Chamba, which is located within the scenic beauty of Himachal Pradesh in India, is celebrated for both its breathtaking landscapes and its deep roots in culture.
In Himachal Pradesh, India, Chamba is a breathtaking little town famous for its beautiful scenery, diverse history and cultural heritage. It is located in the Himalayas thus providing the perfect serene environment away from the city’s commotion and traffic. However, before you make your trip to this wonderful place, here are some important things that you need to know.
1.Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Chamba is around March June or between September-November. During these months, it is neither too hot nor too cold, hence great for sightseeing as well as outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking. In fact, summer season (March-June) provides relief from scorching plains heat while autumn months (September-November) have pleasant climate with clear sky making it ideal for trekkers and explorers of natural beauty.
2.How do I get there
Chamba is connected by roadways and the nearest major cities will be Pathankot (120 km) and Dharamshala (130 km). The closest railway station is Pathankot from where one can hire a taxi or take bus services to reach Chamba. The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport in Kangra which lies about 120 kms from here. From this point of departure one can hire a taxi to reach Chamba.
3.Accomodation
For everyone visiting Chamba, the range of accommodations available varies considerably depending on their preferences; luxury hotels and resorts all go down to budget guest houses or homestays. It would be wise if visitors booked accommodation in advance during peak tourist seasons. The Iravati Hotel, HPTDC Hotel are some popular places along with several homestays offering comfortable nights staying spaces that guarantee authentic Himachali experiences.
4.Some Local Attractions
Chamba has a rich heritage of historical and cultural worth visiting. Here are some of the places that you must visit:
Chamba Palace: It is an amazing mix of Himachali as well as Mughal architectural marvel with panoramic views of town and surrounding valleys.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple: Amongst all other temples, it is considered to be oldest and most respected temple in the city which is also famous for its wonderful architecture with alluring carvings.
Bhuri Singh Museum: This museum named after Chamba’s erstwhile ruler, holds an interesting collection of ancient artifacts, manuscripts and paintings which throw light on the region’s history and culture.
Khajjiar: Known as “Mini Switzerland” of India, Khajjiar is surrounded by thick forests where one can have picnics, horse rides or nature walks in this beautiful meadow.
5.Activities And Adventures
There are several activities that tourists can enjoy while at Chamba apart from adventurists and lovers of nature:
Trekking: The area provides many trekking routes including Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges which offer breathtaking views. Some popular ones include Manimahesh Lake Trek or Kugti Pass Trek.
Camping: Spend a night under the stars at one of the many camping sites in and around Chamba, enjoying the serenity of the Himalayas.
Fishing: You can try your luck at Ravi River if you like fishing. For trout and Mahseer you need permission from local authorities.
Conclusion
Chamba in Himalaya Mountains offers a combination of natural attractiveness, cultural affinity as well as adventure making it an ideal place for tourists. Moreover having prior knowledge enables one to prepare properly hence experience will always remain in mind long after leaving this magical town. Be it peace or thrill or even delving into antiquity, Chamba will always embrace every traveler in its bosom.