Palampur

Palampur, a pleasant hill station surrounded by old British tea plantations, is in Kangra district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is 30m south-east of Dharamshala and stands at a height of 1260m. Set on the rising slopes of Kangra Valley before they merge with the Dauladhar ranges, Palampur is crisscrossed by streams and brooks. 

Also known as the 'Tea Capital of North India', the town has derived its name from the local word ppulum', meaning lots of water. Earlier Palampur was a part of the local Sikh kingdom and later it came under the British rule. 

Dense oak and deodar forests surround Palampur, making it ideal for long walks. Behind this town stands the high ranges of Dhauladhar Mountains, whose peaks covered with snow most part of the year. This hill station is not only known for its numerous tea gardens but also known for its colonial architecture and temples. Palampur and places around it are popular for adventure sports like hang-gliding and trekking also. 

Places to see in and around Palampur

Palampur Cooperative Tea Factory
The cooperative society tea factory is open for the visitors. One can also visit the factory where they will explain to the visitors the whole process of drying of the leaves, packing, sorting etc. 

St. John Church
It is the landmark of Palampur which has a splendid artistic construction style. Constructed in 1929, the church has several memorial tablets. 

Temple of Bundlamata and Neugal Khad chasm
It is a five centuries old temple and close to this temple is the 300-metre-wide Neugal Khad chasm through which flows the tiny Bundla stream. 

Andretta 
Located 13kms from Palampur town, Andretta is a small and a charming village. Also known as the Artist's Village, it is spread below the thickly wooded hill and sprawling plains of Kangra Valley. It has been the home of famous writer and dramatist Ms. Norah Richards known as the 'nani' of Punjab Theatre. It has an open air theatre where students of Punjabi University at Patiala arrive every year to stage plays on her birthday. Andretta also has been the home other notable artists like Sobha Singh and B. C. Sanyal. In Sobha Singh's home, now an Art Gallery displays several of his notable works. Also, there is a Pottery and Crafts Society and Terracotta Museum.
Gopalpur
Situated 13 from Palampur, Gopalpur is famous for the Dhauladhar National Park and a mini zoo which has rare species like black bear and several types of deer like goral and sambhar. 

Chamunda Devi
It is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Chamunda. Located 10km west of Palampur, devotees offer prayers for their ancestors here. Situated on the banks of the river Baner, the natural surroundings and the views of the mountains, the Baner Khud, Pathiar and Lahla forests makes Chamunda Devi temple an apt site for meditation, prayers and spiritual growth.

Baijnath
Situated 16 km from Palampur, Baijnath is known for its jewel-like Shiva Temple. This Vaidyanatha Temple which contains one of 12 jyotirlingas stands by the roadside on the Mandi - Palampur road, within a rectangular enclosure. A good example of Nagari style, the temple houses miniature shrines and memorial stones. One of the famous temple in Kangra valley, the temple drawns hundreds of visitors daily. The temple has an intricate carvings and graceful proportions. Shivratri of Baijnath is a well attended fair

Kangra Fort
Kangra fort  also known as Nagarkot enclosed by high ramparts was, built about 1,000 years ago on the confluence of the Banganga and Manjhi rivers. It was constructed by Raja Bhumi Chand, founder of Katoch Dynasty. Set midst lush green forests and gushing rivers, the fort, its various gates, museums, miniature paintings, shrines, remains of the old palaces are still noteworthy. Its walls have a circumference of approximately 4 km. The fort is now under the control Archaeological Department of India. 

Bir and Beelling
These villages are famous for its Buddhist monasteries. Bir has as many as four monastereis since many prominent Tibetan Lamas settled here. Bir is known as the paragliding capital of India. Surrounded by tea gardens and hills, Bir is ideal for para gliding. One can contat the Dhondup Phunstok (Ph:01894-268350) for flying assistance. Fine Tibetan handi craft are also produced here. Billing, 14 km from Bir lies roughly midway between Dharamsala and Mandi and to the south west of Manali and Kulu valley. Here one can see the spectacular views of the Dhauladhar ranges.