It is a serene town located on the bank of the Ravi River. An erstwhile princely state, it was the capital of the former rulers of Chamba. Its history dates back to the 6th century AD when it was ruled by a single Rajput clan till Independence in 1947. The town was founded by Raja Sahil Varman, who shifted the original capital here from Brahmpura (now known as Bharmour) and named it after his daughter Champavati. Today, it is famous for its marvelous architecture, and as the base for some fantastic excursions and treks. It has often been compared to a medieval Italian village and is famed for its ancient temples.
