Charming Chamba founded by Raja Sahil Varman in the early 10th century nestles on a plateau on the right bank of the river Ravi, like a medieval Italian village fortress. It is known for ornately carved temples, palaces, and stylized buildings.
Laxmi Narayana Temple: The richly carved temple complex in ‘Shikara’ style was built by Sahil Varman in the 10th century. Other shrines in the complex are – Radha Krishna temple, Shiva Temple of Chandragupta and Gauri Shankar Temple, etc.
Hari Rai Temple: The 11th-century shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Chaugan: This grassy ground is a public promenade in the heart of Chamba. It is a center for all activities, the most important being the famous Minjar Fair.
Around Chamba
Bharmaur (65 kms.)
This original capital of Chamba state is studded with a number of ancient temples and monuments. The most important existing shrines are Manimahesh, Lakshnadevi, Ganesh, and Nar Singh.
Manimahesh (35 kms.)
The sacred lake of Manimahesh nestles at a height of 3950 meters at the base of the peak called Manimahesh Kailash. On the banks of the lake is a small marble Shivalinga called Chaumukha’. The pilgrim site is considered to be as important as the shrines of Amarnath, Kedarnath, and Rameswaram, etc.
