.. Chamba

Chamba town (915m). stands on the right bank of the river Ravi. As a former princely State, it is one of the oldest in the century and dates back to the sixth century. It is well known for its splendid architecture and as the base for numerous excursions. It is also a district headquarters.

In winter, the temperature gets very low because of cold winds, when heavy woollens are required. It is hot in summer -up to 38 degree C and cottons are recommended.

.. Places to See in Chamba ....................

» Lakshmi Narayan Temple Complex
Six temples built in the famous shikhara or spired style, and several smaller shrines, make up this temple complex, famous for its exquisite classical architectural forms. The 6 main temples are the massive Lakshmi Narayan Temple, the temples of Radha Krishna and Lakshmi Damodar, devoted to Lord Vishnu, and the temples of Chandragupta, Gauri Shankar and Trimukhteshwara, devoted to Lord Shiva.

» Chaugan
At the heart of Chamba is the Chaugan, a sprawling grassy concourse, also serving as a promenade, which is predictably enough, the hub of much of the activity in town.

» Bhuri Singh Museum
This museum was named after Raja Bhuri Singh of Chamba, and showcases intriguing relics of Chamba's past, which include murals, paintings, stone carvings, and copper plates.

» Hari Rai Temple
This 11th century temple, located at one end of the Chaugan, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

» Rangmahal
The Rangmahal is an old palace, which sports an amazing combination of colonial and Saracenic architectural styles.

» St. Andrew's Church
The St. Andrew's church is over a century old, that boasts of a dressed - stone exterior with quaint windows.

.. How to Get there ....................

» Air
Nearest airport is Dharamshala connected to Delhi.

» Rail
Nearest railway station is Pathankot (120 kms) which is connected to major cities in India.

» Road
Chamba is connected to all parts of the country. Important road distances are: Amritsar 245 kms, Kangra 180 kms, Pathankot 120 kms, Shimla 422 kms, Manali 470 kms, Dharamshala 180 kms, Dalhousie 56 kms, Khajjiar 30 kms, Mandi 334 kms, Jammu 229 kms etc.

.. Dalhousie

The popular hill station of Dalhousie is located in the Chamba Valley, at the foot of the spectacular Dhaula Dhar range of the Himalayas. It covers an area of around 14 sq. km, and is sprawled over five hills - Kathlog, Portreyn, Moti Tibba (formerly known as Tehra), Bakrota and Balun. It is a town full of old world charm and holds lingering echoes of the 'British Raj'. This town was acquired from the Raja of Chamba by the British and was named after Lord Dalhousie, the then Viceroy of India. Dalhousie is famous for its public schools. The lush cover of vegetation that adorns the town comprises of towering pines, deodars, oaks, and the beautiful rhododendron plants. Dalhousie also houses many fine specimens of colonial architecture especially, its old churches. The views that the resort has to offer are alone, worth a visit - to the north, one can gaze at the majestic mountains of the Dhaula Dhar range, that culminate in the Pir Panjal mountains of Kashmir, to the south, the plains of Punjab are discernible. Far below, the beautiful river Ravi can be sighted meandering its way through the plains

.. Places to See in Dalhousie ....................

» Churches
The St. Andrew's Church, St. Patrick's Church at Balun, St. Francis' Church at Subhash Chowk, and St. John's Church at Gandhi Chowk, are some of the beautiful churches that Dalhousie houses.

» Panchpula (Five Bridges)
Panchpula located 3km from Dalhousie, is a picturesque spot where a stream feeds several pools. A monument is built here in the memory of a freedom fighter, Sardar Ajit Singh.

» Subhash Baoli
Subhash Baoli is a captivating spot, surrounded by soaring trees. It served as the great freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose's retreat.

» Kalatope Wildlife Sanctuary
Kalatope Wildlife Sanctuary located about 8km from Dalhousie, is the home of a variety of species like the ghoral, Himalayan black bear, barking deer and an abundant bird life.

» Adventure
A number of trek routes emerge out of the Dalhousie - Khajjiar - Chamba triangle and there are some trek routes within it too, like, Chamba to Bharmour, Chamba to Palampur (over the Dhaula Dhar ranges), Chamba to Pangi, and Bharmour to Keylong via Kugti Pass.

.. How to Get there ....................

» Air
The nearest airport is at Gaggal (Kangra), 140-km from Dalhousie.

» Rail
The nearest railhead is Pathankot, which is well connected to Amritsar, Jammu, Delhi and Jalandhar.

» Road
Onward journey from Pathankot to Chamba and Dalhausie is by road. Punjab and Himachal Roadways run services, as do private operators.