The beautiful hill station of Chamba is located at a height of 3268 feet in Himachal Pradesh about 55 km from Dalhousie. Established by Raja Sahil Verma in 920, the hamlet has retained its medieval glory.
Along with pleasant climate, the picturesque hamlet offers breathtaking sights of the snow-clad mountains and lush green forests. Chamba serves as a perfect summer getaway.
The snow-clad mountains in and around Chamba are extremely popular for snow skiing. River rafting and river crossing are extremely popular in River Ravi and River Sal. Private and government-run organizations conduct river rafting excursions. Treks to Manimahesh start from Choughan in Chamba.
Chamba also houses innumerable temples dating back to 4th century. Lakshmi Narayan temple and Chamunda Devi temple are some of the most popular shrines in Chamba. They display some of the best forms of art that existed in India.
Scottish Church is the most significant structure built by the British during their rule in Chamba.
Rulers of Chamba laid great emphasis on development of art. Schools of art flourished between the 10th and the 17th century. The region was also influenced by Mughal miniature and mural art styles.
Chamba is also famous for its handicrafts made of wood and hand-woven textiles. Innumerable small scale emporiums have artisans producing handicrafts, chappals, textiles, etc. that are world renowned. Pahari paintings of Chamba are another prime attraction.
TIPS
- River rafting and river crossing happens from June to October.
- During winters, climate is extremely cold. Carry heavy woolen clothes.
HISTORY
Not much is known about Chamba’s history before second century. However, it is believed that Kolian tribes were the earliest rulers of Chamba. Khasas and Audumbaras ruled the region in second century. Gupta rule flourished in the fourth century. It was followed by the rule of Thakurs and Ranas. Rajputs took control of the region in the seventh century.
The town of Chamba was established in the in 920 when Raja Sahil Verma shifted his capital from Bharmour to Champawat. The region was renamed as Champavat after the Kings’ daughter Champavati.
The dynasty ruled the region till the invasion of the Sikhs. Raja Prithvi Singh who maintained cordial relations with Emperor Shah Jehan introduced the court lifestyle of the Mughals to the kingdom. The Mughal style of art was also introduced in Chamba under his reign.
In the 18th century, Sikhs under Maharaja Ranjit Singh controlled the region. The Sikhs lost control of Chamba to the British under the Treaty of Lahore.
The princely state of Chamba became a part of India on April 15th, 1948.
CULTURE
The tribals of Chamba include Gujjars and Gaddis.
Pahari is the main language spoken in Chamba. Himachali and Hindi are also easily understood and spoken by the locals. Some of them are also fluent in English.
The museums of Chamba house paintings from the collection belonging to Raja Bhuri’s family. They also have a rich collection of arms, coins, ornaments, etc.
Fairs of Chamba are famously known as Jatras or melas. Suhi Mata Mela and Minjar Mela are the two of the most popular fairs of the hamlet. A prominent event in these fairs is when the chela of the deity goes into a trance and answers the queries of the worshippers.
Chamba is extremely popular for its handicrafts. Cast metal wares is an age old tradition in Chamba. The hamlet also has numerous small scale workshops where artisans produce excellent quality handmade textiles. Chamba is also famous for its jewelry and wood carving. The chappals of Chamba are hand-made and embroidered with beautiful designs.
Chamba is extremely famous for its miniature Pahari style of paintings. During the rule of Raja Charhat Singh, folk art developed greatly in Chamba and had a great influence on local artists. Mughal influence in Chamba art is easily evident. Basholi painting developed in the region when Nikku, an artist from Basholi migrated to Chamba. The paintings of Chamba include both miniatures and murals.
SHOPPING
There are quite a few shopping options in Chamba. Miniature paintings in Chamba are amongst the most popular tourist buys. Chamba chappals are also extremely famous. Locally made memorabilia out of wood and metal are some of the other things tourists buy.
WHERE TO STAY
There are limited accommodation options in Chamba. Mostly only mid-range and budget accommodation options are available in the hill station. Most of them are situated on Court Lane. There are no luxury hotels in Chamba. The hotels, motels, lodges and guesthouses provide scenic view of the snow-clad mountain ranges.
Himachal Pradesh Tourism department also runs hotels which provide budget accommodation.
WHERE TO EAT
There are quite a few eating options in Chamba; however, there aren’t too many fancy restaurants. However, one can find a lot of street stalls selling noodles, soups, dumplings, etc. Madra, a local delicacy made out of rajma (red kidney beans) in curds is extremely popular.
Restaurants attached to hotels serve Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Chamba can be visited any time of the year. Summer months are pleasant with the temperature reaching a maximum of 30 degree Celsius. Winters can be severe with mercury levels dropping below zero degrees Celsius. It ideal for indulging in winter sports such as skiing. March to October is the best time to visit Chamba.
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