Palampur Tour: Important Tourist Places & Attractions

Palampur Tourism: Surrounded by a large number of slopes of emerald green tea plantation and set against the backdrop of the dominating Dhauladhar ranges, Palampur is nestled away in the north-west region of Himachal Pradesh. The city derives its name from the term 'Pulum' which in local language means "lots of water." Reckoned as the 'The tea Capital of North India,' Palampur is a major center for tea production. Palampur is sprinkled with the eloquent art galleries, paddy fields, and ancient shrines.

An erstwhile retreat of the British people, Palampur is a small, offbeat destination nestled amidst the foothills of Dhauladhar range. Palampur carries the legacy of being a tea estate since the 18th century, when the British ruled India. Since then, Palampur has achieved international fame for its tea plantation. The countryside is layered with multiple layers of tea estates, but the oldest and the most famous amongst them is the Bundla Tea Estate complex which has existed for 200 years.

Palampur is a visual delight filled with gushing streams passing through the plains with a backdrop of Dhauladhars ranges. From the artistic Andretta and Taragarh Palace to the fantastic Sourabh Van Vihar, there are a thousand shades of green engulfed here.

Ever wanted to get a picture clicked with a white rabbit? Then book your ticket to Sourabh Van Vihar. This small jungle hosts multiple healthy shrubs which are used for making medicines. Chamunda Devi Temple, Baijnath Temple, Mata Ashapuri Temple and Jwala Mukhi temple are some of the exuberant temples of India, which tourist would come across on their journey to Palampur. Home to some of the famous artists like late Sardar Shobha Singh and the late playwright Norah Richards, Palampur by no means thwarts the literary begetters. Andretta, a small artist colony which exhibits art, sculptures, paintings, antiquities, and heirlooms is quite famous here. Over the years, the village has attracted many noted artists, theatre practitioners, painters and potters.

Craving for an active holiday? Then Palampur is the place to be. Reckoned as the "Mecca" for all the paragliders, the stories about Paragliding in Palampur are quite famous. Promising hills of Bir and Billing offers a galvanizing 30 minutes Paragliding expedition which is simply thrilling. The mountains of Palampur keep on beckoning adventurers and paragliders from across the world. These hills and flourishing landscapes are never a disappointment for trekkers as well. Some of the famous Dhauladhar ranges treks also pass through the serene valleys of Palampur as well.

Sprawling tea plantation, picturesque landscapes, tall deodar trees and winding lanes makes Palampur the best amongst all hill stations of India. Palampur begins to work its magic on travelers the moment they ascend here.

Adventure activities in Palampur:

• Tourist can enjoy Paragliding at Bir and Billing from February to June and September to November.
• In Palampur, tourist can indulge in various other recreational activities like angling, paragliding, and trekking.
• There are a number of well-defined trekking trails that start from Palampur and lead to the Dhauladhar Mountains the town of Chamba. The famous Baijnath-Manali trek passes through the town.

Temperature Summer (April to October): 8°C - 30°C
Winters (November to March): 0°C - 10°C
Best Time to Visit: March to December

Where to Stay Hotel Surbhi (State Highway 17), Hotel Highland Regency (NH 20), POPS Hotel and Restaurant (VPO Chachian), Sai Gardens (PO Budla Tea Estate), WelcomHeritage Taragarh Palace (Taragarh PO), Hotel Thamsar (VPO, Sungal) , and Silver Oaks Mountain Resort (Chandpur Tea Estate) are some of the best places to stay in Palampur. These hotels and resorts offer basic amenities like well furnished room, clean bathrooms, and hospitable services to all their customers.

WelcomHeritage Taragarh Palace is one of the best properties in Palampur as it is owned by the royal family of Jammu and Kashmir; this palace features excellent hospitality.

Where to eat Some of the must-try local dishes include Patroda, Braha flower chutney , Lasiada, and Lungru pakoras. Chinese delicacies served in these restaurants are extremely popular. Neugal Cafe, Taj Restaurant (Subhash Chowk), Hotel Surbhi Restaurant (Near Main Market), Pizzicato Cafe (Palampur Shopping Centre), Sai Gardens (Holiday Resorts & Country Club), Skyroom Bar & Restro, The Longue and Golden Dragon are some of the prominent restaurants where tourist can enjoy scrumptious delicacies at reasonable rate.

How to Reach

Airways : Nearest airport is Gaggal airport, (Kangra Airport or Dharamsala-Kangra Airport), located 50 km from Palampur.

Railways : The nearest broad gauge railway station Pathankot is located at a distance of 95 km. There are many state owned buses and cabs available from Palampur and Pathankot.

Roadways : Tourist buses and taxis are available from every city of Himachal Pradesh to Palampur. The distances of some of places that are nearby Palampur are: