History
Chamba has a rich history and heritage that entails many of dynasties. The earliest rulers of Chamba were Kolian tribes followed by Khasas and Audumbaras who ruled this part of the world in 2nd century BC. In 4th century AD Thakurs and Ranas came into power. From 7th century forward the Gurjara Pratiharas who hailed from Rajput dynasty ruled Chamba. Through the treaty of Lahore that was signed in 1846, the rulers agreed to cede Chamba to British Empire. Post-Independence the princely state of Chamba finally agreed to merge it with India on April 15, 1948.
Geography
Lattitude - 32° 29' N
Longitude - 76° 10' E
Altitude - 1,006 metres
Weather
Chamba is characterised by temperate climate. The average temperature of summer here that stretches from April to June varies between 38 °C and 15 °C. Winters that last from December to February vary between 15 °C and 0 °C. The minimum temperature in winters can drop down to as low as ?1 °C. The average rainfall of the town is measured at 785.84 millimetres. Monsoons generally stay misty, humid and cloudy.
Best time to visit
March to June
Places to visit in Chamba
Akhand Chandi Palace
Akhand Chandi Palace is a residential building which was built in-between 1748 and 1764 AD. The place was renovated during the reign of Raja Bhuri Singh and later it was given to Government of Himachal Pradesh. The palace is ideally located, offering bird eye view of Chaugan, Laxmi Narayana Temple, Sui Mata, Chamunda Devi Temple, Rang Mehal, Hari Rai Temple and Bansi Gopal Temple.
Best Time to Visit: All round the year; trekking from November to March
Bhuri Singh Museum
Bhuri Singh Museum is located in Chamba and was officially opened in 1908. It is named after Raja Bhuri Singh who ruled this region from 1904 to 1919. The museum preserves many ancient relics, coins, paintings and artefacts of historical importance. The museum remains open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM throughout the year except on Monday and other gazetted holidays.
Best Time to Visit: All round the year; trekking from November to March
Bharmour
Bharmour is a small village, located 60 km from Chamba, known for its exquisite scenic beauty. The backdrop of Bharmour is adorned by Pir-Panjal and Dhauladhar range while the valleys of Ravi and Chenab nourish it.
Best Time to Visit: All round the year; trekking from November to March
Champavati temple
Champavati Temple is beautiful complex located in Chamba behind the Police Post and Treasury building. Raja Sahil Varman built this temple in the memory of his beloved daughter Champavati who is believed to be the inspiration behind the Chamba town.
Best Time to Visit: All round the year; trekking from November to March
Chamunda Devi Temple
Chamunda Devi Temple is dedicated to goddess Chamunda Devi and is located at a distnaceof 24 km from Kangra and 15 km from Dharamshala. Surrounding the temple complex are the enchanting views of Dhauladhar, the Baner Khad and Dadh. Behind the temple there is a cave where a Shivling representing Nandikeshwaris is also present.
Best Time to Visit: All round the year; trekking from November to March
Chaugan
Chaugan has now become the centre of all activities in Chamba. Chaugan literally means 'four-sided. It was levelled by British in to a single patch in 1890 to serve as cricket ground and public spot. It has now become a picnic spot and place for people to enjoy walks.
Best Time to Visit: All round the year; trekking from November to March
Dalhousie
Dalhousie is a beautiful hill resort located in the western part of Himachal Pradesh. It was named after Lord Dalhousie, the British Governor in the19th century.
Best Time to Visit: All round the year; trekking from November to March
Hari Rai Temple
Hari Rai Temple is a major landmark which is located in the north-western part of Chaugan in Chamba. The temple has an elaborate architecture and is built in the appealing Shikhara style.
Best Time to Visit: All round the year; trekking from November to March
Kilar (Pangi Valley HQ)
Killar is an appealing village located around the Chenab River in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh. Apart from being a beautiful hamlet and housing the famous Det Nag Temple, Killar is also the headquarters of the Pangi sub division.
Best Time to Visit: All round the year; trekking from November to March
Laxmi Narayan Temple
Laxmi Narayan Temple is one of the primary temples of Chamba. It was built in 10th century AD by SahilVarman. The temple is constructed using Shikhara style and consists of Shikhara, Garbh-Griha and small Antralya.
Best Time to Visit: All round the year; trekking from November to March
Manimahesh Lake
Manimahesh, the pious abode of Lord Shiva is located 27 km from Bharmour. The close proximity of Manimahesh Kailash Peak to the PirPanjal Range and the majesty of Manimahesh Lake make this place simply divine.
Best Time to Visit: All round the year; trekking from November to March
Rang Mahal
Rang Mahal is one of the biggest monument of Chamba situated in the Surara Mohalla of Chamba. The architecture of this monument has been built taking inspiration from the Mughal and British architecture styles. It has now been taken over by the Handicrafts Department of the State Government.
Best Time to Visit: All round the year; trekking from November to March
Saho
Saho is a small village located on the right bank of Sal River, 20 km from Chamba. Saho is famous for the Lord Chandra Shekhra temple which is believed to be 10th century architecture.
Best Time to Visit: All round the year; trekking from November to March
Sui Mata Temple
Sui Mata Temple is located on the Shah Madar Hill just above the Saho road. The temple is divided into three parts and has a very interesting legend associated with it.
Best Time to Visit: All round the year; trekking from November to March
Vajreshwari temple
Vajreshwari is a very old temple, believed to be more than 1000 years old. It is dedicated to the Goddess of lightening and is located at the remote corner of Jansali Bazar in Chamba. It is built in the famous Shikhara style.
Best Time to Visit: All round the year; trekking from November to March
Chhatrari
Chhatrari is a rustic village mostly inhabited by Gaddies (local shepherds). It is located 45 km from Chamba at the height of 1800 m. Chhatrari is famous for the picturesque milieus and Shakti Devi temple built in typical hill type architecture.
Best Time to Visit: All round the year; trekking from November to March