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INDIA
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the higher reaches of the Ravi Valley, just 56 km from
Dalhousie, Chamba is perched on a little plateau about
100 m above the river. The capital of an ancient
kingdom, Chamba was founded in 920 AD by Raja Sahil
Varma who named it after his favorite daughter
Champavati. Isolated in this valley by the high
ranges, Chamba developed its own style of architecture
and art. Much of this heritage has been preserved and
Chamba is known for the elegance of its temples and
for its exquisite miniatures and handicrafts. |
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Lakshminarayanan
Temple
In a group are six ancient temples carved in stone,
with tall vimanas. Dedicated to both Shiva and Vishnu,
they were built around the 8th century AD. The
Lakshminarayan Temple, the oldest in this group, is
richly ornamented.
Bhuri Singh Museum
On display is a collection of fine miniatures from the
Kangra, Basholi and Chamba schools of painting. There
are also murals and paintings from the Rang Mahal
Palace which was damaged by fire.
Chaugan
A large grassy meadow forms the heart of the town and
the centre of all its cultural activities. Each year,
the colourful Minjar Mela celebrating the harvest is
held here.
Hari Rai Temple
This 11th century temple located near the Chaugan, has
an exquisite bronze image of the Chaturmurti - the
four armed Vishnu, enshrined in the sanctum.
Chamunda Devi Temple
Just 1 km from the Chaugan is a temple overlooking the
river, Dedicated to the goddess Chamunda Devi, the
temple is embellished with fine wood carving |
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Katasan
Devi Temple
A popular place of pilgrimage, the temple has a
beautiful view of the Chamba Valley. (30 km)
Sarol
Lovely landscaped gardens, a sheep breeding centre and
apiary make Sarol an interesting place for picnics.
(11 km)
Jhamwar
Located amid dense forests, Jhamwar is noted for its
apple orchards. (10 km)
Saho
Situated on a high plateau on the banks of the River
Sal, Saho is famous for the temple to Chandrashekhar -
Lord Shiva, with his moon crown. (20 km)
Salooni (1,829 m)
Another place with breath-taking views of the
snow-capped ranges. (56 km) |
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Air
The nearest airport is Kangra 180 Km away
Rail
The nearest narrow gauge railhead is Pathankot, 122
Km.
Road
Well connected by road.
General Information
Altitude : 996 m.
Temperature : Between 36 C in summer
and 0 C in winter
Best Season : Throughout the year
Clothing : (Summers/Winter) Light
Woollens/Warm Woollens
STD Code : 018992 |
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Bharmaur
(2,195 m)
Surrounded by alpine pastures, this is the summer home
of the nomadic Gaddis. At a distance of 69 Km from
Chamba town, Bharmaur, once known as Brahmpur, was
between the 6th and 10th centuries, the capital of the
princely state of Chamba. It is renowned for its
cluster of temples-collectively known as the
‘Chaurasi’
Though of varying architectural design, these temples
are noted for their fine workmanship.
Legend has it that in the 10th century, 84 holy men
visited Bharmmaur, They blessed the ruler Raja Sahil
Varma with ten sons and a daughter whom the town of
Chamba is said to be named. And while some shrines
were already in existence, the Raja had the remainder
built to commemorate their sojourn. These include the
Lakshmi Devi Temple, the Ganesh Temple and the
Narsingh Temple. Installed in the sanctum of the
Lakshmi Devi Temple is an exquisite brass image of the
goddess, over a metre high.
From Bharmnaur, the Kugti and the Chobia passes and
the trek routes they offer can be approached. Other
interesting places at hand are the temple of Bani Mata
and picturesque Khundel.
There are Forest and PWD rest houses in Bharmaur.
Access
Linked by road Chamba which is 65 Km away.
Manimahesh(4,170m)
Sacred to Lord Shiva and his divine consort Parvati,
the lake of Manimahesh is 35 Km from Bharmaur. Past
Gaddi villages and wide meadows that give way to bare
rock and snow fields, this tarn is a three day trek
from Bharmaur-via Hadsarand Dhanchha. The deep blue
waters of the lake, rest at the feet of the Manimahesh
Kailash Peak-which is one of the mythological abodes
of Lord Shiva.
Access
Accessible from Bharmaur, 35 Km away - a fairly
arduous trek.
Bhandal Valley (1,730 m)
The beautiful Bhandal Valley with its wealth of
wildlife is at the western extremity of Himachal
Pradesh. Approachable from Chamba, it is the base for
a trek route that connects Chamba to the Kishtwar
region of Jammu and Kashmir over the Dagni Dhar.
The route begins along the right bank of the River
Ravi, goes past Pukhri, down to the Siyul stream, then
rises to Salooni on the Prithvi Jor ridge to finally
arrive above the valley. From Bhandal via Langhera one
reaches Kishtwar. The highest point on the track is
the Padri Gali at 3,049 m.
Access
Linked to Salooni (22 Km) in the Chamba Valley by
road. Accessible from Chamba.
Pangi valley (2,438 m and above)
Locked between the Greater Himalayan and the Pir
Panjal ranges, the wild and beautiful Pangi Valley is
s137 Km from Chamba. Its sub divsional headquarters at
Killar is located in the deep and narrow gorge of the
River Chandrabhaga (Chenab). The foaming river, the
high crags of the gorge and the difficult terrian are
a challenge for intrepid trekkers.
The Sach Pass (4,428m) opens the way to several trek
routes. Thick forests the habitat of varried wildlife
surround the Pangi Valley and the numerous side
valleys-Saichu, Hunan, Sural Nallah, that are also
endowed with remarkable natural beauty. The temple of
Mindhal Basan Devi in Pangi is an important shrine.
Appropriately, the people of Pangi are as attractive
as the tract they inhabit.
Access
137 Km from Chamba. The most convenient route for
trekking into the valley is through the Sach Pass.
(4,428m.)
Inner and Outer Seraj
The Jalori and Bashleo passes stand as markers between
the Inner and Outer Seraj regions of Kullu. Outer
Seraj faces Shimla district and reaches out to touch
the River Sultej and Inner Seraj turns towards Kullu.
Ani near the Sutlej provides the access point to Outer
Seraj from Shimla.
v Some of the beautiful unspoilt spots in this area
include Khang, a wide meadow surrounded by thick
forest and Takrasi and Paneo which have fine rest
houses. Within Outer Seraj is Nirmand, the largest
village in Himachal.
Closely allied with the legend of Lord Parasurama, one
of the avatars of Lord Vishnu, Nirmand is known for
its exquisite wood and stone temples. The 5,155m,
Shrikahand Mahadwev Peak is a part of Outer Seraj.
Beyond the Jalori Pass the scenic splendour of the
Inner Seraj area unflods. This area has a variety of
trek routes.
Access
Accesssible from Kullu and Shimla by road.
Jalori Pass (3,134m)
The Jalori Pass which links Inner and Outer Seraj is
76 Km from Kullu. Its crest offers panoramic views of
the area. The new pass is a man-made one and was
carved out of the mountain range in the early part of
the mountain range in the early part of the present
century. This is about 150m lower than the old Jalori
Pass.
Surrounderd by majestic forests, this areas is home to
the Himalayan brown bear and certain varieties of
pheasant-including the monal and tragopan. The Shingar
Rishi Temple is close-by, and 5 Km from the Pass is
the jewel like Seolsar Lake.
Access
Jalori Pass is accessible by road from Shimla and
Kullu.
Shoja(2,692m)
Shoja in Inner Seraj is close to the Jalori Pass. A
charming unspoilt location of exceptional beauty
overlooking lush meadows and tall snow-capped ranges,
Shoja is 69 Km from Kullu via Aut.
The Raghupur Fort and Dugha Thatch, a lovely grassy
meadow very close to Shoja, are worth visiting.
Access
Shoja is accessible by road from Shimla and Kullu.
Aut
Aut on the Mandi - Manali highway is the entry point
to the Kullu Valley where the road enters the Mandi -
Largi gorge. Aut, the entire reservoir of the Pandoh
Dam and Largi are excellent for angling. The rapids
between Shamshi and Aut are splendid for river
running. There are rest houses at Aut and Largi.
Access
Easily accessible as it is on the National Highway
from Mandi to Manali.
Joginder Nagar(1,220 m)
In 1925, the enterprising Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi
created an elaborate hydel power scheme near the
village of Sukrahatti - which was then renamed
Joginder Nagar after him. After tunnelling and piping
the water over several kilometres from the River Uhl
to Joginder Nagar, the power house, Gumma and the
haulage trolley.
Access
Joginder Nagar is the last stop of the little toy
train that runs from Pathankot on the main broad gauge
line, through the district of Kangra. Accessible by
road from both Palampur and Mandi as it is on the
National Highway form Mandi. |
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