Jamwal Villa

Himachal Pradesh


In a beautiful spot above the Ravi River 10km southeast of Chamba, this little hideaway includes a menagerie of ducks, birds, Guinea pigs and rabbits in a pretty family garden along with hammocks, yoga space, campfire area and games to play. The cheaper downstairs room has a wall of river stones, the other two are contrastingly modern and stylish with balconies.

Organic, locally sourced thali meals cost ₹200/250 veg/non-veg. To find Jamwal Villa from the Bharmour road take the steps down opposite Bunty Sweet Shop in Kuranh. Computer engineer/owner Manish speaks excellent English and is part of the creative force behind Vedic Vibes, an eco-activity centre 4km beyond. There are good local walks or overnight treks.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Himachal Pradesh attractions

1. Chamunda Devi Temple

4.66 MILES

Dating from 1762, this single-storey wooden temple is well worth the steep 378-step climb from near the Old Bus Stand for wonderful views over Chamba and…

2. Rang Mahal

4.9 MILES

Up on the hillside above the Chowgan, the rusty-coloured 18th-century Rang Mahal looks like a Victorian prison but was originally the royal granary and…

3. Sitaram Temple

4.95 MILES

Tucked into a mostly residential area, this photogenic little 17th-century sikhara temple is dedicated to Rama.

4. Champavati Temple

5 MILES

This ancient sikhara-type temple was built in the 10th century by Raja Sahil Varman in honour of his daughter Champavati, who is worshipped locally as an…

5. Gandhi Gate

5.02 MILES

This unsophisticated red-painted arch makes a useful landmark, spanning the street at the northern end of the Chowgan.

6. Harirai Mandir

5.03 MILES

This 11th-century temple sacred to Vishnu stands right beside Gandhi Gate just off the north end of the Chowgan.

7. Akhand Chandi Palace

5.07 MILES

Lording it over the town is the unmissable if relatively unexotic Akhand Chandi Palace, the whitewashed former home of the Chamba raja. Built in the mid…

8. Bansi Gopal Temple

5.09 MILES

Built in the 16th century and dedicated to Krishna, this temple has a small collection of carved panels from other area temples in its courtyard.