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Altitude : 1220m.
Attractions : Neughal Khad, Andretta, Tea Factory
Best Time To Visit : March to June and Mid-September to
November.
Palampur
is the tea capital of northwest India. Set on the rising slopes of
Kangra Valley before they merge with the Dhauladhar ranges. But tea is
just one aspect that makes Palampur a special resort. 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. Palampur was a part of the local Sikh kingdom and later
on came under the British rule.
The place
enjoys a healthy climate and the pine scented air is said to have
curative properties. The scenery presents a sublime and beautiful
contrast- the plain presents a picture of rural loveliness and repose,
while the hills are majestic. Behind this town stands the high ranges
of Dhauladhar Mountains, whose peaks remain, covered for most part of
the year. Situated in and about the middle of the
Kangra Valley, it is convenient base to
explore the surroundings.
This hill
station is not only known for its numerous tea gardens and paddy
fields but it also known for its colonial architecture and temples.
Palampur and places around it are popular for adventure sports like
hang-gliding and trekking.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Neughal Khad:
Close to the temple of Bundelmata temple, is this 300-metre-wide chasm
through which the Neugal stream flows.
Andretta:
The charming village, spread below the thickly wooded hill and
sprawling plains of the Kangra Valley was once the home of the famous
painter Sardar Sobha Singh and the playwright Ms Norah Richards. Now
Andretta is a centre for various artistic activities such as pottery
and is just 13-km away from Palampur.
Baijnath:
Noted for
it's ancient temple, which was built in 804 A.D. and dedicated to
Shiva Vaidyanatha. Its tall shikhara carved in stone is framed by the
imposing snow capped peaks of Dhauladhars. The linga enshrined in its
sanctum is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in the country. Every year
during the Shivratri fair, thousands of pilgrims descend on Baijnath
for the colourful fair and festivities. It is 16-km from Palampur and
56-km from Dharamsala.
Bir and Billing:
Sheltered by the mountains and surrounded by tea gardens, Bir serves
as a landing ground for hang & Para gliders as well as known for it's
Buddhist monasteries and Tibetan handicrafts. One of the best
aero-sports sites in the world, Billing is 14-km from Bir. The
mountain ranges set like an amphitheatre, offer opportunities for high
altitude and cross-country flying for more than 200-km.
Chamunda Devi:
The famous temple dedicated to the goddess Chamunda is 25-kms away
from Plampur and Yatri Niwas here provides an excellent accommodation
for the visitors.
Gopalpur:
Situated 13-km away from the town, Gopalpur consists of a mini
zoo.
Tea Factory:
The cooperative society tea factory provides an insight to the
processing of Kangra Tea.
Temple of Bundelmata:
Walk through tea gardens and open fields or drive to reach this
temple built about five centuries ago.
Al-Hilal:
A few kilometers from the city of Palampur is Al-Hilal, a place of
unparalleled charm. During the conquests of Kangra by Maharaja Renjit
Singh, this place was a military bastion.
HOW TO GET THERE
Rail:
Palampur does not
have an airport or railway station. The nearest railway station is at
Maranda, which is 2-km from Palampur and on the narrow-gauge line
between Pathankot and Joginder Nagar. The main bus station is located
1-km south of the main Bazaar. There is frequent bus service from
Palampur to Dharamshala, Mandi, and
Pathankot. Travelers can also make use of taxis to travel to these
towns from Palampur.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel T-Bud is run by the HTPDC at Palampur. One of the most luxurious
places to stay in the region in is Taragarh at the
Taragarh Palace,
8-km to the east of
Baijnath.
CLIMATE
The weather in Palampur is moderate. Summers are mild and winters are
cold but pleasant. It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in
July-September.
FAIRS &
FESTIVALS
In the month
of March, Holi's riot of colours and celebration of spring comes with
laughter and vitality. There are exuberant celebrations at Palampur
and Sujanpur. |
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