Chamba is an ancient town in the Chamba district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, in northern India. According to the 2001 Indian census, Chamba has a population of 20,312 people. Located at an altitude of 996 metres (3,268 ft) above mean sea level, the town is situated on the banks of the Ravi River (a major tributary of the Trans-Himalayan Indus River), at its confluence with the Sal River.Though historical records date the history of the Chamba region to the Kolian tribes in the 2nd century BC, the area was formally ruled by the Maru dynasty, starting with the Raju Maru from around 500 AD, ruling from the ancient capital of Bharmour, which is located 75 kilometres (47 mi) from the town of Chamba.
Attractions:
Rang Mahal: Located in Surara Mohalla, Rang Mahal was founded by Raja Umed Singh. Once the abode of a division of the ruling reign this wonderful palace displays a perfect mixture of British and Mughal style architecture. The walls of this 18th century monument are wizened with fine exemplars of Punjab hill style wall paintings, which portray the life of Lord Krishna.A number of ornamental and vibrant wall paintings have been detached and taken to Delhi National Museum. The Rang Mahal or the old palace houses the Himachal Emporium, which functions between 10 am to 1 pm and 2 to 5 pm from Monday to Saturday. The Emporium is shopper’s delight, which sells exquisite items like hand made rumals, shawls made in wooden looms and chappels.
Bhuri Singh Museum :Officially started in 1908, the Bhuri Singh Museum at Chamba is named after the illustrious King Raja Bhuri, who had contributed his family compilation of paintings to the museum. The inscription in Sarda scripts that are exhibited in the museum give vital information on the medieval account of Chamba. The Chamba rulers were great patrons of arts and culture, and the Museum houses outstanding collections of Guler-Kangra style Paintings. It is sure that the Basohli style paintings, which illustrates the Bhagwat Purana and Ramayana catches the attention of the visitor. Other fascinating attraction of the museum is the Chamba-Rumals that are famed for stunning embroidery work. In addition to all these, the Museum also holds Armour and arms, coins, hill jewelry and costumes, musical instruments and diverse ornamental artifacts.
Chamunda Devi temple: Situated on the banks of the beautiful Baner River is the famous Chamunda Devi Temple. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the ferocious incarnation of Durga Devi. Situated in a lovely ambience, this temple commands the pretty sights of the majestic mountains and the woody forests of Lahl and Pathiar. Chamunda Devi temple is believed to be 750 years old and it holds a fabulous legend, which says that it was here that the Goddess Ambika killed the two demons by name Munda and Chanda. The main deity in the temple is wrapped in a red cloth so that the devotees are not allowed to touch.
Central Park:One among the imperative attractions of Chamba is the magnificent Central Park which provides panoramic views of the entire hill station. A verdant field, which is the jamboree of all the activities in the town, the central park, is the largest crowd puller in the city in recent years. This fabulous spot, on the precipice over River Ravi is also known as Chaugan and the most remarkable construction in this place is the Gandhi gate that immortalizes Lord Curson’s visit to Chamba.
Church of Scotland :A century old structure well known for its fine stonework, the Church of Scotland was founded by the mission of Church of Scotland. Its arched windows and intricate carvings represent the Scottish style architecture. Constructed with modest bricks, its austere fascia & ornamental foundation lies entrenched in its baked walls. Built in the year 1903, this church building is now converted in to a library by the authorities. Located in Chamba market, this beautiful building of the protestant Christians is also called as St Andrew’s Church. The Church building has stood the test of time and the brick wall around the church is the only new construction one can see in the church premises.
