Chamba Valley

The town is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas and this photo motivates me to go live in Chame for a couple days to enjoy marketplaces, culture heritage buildings which still stand with time. Explore its narrow streets, fine wooden carving houses with golden stupas on top of them and the town temple itself.

Standing a masterpiece of architectural grandeur, Laxmi Narayana temple or the popularly referred to as Birla mandir is devoted to Lord Vishnu and Shiva. The temple complex is beautifully designed with several intricate stone carvings and provides spiritual as well as a cultural retreat in the busy city of Chamba.

Earlier a home to the rulers of Chamba, Akhand Chandi Palace reflects Mughal and British times in terms of architectural styles. It is now a museum and displays an impressive array of artefacts, manuscripts, paintings etc which trace the history and royal lineage of Chamba.

Often called “Mini Switzerland of India” is a very beautiful hill station near Chamba. Located amidst thick pine forests and surrounded with acres of lush green meadowland, Khajjiar is known for its tranquillity as much as it is famed for the haunting beauty that lords over the lake at its centre.

Situated in the confines of Akhand Chandi Palace, is a cornucopia of historical memorabilia and cultural insignias. The museum has a large collection of ancient sculptures, rare brass plate inscriptions from the 4th-5th century A.D., Pahari miniature paintings and Chamba rumal or handkerchiefs (intricately embroidered with silk thread), etc reflecting rich cultural heritage.

An alta vista for all wildlife lovers & nature enthusiasts, the Kalatop WildLife sanctuary is covered with lush forests and a treasure of fauna species. The trekking paths snake through thick oak and conifer forests from where one can see the wild animals of Himalaya pick a panoramic view surrounding mountains.

Situated on a height of four,800 metres within the Pir Panjal Vary; Manimahesh is counted among essentially the most sacred lakes in Hinduism due to its affiliation with Lord Shiva. The holy place can be reached by trekking through the virgin surroundings that provides a spiritual solitude and a perfect harmony with Nature in its lap, amidst the pure environment of Himalayas.

Constructed in 1903, the church is an epitome of colonial architecture set against the mighty Himalayas. Situated in the heart of Chamba town, it’s serene environment and historic colonial charm offers solace to one’s soul making it a hot spot for localites.