Trending 10 Best Places to Visit in Chamba

Places to visit in Chamba: Rich flourishing hills, crystal-clear lakes, and charming mountains are one’s destination wish. The wish can be fulfilled by visiting a small town Chamba, an alluring hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Chamba is a beautiful town with a fortified culture and hilly charm. The beauty of the valley is somehow leftover by modern technologies, which makes the weather more congenial and the environment more clean and clear. The mountains of Chamba are covered with snow, during the winter season, which makes it a fantastic sight to witness. 

Chamba is the place for many temples, famed for their architecture or spiritual presence. This small town is located at an average altitude of 1,006 meters from sea level. Chamba is surrounded by various major cities and towns from its all side as –

. Jammu & Kashmir to the north-west and west side

. Ladakh of Jammu & Kashmir and Lahaul and Bara Bhangal to the north-east and east side

. Kangra to the south-east

. Pathankot district of Punjab on the south

Places to visit in Chamba

Some of the trending places to visit in Chamba are such as –

Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

It is one of the best places to visit in Chamba. This wildlife sanctuary is located on the way to Dalhousie and Khajjiar. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is certainly among your top list for visiting places in Chamba. It spread in an area of about 40 square Km. This charming park is well fixed up with trekking trials where one can spot ample bird species such as Pheasants, Eurasian Jay, and Grey-headed Canary. One can dip their feet in the cold waters of the Ravi River, to remove all the exhaustion which makes the park more attractive to the visitors. While you are exploring the park, you will come across the majestic views of the snow-covered Pir Panjal Range, surrounding the sanctuary to make you witness more about the beauty. The timing to visit this place is from 7 AM to 6 PM with an entry fee of INR 250 per person.

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Rang Mahal

Rang Mahal is one of the most iconic buildings in Chamba. It was built by Raja Umed Singh in the 18th century. These red color buildings bring forth an amazing fusion of British and Mughal architecture. The interior of Rang Mahal adorned with beautiful presents a stunning sight. This building has now been taken over by the state handicrafts department and houses a handicraft outlet. You can buy many local realms from this outlet. These include shawls and handkerchiefs spun on wooden looms, which are attractive. Do not forget to buy local Chamba pickles from the outlet.

This Mahal opens daily from 10 AM to 1 PM and then again from 2 PM to 5 PM. It remains closed on Sundays. There are no entry fees for the emporium so you have a double bonanza. One can enjoy the beauty of the building and buy some local stuff at very reasonable prices.

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Manimahesh Lake

This stunning lake is protected by Manimahesh Kailash Peak in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. This lake attracts thousands of travelers every year because of its panoramic beauty and especially during August and September. On the eighth day of the new moon period, a decisive pilgrimage trek takes place popularly known as “Manimahesh Yatra”. The timing to visit this place is from 7 AM to 6 PM with no entry fee. But if you wish to have a boat ride in this beautiful lake then you will have to pay an entry fee of INR 200 per person.

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Tehri Dam

Tehri Dam is the country’s tallest dam built on River Bhagirathi. This dam harnesses waters of two mighty Himalayan Rivers i.e. River Bhilangana and River Bhagirathi. This dam stands as a huge sturdy construction made out of earth and rocks. The dam water barrier is a multi-purpose project. Tourists make it a point to visit this dam which is one of the largest projects for hydroelectric power generation in the whole of the world too. The lake formed as a result of the dam construction endeavor umpteen opportunities for chasing your adventure passion. Rafting, Kayaking, Boating, Rowing, Angling, Scuba diving, Speed boating, and Canoeing are some of the most adventure sports activities you could luxuriate in around the Tehri dam. 

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Akhand Chandi Palace

This place was built by Raja Umed Singh who used it as his residence. It was primarily built between the years 1747 and 1765 but was refurbished later during British rule. The beauty of this palace is its architecture which replicates the intelligence and tastes of the people of a bygone era. This palace is also called Chamba Palace. This palace overlooks several other prominent tourist attractions in the area like Laxmi Narayan Temple, Chaugan, and Rang Mahal. The arc-style windows and intricate work on wood and glass on inside walls will give you a glance at the art and architecture of that period. And to top it all, it has a distinctive green roof which sets it apart from other buildings in the area.

Chamera Lake

This picture-perfect beauty of this lake is what makes the Chamba valley on the top list of visitors. This lake is formed by the joining of the Ravi River and the major source is the bank created above the lake. Apart from the charming views, this lake also provides you several adventurer activities such as speed boating, which is very popular among the tourists who come to visit the lake and most visitors come for boating in this clear beautiful lake. The timing to visit this place is from 7 AM to 5 PM with no entry fees. But if you wish to have a boat ride in this beautiful lake then you will have to pay an entry fee of INR 250 per person.

Bhuri Singh Museum

This museum was established in the year 1908 to honor the king of Chamba, Raja Bhuri Singh. This museum preserves the history and distinctive culture of Chamba. It houses numerous archaistic pieces, Basohli paintings, copper plate grants, royal jewelry, rare Sharda script, and much more which makes this one of the best places worth a visit. The timing to visit this place is from 10 AM to 7 PM with an entry fee of INR 200 per person.

Laxmi Narayan Temple

Laxmi Narayan temple was built in the 10th century by Raja Sahil Verman. This is one of the oldest and the largest temples of Chamba. It has the shape of Shikara with the amazing idols of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The prime attraction of this temple is its architecture. It has wooden Chhatris which constrain the climate inside irrespective of the weather outside. Inside it always remains cool. The main Vishnu idol is made of marble and is most ravishing. The main entrance of this temple has a metallic image of Garuda, the vahan or vehicle of Lord Vishnu, on a pillar, which will hold you for a while before you enter the temple. 

Chamunda Devi Temple

Chamunda Devi temple is located among the hills and the river. This temple holds great significance among locals and visitors. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is a 300-year-old temple. Its heart-warming surroundings make this temple on the top list of visitors who come to visit this temple. While examining the breathtaking views of the valley and Himalayas from the temple, you will come across various handicraft mediums inside the temple. 

Church of Scotland

This church was built in the year 1863. If you are searching for a quiet place and a serene environment, head straight to the Church of Scotland. This church is built of fine stone and has arched windows and deep carvings. These beautiful windows administer the necessary light and ventilation. The old-world architecture of this church will relish you. 

If you want to spend some quiet time, walk into the library of the church. Just walk around the building and acclaim the way it has been well preserved over so many years. The walls of the church are supported by buttresses and it showcases Scottish art sensibilities. The Church of Scotland is also enduring as St. Andrews Church.

Conclusion

These are some of the places to visit in Chamba. Chamba is adorning with so many centers of attraction in and around that one will require a lot of time to cover but will be worth the time. From rivers to lakes, from temples to palaces, and from the museum to wildlife, one will assuredly not be disappointed with Chamba. The people, culture, spirituality are outstanding to witness in such a beautiful hill station. This place is away from crowd and commercialization and is a perfect holiday destination one should visit.