A trip to Himachal Pradesh wouldn’t be complete without seeing Palampur, a charming town nestled against the stunning Dhauladhar Ranges. There is something for everyone in Palampur, from charming tiny hamlets to Maa Durga temples and Tibetan monasteries to art galleries.
How to reach Palampur?
By Air: The Dharamsala Kangra Airport, Gaggal, the closest domestic airport, is about an hour’s drive from Palampur. A variety of cities across the nation are easily accessible from the airport. The Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, which is around 231 kilometre from the city, is the second closest international airport. It has excellent connections to many important cities, including Jammu, Delhi, Dalhousie, and Pathankot.
By Train: There is a train station in Palampur with the name Palampur Railway Station, and it connects to the major Himachal Pradesh cities. It is connected to places like Pathankot, Kangra, and Palampur via the main Palampur-Kangra Valley Narrow Gauge railhead.
By Road: Palampur is connected to Joginder Nagar, Sandhole, Dharamshala, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Manali, Shimla, and Chandigarh by the Himachal Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (HPSRTC) and some private transport services at distances of 39 km, 47 km, 35 km, 212 km, and 259 km, respectively.
10 places to visit in Palampur and things to do
Tashi Jong Monastery
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The Tashi Jong Monastery serves as a place of worship for Buddhists and a cosy residence for several Tibetan exiles. In addition to the main temple, the compound features a Tibetan restaurant and a college for new students.
This location, inhabited by Tibetans for many years, exudes a charming tranquillity. The crafts emporium also sells Tibetan artefacts that are great for travellers to purchase as mementoes. Almost all visitors to Palampur stop at this monastery. It is open from 8 AM to 12 PM.
Tea Gardens
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With good reason, Palampur is referred to as the “Tea Capital of Northern India” and is well-known throughout the nation for its enormous expanses of beautiful tea gardens, which serve as the town’s main draw. The expansive tea gardens and the intricate tea-making process can be seen in great detail in Palampur’s tea gardens. You feel like you have entered a dream world as you enter these lush green gardens, and the divine aroma transports you to heaven. For tea enthusiasts, for whom this location is like paradise on earth, this experience is enhanced.
If you want to view the entire process of picking, plucking, and processing tea and the commercial manufacturing of tea, go to the Palampur Co-operative Tea Factory Limited, which is downhill from Palampur. Travellers and tourists adore taking pictures of the tea gardens and the women collecting tea leaves and conversing with the staff at the tea state are also fascinating. Thus, to have a memorable day with your loved ones while in Himachal Pradesh, you must visit the tea plantations in Palampur.
Timings: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Saurabh Van Vihar
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In honour of the brave and gallant soldier Saurabh Kalia, who died in the Kargil War, a nature park called Saurabh Van Vihar was constructed. This lovely and picturesque tourist destination spans 13 kilometre and is situated on the banks of the snow-fed Neugel Khad in the settlement of Kwat.
Only 4 kilometre separate Saurabh Van Vihar from Palampur, making it the perfect destination for a peaceful weekend vacation. Many plants, trees, and birds call the nature park home, adding to its beauty and drawing visitors from all around who like the outdoors. The park provides a panoramic view of the Dhauladhar Range.
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Entry fee: Rs 10
Neugal Khad
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The Neugal Khad, a large stream of water popular with visitors for day trips and family picnics, is located 3–4 kilometre from Palampur. The location also has a stunning bridge made of black iron. The Neugal Khad and the bridge, set against the lofty Dhauladhar Himalayas, are perfect locations for Instagram-worthy photos for photography aficionados.
The Neugal Park, close to the steam, has little and charming cafes managed by the government where you can sit outside and enjoy snacks while taking in the magnificent surroundings.
Andretta Pottery
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Mansimran Singh founded the lovely concept of Andretta Pottery in 1983. The plan was to charge interested individuals a fee to learn clay pottery-making and designing with the option to enrol while residing in the Dhauladhar Himalayas in the Kangra District. Add this to your bucket list!
Jakhni Mata Temple
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The ascent to this fascinating temple, located near Kangra’s highest point of Chandanpur, may be strenuous and physically taxing, but the reward at the summit is well worth the effort. The vantage point provides breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar mountain range, the lovely Kangra valley, and the charming small hamlets strewn throughout the district.
The temple is a popular tourist site for families visiting Himachal and holds significant cultural and religious significance for the Hindu population.
Norbulingka Institute
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The Norbulingka Institute, a significant Tibetan cultural heritage site, is committed to preserving Tibetan history and culture for future generations. Experience seekers and inquisitive minds will feel right at home here because every nook and cranny of the institute is filled with interesting tales and adventures.
You can learn about Tibetan culture by listening to the employees’ stories, purchasing lovely clothing and home décor crafted in Tibetan art forms, or participating in one of the workshops for a more practical introduction.
Chamunda Devi temple
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The Chamunda Devi temple, one of Palampur’s most well-known tourist attractions, is a key spiritual and religious destination for Indians and visitors from other countries. One of the incarnations of Durga Maa, Chamunda, is the subject of the temple.
The temple tucked away in the Kangra district’s silvery snow-capped hills is constantly crowded with tourists. Plan a trip to this sacred location with your family to receive Maa’s blessings.
Sobha Singh’s Art Gallery
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Spend a fantastic 30 minutes at this location, which features intriguing original works of art by renowned artist Sobha Singh. There are lovely canvases, sculptures, and paintings among the artwork on display. The gallery also offers access to his studio for real admirers.
Additionally, there is a handicraft store on the property where you can buy gifts like mugs and books in addition to admiring objects and images associated with the illustrious artist. Because of the aesthetic and cultural significance of the gallery, the Punjabi community maintains a unique place in its hearts.
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday to Sunday
Entry fees: Rs 10 for Indians, Rs 100 for foreigners
Toy Train
A ride on the toy railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most well-liked attractions in Palampur. The railway transports passengers on a steep journey through verdant woods, sparkling waterfalls, and flowing rivers between Palampur and Pathankot. While travelling, you will undoubtedly enjoy the gorgeous landscapes and have the opportunity to pass through small communities and see rural life in the hills.
FAQs
What are the best tourist attractions in Palampur?
Tashi Jong Monastery, Palampur's Tea Gardens, Saurabh Van Vihar, Neugal Khad, Pottery, Andretta, and Baijnath Temple are among the city's prominent tourist attractions.
How can I get around Palampur?
The little settlement of Palampur can be traversed on foot. For about Rs. 700, you can hire a taxi to take you to the sites.
Can you recommend an itinerary for Palampur?
Day 1: After breakfast, depart for the local tour. Visit the Palampur Tea Gardens. Enjoy Palampur's tranquil, lush green tea fields. Journey to the Gopalpur Zoo. Gopalpur Zoo, the most well-known attraction in Palampur, is renowned for its dense stands of maple and chestnut trees. Day 2: After breakfast, depart for Bir. Bir is a well-known adventure location that is only 30 miles from Palampur. It is among the most well-known and beautiful paragliding locations. It also transforms into a skiing paradise in the winter.
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