subject: Holidays place Chamba,Himachel Pradesh,india [print this page] Holidays place Chamba,Himachel Pradesh,india
Today Chamba is the quintessential valley township, famous for its myriad temples where many people make pilgrimages, deep forests and trekking trails for the adventure and outdoor enthusiast and charming hill folk.
Historically SpeakingChamba 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.
ShoppingThe main market surrounds the central Chowgan where you can buy all sorts of interesting things made of stone and metal - buy some of these as they make good memorabalia. You will also be able to pick up miniature paintings of Chamba and Kangra and the popular Chamba chappals too. Besides these
if you are looking for woven shawls try the handicrafts Emporium and dont forget to buy a bottle of the chilli pickle which Chamba is known for.
EventsThe Minjair Fair is held in July/August every year in the month of Shravan. Chamba attracts a lot of visitors that take part in this week long event. The Minjair Fair is heralded in by the wearing of a silk ''tassel'' by everyone. This ''tassel'' represents the shoots of paddy or maize that make
their appearance at this time. This colourful fair is held in the Chowgan area which is virtually turned into a market and the brisk business is conducted. the whole town looks forward to this festival and everyone take part. The pinnacle is reached on the third Sunday when a colourful procession of deities is taken out accompanied by dancing troupes, traditionally dressed locals and drum beaters. The procession starts typically at the Akhand Chandi Palace and ends up at the Police Lines Nalhora. The Minjair ''tassel'' is then thrown into to the flowing river.
Night OutNo fancy restaurants here. Sample wholesome Indian food at the varius dhabas that serve up delicious fare. Mostly the food available in the dhabas is vegetarian though it is possible to get non vegetarian dishes. Most of these dhabas are to be found in the Chowgan.
ActivitiesMany a trek into the Himalayas is launched from Chamba - through Bhaderwah to Kashmir, through the Sach Pass into Pangi Valley and to other peaks in the Dhauladhars, Peerpanjal and Laskar mountains.
SightsChamba is strewn with intricately carved temples topped by spires in the shikhara style. The shrines are dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. The 10th and 11th century temples of Laxmi Narayan and Hari Rai are particularly ornate and popular with pilgrims and sightseers alike. At 915m, Chamba rises
above the River Ravi as it rages by, leaving verdant valleys and dense deodar forests in its wake. The forests are rich in wildlife - ibex, marmot and snow leopard haunt the upper reaches above the snow line, and musk deer, brown bear, leopards and wild boar in the lower elevations. Mountain birds such as the partridge and pheasant flit across the vale. Pretty waterfalls and streams tumble down the mountainside and at every turn, the valley"s beauty seems to grow. The Chowgan, a huge grassy field, is the centre of town life - the gathering point for all things religious, political and social. The Gandhi gate on the Chowgan"s south-west face was built to commemorate Lord Curzon"s visit to the town in 1900. Other interesting places are the Akhand Chandi Palace, now a museum and the Bhuri Singh Museum that houses a collection of ancient Chamba artefacts and manuscripts. Chamba is bound to bowl you over with its scenic beauty, temples and its sense of tranquility. Try it - you"ll like it!
How to get there by AirThe closest airports both 245 kms away are Jammu and Amritsar from where buses, taxis and tourist vehicles are available.
How to get there by RailThe nearest railhead at Pathankot is 120 kms away. From here again you can get taxis and buses upto Chamba.
How to get there by BusChamba is approximately 613 km from Delhi. From Delhi take NH 1 towards Jalandar via Ambala.Here turn off onto NH 1A towards Pathankot. Take the SH to Chamba via Banikhet.
Best time to VisitSummer - April to October - is quite the best time to be here; the weather is pleasant barring the monsoon months of July and August. Summer temperatures range from 8C at night to 39C during the day, while winter temperatures drop to freezing - between 10C and 1C.
a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" href="http://www.mandakinihotels.com/">Hotels in ChambaHimachal Tourism has deluxe rooms in town. There are private hotels, motels and guesthouses where you can get low and medium budget accommodation. Book in advance, especially during tourist season.
Nearby PlacesBharmaur which lies 65 km away is the ancient capital of Chamba, and a much visited village that can be accessed by road. The Gaddi tribes lead their goat and sheep to pasture at Bharmaur in summer. While in the area, visit the sacred Manimahesh Lake where thousands have a holy dip around Janamashtami.
For more information for this Destination please check india Travel Guide
