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Lying in the confluence of the Dhauladhar and the Zanskar mountain ranges, Chamba is a beautiful little town with a distinctive old-world charm.This is one of the most scenic towns of Himachal Pradesh and is characterised by pristine lakes, lush forests and several ancient temples. There are various things to do in Chamba; it has a number of walking trails and waterfronts, providing adventure seekers with ample opportunities for trekking, camping and river rafting. Chamba is situated at an altitude of 996 metres above sea level and is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan range.
Top 10 Things To Do In Chamba
There is no dearth for sightseeing opportunities in Chamba, due to its illustrious past. Here is a list of things to do in Chamba to enjoy a delightful holiday.
1. Go Back In Time At The Bhuri Singh Museum
Photo: Varun Shiv Kapur / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bhuri Singh Museum is in the heart of Chamba and is popular as a proud symbol of the rich history and artistic heritage of the region. This museum is named after Raja Bhuri Singh, a former ruler of Chamba, and is home to an expansive and fascinating collection of manuscripts, sculptures, paintings, and artifacts. Founded in 1908, the Bhuri Singh Museum initially started with a collection of paintings, but now displays carved doors from old palaces, copper plate grants, frescoes, and more.
Location: Chowgan Mohalla, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: Weekdays (10 AM – 5 PM), except Mondays and public holidays
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2. Pay Your Reverences At The Laxmi Narayana Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the heart of Chamba, the Laxmi Narayana Temple is among the most prominent shrines in the region. A visit to this temple should definitely be on your list of things to do in Chamba, as it stands as a magnificent testament to the rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance of the place. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu (Narayana) and his consort, Goddess Laxmi. This temple has a shikhara (spire) style with wooden chhatris (cenotaphs) and a shell roof. The Laxmi Narayana Temple also houses a metallic image of Garuda.
Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM ; 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Duration: 30 minutes
3. Chobia Pass Trek
Photo: Vivek machra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chobia Pass is the second-highest pass in the Pir- Panjal mountain range and provides you with a chance to embark on a trekking adventure. During the trek, you can soak in the beauty of Pir Panjal and explore the customs and rituals of the local inhabitants known as Gaddi. The pass can be a bit risky at the time of snowfall. The trek starts from the captivating region of Bharmour. The trail to this charming pass includes stunning views of picturesque landscapes.
Location: District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
Distance: 40 kms
Altitude: 4996 metres
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4. View Artifacts At The Rang Mahal
Photo: Praks73 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Rang Mahal is located in Surara Mohalla, Chamba. Its foundation was laid by Raja Umed Sing (1748-1764). It is one of the biggest monuments located in the Himachal region. The architecture of the Rang Mahal features an amalgam of Mughal and British styles. Traditionally, the palace was the residence for a branch of the ruling family. However, over the years, it became a government property and handicrafts department used this palace as the workshop for shoes, slippers, and more.
Timings: Monday to Saturday, (10 AM – 1 PM) (2 PM – 5 PM)
Duration: 30 minutes
5. Seek Blessings At The Champavati Temple
Photo: Rainbow_dazzle / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
This ancient temple was built by Raja Sahil Varman in the memory of his daughter, Champavati. Champavati temple lies near the banks of the river Ravi and provides beautiful views of the mountains. It has quite striking architecture, which includes shikhara (spire) style features and ornate carvings on the walls. There is also a large wheel on the rooftop of the temple. The main deity of the Champavati temple is Goddess Mahisasuramardini, an avatar of Goddess Durga. The premises also have shrines of Vasuki Naga and Wazir.
Timings: Sunrise-Sunset
Duration: 1 – 2 hrs
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6. Watch Wildlife In Action At The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Truewebsolution / Wikimedia Commons
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is popular for its exotic landscapes, and thick foliage of deodar, spruce, fir trees and more. It is somewhat like a mini jungle, and hence is likely to enchant all wildlife enthusiasts. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is home to Himalayan leopards, grey-headed canary, deer, langur Himalayan Black Marten, jackal, Eurasian jay, and more. The musical chirpings of a variety of birds add to the charm of the sanctuary.
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Time Required: 2 – 3 hours
Forest Reserve Entry Permit: ₹250
Best Time to Visit: September-May
7. Enjoy The Views Of The Chamera Dam
Photo: Kothanda Srinivasan / Wikimedia Commons
Chamera Dam lies in the stunning landscapes of Chamba. This impressive dam is built on the Ravi River, and attracts tourists with its lush green surroundings and serene waters. It is considered to be the perfect blend of natural beauty and human achievement. Getting to Chamera Dam is an enjoyable experience in itself, making it one of the best things to see in Chamba. You will be greeted by breathtaking views of Himachal Pradesh’s valleys and forests on your journey, and as you approach the dam, you can find an expansive reservoir shimmering under the sunlight and reflecting the clear blue sky.
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8. Manimahesh Trek
Photo: Princeadaptable / Wikimedia Commons
Manimahesh Kailash Peak is also known as Chamba Kailash. It is among the virgin peaks in the Indian Himalayan region. Manimahesh is a moderate-level trek in which even beginner-level trekkers can take part. As one of the best things to do in Chamba, this trek would enable you to experience the raw beauty of the Himalayas and explore the cultural diversity of the region. The trek gets its name from the holy Manimahesh Lake, at an altitude of 4,080 metres above sea level.
Location: Bharmour, Himachal Pradesh
Maximum Altitude: 5,653 meters
Best Time to Trek: May and June; September to October
9. Go On A Pilgrimage To Chamunda Devi Temple
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Chamunda Devi Temple is where people worship Goddess Kali and is one of the nine temples (nau devi yatra) that are a part of the ritualistic pilgrimage across north India for many devotees. Lying on the spur of the Shah Madar range of hills, this temple was built by Raja Umed Singh in the year 1762. Chamunda Devi Temple is the only wooden temple with a gabled roof in Chamba, and its interiors have carved silver sheets. The Chamunda Devi Temple complex also features a handicrafts centre where you can find Kangra tea and Kangra Paintings, wooden toys, woodcarvings, honey and more.
Timings: Sunrise–Sunset
Time Required: 1 – 2 hours
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10. View The Primeval Architecture Of The Akhand Chandi Palace
Photo: Varun Shiv Kapur / Wikimedia Commons
As you think about what to do in Chamba, you cannot miss out on a visit to the grand Akhand Chandi Palace. This palace was constructed by Raja Umed Singh, the king of Jodhpur, between 1747 and 1765, and is a stunning reflection of the lavish art and architecture of that period. It overlooks a number of important landmarks of Chamba, including the Rang Mahal and Chamunda Devi Temple. The structure of the Akhand Chandi Palace is around 1,000 m above sea level and boasts of featuring an exceptional example of primeval architecture with both Mughal and British styles.
Timings: Sunrise-Sunset
Time Required: 1 – 2 hrs
At Chamba you will find a treasure trove of natural beauty, along with architectural wonders and revered temples. Visit scenic palaces, explore wildlife sanctuaries, go on majestic trekking trails and take a trip down history at this destination. To enjoy your trip to the fullest, you can plan your holiday through TripXL. It will allow you to experience the most interesting and exciting things to do in Chamba, and create memories for a lifetime.
Cover Photo: Sridhar Rao / Wikimedia Commons
