Chamba at a glance:

Coordinates: 32.5534° N, 76.1258° E

State: Himachal Pradesh

The small town of Chamba is located in a picturesque valley, amidst the Shivalik ranges and famous for its medieval temples. It is known for its local Festivals.Far from the mad rush of city life, Chamba is a small town popular for its picturesque views lined with deodar and pine trees its apple orchards and various temples. Chamba has a very long history. This town is named after a local princess, Champavati. The distance from Delhi to Chamba is 596 km and is a perfect place to visit with a lot of things to do over a weekend trip. This secluded, serene town is perfect for a weekend getaway.

How to Reach Chamba:

By Air: Gaggal airport in Dharamshala is the nearest airport at a distance of 124 km which is well connected to other international airports.

By Rail: Pathankot railway station is at a distance of 103 km.  Regular trains run from major stations of India -Delhi, Mumbai Amritsar, and Jammu.

By Bus: It is well-connected by road to most of the neighboring towns of the state and cities of the country. Private and Public buses are available throughout the city. You can also hire a cab .

Places to visit and Things to do in Chamba

Bhuri Singh Museum

Pic.Credit: Mouthshut

The Bhuri Singh Museum is a set in paradise if you are enthusiastic about Indian epics and texts. Originally written pages from the Mahabharata and the Upanishads are on display here, apart from the rare brass and copper engraved coins and such artifacts. This is a spot of great significance both historically and popularity-wise.

Chamera Lake

Pic.Credit: Indiamike

Tranquility is just a by-product of visiting Chamera Lake, as the tourists rave about how they can’t get enough of the beauty. The lake and the dam are complementary to each other and add to the view. Going on a boat ride during early winter mornings or simply diving into the crystal water will surely make you see life from a different perspective. Such is the charm of the lake!

Chaugan

Pic.Credit: Pinimg

Chamba is your type of shopping destination if you are into local handicrafts and everything organic. Central Chaugan is where you can find all sorts of stone and metal artifacts, which make lovely souvenirs, and the famous Chamba and Kangra paintings.

Church of Scotland

Pic.Credit: Viralstories

Just the spot for you if the words old world, library, and architecture appeal to you. The Church of Scotland, built-in 1903, is a quiet sanctuary for those in quest of lands that speak of antiquity, class yet still not intimidating visitors from all walks of life.

Hari Raya Temple

Pic.Credit: Ryan

India is known for the beauty it attributes to everything we have ever constructed. One of these aesthetic marvels can be found in the Hari Raya Temple in Chamba. This 11th-century temple is built using the rare Shikhara style of architecture on a stone platform. The deities of Ganga and Yamuna are present in the entrance. This is a must-visit place in Chamba.

Himachal Emporium- Rang Mahal

Pic.Credit: Shunya

Handicraft lovers, rejoice! The Himachal Emporium, housed in Raja Umed Singh’s Rang Mahal in Surara Mohalla, is the haven of all things handmade. It is quite popular among locals and particularly among tourists. The emporium timings ate 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple

Pic.Credit: Sarsonkekhet

Now you may mistake Chamba to be a run of the mill getaway destination with temples and lakes, and you may wish to steer clear of the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, but we would advise you the opposite. With the construction dating back to the 10th century, this is the most revered temple in the region. The main attraction of the temple includes the wooden chantries, which are built with regard to dynamic climatic conditions. An image of ‘Garuda’- Vishnu’s eagle is present on a metallic slab here. With so much history and splendor, this temple is not to be missed here and must be visited.

Manimahesh Lake

Pic.Credit: Himachalwatcher

A trek not for the faint-hearted for sure. The Manimahesh trek, stretching over 14kms lasts for 3 days and is an extremely trying and testing trek. Attempt only in groups with a good supply of ration and your stamina in check.

Shopping in Chamba

Chamba shopping scene is popular for handicrafts, the really-in-demand chappals, and pickles. Here’s where you can find them!

What to Eat in Chamba

Local Food and Cuisine

Chamba is located in Himachal Pradesh has predominantly North Indian Cuisine. However, you can also find some local Himachal cuisine over here too. Madra, a native delicacy of Chamba is made of lentils like Rajma and Kidney Beans, cooked in a lot of spices and dry fruits. Yogurt is a key ingredient, and made nearly everywhere with alterations and tastes heavenly.