A mere 56 kms from Dalhousie, lies the little town of Chamba, perched on a plateau overhanging the river Ravi. The town has a rich cultural heritage as it was left untouched due to its isolation by the high mountains surrounding it.

Chamba was allowed to develop its own rich style of Pahari art and architecture over the centuries. Much of this heritage has effectively repulsed the onslaught of natural and man-made calamities and has thus made Chamba famous for its exquisite temples and handicrafts.

The Chaugan, a grassy meadow in the heart of the town is the centre of the cultural activities of Chamba. Each year in July/August, the Minjar fair is held here, when villagers dance to the sound of drums to invoke Gods and Goddesses. The Minjar fair is a weeklong harvest fair.

The Hari Rai temple near the Chaugan dates back to the 11th century and is noted for its exquisite bronze image of Chaturmurti - the four armed Vishnu.

The Chamunda Devi Temple, located at a distance of 1km from Chaugan, is known for its wooden carvings

HimachalPradesh, the state with a lot to explore. Lakes, rivers, forests, valleys and towering mountains, all abound here. The state has thoroughly been blessed by nature. And it has all the means to satisfy a tourist's wandering soul. Be it adventure sports, bird watching or just admiring nature's bounty. You'll find it all here in Himachal Pradesh.

What To See:

Katasan Devi Temple

A popular place of pilgrimage, the temple is situated at a distance of 30Kms from the tow and has a beautiful view of the Chamba Valley.

Sarol

Known for its lovely landscaped gardens, an apiary and a sheep breeding centre, Sarol is a mere 11 Kms from Chamba and an interesting picnic spot.

Jhamwar

Located amid dense forests at a distance of 10 Kms from Chamba, Jhamwar is noted for its apple orchards (10 kms).

Salooni

Salooni has some breathtaking views of the snow-capped ranges. Just 56 km from Chamba.

Bhandal Valley

Bhandal Valley has a wealth of wildlife. It is just 22 km from Salooni- an ideal retreat.

Pangi Valley

If you are in the need for some adventure and willing to travel another 137 km north-east of Chamba, the wild & beautiful Pangi valley is the place for you. Noted for its beautiful people and colourful folk dances, the Pangi Valley lies amidst dense forests. From Killar, located in the deep gorge of the Chenab, there are exciting treks to Keylong, Mandi and to Kishtwar in Kashmir.

Bharmaur

Bharmaur is the base for the famed Manimahesh Yatra and for various marvelous treks in the region. It is situated at a distance of 56 Kms from Chamba valley. The road to Bharmaur has a spectacular view of the river for much its route.

Capital of the Chamba Valley for over 400 years, Bharmaur is a fascinating little town surrounded by high ranges and houses many ancient temples. The region is home to the seminomadic Gaddis - the shepherds of this area.

Other important and interesting places around Bharmaur are Chhatrari (40 Kms), and Kugti.

August 2009

Travelogue - Delhi - Manali - Road trip & Road map.

A long weekend and it was time for a hillstation tour as the heat and humidity in Delhi was unbearable this August 2009. As to all hillstations nearby were ventured many a time we had to check out a new place, yes this time it was Manali. Club Mahindra gave us the facility for a 3 day halt at Club Mahindra Snow Peaks with the necessary guidance.