District: Kangra, State: Himachal Pradesh, India Area: 0 Languages Spoken: Hindi, Pahari, English Long Distance Code: +91-1894 Importance: Best Time to Visit: February to June and Through out the year
Description
Pulum, as it is pronounced in the local dialect means lots of water, and indeed Palampur has an intricate network of streams and brooks, true to its name. Palampur is a clean town with laid out tea gardens and lush green terraces, pine forests and the snow clad peaks, offering a stupendous view of the nature.<br />Trigarta of the ancient days, Palampur was the part of the Jalandhar Kingdom and came under British rule later. It became famous only when Dr. Jameson, Superintendent Botanical Gardens, North-West Frontier Province introduced a tea bush from Almora in 1849. Cultivation of tea Gardens and putting up tea factories since then has become a thriving business of the town. <br />Palampur today is not only famous for its internationally acclaimed tea plantations but also for its pleasant climate and the colonial architecture that it has retained. The long calm and clean walks, the crisp air and the indo-Gothic architecture of the buildings in the town takes one to any European township.
Location
Set amidst the laps of the hills of the Dhauladhar range, is situated the neat and clean town of Palampur. Located at an altitude of 1219 meters Palampur is on the Kangra - Kullu road, 52 kms from Dharamshala.
Situated in the thick hills and sprawling plains of the Kangra vale near the township of Palampur is the small village of Andretta, famous for its various art activities and workshops it conducts. It used to be the residence of famous painter Sardar Sobha Singh and playwright Ms. Norah Richards.
42 kms from Palampur on the banks of the Beas River is the Sujanpur Tira, palace of Sujanpur. It was built by King Sansar Chand of the Katcoch rulers. It is worth a visit and also the Narmadeshwar temple nearby is exquisite in its interiors and works.
When Chanda and Munda, two brother demons played havoc, it was Goddess Durga who was assigned with the task to slaughtering them. Browsing her eyebrows, the Goddess gave birth to another form of Hers, the Kali. It was eventually Kali who slayed the two demons and since then the Goddess is also called by the name of Chamunda. This ancient temple, nearly 25 kms from Palampur, is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda.
Nearly 37 kms form the town of Palampur is a small township built after the name of the King of Mandi, Joginder Singh. In 1925 the enterprising King created an elaborate Hydel Power scheme near the village of Sukrahatti. Much later a power house was also built and since then the place has become of importance in Himachal Pradesh. The Bassi power house has also become an excursion point. Bir which is 16km from Joginder Nagar is a Tibetan settlement with a beautiful monastery.
One of the 12 Jyotirlingams of India, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is an ancient temple built in 804 A.D. It was dedicated to Lord Vaidyanath meaning the lord of medicine, a form of Shiva which became Baijnath. Hardly 16kms from the town of Palampur this village commands a beautiful view of the snow capped peaks and the deep valleys.
A two km walk through the pleasant tea gardens takes one to the ancient temple of Bundla Mata which is believed to be built five centuries ago. Close to the temple is Neugal Khad, a 300 meter wide chasm and is supposed to be the origin off the Bundla stream. Beyond which the Dhauladhar Mountains come up suddenly and provide a wonderful view.
As one enters Palampur he witnesses, the beautifully laid out lush green tea gardens and women plucking the tea leaves and filling up their cane baskets. This is the very first step in making of the famous Kangra tea. The green gardens and the ladies who are very quick at work is a mesmerizing sight.
Few kilometers from the city of Palampur stands the regal and royal mansion of the rulers of Jammu and Kashmir, the Al Hilal Palace. Now converted in to a hotel, this place was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh during his conquests of Kangra. It was meant for being his summer palace. Surrounded by beautiful natural décor this place is a must visit.
Himachal Heritage Tour / PI-0472 (10 Days / 9 Nights) Chandigarh-Nalagarh-Chail-Shimla-Manali-Palampur-Dharamshala-Paragpur-Pragpur-Chandigarh
This Himachal heritage tour attracts tourists from all over the world with its mysticity and exoticism. Tourists are treated to a cultural extravaganza, an experience that comes from its cultural heritage, natural beauty and lifestyle of the people. The trip gives you an insight into some of the most popular destinations of the state ranging from Manali, Dharamshala, Chandigarh to Paragpur.
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Chandigarh - Nalagarh Day 2 : Nalagarh - Chail Day 3 : Chail - Shimla Day 4 : Shimla - Manali Day 5 : Manali Day 6 : Manali Day 7 : Manali - Palampur Day 8 : Palampur - Dharamshala Day 9 : Dharamshala-Paragpur Day 10 : Pragpur-Chandigarh
Himalayan Tour / PI-0456 (24 Days / 23 Nights) Delhi-Amritsar-Paragpur-Dharamshala-Palampur-Manali-Keylong-Sarchu-Leh-Lamayuru-Uletokpo-Ridzong-Alchi-Likir-Leh-Nubra Valley-Leh-Leh Delhi fly-Agra
The Himalayas have attracted the adventurous and the travel passionate for years. Himalayas offers one of the most enriching travel experiences for the travelers. The place has snowcapped mountains, thrilling adventurous treks, wonderful natural scenes and fresh mountain treks for the nature lovers. The rich Himalayan culture and the welcoming nature of the people makes the trip all the more exciting and thrilling.
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Delhi Day 2 : Delhi - Amritsar Day 3 : Amritsar - Paragpur Day 4 : Paragpur - Dharamshala Day 5 : Dharamshala Day 6 : Dharamshala Day 7 : Dharamshala - Palampur Day 8 : Palampur - Manali Day 9 : Manali Day 10 : Manali - Keylong Day 11 : Keylong - Sarchu Day 12 : Sarchu - Leh Day 13 : Leh Day 14 : Leh Day 15 : Leh Day 16 : Leh - Lamayuru - Uletokpo Day 17 : Uletokpo - Ridzong - Alchi Day 18 : Alchi - Likir - Leh Day 19 : Leh - Nubra Valley Day 20 : Nubra Valley Day 21 : Nubra Valley - Leh Day 22 : Leh Day 23 : Leh Delhi fly -Agra Day 24 : Agra