Chamba – A Beautiful Hill Station in Uttarakhand
Chamba in Uttarakhand is a beautiful small town in the Tehri district. It has recently become popular among tourists. You can see green forests of Deodar and Pine trees, and the big snow-covered mountains in the distance. It is located 1,600 meters above sea level. Its natural beauty attracts many visitors again and again.
You can take a break here, enjoy the refreshing surroundings, and give yourself some time away from the noise of daily city life. The locals are very friendly here and welcomes with smiles. If you’re thinking of visiting Chamba this summer, this travel guide will be very helpful for your trip.
Places to Visit in Chamba
These are the main places you should visit while you’re here:
Shri Bageshwar Mahadev Mandir
Shri Bageshwar Mahadev Mandir is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most famous shrine in Chamba. This temple is special because its Shiv Lingam wasn’t made by anyone, it came out naturally from the earth. The locals feel a deep spiritual connection here, and during Shivratri, they celebrate with big festive events.
Gabar Singh Negi Memorial
This memorial shows how brave Gabbar Singh was. He became famous for his bravery during World War I. He and his team won the battle after a tough fight in France. He was very brave, so he got two big awards of the Victoria Cross and the Gallantry Award, from England. This memorial was built in Chamba in 1925 to remember and respect the great soldier.
Tehri Dam
Tehri Dam is the tallest dam in India, built on the Bhagirathi River. It gets water from both the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers that come from the Himalayas. The dam is made from rocks, it is strong and large. Tourists should not miss the chance to see Tehri Dam, as it’s the biggest hydroelectric power project in the world. The dam is perfect for adventure lovers. You can enjoy rafting, kayaking, boating, rowing, fishing, speed boating, and more.
Surkanda Devi Temple
Surkanda Devi Temple is located in Chamba, Uttarakhand, and is dedicated to Goddess Surkanda, who is a form of Ma Shakti. It is believed that when Sati died in the fire of Daksha’s Yagya, Lord Shiva was so full of sorrow that he started the powerful Tandava dance while carrying Sati’s body on his shoulders. To stop the universe from being destroyed, Lord Vishnu took action. He used his Sudarshan Chakra to cut Sati’s body into many pieces. According to the story, Sati’s body broke into parts and fell in many places, and temples were built there as Shakti Peeths. It is believed her head fell where the Surkanda Devi temple is today.
Narendra Nagar
Narendra Nagar is a beautiful hill station with amazing views of the Doon Valley and the Ganga River. Narendra Nagar is a favorite spot for tourists because of its beautiful sunset views, peaceful Alpine forests, the royal palace of Maharaja Narendra Shah, the famous Ananda spa and yoga center, where many visitors come to relax and refresh.
Best Time to Visit Chamba
- The best time to visit Chamba is from March to June, when the weather is pleasant and the temperature stays between 14°C to 30°C.
- Winters in Chamba (November to February) are very cold, and sometimes it even snows. The temperature during winter is around 4°C.
- If you like the rain, visit between July and October, especially if you enjoy the charm of light rain and cloudy skies.
Accommodation
Chamba has many places to stay, like luxury resorts, budget hotels, cottages, and bungalows. Some good ones are Classic Hill Top Resort, 180 Degree Resort, GMVN Tourist Bungalow, Drive Inn, and Club Mahindra Kanatal Spa.
Shopping
Chamba is known for its beautiful handmade crafts made by local people. If you love shopping, don’t forget to purchase some of these special items. You’ll find things like leather goods, home decor, wooden boxes, beads, Garhwali handloom items, shawls, and even traditional chappals (slippers). These crafts are popular all over India.
Famous Foods to Try in Chamba
When you’re in Chamba, make sure to taste some of the local dishes that are special to the region. The dishes here show the culture and traditions of the area. Hotels, Dhabas, and restaurants usually serve the famous Garhwali Thali and other popular regional dishes. So, don’t miss tasting local favorites like Sisunaag Saag, Kappa, Bhang ki Chutney, Kafuli, Kandalee ka saag, Gulgula, Palau, Phaanu, and more.
How to Reach Chamba
By Plane
Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport to Chamba, about 75 kilometers away. You can easily find taxi or bus from Jolly Grant Airport to Chamba. Jolly Grant Airport has daily flights from Delhi, and you can travel to Chamba by road from the airport without any trouble.
By Rail
The nearest train station to Chamba is in Rishikesh, which is only 58 km from the town. It has good train connections with many big cities in India. You’ll find regular trains to Rishikesh Railway Station. From there, Chamba is easily reachable by road. Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh to take you to Chamba.
By Road
Chamba is easily reachable by road from many big towns in Uttarakhand and nearby northern states. Regular buses from ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Chamba are available. Apart from this, you can easily get buses and taxis to Chamba from popular places in Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Devprayag, Srinagar, Tehri, and Uttarkashi. Chamba is connected with National Highway 94.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1: Is there any famous festival in Chamba?
Ans: Yes, people celebrate festival like Harela. It is a big celebration that happens every year and locals gather here.
Q-2: How many days do I need to fully enjoy Chamba?
Ans: 2 to 3-day trip is enough to see Chamba and the places around it.
Q-3: Are there any wildlife sanctuaries near Chamba to visit?
Ans: Yes, the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, technically in Almora, but often included in Garhwal region, is a popular spot for wildlife and nature lovers.
Q-4: Can I do trekking here?
Ans: Yes, trekking routes like the Surkanda Devi trek are popular.
Conclusion
Chamba is a peaceful town in Uttarakhand, perfect for anyone who loves nature and calm surroundings. The green forests, snow-covered mountains, and kind locals make it a wonderful place to take a break from city life. Travelers can visit important temples like Shri Bageshwar Mahadev and Surkanda Devi, see the amazing Tehri Dam, and enjoy beautiful views from Narendra Nagar. Chamba is a great place to enjoy delicious local food and to purchase special handmade crafts. Whether you’re looking for adventure like trekking and water sports, or just want to relax, Chamba has something for everyone. You can easily go to Chamba by road, train or plane, so it is a very convenient place to visit. Best time to explore is between March to June when weather is nice. Overall Chamba is great for anyone who enjoys nature, culture, and a peaceful holiday.
