Located on the bank of river Ravi, Chamba is a scenic place to visit in Himachal Pradesh. The location has a rich history dating back to 2nd century BC. It is a home to many old temples and forts that attracts lots of tourists. With magnificent beauty and tranquil environment, it is one of the best picturesque locations in entire Himachal.
Further, the whole location bounded by the mighty Himalayas from one side and verdant forests on the other side. There are much sightseeing and places to visit in Chamba. So here we prepare a list of major tourist attraction in Chamba. To explore this beautiful location in a perfect way.
Manimahesh Lake
Located in the Pir Panjal Range of Himalayas, Manimahesh Lake is one of the best places to visit in Chamba. Situated at an altitude of 4100 meters above sea level, the place has high religious value too. Further, the location considered as the adobe of Lord Shiva, hence lots of devotees come here to seek blessings of Lord Shiva.
You can reach this location by taking a 13 km long trekking route from the city centre. The trek offers the breathtaking view of enchanting mountains and valleys that soothes your eyes. As the Lake closed most of the year due to snow, so the best time to visit this place from July to September.
- Location: Manimahesh range, Himachal Pradesh
- Elevation: 4,080 metres
- Best Time to Visit: July to September
- How to Reach: 26 KM from Bharmour, 13 km trek from Hadsar.
- Things to Do: Trekking and Sightseeing.
Champavati Temple
With high religious value, the Champavati temple is one of the best places to visit in Chamba. It was built by Raja Sahil Varman in the memory of his daughter. The temple is famous for its Shikara style architectural design and elaborate stone carving. Further, it holds the shrines of Vasuki Naga, Wazir and Goddess Mahishasura Mardini, an avatar of Goddess Durga. Currently, the temple is managed by Archaeological Survey of India.
- Deity: Goddess Mahisasuramardini
- Location: Chowgan Mohalla, Chamba, 176310
- Built by: Raja Sahil Varman
- Built date: 920 AD
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- Things to Do: Devotion, Relaxation and Sightseeing.
Suggested Read: Popular Temples of Himachal
Bhuri Singh Museum
The museum was established by Raja Bhuri Singh in 1908 who was the ruler of Chamba district. Initially, the museum is a place to showcase the painting made by Raja Bhuri Singh. Later it converted as the museum where you can see more than 8500 antique item. Now it houses the artefacts like arms, coins, royal jewellery, Basohli painting, rare Sharda script, carved doors, copper plate grants, memorial stones and Guler-Kangra paintings. These historical items truly depict the culture and tradition of Chamba. For history lover, it is one of the best sightseeing in Chamba.
- Location: Chowgan Mohalla, Chamba, 176310
- Timings: 10am–5pm
- Entry fee:20/- per person
- Visit duration: 1-2 hours
- Things to Do: Know History and Culture of Chamba District.
Also Read: Popular Museums in Himachal Pradesh
Lakshmi Narayan Temple
The Lakshmi Narayan Temple is one of the oldest and largest temples in Chamba, which has high historical importance. Built around the 10th century by Raja Sahil Verma. The temple boasts six idols of Lord Vishnu and Shiva. The main idol of Lord Vishnu is a sight to behold that made up of rare marble. Further, it is believed that the marble stone brought from Vindhyachal mountains. An image of Garuda greets all visitor that is situated at the entrance of this temple. You can visit this temple from 6 AM to 12.30 PM and 2.30 PM to 8.30 PM.
- Deity: Lakshmi Narayan
- Location: Mohalla, Hatnala Gali, Chamba, 176310
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- How to reach: 200 meters from Chamba bus station.
- Things to Do: Devotion, Relaxation and Sightseeing.
Rang Mahal
Rang Mahal was built by Raja Umed Singh in the 18th century. It is one of the best places to visit in Chamba especially for the history lover. The Rang Mahal is a perfect blend of Mughal and British architecture design. Further, it is very famous for its beautiful interior where you can see some amazing wall painting design. Now the monument converted as the ‘Emporium House’ which is managed by State Handicrafts Department. You can buy many local handmade artefacts here like silk fabrics, shoes and woollen items.
- Location: Mohalla Surara, Mohalla Sapri, Chamba 176310
- Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Entry fee: Free
- Things to Do: Shopping, Photography and Get a chance to know some historical facts.
Chaugan
Chaugan is one of the best destinations in Chamba for shopping purpose. There are a number of shops in this region where you can buy local handicrafts item, metal artefacts and precious stones items. Don’t forget to buy Chamba Slipper which is very famous artefacts of this region.
- Location: Chowgan NO 2, Pink Palace Lane, Chowgan Mohalla, Chamba
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Things to Do: Shopping and Nearby Sightseeing.
Akhand Chandi Palace
Akhand Chandi Palace is one of the best sightseeing & places to visit in Chamba which was built in the mid of 18th century. The architecture design of this palace is a perfect blend of Mughal and the British style of architecture. One can also take a breathtaking view of other sites in Chamba like Chamunda Devi Temple, Sui Mata Temple, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Rang Mahal and Hari Ram Temple from the location.
Originally the palace built by Raja Umedh Singh and later it is renovated and reconstructed by the British and the Mughal emperors. The entire premises are divided into three segments, with sloping roofs for the easy shedding of snow. Later the building handed over to Himachal Pradesh State Govt in 1958.
- Location: Chowgan Mohalla, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh 176310
- Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
- Time Required: 1 – 2 hrs
- Things to Do: Famous for Architecture Style and Take a Breathtaking view of the nearby attraction.
Also Read: Most Popular Forts and Palaces in Himachal Pradesh
Chamera Dam
Chamera Dam is one of the most beautiful sites to visit in Chamba. The dam situated on the edge of Chamera Lake. The location is very well known for its picturesque surrounding and scenic view. One can also go for some watersports activity at Chamera Lake like sailing, paddle boating and speed boating. Overall a worth visiting place in Chamba as it is a picnic spot too.
- Address: Dalhousie, District- Chamba
- Opening date: 1994
- Length: 295 m (968 ft)
- Height: 226 m (741 ft)
- Timing: 24-hrs
- Time Required: 02:00 Hrs
- How to reach: 25 kms from Dalhousie, 35 km from Chamba.
- Things to Do: Best for Boating, water sports and sightseeing.
So, these are some major tourist attraction & places to visit in Chamba that attracts lots of tourist in this region. The location is very famous for its temples, lakes and historical monuments. Chamba is a unique place to visit in Himachal Pradesh, so must explore all the above mention sightseeing in Chamba to know some historical facts about this location.
