Chamba, a small town in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, is filled with natural beauty, history, and cultural charm. Be it the chilled mountain peaks the shimmering water bodies or the old temples, Chamba has it all. Chamba is more than just a hill station, whether you are looking for a fun-filled adventure or a quiet place to sit and contemplate. In this guide, we will take a look at some of the most interesting as well as the best places to visit in Chamba.
List of the 15 Best Places to Visit in Chamba
- Khajjiar – The Mini Switzerland of India
- Chamera Lake – A Man-made Wonder
- Bhuri Singh Museum – A Peek into Chamba’s History
- Laxmi Narayan Temple – A Spiritual Journey
- Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary – Explore Nature’s Beauty
- Manimahesh Lake – A Sacred Mountain Lake
- Rang Mahal – A Royal Palace
- Chamunda Devi Temple – A Temple on the Hilltop
- Saho Village – Experience Village Life
- Church of Scotland – A Touch of History
- Banni Mata Temple – A Remote Temple in the Mountains
- Chaugan – The Heart of Chamba
- Pangi Valley – A Hidden Paradise
- Gauri Shankar Temple – A Historical Gem
- Sui Mata Temple – A Place of Devotion
1. Khajjiar – The Mini Switzerland of India
Khajjiar is one of the most famous tourist attractions around Chamba. This delightful place is also popular as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’ due to its picturesque beauty. Khajjiar is a vast area of lush green meadows surrounded by dense forests and a wonderful lake in the middle. Here you can have dinner with family, take a stroll on the footpath around the reservoir, or enjoy exciting sports activities like parasailing or horse riding.
Activities to Enjoy in Khajjiar
- Horse riding around the lake
- Zorbing for some extra fun
- Nature walks and photography
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2. Chamera Lake – A Man-made Wonder
Another interesting place in Chamba is Chamera Lake. This lake is formed by the Chamera Dam built on the Ravi River. The calm blue waters covered by mountains are an ideal place for boating and picnics. One can also see a beautiful view of the sunset from Chamera Lake.
Activities to Do at Chamera Lake
- Boating with family and friends
- Watching the sunset over the mountains
- Enjoying a peaceful picnic by the lakeside
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3. Bhuri Singh Museum – A Peek into Chamba’s History
Concerning Raja Bhuri Singh, the king of Chamba in India, the Bhuri Singh Museum is a tribute to him. Interestingly, this museum houses the history, art, and heritage of the royal family of Chamba. There are some ancient paintings and coins and some old manuscripts as well. Visiting this museum and looking at all the exhibits present there feels like you have been transported to a different era where the culture and history of Chamba serve as its backdrop.
Highlights of Bhuri Singh Museum
- Rare paintings of Chamba rulers
- Old coins and artefacts
- Ancient manuscripts with beautiful calligraphy
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4. Laxmi Narayan Temple – A Spiritual Journey
Chamba has Lakshmi Narayan Temple which is one of the oldest and famous temples. Built in the tenth century, this temple is dedicated to Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. The architecture and carved structures of the temple are worth seeing. They come here to pray but most of them come to appreciate the artistry of the temple design.
What to See at Laxmi Narayan Temple
- Ancient stone carvings and statues
- The spiritual atmosphere with peaceful surroundings
- Local rituals and traditions
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5. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary – Explore Nature’s Beauty
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful destination for all nature lovers and adventure lovers. This sanctuary is home to many animals like deer, leopards, bears, and a variety of birds. You can either go on a safari, trek or just walk around the forest to admire nature and wildlife.
Activities to Enjoy at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
- Wildlife safari to spot animals and birds
- Trekking through the forest trails
- Bird watching and photography
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6. Manimahesh Lake – A Sacred Mountain Lake
Manimahesh Lake is an abode of beauty and tranquillity located near Chamba. This lake is located in the foothills of Mount Kailash and has great significance among Hindus. Devotees visit the lake in August or September which is also known as ManimaheshYatra. The clear water of the lake and the view of Mount Kailash make this place a heavenly place to visit.
Things to Do at Manimahesh Lake
- Participate in the ManimaheshYatra for a spiritual experience
- Enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and mountains
- Camping near the lake under the starry sky
7. Rang Mahal – A Royal Palace
The old house called Rang Mahal in Chamba is a beautiful example of both Mughal and British architecture. This beautiful house used to be the home of the royal family of Chamba. Also, Himachali handmade items such as carpets, shawls and other traditional items are still on display for tourists to see. Overall, the Rang Mahal is an interesting place to visit, especially for those who want to learn about the royal past and traditional crafts of Chamba.
What to See at Rang Mahal
- Beautiful Himachali shawls and handicrafts
- Architecture with a mix of Mughal and British styles
- Rooms with old paintings and artefacts
8. Chamunda Devi Temple – A Temple on the Hilltop
Goddess Chamunda is worshipped at the Chamunda Devi Temple. The temple is situated on a hilltop and overlooks the entire Chamba valley. People come here to pray as well as to seek relief in its serene atmosphere. The location of the temple provides a mesmerizing view, especially in the evening.
Highlights of Chamunda Devi Temple
- Spectacular view of the Chamba Valley
- Peaceful environment with fresh mountain air
- Beautiful sunset views from the hilltop
9. Saho Village – Experience Village Life
The town of Saho is small but beautiful and is close to Chamba. Saho village is a great place to get away from the busy city as life there is simple and beautiful. The town is surrounded by lush green fields, old temples and friendly people. The village has a calm atmosphere that gives you a chance to experience Himachali rural life and enjoy the fresh air and spectacular views.
Things to Do in Saho Village
- Visit ancient temples and meet the villagers
- Walk through the green fields and apple orchards
- Learn about Himachali culture and lifestyle
10. Church of Scotland – A Touch of History
The Church of Scotland in Chamba Kingdom is a beautiful old church built during the British period. Its structure is very simple, but it is important in itself. This church is both a place of worship and a very old historical site. People interested in history and buildings will love this place.
Highlights of the Church of Scotland
- Elegant British-style architecture
- Peaceful surroundings and beautiful views
- A small yet charming historical landmark
11. Banni Mata Temple – A Remote Temple in the Mountains
The Banni Mata Temple located in the Chamba Valley is full of wonders as it is located deep in the valley. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is visited by many devotees every year. You have to do some beautiful treks to visit the Banni Mata Temple. Some factors make the area very peaceful which is conducive for prayer and meditation.
Activities at Banni Mata Temple
- Trekking through scenic mountain trails
- Praying and meditating in a quiet setting
- Enjoying the beauty of the surrounding hills and valleys
12. Chaugan – The Heart of Chamba
Chaugan is located in the central heart of Chamba town. This place is usually and mostly used for holding fairs, festivals, and celebrations. People come to this place to sit, play, or take part in local activities. During the famous Minjar fair, where colors, music, and dance are in abundance, Chaugan is full of life.
Things to Do at Chaugan
- Enjoy a walk around the open ground
- Attend local festivals like the Minjar Fair
- Relax and observe local life in Chamba
13. Pangi Valley – A Hidden Paradise
Pangi Valley is located in the Chamba district and is one of the most spectacular and secluded valleys in the country. The valley is famous for its pristine beauty and the ability to enjoy several activities. Pangi Valley has picturesque landscapes, ethnic settlements, and exciting trekking routes. If you love sightseeing in off-beat places then Pangi Valley is one of the many areas you should visit.
Activities to Enjoy in Pangi Valley
- Trekking through unexplored mountain trails
- Visiting traditional Pangi villages
- Enjoying the raw beauty of nature
14. Gauri Shankar Temple – A Historical Gem
Gauri Shankar Temple is an old temple located around Chamba. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati. The architecture of the temple is simple but beautiful and there are many carvings on the walls of the temple. It is an ideal place to understand ancient Indian architecture and the sculptures of their deities.
Highlights of Gauri Shankar Temple
- Ancient carvings and sculptures
- Peaceful atmosphere for prayer
- Beautiful surroundings with a view of the mountains
15. Sui Mata Temple – A Place of Devotion
Another important building worth visiting in Chamba is the Sui Mata Temple, dedicated to Queen Sui, who is said to have sacrificed her life for the people of Chamba. In honour of the queen, the Sui Mata Temple hosts an event every year that showcases this. There will be prayers, music, dance, and other exciting entertainment to celebrate the event.
What to Experience at Sui Mata Temple
- Learning about Queen Sui’s story of sacrifice
- Enjoying the vibrant Sui Mata Festival
- Beautiful views of the Chamba Valley from the temple
Conclusion
Chamba is famous for having nature, history, culture and many other things in one place. Chamba is beautiful everywhere. The serene lakes, old churches and quiet towns are some examples of it. Chamba has everything to offer from adventure to peace and culture. Chamba is one of those places where you have to visit to see the sights.