“A lethal combination of greenery and lots of water” is how Palampur a charming hill station located in the Kangra Valley in the Himachal Pradesh can best be described as. This quaint hill station is also popular for its tea plantations and hence is considered to be the tea capital of the northwest of India. A combination of beautiful streams and green forests consisting of deodar and pine trees is what essentially makes this hill station a popular tourist destination. This beauty of Palampur is further enhanced by the magnificent mountains in the background. The landscape in Palampur also perfect for adventure sports such as hand gliding and trekking. So if you are a nature lover or an adventure freak then “Palampur” is certainly a destination that you need to visit sooner rather than later.
Read More: 5 UNKNOWN HILL STATIONS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH
How to reach Palampur?
[put_wpgm id=69]
Palampur Map
By train:
While the closest narrow gauge station is in Maranda, the closest broad gauge station is in Pathankot. It is the Pathankot railway station that is well connected to major railway stations across the country.
By road:
There are a number of state owned bus services that are available from places like Pathankot, Dharmsala, and Mandi to Palampur.
By flight:
The closest airport to Palampur is in Dharmasala i.e. Gaggal airport. The Gaggal airport is well connected received regular flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai etc. Taxi services to Palampur are available at the Gaggal Airport.
Climate and the best time to visit Palampur
The climate in Palampur is typically pleasant throughout the year. The temperatures during the summer months (April to June) range from 15 degrees to 29 degrees. The winters which begin in November and extends to February are severe and the temperature dropping to as low as – 2 degree. Snowfall is common during winter. The rainfall received during the monsoon season beginning from July and ending in October is moderate. The ideal time to visit Palampur is from April to June.
Places To Visit Around Palampur
Tashijong Monastery: This monastery is more like a community of Tibetan refugees. There is a wonderful shrine located on an elevated platform. The red and golden ornamentation on the curved roofs with prayer flags look beautiful. There is also a craft emporium in the monastery selling unique Tibetan artifacts.
Shiva Temple: The Shiva Temple holds a great religious significance in the Kangra Valley. It has structural designs that closely resemble the Jagannatha Temple of Orissa. The snow-clad peaks and the lush greenery around adds to the exotic beauty of this place.
NeugalKhad: This is a perfect spot for picnicking with a lovely stream flowing in close proximity. The Dhauladhar ranges are clearly visible from here. This location is even more beautiful during monsoons.
Bundlamata Temple: It is a very popular Hindu shrine of the area that was built five centuries back. The temple enjoys a great environment with lush green tea gardens all around. The temple architecture mainly consists of prehistoric art.
Saurabh Van Vihar: This is a park named after a popular Indian Army officer Captain Saurabh Kalia, it is located amidst the lofty Dhauladhar Mountains. This park provides shelter to a variety of flora and fauna including many medicinal plants. The park includes open air theatre, Tiger Hill Bridge, children’s park, health trails, water streams, and picnic sheds.
Andretta: This is also known as the artist’s village where tourists will encounter a unique cultural blend. There are several amazing handicraft shops selling a variety of miniature paintings from Norah Richard’s house, KangraShobha Art Singh Gallery, and Norah Center for the arts.
Other places of tourist interest in close proximity to Palampur include Kangra, Bir, Nadaun, Mandi, Pragpur, Nurpur, Bhuntar, Naggar, Raison, Una, Kullu, and Dalhousie.
Also Read: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DALHOUSIE