Chamba at its best
- Hariraya/ Harirai Temple : Dedicated to
Lord Vishnu, the Creator of the world, it dates back to 11th
century. This temple has its beauty in the Shikara form(boat shape),
with minute carvings all over. Shadowed behind the Gandhi Gate
(1900), built to welcome Lord Curzon, then Viceroy to India, it has
the idol of Lord Vishnu in the form of Charmurthi(four idols). Its a
must visit place for those going to Chamba.
- Chamunda Devi Temple: Looked after by
Archeological Survey of India, this temple has the Lord Shiva as its
deity. Beautiful carvings on the lantils, walls and the walls make
it a work of art. Apart from it, the sceneric beauty adds up to its
charm as the entire city can be seen from its hill top.
- Akhand Chandi Palace : The Celestial
Residential place of the Chamba Family, its construction was started
by the King Umed Singh. Later on it was reconstructed by the King
Sham Singh with the help of British Engineers. In 1958 the Palace
was sold off by the Kings to the Government of Himachal Pradesh. It
still stands the beauty with its artistic glass work, ceiling and
the intricate woodwork.
- Pahari Miniature Paintings : Painting
like the Abhisarika (woman in love) painting and the Pahari(of
mountains ) miniature painting are the ones to look out for. For the
painting lovers its one more addition to their collection and what
an addition!
- Church Of Scotland : Taking the memories
to Scotland this Church has everything to remind you of Scotland.
Founded by a Mission of Scotland it has fine stone work and buttress
and lancer arch windows.
- Rang Mahal : If you are in Chamba you
will definitely hear about it, the Rang Mahal(Castle of Colors).
Founded by the King Umed Singh, its has an architecture of Mughal
and British Style. Once a residential branch of the ruling Chamba
Family it is now in the hands of Handicrafts Department of State
Government.
- Chowari Jot (Chowari Pass) : Located
almost in the midst of Chamba and Chowari, this Pass provides you
with the beauty of Khajjar and Kainthli Dhar full of deoder and kail
trees.Touching a height of 8000ft it snows heavily in the winter and
has a pleasent season in the winter. Ideal for trekking this is a
must visit place for nature lovers.
Where and Why
There are so many places to visit especially the temples when you are
in Chamba. One should began the visit from the Harirai Temple- the
temple of the Lord Vishnu. Known for its architecture you must have the
camera with you to take ;lot of pictures with you, especially if you are
an architect. Near to it is the Laxmi Narayan temple and the Chamunda
Devi Temple. Ages old temples these have braved the centuries go by as
they still stand to see the future. Visit them not only for their
architecture but also go get blessing from the Lord.
Then there are places for those who love the history and the historical
places. The Rang Mahal(Castle of Colors), Akhand Chandi Palace(Royal
Residence of the Kings Of Chambal) and the Bhuri Singh Museum. Look at
the artistic values of Chambal artists, awe at the miniature painting
full of colors and delve yourself in the colors of majestic chambers.
Photographs taken here and memories uploaded will overload you for
lifetime.
Chambal is not just about temples, its also about natural beauty. Take
a walk around the town and visit the apple ladden farms and the flowers
ridden gardens and houses. Watch out the natures blessings at the
Chowari Pass. Run, laugh, watch, indulge, hike; do whatever you want to
do in this beautiful place. The best thing to do here is to reach the
top of the hill by Trekking. Go ahead, what are you waiting for!
Adventures don't end here. Just nearby Chamba (around 35kms) is the
Khajjar Wildlife Sanctuary. Indulge yourself in all kind of wildlife
activities here as you get to see the wild cats, Serows, blackbirds and
the beautiful lillies. Spend your night here in the Forest Lodge and
have your dinner along the bonfire.
A little of shopping can also be done here for the local embroidery in
the Shawls and the Handkerchiefs.
But along all this don't miss the Sui Mata Festival held every year in
the months of March/April. (Contact your tour operator to know the exact
date of the festival). This festival is held in the memory of Princess
Sui who gave her life to protect the people of Chamba. An idol of the
Princess is taken from the Old Palace to the Shrine among music and
dance.
Another festival, the Minjar Festival is held in the Months of late
July/early August marking the harvesting of annual Maize Crop. It
culminates with a procession to River Ravi and throwing of the silk
tassels or Minjars (representing sheaves of maize), worn by men and
women into the river.
