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Palampur
Palampur is the tea capital of northwest India. Set on the
rising slopes of Kangra Valley before they merge with the
Dauladhar ranges. But tea is just one aspect that makes
Palampur a special resort. Abundance of water and proximity
to the mountains has endowed it with mild climate. The town
has derived its name from the local word "pulum', meaning
lots of water. Palampur was a part of the local Sikh kingdom
and later on came under the British rule.
The place enjoys a healthy climate and the pine scented air
is said to have curative properties. The scenery presents a
sublime and beautiful contrast- the plain presents a picture
of rural loveliness and repose, while the hills are
majestic. Behind this town stands the high ranges of
Dhauladhar Mountains, whose peaks remain, covered for most
part of the year. Situated in and about the middle of the
Kangra Valley, it is convenient base to explore the
surroundings.
This hill station is not only known for its numerous tea
gardens and paddy fields but it also known for its colonial
architecture and temples. Palampur and places around it are
popular for adventure sports like hang-gliding and trekking.
Prime Attractions of Palampur
Taragarh Palace Hotel
Now called Taragarh after Maharani Tara Devi, of the
princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, who became its
subsequent owners, this is a splendid art-deco mansion set
amidst large grounds.
Al-Hilal
A few kilometres from the city of Palampur is Al-Hilal, a
place of unparalleled charm. During the conquests of Kangra
by Maharaja Renjit Singh, this place was a military bastion.
Andretta
The charming village, spread below thethickly wooded hill
and sprawling plains of the Kangra Valley was once the home
of the famous painter Sardar Sobha Singh and the playwright
Ms Norah Richards. Now Andretta is a centre for various
artistic activities such as pottery and is just 13-km away
from Palampur.
Baijnath
One of the most remarkable monuments of the Beas Valley is
the temple of Baijnath. The village of Baijnath is situated
23-miles east of Nagarkot,
Bir and Billing
Sheltered by the mountains and surrounded by tea gardens,
Bir serves as a landing ground for hang & para gliders as
well as known for it's Buddhist monasteries and Tibetan
handicrafts. One of the best aero-sports sites in the world,
Billing is 14-km from Bir. The mountain ranges set like an
amphitheatre, offer opportunities for high altitude and
cross-country flying for more than 200-km.
Neughal Khad
Close to the temple of Bundelmata temple, is this
300-metre-wide chasm through which the Neugal stream flows.
Tea Factory
The cooperative society tea factory provides an insight to
the processing of Kangra Tea.
Temple of Bundelmata
Walk through tea gardens and open fields or drive to reach
this temple built about five centuries ago.
Excursions from Palampur
Chamunda Devi Temple
(25Km.)
Not far from Dharamsala is the famous temple of Chamunda
Devi. It is an enchanting spot with glorious views of the
mountains, the Baner Khud, Pathiar and Lahla forests. 15-km
from Dharamshala a tiny village of Dadh on Palampur road is
the famous temple dedicated to Goddess Chamunda Devi.
Gopalpur: Palampur
(13Km.)
Situated 13-km away from the town, Gopalpur consists of a
mini zoo.
Fairs & Festivals - Palampur
Holi: In the month of March, Holi's riot of colours
and celebration of spring comes with laughter and vitality.
There are exuberant celebrations at Palampur and Sujanpur.
How To Get There - Palampur
By Road
Palampur does not have an airport or railway station. The
nearest railway station is at Maranda, which is 2-km from
Palampur and on the narrow-gauge line between Pathankot and
Joginder Nagar. The main bus station is located 1-km south
of the main Bazaar. There is frequent bus service from
Palampur to Dharamshala, Mandi, and Pathankot. Travelers can
also make use of taxis to travel to these towns from
Palampur.
Places To Stay - Palampur
Hotel T-Bud is run by the HTPDC at Palampur. One of the most
luxurious places to stay in the region in is Taragarh at the
Taragarh Palace, 8-km to the east of Baijnath.
Climate - Palampur
The weather in Palampur is moderate. Summers are mild and
winters are cold but pleasant. It experiences southwestern
monsoon rains in July-September.
General Information - Palampur
Location
Himachal Pradesh
Altitude
1,220m
Best Time
March to June and mid-September to November.
Useful Information - Palampur
Recreation Centers
Neugal Khad, Andretta, Tea Factory |
