General Info

Separated from the Kangra valley to the south by the high Dhaula Dhar Range and the remote Pattan valley to the north by the Pir Panjal Range is the beautiful Chamba valley, through which flows the Ravi river. For over 1000 years this region formed the princely state of Chamba, the most ancient state in northern India. The valley is renowned for its fine shikara temples, with excellent examples in the beautiful town of Chamba, 56 kms from Dalhousie, and at the ancient capital of Brahmaur, 65 kms further down the valley to the southeast. Brahmaur is also the starting point for some fine treks, including that to the sacred lake of Manimahesh, 28 kms away.

Chamba's hills and mountains, rivers, lakes, springs and streams, green meadows and forests are of matchless charm. Among the most interesting objects in Chamba are a number of richly carved ancient temples which closely resemble those in Rajasthan. The most striking of these are the six temples lying in a row near the Palace. Three of these are dedicated to Vishnu and the remaining to Siva. All the shrines have shikharas or spires which distinguish them from other hill temples that are usually pent-roofed. Some of the temples date back to the tenth century. The richly carved laxmi Narayan temple is the oldest one. Chamba is 56 kms (via Banikhet), on the right bank of the Ravi at an altitude of 915 metres (3,000 ft) from Dalhousie and 122 kms from Pathankot. There is also a 30 kms long-foot-path from Dalhousie to Chamba via Khajjiar which passes through thick deodar forests. Chamaba lies in the bosom of the Himalayas.

Places to eat :

         Olive Green Restaurant : Situated on Temple road, is quiet and clean and serves good veg and nonveg dishes.
         Moti Restaurant : It is near the bus stand serves good Indian dishes.
 

Travel Info :

           
There are various buses from chamba to Jammu, Dharamsala, Pathankot, Shimla and Khajiar.