Area
: 6,528 sq. km. (11.72% of HP)
Location : Situated on the north-west and west of J&K; Lahaul
and Bara Bhangal on the north-east and east; District of Kangra on the
south-east; district of Gurdaspur (Punjab) on the south in the state of
Himachal Pradesh.
Altitude : 996 m.
Population : About 460,499 (according to Census 2001)
Climate : Ranges from semi-tropical to semi-arctic.
Temperature : Between 36 C in summer and 0 C in winter
Best Season : Throughout the year
Clothing : (Summers/Winter) Light Woollens/Warm Woollens
Chamba
The district is wholly mountainous with elevation ranging from 2000 to
21000 ft.. Chamba is blessed with some of the most spectacular and enticing
landscapes rare to see anywhere. Chamba is a travellers paradise with lofty
snow dresses peaks, far down gorges, extensivess green valleys, fast falling
rivers, majestic mountain lakes, flower adorned meadows, magnificent temples
and monasteries. Chamba is packed with all sorts of delight - be it for
relaxing, sightseeing, trekking, mountaineering or just strolling Chamba has
it all.
In the higher reaches of the Ravi Valley, about 56 km
from Dalhousie, Chamba is hooked on a little plateau about 100 m above the
river. The capital of an ancient kingdom, Chamba was founded in 920 AD by
Raja Sahil Varma who named it after his daughter Champavati. Surrounded by
high ranges, Chamba developed its own form of architecture and art. Chamba,
known for the brilliance of its temples and for its impressive miniatures
and handicraft ,has preserved most of its heritage with utmost care and
respect.
Arriving At Chamba
By Flight : The closest airport is at Gaggal in Kangra
valley, 180 km from Chamba. Indian Airlines operates its flights on the
Delhi-Dharamsala sector.
By
Trackways : The nearest narrow gauge railway station is Pathankot, 122
Km. Chamba town is 122-km from Pathankot, the closest broad gauge railway
station, which is linked by direct trains to Amritsar, Delhi, Bombay and
Calcutta. Chamba is well-connected with major places in and outside the
state.
By Roadways : Chamba is well connected by road. Regular
bus service is available from Dalhousie and one can also hire jeeps, but it
is relatively expensive.
The Major Fascinating Sights at Chamba
Lakshminarayanan Temple
There are six ancient temples in a group, carved in stone, with rising
vimanas. Built around the 8th century AD, these temples are dedicated to
both Shiva and Vishnu. The Lakshminarayan Temple is the oldest in this
group, is beautifully ornamented.
Bhuri Singh Museum
It is a collection of exquisite miniatures from the Kangra, Basholi and
Chamba schools of painting. There are also murals and paintings from the
Rang Mahal Palace which were demolished in fire.
