Chamba is a town lying on borders of four states. Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. It is perched on lofty hills in Himachal Pradesh. It is seated near banks of Ravi river which is also a confluence of Sal River. Chamba the land of lord Shiva is famous for its untouched natural beauty. The district has Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Chamba Town, Pangi and Bharamour as main tourist destinations. There are five lakes, five wild life sanctuaries and countless number of temples. Chamba, is a small but attractive tourist destination of Himachal Pradesh, is known for its exquisite natural beauty. The place, located amidst picturesque and verdant valleys, is visited by tourist round the year. Sub-Himalayan range of mountains, river gushing across city, full of diverse flora and fauna, make Chamba an exhilarating experience. Pleasing climate of the place is another factor why Chamba is one among the popular tourist destination. Chamba is also popular for its quaint art and fairs. Soaked in music and dance for days, it is the most yearned destination for northern Indians. Even when British Raj was in India Chamba served as a princely state. Now town can demarcated in two halves old house and new house, old house era before British Raj and new after their developments in city. Let’s get a descriptive acquaintance to a valley resting on laps of mountains. 

HUES OF CULTURE

For a longer duration Chamba was a hidden gem. People here had no access to communication within cities and states. As it came out of isolation it’s culture was unique in its own way. A blend of Hindu and Pahari people, they have sting beliefs and practices towards religion. Their traditional outfit for women are ‘suthan’ and ‘pairahan’ clubbed with chadar(dupatta). For men it’s a shirt and pant with a cap. Chamba has a vibrant culture celebrated in festivals and fairs.

FOLK DANCE: Pharati or Khad-dumbi is a common dance form that is performed during important ceremonies such as wedding. Some other dance form popular here are Gaddi and Gujjar dances, Dandaras, Nat, Nachan, Dhamal, Dangi and Kikl. 

HISTORY

Chamba is one among the oldest city and princely states in India. Imprints from 2nd century it was ruled by Koliam tribes. Serval reigns and rulers came to Chamba but one prominent dynasty belonged to Rajputs. Maru came to Chamba around 500 AD and rajputs said to have left footprints for 300 years. Later Varman family ruled Chamba for a longer duration until British Raj invaded India. Chamba prospered and grew in varman shed. 

LOCAL DELICACIES

On every step you would feel culture and tradition in this valley. Daily food of Chamba is like every household of India but few local and regional dishes are: 
•   MADHRA  is made of lentils and beans added and cooked together and is served with roti or rice. 
•   DHAAM is a traditional dish and is cooked by botis. 
•  TUDKIYA BHHATT is a rice or local biryani. 
•   BHEY OR SPICY LOTUS STEM is a dish cooked and made of Lotus Stems. 
•  CHAA GHOST is a himachali mutton curry.
•  SIDHU is a baked and stuffed bread mostly found in Himachal. 
•  KULLU TROUT FISH s lip smacking non-vegetarian dish of Chamba made of fish. 

SOAKED IN FUN AND FAIRS 

• MINJAR FAIR : A very prominent and full of zeal festival and fair celebrated in Chamba is Minjar fair. It is inaugurated by a chief guest throwing a coconut in river Ravi. It is celebrated from second day of shravan month (July or August), by distributing Minjar to one another. People wear vibrant color clothes specifically silk tassel of Minjar. Many shops and kiosks are decked up and people through coconut in Ravi river, as a belief that all their sins would swim to another shore.
• SUHI MELA: This fair is organized annually from March to April for four days. There is a foretold tale that queen sacrificed herself to bestow town with water. Her grave, where was buried alive water originated and since then has been flowing. Fair is organized in same place and is majorly celebrated by women.  

PLACES TO VISIT

• CHAMERA LAKE: Chamera lake is the popular tourist attraction in Chamba. Water flowing amidst lofty mountains and scintillating view it is considered to be a nature’s blessing. Several water sports activities like canoeing, boating, kayaking and rafting are also organized by camps. Surrounded by mountains it is a hub for photographers connoisseurs.
• MANIMAHESH LAKE: Also popularly known as Dal lake, is situated on Pir Panjal range of Himalayas. It is mostly closed due to snowcapped mountainside, to reach here you have to trek a mesmerizing landscape of about 13km. It’s most revered after lake mansarovar. 
• HIMACHAL EMPORIUM, RAJ MAHAL: One of the most famous places to visit in Chamba, the red iconic palace is hard to miss. Rang Mahal, founded by Raja Umed Singh in the 18th century, is another place where you can spot an eccentric fusion of British and Mughal architecture. The striking architecture of the citadel makes it stand out of the town. The interiors of the fort are beautified with breathtaking wall paintings. The monument has now been converted into an ‘Emporium House’.
• KHAJJAR LAKE: A swanky lake, surrounded by cedar trees, this is a scintillating beauty. The lake gets its name from the Khajji Nag Temple which is located near the lake. It is often referred as ‘mini Switzerland'. If luck is on your side and white clouds subside you can see majestic mount Kailash reflection in lake. 
• CHAMUNDI DEVI TEMPLE: Chamundi Devi Temple holds a great importance among locals and pilgrims. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, the 300-year old shrine is the only wooden temple in Chamba with a gabled roof. Its jaw-dropping surroundings make it one of the most recommended places to visit in Chamba.  
• KATALOP WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: Nestled on the hilltop while travelling to Dalhousie, this wildlife sanctuary is a home for some aboriginal birds. Pheasants, Eurasian Jay, and Grey-headed Canary are few species you can witness. An array of Ravi river crosses park and snow-covered Pir-pinjar range can be sighted. 
• LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE: One of the sacred pilgrimage for Hindus in Chamba is Laxmi Narayan temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. It is believed in 10th century it was made by marble stones bought from Vindhyachal mountains. It’s a architectural enrichment of Chamba. 
• BHURI SINGH MUSEUM: Dedicated to Raja Bhuri Singh, a memorial dedicated to him. It was built in 1905, where his paintings were exhibited. Later it was turned into a museum of artifacts and other historical items belonging to his reigns. 
• AKHAND CHANDI PALACE: A royal driven palace built by Raja Umed Singh in 18th century. It’s a white lush sprawling building settled on hilltop. It overlooks rang mahal, Laxmi Narayan temple and sui mata temple. 
• CHAUGAN: A shopping street where you will be bewildered by herd of crowd. Kangra painting, kangra antiques and some local handloom products can be shopped from streets. 
• HARRAIYA TEMPLE: Harraiya temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu. It has esteem value among followers, on vaikuntha ekadashi people come across state to seek blessings. It was built in 10th century and have Himachal depiction in architecture. 
• CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: It was built by Raja Sham Singh, major attraction in Chamba town. It is located near Laxmi Narayan temple and it’s eye catching architecture is famous. It was built by using earth colored stones. 
• CHAMPAVATI TEMPLE: Champavati temple is one of the important pilgrim Chamba sightseeing places. It is visited by devotees in large number as it holds great religious significance. The temple features Shikara style which reminds visitors of Nepal’s architectural wonders.

HOW TO REACH 

• AIRPORT: Pathankot airport is the nearest about 120 kms from Chamba. Hire a cab from outside.
• RAILWAY: Nearest railway station to Chamba is Pathankot junction. It’s 120 km away, hire a cab or take a bus. 
• ROAD:  Chamba is well connected by bus. It has volvos and other bus services operating from Pathankot, Delhi, Amritsar and Chandigarh.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

March to June is the best time to visit.
• SUMMERS- Temperature hovers from 20°c to 32°c ( Pleasant and breezy summers).
• RAIN: Temperature hovers from 12°c to 24°c ( Adequate rainfall and Misty weather)
• WINTERS: Temperature hovers from 0°c to 10°c ( Snow covered and chilly winter)