Thursday, November 6, 2008

Chamba hill station

Languages : Hindi, Himachal
Population : 19,000 metres
Rainfall : 785.84 mm
Best time to visit : March-June
STD Code : 01899
Chamba - Introduction
Chamba was founded by Raja Varman who named the town after his daughter Champavati.The small town of Chamba is located amidst the Shivalik ranges and is famous for its temples. The architecture of the temples of Chamba reflects the unmatched architectural superiority of the Indian sculptures.Chamba has a grassy promenade which is the focus for the Sui Mata and Minjar festivals.

History of Chamba
Chamba was once ruled by the Rajput rulers in the 6th century AD and made Chamba city as the capital. Later Raja Shail Verman founded the town and named it Chamba after his daughter Champavati. Chamba was also ruled by the Mughals. Later the town came under the Sikh kingdom.

Accessibilty
By Air : Nearest airport is Dharamshala connected to Delhi by Vayudoot services.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Pathankot (120 kms) which is connected to all the major cities of India.
By Road: Important road distances are: Amritsar 245 kms, Kangra 180 kms, Pathankot 120 kms, Shimla 422 kms, Manali 470 kms, Mandi 334 kms, Jammu 229 kms, Dharamshala 180 kms, Dalhousie 56 kms, Khajjiar 30 kms etc.

Places to Visit
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.

Akhand Chandi Palace : Now 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.