Palampur Himachal Pradesh

Palampur is a fascinating green hill station and a municipal council in the Kangra Valley in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, surrounded on all sides by tea gardens and pine forests before they merge with the Dhauladhar ranges. Palampur is the tea capital of northwest India but tea is just one aspect that makes Palampur a special interest place. 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. There are numerous streams flowing from the mountains to the plains from Palampur. The combination of greenery and water gives Palampur a distinctive look. Palampur is at the confluence of the plains and the hills and so the scenery shows the contrast the plains on one side and the majestic snow covered hills on the other side. Behind this town stands high ranges of Dhauladhar mountains, whose tops remain snow covered for most part of the year.

Palampur was a part of the local Sikh Kingdom before it came under the British raj. The Kangra valley was the Trigarta of old, where the Palampur town is situated. It was one of the leading hill states and was once a part of the Jalandhar kingdom. The Palampur gets its name from 'Pulum' which means the abundant water. Countless streams and brooks criss-cross the landscape and in their intricate mesh, hold tea gardens and rice paddies. The town of Palampur came into being when Dr. Jameson, Superintendent of Botanical Gardens, introduced the tea bush from Almora in 1849. The bush thrived and so did the town which became a focus of the European tea estate owners. Since then the Kangra tea of Palampur has been known internationally.

The future first prime minister of independent India Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru visited Palampur in 1941 when it was still British India. There is a Nehru Chowk in Palampur to commemorate this event.

Palampur is also famous for its British era opened Saint Paul's School. It started off as a hospital but was later converted to a school.

Palampur also known as the 'Tea Capital of North India,' is a popular hill station because it is not only known for its scenic beauty but also for the beautiful temples and buildings built in the Colonial period. Here a nature lover can enjoy a quiet stroll while feasting his eyes on the natural beauty and an outdoor lover with a taste for adventure can enjoy hand gliding and trekking during the holiday. It has something for all tastes, which makes it an ideal holiday resort for many. Hill Resort in India offers online booking for accommodation and tour/travel packages to this beautiful hill resort.

Earlier Palampur was a part of the local Sikh Kingdom but later it came under the British. The Hill station gets its name from 'Pulum' meaning abundant water.

How to Reach Palampur

By Air: Kingfisher Red is running daily flights from New Delhi to Kangra Airport (Gaggal Airport) which is just 40 km from Palampur. Flights are prone to climatic conditions and can be cancelled due to low visibility in the winters- plan your trip accordingly.

By Rail: Nearest railway station from Palampur is Pathankot. Approximate distance from Pathankot to Palampur is 112 km. The journey takes about 7 hours covering two tunnels, one of which is only 250 feet and the other 1,000 feet in length.

By Road: Palampur is well connected by road to all major cities and towns in and around the state. Himachal Road Transport Corporation(HRTC) is the best way to travel plying Air conditioned, Deluxe and Semi Deluxe buses from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. Distances to the major cities are Delhi(530KM), Chandigarh(240KM), Shimla(259KM), Manali(205KM), Dharamshala(35KM) etc. Tickets can be booked online from HRTC website.

Palampur Weather:

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Places to Visit in Palampur

Chamunda Devi Temple:

Around 20 Kms from town. There is beautiful temple complex of Maa Chamunda Devi.

Bir and Beelling:

This village is famous for its Buddhist monasteries. Hang gliding pilots use it as their landing site. Bir, surrounded by tea gardens and an amphitheater of low hills, is an ideal landing around for para-gliders. Bir has Buddhist Monasteries that are worth visiting. Fine Tibetan handi craft are also produced here. Billing, up in the hills 14 km. from Bir with an arena of 200 km. for high altitude and cross country flying, is one of the best aerosports sites in the country.

Baijnath:

The Shiva temple at Baijnath is one of the most remarkable monuments of the Kangra valley. Ancient name of this town was 'Kirgrama'. Baijnath got its name from Shiva Vaidyanatha. The temple consists of an 'Adytum' surrounded by a spire of the usual conical shape with a 'Mandap' covered with a low pyramid shaped roof. The 'Adytum' contains the Lingam. There is fine sculpture work to be associated with Ravana, who worshipped Shiva at this spot and gained immortality. Baijnath is one of the 'Twelve Jyotirlingams'. Shivratri of Baijnath is a well attended fair.

Neugal Khad:

Neugal Khad provides a fine view of the Dhauladhar range. It is roaring in the rainy season and gurgling all the year round. Himachal Tourism cafe provides food and a fine view from its restaurant. It is a famous picnic spot and ideal for a day escape from busy life.

Bundla Stream:

Bundla stream with wide chasm of more than 100 metres, swells up and rises madly in monsoons taking stones and boulders along with it making a loud noise like that of continuous thunder. This is a lovely walk from Palampur to Budla.

Andreta:

It is the home of the famous artist, late Sardar Shobha Singh and late playwright Norah Richards. This presents an excellent view of the Dhauladhar Range.

Shobha Singh's Art Gallery:

It is situated in Andhretta which is 13 km. from town. Chamunda Maa: Temple complex is around 20 Kms from Palampur

Saurabh Van vihar:

Named after the valiant Army officer, Captain Saurabh Kalia, Saurabh Van Vihar is in Neugal near Palampur. Managed by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, the Van Vihar was set up with the purpose of providing information to the tourists about the nature and environment.

The Vihar sprawls on an area of 35 acres and there is a green park located here. The area is surrounded by the Dhauladhar mountains and offers scenic views of the surrounding.

Shopping in Palampur

At Palampur you can buy souvenirs and local handicrafts for your friends back home. You can buy fresh tealeaves, local handiwork, Tibetan carpets and winter clothing.

Adventure Sports in Palampur

Palampur is the ideal hill resort for you if you enjoy trekking and Paragliding. There are several trek routes that one can trek on, one important one being over Sanghar Pass to Bharmaur via Holi.

If you really love adventure sports, then 28kms from Palampur is a center for the adventure sports of hand/paragliding. There you can have the adventurous time that you adrenaline junkies really wish for in a holiday. The twon of billing which is 42km from Palampur is also famous for hand-gliding.