Chamba

The Bhuri Singh Museum, located in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, is a cultural gem that unfolds the rich tapestry of the region's history and art. Established in 1908, the museum is named after Raja Bhuri Singh, a former ruler of Chamba, and serves as a repository of the artistic and historical heritage of the region.The museum's collection includes a diverse array of artifacts such as Pahari miniature paintings, traditional Himachali weapons, exquisite jewelry, ancient manuscripts, and archaeological finds. The Pahari paintings, showcasing intricate details and vibrant colors, are a highlight, providing a glimpse into the artistic traditions of the region.Visitors to the Bhuri Singh Museum can embark on a captivating journey through time, exploring the cultural evolution of Chamba and gaining insights into the lives of its people. The museum stands as a testament to the artistic finesse and historical legacy of this picturesque Himachali town.

Chamunda Devi Temple, or the 'Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham,' is one of the most prestigious and renowned holy shrines of the Hindus. It was built during the reigns of Maharaja Umed Singh and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Chamunda Devi Temple is also known as the abode of Lord Shiva and Mata Shakti and presents the impressive architecture of the old era.The temple is located on the banks of Banganga (Baner) River in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh and is only 10 km from the well-known Palampur city. It is one of the most visited places in Chamba and is full of devotees throughout the year. But, Navratri season is the most bustling time as thousands of devotees come to get the blessings of Chamunda Devi. This 16th-century temple is the unique masterpiece of ancient times and is full of floral and animal carvings on silver sheets. It was built using only wood and gabled roofs. It has a cave-like scoop with structures (Lingam) representing Nandikeshwar (Shiva) and a running water pool with the statues of Lord Shiva and Saraswati at the backside of the temple. Not only this, but the temple complex also houses a handicraft center, which allows visitors to explore the vibrant culture and art scene of the Kangra district through the local artifacts. Visitors can take back souvenirs from a range of items, including wood carvings, wooden toys, handkerchiefs, honey, black pottery, chappals, Kangra tea, and world-famous Kangra paintings, etc. This is the place where radiance glorifies, making everything tranquil and shower fervor.

Situated close to Manimahesh Kailash Peak in the Pir Panjal Range of Himalayas, Manimahesh Lake is located in the Chamba district and is one of the most important places to visit in Chamba. The lake is located at a height of 4, 080 meters from the mean sea level and has high religious significance after Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.The lake is a major pilgrimage trek, which is carried out during the months of August and September on the eighth day of new moon period, as per the Hindu Calendar and is known as 'Manimahesh Yatra.'

Located near the Police Post and Treasury building in Chamba, Champavati Temple is one of the most religious destinations and best places to visit in Chamba. It was built by Raja Sahil Varman in the memory of Champavati who was her daughter. The temple's Shikhara style and various ornamental stone carvings make it distinguishable from others. It resembles the architectural pieces of Nepal, featuring structures that are cylindrical in shape and are categorized into 5 to 9 parts.The temple holds the shrines of Vasuki Naga, Wazir and Goddess Mahisasuramardini, an avatar of Goddess Durga. The best time to visit temple is from the month of March to June as the climate is so pleasant during this duration.The temple has a great archaeological and historical value and is taken care by Archeological Survey of India. Millions of hindus visit the temple each year, especially during Navratri.

Khajjiar lake is one of the most spectacular lakes in Himachal Pradesh and one of the best places to visit in Chamba. Surrounded by the snow-clad mountains and cedar forest, the lake is located at a height of 1920 m from the mean sea level. Best time to visit Khajjiar lake is from February to April when the weather is extremely pleasant and the tourist can enjoy various recreational activities while enjoying the beauty of landscape at the same time. Moreover, if you want to spend some time in solitude, away from the hustle and bustle of city lives, Khajjiar lake is the place to go for.Various small water streams from the Himalayas are the major source of Khajjiar Lake. On a bright sunny day, if you are lucky, you can even witness the Mount Kailash at distance from Khajjiar Lake. One of the main attractions of Khajjiar Lake is 'Floating Island,' which is a chunk of weed and grass developing on the surface of lake.

The Lakshmi Narayan Temple is one of the oldest and largest temple in Chamba, which was built in around 11th century by Raja Sahil Verma. The complex of Lakshmi Narayan temple has around six temples in total, all dedicated to either Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu. The main idol of Lord Vishnu is made up of rare marble, which used to be found in the mountains of Vindhyas.  Apart from the six main temples, there are three more temples in the complex, namely Radha Krishna Temple, Gauri Shankar Temple, and Shiva Temple of chandragupta. While in Chamba, your trip will be incomplete without visiting this great temple. The temple opens twice a day and the timings include 6 AM to 12.30 PM and again from 2.30 PM to 8.30 PM and the best season to visit the temple is from April to October.

Akhand Chandi Palace displays the lavishness of Mughals and the artistic architecture of the British. It is a perfect blend of western and eastern architecture and was built in the year 1748-1764. While visiting the Akhand Chandi Palace, you can have a picturesque view of various other beautiful tourist destinations like Chamunda Devi Temple, Sui Mata Temple, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Rang Mahal and many more.One of the most beautiful features of the palace is that it has distinguishably green roof as the other houses in Chamba along with a conical roof to shed the snow. The palace has beautifully designed windows, which are painted in white.Until 1957, the palace was with the royal family and in 1958, it was handed over to Himachal Government, which opened a college and district library in the palace.

Built up on the River Ravi, the Chamera dam is situated in the Chamba district, making it one of the most important places to visit in Chamba. Chamera lake is the reservoir of the dam where the water level may rise up to 763 meters during rainy season and 747 meters during summers. Chamera Dam is one of the major source of electricity generation in this region and generates around 540 MW of electricity. One of the most unique features of the place is the contrasting difference between the morning and night temperature. In the morning, temperature may rise up to 35 degree celsius. On the other hand, during the nights, temperature may drop up to 15 to 18 degree celsius making it cool and peaceful. As the Chamera lake has no aquatic life, it has become an ideal and most favorite destination for watersports. Various water sports like sailing, paddle boating, rowing, angling, motor boating and kayaking are offered at the lake. You can also enjoy shikaras and houseboats at Chamera lake.