction of the town. The
architecture of the six temples in this complex is an example of the Hindu
shikhara style of architecture. However, the local flavor is distinct and
makes the carvings on these temples unique. Three temples are dedicated to
Lord Vishnu, and another three to Lord Shiva. The temple was built in the
10th century AD and was renovated in the 16th century. This Laxmi Narayan
Temple complex also some fine sculptures of residing deities, which
include figures of Lord Vishnu (of the Hindu trilogy), Goddess Laxmi
(Goddess of wealth), Narasimha (Lion form of Lord Vishnu) and Lord
Krishna.
Chowgan, the grassy promenade at the heart of the town, is the focus for
local festivals.
To the northeast of the Laxmi Narayan temple lies the small Surara
temples. Nearby is the Brajreshwari Devi temple, dedicated to Goddess
Durga. This temple is constructed in the of traditional shikhara style and
is known for intricate carvings on its surface.
The Chamunda Devi Temple is located on a hill overlooking the town of
Chamba and one has to climb for about 30 minutes to reach it. This temple
is dedicated to Chamunda, the wrathful form of Goddess Durga. The entire
wooden ceiling of this temple is embellished with intricate carvings
depicting floral motifs and different deities. This temple has a number of
brass bells, offered by the devotees, and footprints of the Goddess on a
small pillar.
The Sui Mata Temple is located between the Chamunda Devi temple and
Brajreshwari Devi temple, and is dedicated to Sui Mata (a local princess,
who gave her life for the people in Chamba). Colorful paintings within the
temple depict the life of Sui.
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.
Other temples to visit in Chamba are the Radha Krishna Temple, the Sitaram
Temple and the Champavati Temple.
The Rangmahal or the Old Palace is another important place to visit and
houses the Himachal Emporium, from where the travelers can buy handicraft
items. The Bhuri Singh Museum has a good collection of artifacts belonging
to this region. Of particular importance is the collection of traditional
miniature paintings. St Andrew's Church and Gandhi Gate are also worth
visiting.
HOW TO REACH : CHAMBA
BY ROAD - There is neither an airport nor a railway station in Chamba. The
bus station in Chamba is located near the Chowgan. The bus service from
Chamba to Bharmaur (3½ hours), Dharamshala (10 hours), Khajjiar (1½
hours), Dalhousie (3 hours), and to Pathankot (6 hours) is very good.
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