TEMPLES
Lakshmi
Narayan Temple: Lakshmi Narayan Temple, which is the main temple
of Chamba town, was built by Raja Sahil Verma in the 10th century AD.
Built in Shikhara style, the temple consists of Bimana i.e. Shikhara
and Garbh Griha with a small antralya. Lakshmi Narayana Temple has a
mandapa like structure also. The wooden chhattries, the shell roof,
atop the temple were in response to the local climatic conditions as a
protection against snowfall. more...
Chamunda
Devi Temple: Located just one-km away from Chaugan, is the ancient
temple of Chamunda Mata, overlooking the fortified Chamunda and the
tempestuous river Ravi. A good place for picnic, it offers a panoramic
view of the town as well as villages situated on the left bank of the
river. more...
Katasan Devi
Temple: Another popular temple of the Chamba district, it is about
30-km from the town near Baira Siul Project. This calm and peaceful
spot is ideal for picnic lovers and one can witness a full view of the
valley from its premises. { Book Temple Tours
}
PALACES
Maharaja's
Palace: This palace belongs to the erstwhile rulers of Chamba and
the most outstanding buildings in the town. Of these, Rang Mahal or
'the Painted Palace', with towers on either side, is undoubtedly the
most interesting one. There is one room in the building, the walls of
which are painted with murals depicting episodes from the Ramayana and
the Mahabharata.
Rang Mahal: Also
known as the 'Painted Palace', was built by Raja Umed Singh in the
mid-18th century. The architecture of the palace reflects Mughal
influences. Later on, Jit Singh and Charat Singh made certain
additions. It became the women's residence until 1947 and now houses a
college. The wall paintings are splendid and represent one of the most
extensive hill collections. The Paintings follow stories of Lord
Krishna.
MUSEUMS
Bhuri Singh
Museum: A veritable storehouse of exquisite paintings of the famous
Kangra and Basholi schools, as well as a mass of epigraphical material
on the history of Chamba. Also housed in the museum are woodcarvings,
ancient manuscripts and murals from Rang Mahal.
OTHERS
Chaugan: This
public promenade situated in the heart of the town is a grassy maidan
less than one-kilometre in length and about seventy-five metres wide
is a busy local trading centre for villagers from the surrounding
hills. Each year Chaugan is the site for the 'Minjar' procession, a
fair that lasts a week and comprise of large number of sports and
cultural activities.
Church of
Scotland: The Presbyterian Church and Mission House of the Church
of Scotland lie opposite the Museum.
Khajjiar:
The lush green meadow with a small lake is surrounded by thick pines
and crowned by forests. A little away from the lake is the Khajji Nag
Temple, which was built, in the 12th century.
Chamba
valley is noted for the magnificence of it's scenery-touching the
fringe of the Shivaliks and having three well-defined snowy ranges,
the Dauladhar, constituting the outer Himalayas, the Pir Panjal or the
mid Himalayas, and the Zanskar range or the inner Himalayas.
