India /Himachal Pradesh /Chamba /Chamba HP
Previously a princely state, Chamba today has transformed into a buzzing tourists circuit known for its former palaces, scenic spots and promenades. Sitting on a legde above the River Ravi, most of the attractions of Chamba are tucked away in the alleyways of the Dogra Bazaar. The main center of Chamba, Chowgan is an open grassy land and serves as a hot spot for festivals and picnics. The town is blessed with various historical temples and the best time to enjoy the culture of the town is to visit during the annual harvest festival – Minjar Festival, held with great pomp and show, in the month of July or August. The climate of Chamba is enjoyable all through the year. Winters (October to mid March) are the best time for honeymooners as the temperature falls below freezing point, causing occasional snowfall. During Summers (Mid March to June), temperatures remain pleasant (around 28 degrees) and is ideal for family holidays, rafting and fishing. Monsoons (July to September) are not the best times to visit Chamba as the area receives heavy rainfall and remains covered with mist and clouds, bringing an abrupt halt to the lives of the residents.
Hill Stations, Chamba HP
Quick Facts-Edit
Category : Hill Station
Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours
Pincode: 176310
STD Code: 1899
Info Website: hpchamba.nic.in
Best Time to Visit: April – October
HistoryEdit
Chamba is the only state in northern India to preserve a well-documented history from circa 500 A.D. Its high mountain ranges have given it a sheltered position and helped in preserving its centuries old relics and numerous inscriptions. The temples erected by rajas of Chamba more than a thousand years age continue to be under worship and the land grant-deeds executed on copper plates by them continue to be valid under the law.
Regarding the early history of this region it is believed that this area was at time inhabited by certain Kolian tribes,which were later, subjugated by the Khasas. The Khasas too after a time came under the sway of Audumbaras (2nd centaury B.C.). The Audmabaras had republican form of government and worshiped Shiva as their principal deity. From the Gupta period (4th Centaury A.D.) the Chamba region was under the control of Thakurs and Ranas who considered themselves superior to the low tribes of Kolis and Khasas. With the rise of Gurjara Pratiharas ((7th Centaury A.D.) the Rajput Dynasties came to power.
Places to VisitAdd
How to ReachEdit
By Air : Gaggal airport in Kangra valley is the nearest airport. The airport is 185 km away from Chamba, which costs about Rs 3500 by Taxi cab.
By Train : Pathankot is the nearest broad gauge railhed, which is 122 km away from Chamba town. Pathankot is well connected to Amritsar, Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi.
By BUS : Regular bus services are available from Chamba to Dalhousie (56 km) and also to the nearby cities. Chamba to Dalhousie costs around Rs 150.
By Taxi : Taxies and Auto rickshaws are easily available for moving about in the city.
By Other : N.A.
Top HotelsAdd
Budget – Up to Rs. 800
- Hotel City Heart ; near Champavati Temple, Opp. Chowgan, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh – 176310. ; Ph – 0189 922 5930 ; Facilities – Travel Desk,24-hour front desk,24-hour room service, Laundry, Parking,24-Hour Security,Concierge Doctor on call.
Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
- Hotels in chamba ; Chamba, Chountra, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh 176310. ; Ph – 094 18 193124 ; Facilities – 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning,Laundry, Parking, 24-Hour Security, Concierge.
Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
- Hotel Ashiana Regency ; Upper Jhulakhari, near Rama Petrol Pump, SH 37, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh 176310. ; Ph – 0189 922 6910 ; Facilities – 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Conference facilities, Laundry, Parking.
Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above
- Hotel Aroma Palace ; SH 37, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh 176310. ; Ph – 0189 922 5177 ; Facilities – Travel Desk,24-hour front desk,24-hour room service, Laundry, Parking,24-Hour Security.
Top RestaurantsAdd
- Famous Golgappas Stall ; Chowgan Mohalla, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh 176310. ; M – N.A. ; Food Serve : N.A.
- Rovers food ; Haridaspur, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh 176310. ; M – 098 16 929043 ; Food Serve : N.A.
- Crystal Restaurant ; Bhuri Singh Museum, Chowgan Mohalla, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh 176310. ; M – 088 94 555560 ; Food Serve : N.A.
Must Eat FoodAdd
Must Do ActivitiesAd
Must ShopAdd
Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add
SpaAdd
FestivalAdd
Minjar Fair ; Venue: N.A. ; Period : August ; Details: This festival is held in the month of August on second Sunday. It continues for a week. Minjar ( maize flowers) festival is celebrated in district Chamba at a place ‘Chowgan’ in Chamba town.Maize flowers, a coconut, a rupee or a smaller coin, a fruit and a few paddy tentacles are offered to Varuna, the god of rain. It is a state fair.
Bharmaur Jatra Fair ; Venue: N.A. ; Period : August ; Details: It is held in district Chamba in the month of August. The Bharmaur jatra begins on the day following Janamashtmi and lasts for six days. Each day’s jatra is dedicated to a different deity such as Hari Har (Shiva), Nar Singh, Ganesh, Lakshna Devi, Keling and Seetla Devi, whose temples stand in Chaurasi area. The musicians play on dhol, narsingha, nagara, shehnai and kernal, the instruments of Hari Har temple, to herald the start of puja (prayer).
Baisakhi or Bisoa ; Venue: N.A. ; Period : April ; Details: It is knows as Bisowa in Kangra, Bissue in Shimla hills and Lisshoo in Pangi-Chamba. This festival is generally celebrated on 13th of April. Preparation for the festival starts much early. The houses are white washed. People take holy dip at Haridwar, Tattapani near Shimla, Banganga near Kangra, Markanda near Bilaspur. During day time, Baisakhi fair is held at many places with traditional gaiety and attraction. Women’s participation in large number add special color to the festive mood of the people.
Holi ; Venue: N.A. ; Period : N.A. ; Details: This festival is celebrated from 1st Baisakh with the same observances as are customary during the Holi; the only departure being that Hori is held at a different time. It is believed that a Raja may have died during Holi celebrations thereby necessitating the postponement of the festival for ever. Hori was celebrated with much fervour and festivity during the state regime.
Safety / WarningEdit
- Beware of pickpockets as Chamba HP is a major tourist city in India.
HelplineEdit
- Ambulance : 102
- Fire Brigade : 101
- Police : 100
ItineraryEdit
N.A.