Chhatrai, 45 km away from
Chamba, is a beautiful village on the way to
Bharmaur.
Gaddis, the semi-agricultural tribe, are the main inhabitants here. Sheep and goat rearing are the main occupation.
A legend is associated with this village that once a cow was killed by the Raja Bala Bhadra, who ruled the area. As an act of repentance, he offered 36 larhis to the temple. One larhi is equal to three acres of land. The place is believed to have derived its name from this incident.
The major attraction here is the temple of Shakti Devi, its specialty being a massive brass statue of the presiding deity. Another prominent temple is Gauri Shankra Temple, where remarkable stone of Gauri Shankra can be found. These temples are built in pent-roof style. A fair conducted in the place after the third day of Manimahesh Mela attracts a large number of devotees.
Chhatrai is well linked by motorable roads, and can be approached either from Gehra or from Luna-Ka-Pul. The route from Gehra is a bridle path and that from Luna-Ka-Pul is a steep trace. The place is in its full beauty during the months of September and October.
