The valley of Chamba is exquisitely beautiful lying alongside the River Ravi and two mountain ridges. Located in the middle of the Shivalik range, Chamba is known for its medieval temples, museums and bustling markets.

History:

Chamba valley was founded by Raja SahilVerman, a Rajput ruler from 10th century AD. Formerly, Chamba was used to rule by Rajput rulers since 6th century AD. Raja SahilVerman founded the town and named it after his daughter Champavati in 10th century AD. Apart from that, the town was also ruled by Mughal in medieval times, followed by Sikhs and later it became a part of Himachal Pradesh after the Independence of India.

Places not to be missed in Chamba:

Lakshmi Narayan Temple Complex

The Laxmi Narayan Temple in Chamba is known for its old glory and religious importance. The temple is comprised of six shikharas with stone carvings from the date back from the oldest 10th and 19th century. Located at the topmost level of Dogra Bazar, the most massive shikhara is dedicated to Laxmi Narayan, a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu while three of the shikhara is devoted to different versions of Shiva. The rest two is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The gateway of the temple is guarded by the statue of demigod Garuda, a faithful servant of Lord Vishnu. Moreover, the brass idol of the Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva has been carved around the 10th century.

Bhrui Singh Museum in Chamba

The museum of Chamba is recognised as one of the best-displayed museums in Himachal Pradesh. You will find a vast collection of Pahari culture in the form of paintings, inscriptions made from a copper plate and century-old slabs that been bejewelled with beautiful carvings.

Chamunda Devi Temple

The Chamunda Devi Temple in Chamba is a single storey wooden temple built in 1762. The temple is located near the bus stand and can be reached by a climbing a steep 378 steps. The top of the temple offers glorious views of the mesmerising town and its greeneries. Dedicated to the wrath of the Goddess Chamunda Devi, this temple is a marvel of Chamba.

Champavati Temple:

The temple is devoted to Princess Champavati, the loving daughter of Raja SahilVerman. The temple is built with a shikhara architecture in the 10th century AD by the Raja to honour her beloved daughter. She was also believed to an incarnation of Goddess Durga by the locals and was worshipped because of it.