In the state of Himachal Pradesh, Chamba is a district, located in the north-western portion of the state. Chamba town is the administrative headquarters of the district. Amongst the people of the plains of northern India, the towns of Dalhousie and Khajjhiar are well-liked and quite famous as a holiday retreat. Fine records of history from the era of approximately 500 Ad are maintained and conserved by Chamba. It is the lone state in the northern part of India to do so. The ancient ruins and remains from many centuries back and a number of old writings and inscriptions have been conserved and protected by the lofty mountain ranges, which gives the landscape of the district a well protected cover. Worship is still done, in the temples constructed thousand years before by the rajas of Chamba. Also the land-grant charters and agreements, which were carried out by inscribing on copper plates are still considered to be legitimate.

The population of Chamba is 20,312 as per the Indian census of 2001. The elevation of the place is 996 meters up from the mean sea level. On the banks of the river Ravi where it is converging with the Sal River, the town of Chamba is established. The river Ravi is a principal tributary of the Trans-Himalayan Indus River. Numerous temples and palaces are there in the town. "Suhi Mata Mela" and the "Minjar Mela" are the two famous jatras that are screened in this place. These jatras includes music and dance and continues for many days. Distinguished for its art and crafts, Chamba is also renowned for some specific art and crafts, which are its Pahari paintings aand its handicrafts and textiles. The origin of the Pahari paintings is located in the Hill Kingdoms of North India dating back to the time between the 17th and 19th century.  

Chamba History

The Rajas of Chamba decided to give up their region of Chamba District to the Biritsh, upon signing of the Treaty of Lahore in the year 1846. Following the treaty, the British became amiable and pleasant to the Rajas of Chamba. All of the Rajas of Chamba under the British Raj namely Sri Singh, Gopal Singh, Sham Singh, Bhuri Singh, Ram Singh and Laxman Singh came to be in the good books of the army officers in the British regime.

Under the British reign, many improvements and good changes were brought about in Chamba. The first Post Office, a daily mail service and a primary school was constructed in the year of 1863. Doctor Elmslie of the Kashmir Medical Mission started a hospital in December, 1866. Two new roads to Dalhousie via Kolri and Khajiar were constructed in the end art of the 1860s. The reign of Gopal Singh was from 1870 to 1873. The magnificent Jandarighat Palace was constructed by him as his summer home, after renouncing his throne. The princely state of Chamba in addition to other princedoms of Mandi-Suket, Sirmour and all the Shimla Hilly States amalgamated into India, following the Indian Independence in 15th August, 1947.

Chamba Climate

The months from mid April to end of June experience the summers. The climate in the summer season stays pretty relaxing, although the temperature soars high in the plains. As a result this place becomes a major crowd puller, particularly for the tourists, during the summer months. The weather remains a bit warm during the day time, while the nights get pleasantly cool and quite romantic. The summer requires light cotton clothes as a must. In July the rain comes along with the monsoon season. Precipitation goes on till end of August or even middle of September. The weather becomes foggy and the sky gets covered in clouds during this time phase.

It is the time after the rains, when the whole of the valley seems to be covered in abundance of soft green color and with freshly bathed leaves basking in the after-rain sunshine. Starting from the months of December, continuing till the end of February, the district goes through the winter season. Cool and dry is the climatic conditions of the region during the winter months. However, in the regions situated at high altitudes, snowfall takes place during this time phase. Also, in the lower altitude locations, the temperature may also reach the zero degree Celsius mark and thus snowfall may occur. Heavy woolens are recommended for visiting Chamba in the winter.

Chamba Tourism

Chamba is also known as the land of lord Shiva. It is popular for its serene and pure beauty. Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Chamba Town, Pangi and Bharamour are the major crowd puller in the district. Five lakes, five wild life sanctuaries as well as innumerable number of temples are situated in the district. The district being small in terms of land coverage is an appealing location for the vacationers. Recognized for its superb natural beauty, numerous tourists go to stay at Chamba throughout the year, which is placed in the middle of scenic, lush green valleys. The vacationers enjoy an exciting encounter with nature at Chamba, which consists of sub-Himalayan mountain ranges and is bursting with an assortment of flora and fauna. Another reason for the popularity of the place among the tourists out of all places in the entire country of India is the enjoyable and nice climatic conditions of the place itself.

Tourist places in Chamba
Champavati Temple
Lakshmi Narayan temples
Chamunda Devi Temple
Akhand Chandi Palace
Chaugan
Church of Scotland
Bhuri Singh Museu