CHAMBA Tourist Guide ( Chamba - Khajjair - Dalhousie Circuit Guide)
About Chamba
Chamba town (915m), is one of the most beautiful towns of Himachal , made famous by the Movie "Tal", Chamba is located on the right bank of the river Ravi.
Chamba is a former princely State, it is one of the oldest towns as well as known for its splendid architecture and a base for numerous excursions. Chamba is famous for its Chaugan and Mani Mahesh Yatra. Chamba is also the district headquarters.
How to Reach Chamba
Chamba is connected by road and is 580 km from Delhi. It is 24 km from Khajjiar, Dalhousie via Khajjair, is 56 km. The closest railhead is at Pathankot, 118 km away. The airport at Gaggal in Kangra is at a distance of 170 km. Taxis/buses are available from these places.
CLIMATE : 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
Top 10 Reasons - You Must Visit Chamba Himachal
Minjair festival - The World Famous Festival
Minjair Festival in Chamba is a week-long festival ( World Famous) & celebrated in the month of July or August every year. It is celebrated in the month of Shravan according to Hindu calendar. & takes place in the Chaugan area which is converted into market place during the festival. TheMinjar festival attracts visitors and participants from all across the country. The cenral attraction of the Minjar Fair is the colourful processions of various deities. People dress up in silk tassel, The procession starts at Akhand Chandi Palace and terminates at the Police Lines Nalhora.
LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE COMPLEX :
With six main Shikhara style temples and several smaller shrines, this is renowned for its finely executed classical forms.
HARI RAI TEMPLE : This is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and dates back to the 11th Century.
THE 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.
AKHAND CHANDI PALACE : Now a college, this imposing building once housed Chamba's ruling family. Much of the original craftsmanship can still be seen.
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 charming 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.
CHATRARI (45 Km) : An attractive temple to Shakti Devi is located here.
Chamba - 25 Quick Points of Interest
Chamba Coordinates: 32°34′12″N 76°7′48″E
Country India
State Himachal Pradesh
District Chamba
Chamba is world famous for Khajjiar Lake+Chamunda Devi Temple+Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary+Bhuri Singh Museum+Chamera Dam
Chamba main Culture/Religion Hindu
Chamba Elevation 3,268 ft 996 m
Chamba PIN 176310
Chamba Telephone code 01899 STD code
Chamba Vehicle registration
Chamba Nearest Airport Gaggal airport 135 km
Chamba 2nd Nearest Airport Pathankot 120 Km
Chamba Nearest Train Station Pathankot 120 km
Chamba Nearest Main City kullu 245 km
Chamba Distance from Delhi 628 km.
Chamba Lowest Temprature −1 °
Chamba Highest temperature 39 °C
Chamba Tourist Months March to June
Chamba Main River Ravi River
Top 5 Attractions in Chamba
Khajjiar Lake
Chamunda Devi Temple
Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhuri Singh Museum
Top 5 Accomodation in Chamba
Hotel Aroma Palace
Hotel Bharmour View
Hotel City Heart
HotelAshiana Regency
Top 5 Restaurants in Chamba
Hotel Anantson Resorts
Jagan Restaurant
Park View Restaurant
Top 5 Events in Chamba
Suhi Mata Mela
Minjar Mela
Best HPTDC Hotels to Stay in Chamba
THE IRAVATI
Modern and centrally located Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel Iravati at Chamba. Surrounded by flowering bougainvillea and set in an attractive lawn, this by far, is the best place to stay in Chamba.
ADDRESS : The Iravati, Chamba (H.P.) - 176310. Tel: (01899) - 222671. Fax: (01899) - 222565 E-mail: dalhousie@hptdc.in
CLASS : Deluxe Hotel
FACILITIES :
•Rooms are airy, spacious, decently furnished with attached baths and running hot & cold water. Satellite Television
•Room service, Laundry, Parking within premises, Doctor on call, Restaurant.
Best Restaurants in Chamba
CAFE RAVI VIEW : HPTDC runs Cafe Ravi View near Chaugan.
Excursions Around Chamba - Must Visit Places
KHAJJIAR
Often called India's Switzerland, the exquisite glade of Khajjiar (1960m) has a circumference of about 5 km. 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. Within the temple are life size wooden images of the five Pandav brothers.
How to Reach Khajjiar
Khajjiar is connected by road and is 23 km from Dalhousie and 26 km from Chamba. It is 520 km from Delhi. The closest railhead is at Pathankot, 120 km. The airport at Gaggal in Kangra is at a distance of 180 km. Taxis and buses are available from all these places.
Best Hotels in Khajjiar
THE DEVDAR
On a hill, at the edge of a meadow, Hotel Devdar is sheltered by pines and spruce. The hotel offers a panoramic view of the meadow and surrounding forest. It's peaceful ambience is ideal for those who seek solitude.
ADDRESS : The Devdar, Khajjiar (H.P.) - 176314. Tel: (01899) - 236333 E-mail: dalhousie@hptdc.in
CLASS : Deluxe Hotel
Check availability and book The Devdar
FACILITIES :
•Rooms are airy, spacious and decently furnished with attached baths and running hot & cold water.
•Satellite Television, Parking, Restaurant.
DALHOUSIE
In western Himachal Pradesh, 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 average height is 2036 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.
How to Reach Dalhousie
Dalhousie is 485 km by road from Delhi and 52 km from Chamba. The closest railhead is Pathankot, 80 km away. The airport at Gaggal in Kangra is at a distance of 135 km . Taxis and buses are easily available from these places.
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.
Why you must Visit 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.
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.
KALATOP (10 km) : This wild life sanctuary is a home to the 'ghoral' and Himalayan black bear.
SHOPPING : Tibetan handicrafts including pullovers and carpets at Dalhousie. Chamba Slippers, 'Rumals' and Shawls at Chamba town.
Best Hotels to Stay in Dalhousie
THE MANIMAHESH - Delux Hotel in Dalhousie
Named after the adobe of Lord Shiva, Mount Kailash-Manimahesh (5656m) visible from Dalhouise, is a modern hotel with all amenities. This deluxe hotel offers commanding view of snow-clad ranges and plains.
ADDRESS : The Manimahesh, Dalhousie (H.P.) - 176304 Tel: (01899) - 242793. E-mail: dalhousie@hptdc.in
CLASS : Deluxe Hotel
Note : During May-June would be sold on CP Plan i.e. Bed Tea and English Breakfast for Rs. 150/- per person.
FACILITIES : •Rooms are airy, spacious, decently furnished with attached baths and running hot & cold water.
•Satellite Television
•Restaurant, Room Service. Doctor on call.
•Conference Hall, Lounge and Bar. Parking within premises.
•Tariff on Continental Plan
•Mastercard / Visa Credit Cards accepted
THE GEETANJALI - Best Budget Hotel in Dalhousie
An economy hotel for practical people, the Hotel Geetanjali offers a good view of the area.
ADDRESS : The Geetanjali, Dalhousie (H.P. )- 176304 Tel: (01899) - 242155. E-mail: dalhousie@hptdc.in
CLASS : Budget Hotel
Note : The tariffs are on CP basis.
FACILITIES :
•Rooms are airy, spacious and decently furnished with attached baths and running hot & cold water.
•Satellite Television, Restaurant.
•Tariff on Continental Plan
References: Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation web site.