Chamba an ancient town of Himachal Pradesh is the headquarters of district Chamba which was also the capital of the erstwhile state of Chamba.
Located at an altitude of 996 metres above the mean sea level the town is situated on the banks of the Ravi River at its confluence with the Sal River.
As the historical records date the history of the Chamba region to the Kolian tribes in 2nd century BC but the state of Chamba was formally founded about the middle of the 6th century AD by Meru Varman.
Brahampura which is considered to be the present Bharmaur village was founded by him and made it a capital of the State.
In 920 AD Raja Sahil Varman shifted the capital of his kingdom from Bharmaur to this place on the request of his daughter Champavati and named as Chamba after his daughter.
Another legend is that Chamba town might have derived its name from the Champa trees which are found in and around the town.
Chamba town has numerous heritage monuments like 10th century Champavati temple, Sita Ram Temple, Bansi Gopal Temple, Kharura Mohalla and Hari Rai Temple, the 11th century Sui Mata Temple and Chmunda Devi Temple.
Built during 10th century the Lakshmi Narayan group of temples complex is the famous heritage and religious site of the town.
Built by Raja Umed Singh between 1747-65 Akhand Chandi Palace overlooking the Chaugan, which has since been converted to a government college, adds to a panoramic view of the town.
Bhuri Singh Museum built during 1908 is the main attraction to archaeological lovers visiting the Chamba town.
At the last but not the least the Chaugan, which is the heart of the town and the nucleus of all socio- economic and cultural activities of Chamba town, still holds the place of prominence. Chaugan a terraced grass green field measuring about 800 metres in length and 80 metres in width is exceptionally large for a hill station is used as playground for all types of sports and matches, picnics and promenade especially during the mid-summer months.
During the annual “Minjar Fair” the entire Chaugan becomes a flea market.