Palampur is a picturesque hill station in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, surrounded by the majestic Dhauladhar Mountains. It is known as the “Tea Capital of North India” due to its surrounding tea gardens, terraced paddy fields, pine and deodar forests, and lush tree plantations. Palampur is derived from the word ‘plum,’ which means abundant water.
This hill station offers something for every traveler, whether honeymooners, adventure lovers, or nature lovers. For residents of Delhi and Chandigarh, this is an ideal weekend getaway destination.
Whether you want to visit verdant tea plantations, discover quaint villages, or simply relax, this destination offers plenty of adventure and tranquility away from the city. Whether it’s natural beauty or historical sites, Palampur tourism is exciting in every way.
We have prepared a Palampur travel guide for your convenience and to ensure an unforgettable trip. This guide includes information about accommodation options, places to visit, and transportation tips.
History
Palampur was once upon a time part of the local Sikh Kingdom, but later it came under British rule. The hill town got its name ‘Palampur’ when an Englishman, Dr. Jameson, the Superintendent of Botanical Gardens, introduced the tea bush from Almora in 1849. The tea bush flourished in the salubrious environs, and the town became well known. Tea estate owners flocked to the city to experiment. Kangra tea has since gained international recognition and reputation. As a result, Palampur has become a popular tourist getaway from the obscure settlement in the hills.
Palampur Tourist Places
The hill town of Palampur is renowned for its scenic beauty and is home to numerous tourist attractions, including temples, tea estates, national parks, and historical sites. The following are a few Palampur tourist places that you should not miss:
Baijnath Temple
The Baijnath Shiva temple is one of the most noteworthy monuments of the Kangra valley. Devotees from all over India flock to the revered site. The temple got its name from the form of Lord Vaidyanatha, the divine healer. There is a fine sculpture of Ravana, who is said to have worshipped Shiva at this spot and granted immortality. Baijnath is one of the ‘Twelve Jyotirlingams.’ Every year during Shivratri, thousands of devotees visit the temple to participate in a grand fair.
Dhauladhar National Park
Dhauladhar National Park is one of the popular tourist places in Palampur, welcoming wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is located on 12.5 hectares of lush land, situated 1200 meters above sea level. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar Mountains and the green valley. Mountain animals such as leopards, black bears, angora rabbits, Asiatic lions, sambhar, red foxes, and wild deer can be seen.
Kangra Fort
Known as the “Nagar Kot,” Kangra Fort, situated on the Rivers Banganga, is one of Palampur famous places to visit. The two entrance gates of the Fort have a beautiful courtyard, which the archaeological department preserves. Spend time among the ruins of the marvelous architecture.
Chamunda Devi
The Chamunda Devi Temple is one of the most revered religious centers in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas worldwide. The temple is dedicated to the wrathful form of Goddess Durga, Chamunda Devi. The temple walls are decorated with scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Neugal Khad
The Neugal Khad is a vast stream of water a popular picnic spot in Palampur. From here, you can view the spectacular Dhauladhar range. The stream of water is at its most magnificent during the rainy season, although the gurgling water flows all year round. Himachal Tourism has built a park near the water stream with cafes offering delicious food and scenic views.
Tea Gardens
One of the main attractions in the region of Palampur is the Tea gardens. Introduced initially by Dr. Jameson in the mid-19th century with a tea bush planted from Almora. Palampur tea gardens are known as the ‘Tea Capital of Northwest India.’ The famous tea grown here is available in the market with different names like Bageshwari, Darbari, and Bahar.
In addition to these, there are several other places to visit in Palampur, including Bundla Stream and Andretta. Including all the destinations in this Palampur Travel Guide is impossible. To learn more about these places, please contact our travel experts. They will provide you with full details about the tourist attractions in Palampur.
Places to Visit around Palampur
There are numerous attractive places to visit near Palampur:
Bir and Billing
Known as the ‘Paragliding capital of the world’, Bir and Billing is great places to visit near Palampur. It is also famous for its Buddhist monasteries tracing its origins in Tibet. Paragliding pilots use Bir as the launch site and Billing as their landing site. These hill towns are enclosed by tea gardens and an arena of hills. Adventures are the major lure to visit, as this is one of the best aero sports sites in the country.
Activities to Do in Palampur
This hill station offers a variety of activities for travelers, whether you are planning an adventure trip, a honeymoon trip, a family trip, or a trip with friends. Here are some things to do in Palampur that you should enjoy during your trip:
- Camping
- Trekking
- Paragliding
- Tea Garden Tours
How to get to Palampur
Palampur is easily accessible in Himachal Pradesh. The hill town can be reached by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport to Palampur is Gaggal Airport, located 38 km away. Daily flights from Delhi are available from the airport. Taxis, state-owned buses, and private vehicles will take you on the route from the air terminal.
The nearest major railway station is Pathankot, 111km from Palampur. This hill station is also very well connected by road with the nearest towns and states. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation has frequent buses covering the whole state. There is a vast network of HRTCs that cater to the needs of the people. There are air-conditioned, deluxe, and other passenger options.
Best Season to visit Palampur
Palampur enjoys a mild temperate climate around the year and can be visited anytime. However, the best time to visit would be from March to June in the summer. The daytime temperature rises to mid-30 degrees Celsius, but the nights are pleasant. In July and August, the monsoon season would be the time to avoid planning a visit. September and till early December, the weather starts getting cold, with the temperature dropping into the single digits. Snow graces the upper regions of the hills in the cold season.
Plan your Trip with our Palampur Travel Guide
Our Palampur Travel Guide makes planning your trip easy. If you feel you are unable to plan your trip, please contact our travel experts and share your preferences with them. They will assist you in planning your trip and customize the Palampur package according to your preferences. So book your tour, enjoy the vacation, and create lasting memories.