Excursions

Just 10 kilometres from the town, the tranquil ashram situated on the banks of Bindu Saras, has a nine metre high image of Hanuman, a Ram temple, a meditation hall, a school and a health and recreation centre. Just 10-km from the town is the tranquil ashram complex set up by the great exponent of the Gita--Swami Chinmayananda. Situated on the banks of Bindu Saras, the ashram includes a 9m high image of Hanuman, a Ram temple, a meditation hall, a school and a health & recreation center.

Kumar Pathri is a small town near Dharamsala. The major attraction here is the temple of Mata Kunal Pathri, dedicated to local Goddesses. This place is surrounded by dense tea gardens and is a perfect place to have a natural walk. The temple premises offer a good view of Dhauladhar Range and low lying lawns.

Kunal Pathri rock temples are located in Dharamsala near Kotwali Bazaar. The temples are. These are ancient temples in the Kangra region developed for offering prayers by tribes. Kunal Pathri is an ideal location to have a secluded stay amidst scenic beauty.

Set amidst thick forest is the small temple of Bhulwani Mata, in the village of Ahla, on the way to Kalatope. A fair is celebrated in July to venerate the goddess. It is 4 km away from the town.

Just 2 km away from the town lies the 'five bridges' memorial, built in memory of Ajit Singh, one of India's well-loved freedom fighters. A natural tank and creams give the spot a fitting serenity.

Literally means five bridges, Panch Pula is a scenic place with a pictorial beauty. Famed for its gushing streams, Panch Pulla is the main source of portable water to the nearby towns. The brook bounces from Dayan Kund and falls down in to a quaint abyss and then finally reaches to the waterworks of Panch Pulla.

Twenty kms from Chamba is the village of Saho on the right bank of Sal River. The village is situated on a high plateau of great beauty. Saho is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Chandra Shekhra i.e. the moon-crowned God, Shiva. The temple is hidden behind the locality in a tree grove. Two magnificent images of Shiva can be seen at the entrance and a huge Shivaling is enshrined in the sanctum. Facing the temple is a life size Nandi bull carved with fine details.

Kandaghat is around 20 km away from Chail and has the Chail View Palace, Shiva Temples, Baba Thadda Mulla and the Karol Ranges as its prime attractions. The palace today, houses the Government Polytechnic College for Women, though the personal chambers of the Maharaja are still maintained as they were in the bygone era. The Karol Ranges have a historical Krishna Temple and a cave. The cave, it is believed, was dug by the Pandavas and run deep into the ground to finally emerge at Pinjore near the historical Mughal Gardens.

A small but beautiful village, Sadhupul is a favourite destination for picnickers. Sadhupul: 14-km from Kandaghat a beautiful tiny village of Sadhupul, and the bridge over the Ashwani stream, a popular picnic-spot.

Markand is 25-km from Bilaspur, is where Maharishi Markand performed the strictest austerities on his body to delve into the secrets unknown to man. A dip in the sacred waters over here is a sure cure, it is believed, for infant diseases and sterility. There is also a famous shrine about 20-km from Bilaspur, in tehsil Sadar named after renowned Rishi Markandeya, who lived and worshiped there.

Swarghat is ideally situated about 40 km. off Bilaspur on the Bilaspur-Chandigarh road. Perched at an elevation of about 1220 mt. from sea level. Naina Devi temple and Bhakra Dam, are also approachable from here. There is a temple dedicated to Lakshmi Narain. An ideal spot for a quiet overnight's stay for the tourists. HPTDC, has recently constructed a 8 room Hotel here.

This village is worth visiting as it is amongst the highest villages in the world. It is located at an altitude of 4205 m. The highest village, Gette, is close to Kaza . It is locally known as Khyipur, one of the highest villages in the world at an altitude of 4205 m above sea level in a narrow valley surrounded by mountains from all sides. Rest Houses available for the visitors. Gette village, at a short distance away from kaza, is the highest in the world with a height of 4270 m.