Once cherished as a retreat for British colonialists, Palampur stands as a delightful hill station nestled in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Celebrated for its verdant tea gardens, expansive paddy fields, concealed hiking trails, forest pathways, crystalline streams, babbling waterfalls, meandering streets, iconic nature parks, and the snow-capped Dhauladhar range, this picturesque locale captivates visitors year-round. Resting at an elevation of 6,000 feet above sea level in the Kangra valley, Palampur is approximately 250 km from Chandigarh, 512 km from Delhi, and 35 km from Dharamshala. It beckons adventure enthusiasts with activities like hang-gliding and trekking, offering a mesmerizing backdrop of the majestic Dhauladhar range and breathtaking landscapes.
Noteworthy Attractions in Palampur:
Here, we’ve compiled a list of lesser-known places to explore on your upcoming Palampur vacation.
- Baijnath Temple:
Situated 17 km from Palampur, this magnificent temple is a prime attraction for tourists and devotees seeking the divine blessings of Lord Shiva, revered as the ‘God of Healing.’ The temple’s water is believed to possess medicinal properties, capable of healing various ailments. Additionally, its unique architectural design bears a resemblance to the Jagannath temple in Puri.
- Bir And Billing:
Often dubbed the “Paragliding Capital of India,” Bir is a renowned hub for ecotourism, adventure sports, and spiritual pursuits. Billing serves as the paragliding takeoff site, offering adventure enthusiasts the exhilarating experience of paragliding with a 360° panoramic view of the Dhauladhar Range.
- Palampur Tea Gardens:
Extending across the hillsides, these vast tea plantations owned by the Palampur Co-operative Tea Factory earned the town the title of the “Tea Capital of North India.” Visitors can witness the intricate tea-making process amidst the lush estates along the road to Dharamshala.
- Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery:
Located approximately 15 km from Palampur, this monastery complex comprises the main temple, the stupa of Khamtrul Rinpoche, and the Yamantak Retreat Center. A serene place of worship for Tibetan refugees, it features captivating architecture adorned with woodcarvings, ancient paintings, artifacts, and murals. A Tibetan restaurant within the complex offers delectable local cuisine.
- Neugal Khad:
This expansive, clearwater stream near Palampur is a popular spot for day trips and family picnics. With panoramic views of the Dhauladhar Range, distant snow-capped peaks enhance the scenic allure. Photography enthusiasts can capture the mesmerizing landscapes along the pebbled path of Neugal Khad.
Palampur boasts numerous tourist attractions, and now armed with knowledge of some of the most intriguing and thrilling activities, you can start planning your Himachal vacation without delay!
