Best Places to visit in Chamba 2024
Best Places to visit in Chamba: Chamba district is a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Nestled in the north-western part of Himachal Pradesh, it boasts stunning natural beauty, ancient temples, and charming hill stations. Often referred to as the “Valley of Flowers,” Chamba is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Here are some of the popular tourist destinations in Chamba district:
1. Chamba Town:
Chamba Town: The capital of the district, Chamba town is known for its beautiful temples, including the Laxmi Narayan Temple complex, the Hari Rai Temple, and the Chamunda Devi Temple. The town also has a fascinating old palace called the Rangmahal and a museum called the Bhuri Singh Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts related to Chamba’s rich history.
How to Reach Chamba Town:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Chamba Town is Pathankot Airport, located about 120 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Chamba Town.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Chamba Town is Pathankot, also located about 120 kilometers away. Similar to reaching Chamba Town by air, you can hire a taxi or take a bus from Pathankot Cantt to your destination.
- By Road: Chamba Town is well-connected by road to other cities in Himachal Pradesh and North India. You can take a bus from Shimla, Chandigarh, Delhi, or other major cities to Chamba Town.
2. Dalhousie
Dalhousie: A popular hill station located in Chamba district, Dalhousie is known for its colonial charm, scenic beauty, and pleasant weather. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Some of the popular attractions in Dalhousie include Panchpula (Five Falls), Satdhara Falls, and the Chamera Lake. Here are some reasons why you should visit Dalhousie:
Colonial architecture: The town is dotted with colonial-era buildings, including churches, schools, and government buildings. These structures are a reminder of the British Raj era and add to the charm of Dalhousie.
Pleasant weather: Dalhousie enjoys a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year. The summers are mild, and the winters are moderately cold with occasional snowfall. This makes it an ideal year-round destination.
Sightseeing: Explore the colonial architecture of Dalhousie, including St. Francis Church, St. Andrew’s Church, and the Satdhara Falls.
Here’s some information for planning your visit to Dalhousie:
How to get there: Dalhousie is well connected by road to major cities in Himachal Pradesh and other parts of North India. The nearest airport is Pathankot Airport, located about 85 km away.
Where to stay: There are a variety of hotels, resorts, and homestays to choose from in Dalhousie, catering to all budgets.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Dalhousie is from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear.
3. Khajjiar
Khajjiar: Khajjiar, also known as the “Mini Switzerland of India”, is a beautiful hill station located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is a popular tourist destination for its stunning natural beauty, lush green meadows, and serene atmosphere. You can enjoy activities like horse riding, zorbing, and boating on the lake.
Here are some of the things you can do on a visit to Khajjiar:
Enjoy the scenery: Khajjiar is a photographer’s paradise. The saucer-shaped meadow, surrounded by deodar trees and a small lake in the center, is a sight to behold. You can take a walk or horseback ride around the meadow, or simply relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Try adventure sports: Khajjiar offers a number of adventure sports activities, such as paragliding, zorbing, and horse riding.
Visit the Khajji Nag Temple: This 12th-century temple is dedicated to a serpent god. The temple is a beautiful example of Hindu architecture.
Here are some tips for planning your visit to Khajjiar:
- The best time to visit Khajjiar is from April to June and September to October.
- Khajjiar is a small town, so there are not many hotels to choose from. It is best to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
- The nearest major airport is in Pathankot, about 120 km from Khajjiar. You can also take a train to Chamba or Dalhousie, and then hire a taxi to Khajjiar.
- Khajjiar is a relatively expensive hill station. Be prepared to spend more on food and accommodation than you would in other parts of Himachal Pradesh.
4. Bharmour
Bharmour: Bharmour, also known as the “Machu Picchu of Himachal“, is a beautiful hill station located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Nestled amidst the Himalayas at an altitude of 2,100 meters, Bharmour is known for its stunning scenery, 84 ancient temples, and serene atmosphere. It is also the starting point for the trek to the sacred Manimahesh Lake.
Here are some logistics to consider for your trip to Bharmour:
- Getting There: Bharmour is not easily accessible. The nearest airport is in Pathankot, which is about 170 kilometers away. From Pathankot, you can take a taxi or bus to Bharmour.
- Staying There: Bharmour has a limited number of hotels and guesthouses. However, there are some homestays that offer a more traditional experience.
- What to Pack: Be sure to pack warm clothes, even in the summer, as the nights can be chilly. You will also need good walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat.
5. Manimahesh Lake
Manimahesh Lake: Manimahesh Lake is a high-altitude lake is a popular pilgrimage destination, located at an elevation of 4,080 meters (13,390 ft) in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, in the Bharmour subdivision of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is considered to be one of the most sacred lakes in Hinduism, with religious significance next only to Lake Manasarovar in Tibet.
If you are planning to visit Manimahesh Lake, it is important to be in good physical condition as the trek is challenging. You should also be prepared for the cold weather conditions at high altitudes. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- The best time to visit Manimahesh Lake is during the summer months of July to September.
- The trek to the lake is a challenging one, so you should be in good physical condition.
- The weather at high altitudes can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack warm clothes, rain gear, and sunscreen.
- There are limited facilities available at the lake, so be sure to bring all the supplies you will need.
- Manimahesh Lake is a holy place, so be respectful of the local culture and traditions.
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What are some must-see attractions in Chamba?
For scenic beauty: Khajjiar Lake (mini-Switzerland), Chamera Lake, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Ravi River
For history and culture: Bhuri Singh Museum, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Champavati Temple, Rang Mahal (palace), Akhand Chandi Palace
For religious sites: Chamunda Devi Temple, Chattradi Temple, Sui Mata Temple, numerous gurudwaras
Are there any attractions outside Chamba town?
Absolutely! The most famous is Manimahesh Lake, a sacred pilgrimage site about 26 km from Bharmour. If you’re adventurous, Sach Pass is a high mountain pass offering stunning views.
How do I get to Manimahesh Lake?
The most common way to reach Manimahesh Lake is by trekking. There are two main routes: Hadsar and Holi. Hadsar is the easier route with basic amenities during the pilgrimage season.
When is the best time to visit Manimahesh Lake?
he lake is accessible only for a short period during the summer months, typically around August/September corresponding to the Bhadon month in the Hindu calendar. This is when the Manimahesh Yatra pilgrimage takes place.
