Chamba

North-western district of Himachal is Chamba with its headquarter at Chamba town. Chamba has preserved the well document history from 500 A.D. The temple erected by Rajas of Chamba more than a thousand years ago continue to be worshiped.
Chamba town is the administrative headquarter of Chamba district. Chamba is bordered with Jammu and Kashmir on north-west, Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir on the north-east, Lahaul and Bara Bhangal area of Himachal Pradesh on East and District Kangra of Himachal Pradesh and Gurdaspur District of the Punjab on the south.

chamba, himachal Pradesh

Geography and Climate:

The Chamba District is situated between latitude 32°11'30" and 33°13'6" North and longitude 75°49' and 77°3'30" East. Chamba is having an estimated area of 6528 square Kilometers. The territory is wholly mountainous with altitude ranging from 2,000 to 21,000 feet and is surrounded on all sides by lofty hill ranges.
Chamba is situated largely on Great Himalayan ranges. Pir Panjal is the main mountain range passes through Chamba district. Dhauladhar range separate Chamba from Kangra district. Ravi is the main river of the Chamba which passes through Chamba town
The temperatures in summer vary 15° to 38° and 0° to 15° in winters. March to June is said to be the best period to visit Chamba. The average annual rainfall in Chamba is 785.84 mm. The higher areas of the district receives moderate to heavy snowfall in winter. Pangi and Bharmaur are the heavily snowed areas. Because of adverse geography of these areas are given the status of tribal areas.

Demographics:

According to 2011 census, Chamba has a population of 5,18,844. Males and females shares of the population are 51% and 49% respectively. Chamba has an average literacy rate of 73.19% with male literacy of 84.19% and female literacy of 62.14%.
The official language of Chamba is Hindi, the Chambiali dialect of Pahari is commonly spoken in Chamba.

Culture

Most of the People in Chamba district belong to Gaddi community. They follow their traditional cuture and traditions. They also wear traditional clothes. Chambiali Music is the typical music of Gaddis.
Chamba is famous for its hadcrafted leather sandals, handkerchiefs and woolen shawls. Paintings made in chamba reflects the culture and traditions of the district as well as state. These paintings are a symbol of Himalayan art. Minjer is the most famous of Chamba.

chamba, himachal Pradesh
Dalhousie and Khajiar are the tourist attractions in the Chamba district. Manimahesh is a holy lake in Chamba which is visited by thousands of pilgrims each year. Chamba also offers many treks for the adventure lovers.

Fact Sheet

  • Area- 6528 sq km
  • Population- 460887
  • Literacy Rate- 82.81%
  • Language- Hindi, English, Chambiali
  • Assembly Constituency (5)-Chamba, Churah, Dalhousie, Bhatiyat, Bharmaur
  • Sub-Divisions (7)- Chamba, Dalhousie, Tissa, Chowari, Bharmour, Pangi,Salooni
  • Tehsils (7)- Chamba, Dalhousie, Tissa, Chowari, Bharmour, Pangi, Salooni
  • Sub-Tehsils (4)- Bhalei, Sihunta, Holi,Dharwala
  • Development Blocks (7)- Chamba, Mehla, Tissa, Bhattiyat, Bharmour, Pangi, Salooni
  • Panchayats 270
  • Villages 1591

Places of Interest


LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE COMPLEX :
With six main Shikhara style temples and several smaller shrines, this is renowned for its finely executed classical forms.

HARI RAI TEMPLE :
This is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and dates back to the 11th Century.

OTHER TEMPLES :
The profusion of temples in Chamba and their craftsmanship is remarkable. Some important shrines are Champavati, Vijreshwari, Sui Mata and Chamunda Devi.

THE CHOWGAN :
Chamba's wide concourse is the hub of much of towns activity and also serves as its promenade.

RANGMAHAL :
This old palace is an interesting mix of colonial and local architectural styles.

AKHAND CHANDI PALACE :
Now a college, this imposing building once housed Chamba's ruling family. Much of the original craftsmanship can still be seen.

BHURI SINGH MUSEUM :
Named after Raja Bhuri Singh of Chamba, this is a treasure house of Chamba's rich past. The exhibits include copper plates, murals, doorways, costumes, paintings and stone carvings.

ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH :
Over a century old, this is a charming dressed stone structure with lancet windows.

BHARMOUR (69 Km) :
Its 84 ancient temples at a height of 2141m are well known. It is also the summer home of the nomadic Gaddi people.

MANIMAHESH (98 Km) :
This sacred lake (4183m) is associated with Lord Shiva and is a site of annual pilgrimage from mid of August to mid of September each year. Distance from Bharmaur is 28 Km.

CHATRARI (45 Km) :
An attractive temple to Shakti Devi is located here.

Tourist Places in Mandi