PalampurThe Kangra valley of which Palampur (1249 m) is a major station, was the 'Trigarta' of old. It was one of the leading hill states and was once a part of the kingdom of Jalandhara. In local Parlance, the word for lots of water is 'pulum'. This is what has given Palampur its name and it is water that has given the valley so much of its character. Countless streams and brooks criss-crosses the landscape and in their intricate mesh, hold tea gardens and rice paddies. The town came into being when the tea bush was introduced in the 19th century and Palampur became a focus, for the planters. Kangra tea, with its center at Palampur, has been internationally acclaimed since then to further bless the area with remarkable natural beauty, the Dhauladhar ranges rise dramatically from the earth, just beyond Palampur. The town itself has some interesting colonial architecture and the area around is richly garnished with historical temples and forts  and scores of picturesque hamlets.

Places to Visit

The Factory
At the very start of town the tea factory of the co-operative society, offers an insight to the processing of Kangra tea.

St. John Church (200 m)
This attractive church is built on a low rise. It was reconstructed in 1929 and has several memorial tablets
Temple of Bundlamata (2 km) : One can walk through tea gardens and open fields or drive to reach this historical temple which was originally built about five centuries ago.

Neugal Khad
Close to the temple of Bundlamata, is this 300 m wide chasm, through which the Bundla streem flows. Immediately ahead are the Dhuladhar
untains.

Excursions

Gopalpur (13 km)
There is a mini zoo here.

Chamunda Devi


Legend has it that two demons Chanda and Munda tried to harass the goddess Ambika. Enraged, Ambika knitted her brows and from their folds emerged a terrifying from of Kali, who slew the demons. Pleased, Ambika declared that Kali would now be worshipped here as 'Chamunda'.

Andretta (13 km)
This has been the home of artist Noarh orchards, Sobha Singh and    B. C. Sanyal. In Sobha Singh's home, now a gallery, several of his notable works are dispiayed. Also, there is a pottery and crafts centre at Andretta.

Kangra Fort (27 km)
The most important fort of the region, it is enclosed by high ramparts and its walls have a circumference of approximately 4 km. It was built about 1,000 years ago on the confluence of the Banganga and Manjhi rivers. Its various gates, shrines end remains of the old palaces are noteworthy.

Sujanpur Tira (42 km)
 Built in 1758 the fortress of Tira Ghar the remnants of old halls, palaces end temple. the town of Sujanpur below the fort, has several old temples of which the Narbadeshwar and Murli Marahar are exemplary.

TashiJong (12 km)
There is a Tibetan monastery here.

Baijnath (15 km)
At the jewel-like temple of Baijnath Lord Shiva is revered as Vaidyanath, the Lord of physicians. With a wealth of intricate carvings and graceful proportions, this temple is a big draw for pilgrims and visitors. It is said that here, King Havana supplicated Lord Shiva for the boon of immortality.

Bier (24 km)
There is a Tibetan monastery here

Transport Information

By Air
The airport at Googol (Kangra) is 37 km from Palampur.

By Rail
The broad gauge railway reaches Pathankot which is 115 km from Palampur and the narrow gauge railway comes right upto Moranda, 4 km from the town. Taxis and buses are available at both places.

By Road
Palampur is 545 km from Delhi.

Climate Conditions

In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woollens are required. During summer the climate is mild and light woollens/cottons are recommended.

Best time to visit

Palampur has a mild climate and can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Palampur is between March to June and mid-September to November.