Chamba town The town of Chamba is an old historical town. It has existed frommedieval times, and is rich in tradition. It occupies a centralposition in the valley and has been the capital of the Chambakings from the 10th century when they moved from Brahmour.

In the valleys tall trees compete for sunlight. Credit: Debangsu Sengupta

Thetown is built atop a plateau overlooking the Ravi river at thepoint where the gorge of the Ravi widens into a gentler valley.The palace overlooks the 'chaugan', the Raja's polo grounds,located at the heart of the town. The chaugan is also the centerof Chamba's social life and is a general meeting place for peoplewho gather in the evenings. The famous Minjar Mela fair takesplace here. The chaugan also serves as encampment for nomadicpeople and their animals.

Chamba has been dubbed "The Florence of the Himalayas" -- areference to its streetside art treasures, magnificent templesand idols. Arts flourished and great temples were built under thepatronage of the Chamba rulers of the 10th and 11th centuries.Chamba is home to the famous Laxminarayan group of temples. Aunique art form was the "rumal" -- a handkerchief with fineembroidery. Chamba rumals are displayed at the Bhuri Singh Museumin the town.

First rays of sun hitting the Pangi Range. Credit: Debangsu Sengupta

Located above Chamba is the Sara-Kiri forest reserve which ishome to another group of mountain people -- the Gujjars.