A charming beauty, healthy climate and scented air of pine trees, Palampur has
got all the important ingredients of being a best hill station. Palampur could
be the best choice for a perfect getaway from the mad crowds of the plains. Travel
to Palampur and discover the beauty of nature that captivates in the surroundings
of this beautiful place.
Palampur - Tea Capital of North India
Situated at a distance of 235 km from Shimla and 40 km from Dharamsala, the hill
station Palampur gets its name from word 'Pulum' meaning abundant water. Earlier
Palampur was a part of the local Sikh Kingdom and later on came under the British
empire. Today, Palampur is best described as the ' Tea capital of India' , which
can be noticed on the excursion journey from Palampur. A perfect destination for
the outdoor adventure, here tourists can enjoy hand gliding and trekking on the
travel to Palampur. Apart from the natural beauty, there are many temples and
waterfalls situated in and around the Palampur. Baijnath temple and Bundla waterfall
are the two most important tourist destinations located in the vicinity of Palampur.
How To Reach
Air
The nearest airport is Gaggal in Kangra, which is located at a distance of 37
km from Palampur. Private taxi or bus ply regularly from airport to the city. Rail
Pathankot is the nearest broad gauge railhead, located at a distance of 115 km
from Palampur. Palampur is also connected by a narrow gauge railway line, Jogindernagar
located at a distance of 5 km. Road
Palampur is connected by good network of roads. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation
runs its buses that cover major cities of state. From Delhi, Palampur is located
at a distance of 545 km on a stretch of 10 hour drive.
Internal Transport
To move in and around the city, one can avail the services of private taxi, auto
or state corporation buses. Apart from such facilities, tourist can go for a long
walk through lush green tea gardens or simply inside the city.
Places of Interest Neugal Khad (2 km)
A famous picnic spot, Neugal Khad gives panoramic view of the mountain ranges
that overlooks this beautiful landscape. Especially during the rainy season, the
roaring noise of the forest produces excellent effects in the surroundings. Neugal
Khad is a perfect getaway from the hectic and busy schedule of daily life.
Bundla Stream (2 km)
A perfect destination located few miles away from Palampur, Bundla stream could
be reached by a long walk through the lovely surroundings of lush green forests
and mountains. The beauty of the stream can be best viewed at the time of monsoons,
when high streams of Bundla drags stones and boulders in its stride making loud
noise like a continuous thunder.
Andretta (13 km)The charming village located on the turf of Himalayan ranges,
Andretta is travelled by huge number of tourists to witness the famous Art Gallery
of Shobha Singh. It is also an important craft center, which is known for the
pottery.
Gopalpur (13 km) Known for the Dhauladhar National Park, Gopalpur also
has a mini zoo, that attracts many tourists for the glimpse of rare species like
black bear and several types of deer like goral and sambhar.
Excursion from Palampur
Kangra Fort (27km)
Kangra fort which is also known as Nagarkot entered into the history in the year
1909, when Mahmud of Ghazni attacked the Kangra city. This is one of the important
forts in the region famous for the miniature paintings and carvings, which is
restored in the form of Kangra museum. Apart from the museum the fort also comprises
of various gates, shrines and rampant of old palaces.
Sujanpur Tira (42 km)
Situated on the banks of the foaming Beas river, Sujanpur Tira is a historical
town comprises of temples, a vast natural 'chaugan' (flat ground) and grassy plain
surrounded by trees. One of the famous excursion sites located in the surroundings
of Palampur, Sujanpur is also known as a pilgrimage center.
Baijnath Temple (15 km)
Another excursion site located in the vicinity of Palampur, Baijnath is known
for the jewel-like temple of Lord Shiva. Adorned with intricate carvings, the
temple draws huge number of pilgrims.
Adventure Activities
Hand/Para-gliding
Travel to Palampur for one of the most adventurous activities called hand/para-gliding.
Bir and Billing are two main cities located near Palampur at a distance of 28
and 42 km respectively. Surrounded by lush green tea gardens, Bir serves as a
landing ground for the hand gliders. The town of Billing can also be travelled
for hand/para-gliding experience.
Trekking
Tourists can travel to Palampur for the memorable trekking experience, that covers
some of the best treks like Sanghar Pass to Bharmour via Holi and from Baijnath
over the Jalsu Pass to Bharmour. The best season for trekking is post-monsoon
between mid-September to mid-October.
Shopping in Palampur
There are many things to buy from Palampur, especially the Kangra tea is world
famous. Apart from tea, there are Tibetan handicrafts, carpets, woollens, thangka
paintings on display. Tourists can get one of these items as a token of remembrance
of Palampur.