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CHAMBA
Occupying the northwestern portion of the state of
Himachal Pradesh, the town of Chamba stands on a
plateau on the right bank of the river Ravi valley. The
valley itself, is located between the mighty Dhauladhar
and Zanskar range in the south of inner Himalayas. The
town of Chamba, which also happens to be the
headquarters of the district by the same name was founded
by Raja Sahil Verman in the 10th century AD. It was named
after his daughter Champavati who is considered the patron
deity of the place. The architecture of the temples of
Chamba reflects the glory of its erstwhile rulers. It is
also known for its local festivals. This town was founded
by Raja Sahil Varman when he conquered the lower Rani
valley from the petty chiefs called Ranas and Thakurs in
the beginning of 10th Century.
For tourists, Chamba holds immense scope, mainly in
form of temples and festivals. Apart from these, the art
work of Chamba like its exquisite miniatures and
handicrafts are also famous. The best time for tourists to
visit Chamba is between the months of March and June. |
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PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
One of the most popular hill stations of India, a tour to
Chamba is perhaps the best way of unwinding from
the hectic schedule of our daily modern lives. Hidden
between the gigantic slopes of the majestic Western
Himalayas, the historic city of Chamba is one of the most
important tourist destinations of Himachal Pradesh.
Markand: Himachal has always been the favorite
stamping grounds of the ancient Rishis or Sage. Here they
performed penances and sought cures for mankind in their
orisons or prayers. Markand is 25-km from Bilaspur,
is where Maharishi Markand performed the strictest
austerities on his body to delve into the secrets unknown
to man. A dip in the sacred waters over here is a sure
cure, it is believed, for infant diseases and sterility.
There is also a famous shrine about 20-km from Bilaspur,
in tehsil Sadar named after renowned Rishi Markandeya, who
lived and worshiped there. According to a legend, a tunnel
connected Markand and Vyas cave and the two rishis, Vyas
and Markand used to visit each other through this
sub-terrain path.
Bahadurpur Fort: Bahadurpur Fort, believed to have
been built before 1835, is perched on top of the
Bahadurpur hill, 40 km from Bilaspur city in Himachal
Pradesh. The Bahadurpur range, densely wooded with deodar
and ban trees, is the highest in Himachal Pradesh (1980
meters above the MSL). One can have a sweeping view of the
Ratanpur Fort, Swarghat, the Fatehpur Fort, the Naina Devi
hill, plains near Ropar and the mountains of Shimla from
this fort.
Shri Naina Devi Ji: A notable place of worship in
the district is the temple of Shri Naina Devi Ji, situated
on the hill top which rises some 9,15m above the sacred
town of Anandpur Sahib in Ropar. The temple stands on the
very summit of the hill above a small bazar and is reached
by a long flight of stone steps or by a cable car. Sariun
Fort: To the eastern side of the Tiun range, on the lifty
range and peak of Sariun like this stronghold at an
elevation of about 1,500m above M.S.L and is about
58-km.from Bilaspur. Tradition holds that the fort was
originally built by the same Raja of the erstwhile Suket
State and was subsequently wrested by the ruler of
Bilaspur, the local people entertain a superstition
according to which, the stones once forming part of the
Fort are not used in any residential building.
Tiun Fort: Relics of this fort is situated on the
top of a hill known as the Tiun range, at distance of
about 55-Km.from Bilaspur, on the Ali Khad crossing
Ghumarwin-Ladraur motorable road and about 10-km from
Ghumarwin. Vyas Cave: The name of sage Vyas is well known
in this part. Situated at the foot of the new township,
the belief is that Vyas Rishi meditated in this cave. The
origin of the town, Vyaspur is believed to have been
derived from this cave. Lying on the left bank of river
Satluj, this place is famous as a pilgrimage too.
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HOW TO GET
THERE
By Air: The nearest airport is at Gaggal (Kangra),
140-km from Dalhousie.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is Pathankot, which
is well connected to Amritsar, Jammu, Delhi and Jalandhar.
By Road: Onward journey from Pathankot to Chamba
and Dalhausie is by road. Punjab and Himachal Roadways run
services, as do private operators.
Luxury Holiday India offers information on Chamba
in Himachal Pradesh India and online Booking facility of Chamba in Himachal Pradesh India.
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