Chamba, the valley of milk and honey is known for its streams, meadows, temples, paintings, rumal (handkerchief) and lakes. Chamba has few rivals for its scenic beauty. Chamba is situated at an altitude of 926 meters, and spreads in the area of 24 km. There are three well defined ranges in the district - The Dhauladhar range, the Pangi or Pir Panjal range and Zanskar range. Located on the banks of the Ravi River the township resembles an Italian village fortress. Chamba's temples are mostly dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu and are built of richly engraved stone. The town is also the base for Gaddi shepherds who, though nomadic in their way of life, return to Chamba periodically to stock supplies. Chamba is so sheltered by snow-clad mountain barriers that its monuments escaped destruction at the hands of invaders, which is why it still remains one of the best preserved heartlands of the Himalayan arts.

Around Chamba

Dalhousie: - 56 Kms. from Chamba. Located in the outer slopes of hill Dhauladhar range is another important hill resort in the district Chamba. A number of picturesque walks run through the oak, pine and deodar forests around the town and offer excellent views of the Chenab, the Ravi and the Beas valleys. It is thickly wooded with stately pines and oaks and has lovely picnic spot all around. Dalhousie is the gateway to Chamba. Originally conceived as a sanitarium by its founder Lord Dalhousie, it is today one of the most quiet hill stations. Extending over an area of 13 sq. km., Dalhousie comprises five distinct hills, Balun, Kathlog, Petreyn, Tehra and Bakrota with heights ranging between 1,525 and 2,378 meters. It is known for its Church buildings and other landmarks erected by the British. The town has old Churches like St. John's Church made in 1903 A.D., and St. Patrick's Church made in 1909 A.D.

Khajjiar: - 22 km. from Dalhausie and 23 km. from Chamba. A little out of Dalhousie is a beautiful, charming retreat that makes an ideal day excursion or even an overnight visit. Far from any major town, this tranquil spot has a small lake in the centre, on which is a floating island. Fed by slim streams, this small lake rests in the centre of the large glade of Khajjiar. The glade and the lake are held sacred to Khajjinag - after whom the place is named. Khajjiar has the thick forest of the Kalatop sanctuary surrounding its soft green grass. It is 1.5 km long and 1 km wide. It is surrounded by cedar (deodar) forest. This is like a magical paradise. A temple dedicated to Khajjinag is also located there. Khajjiar is also called "Mini Switzerland". The lake remains full of water in all the seasons and requires no rain water for survival.

Kailash Manimahesh: - Mani-Mahesh is 28 kms. from Bharmour. During mela days efficient bus service is available up to Hadsar. This lake is supposed to be blessed by goddess Kali and protected by Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims journey here to bathe in its sacred water, on the fifteenth day, following the festival of Janamashtami. A fair is held every year at this lake during the month of August or September. This is the must seen place in Chamba.

Temples: - Chamba has numerous ancient temples patterned in the style of local hill architecture, as well as Shikhara temples. The main groups of these temples, Lakshminarayan, as well as most in the region are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, built in the period between the 8th and 10th centuries A.D. The 'Chaturmukhi' image is a major highlight at the Hari Rai Temple. Some other important temples of Chamba are the Bansi Gopal temple, Shri Bajreshwari temple and Chamunda Devi temple. There is also a shrine dedicated to the memory of Rani Suhi who, as the legend, sacrificed herself, so water could to the town Chamba.

Chaugan: - A public promenade - a grassy maidan less than 1 km. in length and about 75 meters wide. It is a busy local trading centre for villagers from the surrounding hills. Each year Chaugan is the site for the Minjar procession ( Minjar Mela ). The fair lasts for a week and people attend the fair in the Minjar procession. The fair lasts for a week and people attend the fair in the local customs and colorful dresses, in a gay mood walking in the Chaugan where a large number of sports and cultural activities take place to commemorate this occasion. On the conclusion of fair the "Minjars" are immersed into the Ravi River. It is also an establishment base for various exciting treks into the valley around.

Bharmour: - 69 km. fro Chamba. Bharmour was the original capital of the state of Chamba. It has several ancient temples and monuments that reflect its erstwhile glory. Some of the important temples are of - Manimahesh, Lakshna Devi, Ganesh and Nar Singh. This region is also home to Semi-nomadic Shepherds, the Gaddis. Once called Brahmpura, still retains its 84 (Chaurasi) ancient temples and the monuments of its one time glory, some of which date back to the 7th century A.D.

Laxmi Narayan Temple: - Laxmi Narayana Temple, which is the main temple of Chamba town was built by Sahil Varman in the 10th century AD. The temple has been built in the Shikhara style. The temple consists of Bimana i.e. Shikhara and GarbhGriha with a small antralya. Laxmi 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. There are several other temples within the complex. The temple of Radha krishna, Shiva Temple of Chandergupta and Gauri Shankar Temple are among these.