Vikal Sharma
An erstwhile colonial retreat of the Britishers, Palampur is a quaint hill station located in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh and is known for its sprawling tea gardens, hidden treks, forest trails, streams, winding lanes and the snow-capped Dhauladhar range.
This beautiful hill station is perched at a height of 6,000 feet above sea level and enthrals visitors around the year with its captivating beauty. It is located 250 km from Chandigarh, 512 km from Delhi and 35 km from Dharamshala.
It is popular among adventure enthusiasts for sports like hang-gliding and trekking. The majestic Dhauladhar ranges and the picturesque landscapes are never a disappointment for travellers here.
Here we have rounded some of the offbeat places to visit on your next vacation to Palampur.
- Baijnath Temple
Located at a distance of 17 km from Palampur, this magnificent temple is one of the top spots among tourists and devotees who come here to seek the divine blessings of Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as the ‘God of Healing’. It is believed that the water of this temple has medicinal value and has the potential to cure several illnesses and diseases. Besides, the unique architectural design of the temple bears resemblance to the Jagannath temple in Puri.
- Bir and Billing
Also referred to as the “Paragliding Capital of India”, Bir is one of the renowned centres for ecotourism, adventure sports, spiritual studies and meditation. While Billing is the take-off site for paragliding, the hamlet of Bir is the site for landing.
It is a haven for adventure junkies and here they can have an exhilarating experience of paragliding. Enjoy the 360° panoramic view of the Dhauladhar range of the Indian Himalayas from a phenomenal height while enjoying this aero sport. This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Palampur.
- Palampur tea gardens
Spanning over a large area on the hillsides, the vast tea plantation estates belong to the Palampur Co-operative Tea Factory and can be seen on the road to Dharamshala. The abundance of these lush tea plantations has made Palampur the tea capital of north India. Visitors can also view the tea-making process elaborately here.
- Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery
Located about 15 km from Palampur, this monastery complex houses the main temple, the stupa of Khamtrul Rinpoche and the Yamantak Retreat Centre. This serene and tranquil place of worship is an abode of Tibetan refugees. Its beautiful structure is adorned with woodcarving and old paintings, artefacts and murals. The complex also houses a Tibetan restaurant where one can relish the delicious local Tibetan flavours. - Neugal Khud
This wide stream of clear water flowing close to Palampur serves as a popular destination for day outings and family picnics. From here, one can enjoy the panoramic view of the Dhauladhar range. The majestic mountains in a distance can be seen covered with snow, which makes the view even more alluring. Photography enthusiasts can capture the mesmerising surrounding landscapes and walk along the pebbled path of Neugal Khud.
