Palampur
Palampur mainly famous for its tea plantation, it is situated at a height of about 1220 mtrs above sea level. As this is a small place but is known for its scenic beauty, surrounded by tea gardens and pine forests. One can take a pleasant walk around the town to the Bundla Chasm, where a waterfall drops into the Bundla stream, from Palampur one can enjoy the picturesque beauty of Dhauladhar range and slopes of the Kangra Valley. Palampur is around 30 km from Dharamshala. The weather in Palampur is moderate. Palampur and places around it are popular for adventure sports like hang-gliding and trekking. Severeal trek routes lead out to Palampur. There are monasteries, temples; zoo is the attraction point for the tourists.
Palampur got its name from the word Pulum, which means abundant water. Earlier it was a part of the local Sikh Kingdom and later came under the British rule. It was once a part of the Jalandhar kingdom, it came into existance when Dr. Jameson, Superintendent of Botanical Gardens, introduced the tea bush from Almora in 1849. In 1941 the first prime minister of independent India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru visit this place and there is a Nehru Chowk in Palampur for this event.
How to Reach Us
By Air Gaggal airport is the nearest airport to Palampur at a distance of around 25 km . Next Airport is Chandigarh which is about 162 kms from Palampur. Cabs/Taxis are available from Airport.
By Rail Pathankot is the nearest railway station to Palampur which is at a distance of about 90 km. Cabs/Taxis are available from Railway Station.
By Road Palampur is well-connected with all the major cities of Himachal Pradesh and other states. One can hire cab/taxis as well.
Best Time To visit Palampur
Summer (April-June) The temperature in Summers ranges between 8 to 30 degrees Celsius.It remains pleasant throughout the summers.
Monsoon (July-October) Palampur does not receive a very high amount of rainfall but it is not considered as the best time to visit Palampur.
Winter (November-February) The temperature ranges from 10 degrees Celcius and can fall as low as -10 degrees Celcius in the extreme winters.
Foods
popular local delicacies here are Sepu vadi, Bhatura, Chana Madra, Kaddu Ka Khatta, Chicken Anardana, Trout Fish, Sweet rice, Patande, Momos, Noodles. North Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines are also served in a number of restaurants here.
Top Restaurants
• The Lounge
• Golden Dragon
• Taj Restaurant
• Cafe Coffee Day
• Skybar Room Bar and Restro
Attractions
Neugal Khad
This is a beautiful place for picnic spot and is about 2 kms away from town, one can nature’s beauty with family and children’s here. There is a Neugal café here which is maintained by the government.
Tashi Jong Monastery
This place to worship Buddha and also a home for various Tibetian refugees. The complex has college, Tibetian restaurants , this place was inhabitated by Tibetan for many years. Every tourist who visit Palampur would definetly visit this monastery.
Tea gardens
Palampur is the Tea capital and known for its tea plantation. Tourists are allowed to visit the tea garden and also allowed to witness the actual tea making process at the Palampur Tea Coorporative.
Saurabh Van Vihar
This is the park where one spend quality time with their family friends in the surrounding of mountains sceneries , water bodies, picnic sheds and open air theatre.
Andretta Pottery
It was started by Mansimran Singh in 1983, here one can learn clay pottery-making and designing by giving some fee.
Baijnath Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva , the archtectural design of this temple resembles to Jagannath temple in Puri. It is believed that Raavan worshipped Lord Shiva here to attain immorality.
