Chamba
Uttarakhand is the heartland of the Himalayas. A wide expanse between the Himalayas in the North and the Shivalik range in the South, it offers the most breathtaking views of the mighty peaks; mist covered deep gorges and verdant valleys.
At the doorstep of this heaven, on the foothills of the Himalayas lies Charnba. Unexplored, untouched, overlooking the snow-clad peaks on one side and offering a magnificent view of the valley on the other, about 60 km from Mussoorie is the small hill town of Chamba, Uttarakhand (don't confuse it with Chamba in Himachal Pradesh). Chamba is at an altitude of 1676 mt above sea level. An unspoilt territory and covered with lots of pine and deodar trees, Chamba offers you a never explored interlude. Unlike Mussoorie, the place is very quiet serene and offers picturesque beauty and is an excellent place to relax and fun and drive away the city blues. One can reach Chamba in about two hours from Rishikesh.
After the submergence of old Tehri, Chamba is the emerging tourist spot in Tehri Garhwal being a central point. The snow capped peaks of the Himalayas. the awe inspiring views of the verdant gorges and the enchanting valleys all around the river Bhagirathi will undoubtedly leave you spell bound, amidst the salubrious apple growing fields.
How To Reach
- By Air : The nearest airport is Jolly Grant at Dehradun 20 km from Rishikesh and 58 km from Mussoorie.
- By Rail : Rishikesh, at a distance of 60 km.
- By Road : National Highway no. 58 links Delhi with Rishikesh. Mussoorie can be reached from Dehradun easily. The road is well tarred as mountains pass with sharp bends in a zigzag & curvaceous motions. Stunning looks of Himalayas will give you magnificent company.
Where to Stay
- Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Tourist Rest House : Ph 01376-255245
- PWD Tourist Bungalow
- Classic Hill Top Resort : Ph 01376-255836 , 01376-255252
- Hotel Neelkanth : Ph 01376-255367
- Hotel Akash Lok : Ph 01376-255309
- Social Place : Ph 01376-255143
What to See
If one moves beyond the crowded market places, one will have a breath-taking view of the snow clad Himalayan peaks of Thalay Sagar and Jonli. All of a sudden, the awe-inspiring scene of the gushing river Bhagirathi into the wide valley will open up before your eyes.
Once a part of the Gorkha kingdom and later ruled by the kings of Garhwal. Chamba has many unknown jewels, still unexplored by the outer world. Neighbouring districts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pauri, Rudraprayag give this town a unique advantage of being the entry point to the inner Himalayas.
Stroll around the hills, breathe pure air to rejuvarate the inner soul go for a trek, visit the local temples and see the mists encircling the town with it's mysterious shroud in any sudden hour of the day.
Just unwind, to recharge your energy.
The scene is picturesque, the weather is salubrious and the people are friendly. It'll be your most rewarding journey to a never experienced world.
Beyond Chamba
Mussoorie: 55 km from Chamba, known as the Queen of the Hills. The Mall. Kempty Falls. Lal Tibba, Gun Hill are the major attractions here.
New Tehri: The district headquarters of Tehri Garhwal is 11 km from Chamba and a new model town adjoining one of the biggest dams in the hills. Meeting point of the rivers Bhagirathi and Bhilangana.
Rishikesh: Around 60 km from Chamba, Rishikesh is one of the holiest cities in the Himalayas, known to world for it's many Ashrams and meditation centres.
Narendra Nagar: 44 km from Chamba, it is a picturesque hill town. This, once the capital of Garhwal Kingdom offers a fine view of the River Ganga and Doan Valley. Ananda resort in the Himalayas, a well-known super luxury spa in the Himalayas is also located nearby.
Surkanda Devi Temple: Located 24 km from Chamba, one of the Shaktipeeth, Surkanda Devi Temple is a famous pilgrimage centre in the Himalayas. 3 km trek takes you to the temple complex, at the top of the hills.
Chamba Weather
- Best Season : Mar - Jun, Sep - Dec
- Weather : Summer 15 to 30°C
- Winter : -5 to 20°C