Culture · Chamba, Himachal
Stone temples and the Chaugan at dawn
A morning walk from the Chaugan meadow to the Lakshmi Narayan group of stone temples, then through the old lanes to smaller shrines and the palace area. Chamba's thousand-year history in an easy 2 km loop.
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsStart at the Chaugan, the long green meadow at the centre of town, where locals walk and play cricket in the morning and the old palace buildings stand to one side. From its northern end, a lane leads uphill to the Lakshmi Narayan temple complex. Several stone temples stand together in the north Indian shikhara style, their tall curved towers topped with wooden canopies that protect them from snow and rain, a feature typical of Chamba.
The main temple is dedicated to Vishnu as Lakshmi Narayan, and others honour Shiva and other deities. Tradition dates the oldest temples here to the 10th century, around the time of the town's founding, though they have been repaired and added to over the centuries. Look for carved stone panels, metal images and the brass figure of Garuda, Vishnu's mount, facing the main shrine. This is a living temple: remove shoes and leather, and ask before taking photographs.
From the complex, wander the old lanes to smaller temples such as Hari Rai near the Chaugan, known for a fine bronze image, and the stepped streets of the bazaar. End with tea and a plate of local snacks near the Chaugan. A local guide adds stories of the rajas and the temples and costs ₹800–1,500 for the walk.
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Each of these trips stops in Chamba. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.
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Comfort
Chamba, McLeodganj and Bir by private car
Private car with driver
Questions
Before you book
How old are the Chamba temples?
Tradition dates the oldest temples of the Lakshmi Narayan complex to the 10th century, when Chamba became the capital, though they have been renovated many times. Other temples in town date from later centuries. They remain in daily worship.
Can non-Hindus enter the Lakshmi Narayan temples?
Generally yes, visitors of all faiths may enter the complex respectfully. Remove shoes and leather items, dress modestly and follow any instructions from priests. Some inner sanctums may be restricted during rituals.
Is photography allowed in the Chamba temples?
Photography of the exteriors is usually fine. Inside the shrines, and of the deities, it is often not allowed or should only be done with permission. Ask the priest, and avoid photographing worshippers during prayers.