Best time to visit :
March – June and September – December
The lush green town of Palampur in the foothills of Himalayas is popularly known as Green Valley of Himachal Pradesh, owing to its massive tea plantations. This scenic and enchanting North India town has often been portrayed in Indian cinemas, attributing to its ethereal natural beauty. Picturesque canvas of Palampur comprises eye soothing and aromatic stretches of tea gardens, terraced paddy fields and dense pine forests merging with the Dhauladhar ranges. This pristine town derives its name from the word ‘Pulum’, meaning abundant water as it has numerous water-bodies and steams crisscrossing the region. Today it is one of the most popular tourist places in the country offering memorable stay to couples, adventurers, leisure travellers and even pilgrims.
Facts
This hilly resort in Kangra Valley stands at an altitude of about 1,219 m. The main languages spoken in the region are Hindi, Kangri and Himachali. Baisakhi, Lohri, Diwali, and Holi are the delightful festivals of the region celebrated with religious sentiments. Deep woods of pines and deodars in Palampur bring a strong, musky aroma in the air. Adventurous groups enjoy hang gliding and trekking activities here. Palampur is often known as the tea capital of North India, as its produces the best quality of tea in the area. This travel guide will unfold much more interesting tourist information about this charming Himachali town.
There are many eateries out there in Palampur, serving local and north Indian dishes. Some noted places serving international cuisine are Taj, Joy, Lounge, and Golden Dragon. Neugal Cafe is famous for its beverages and the picturesque settings of Dhauladhar range. Kangra Tea is a prized drink of the region and Jhol, a type of intoxicating drink prepared by local people from preserved rice water, is also worth trying.
There are no huge shopping plazas in Palampur, but the local shops are more than enough to buy some of the best items of the region like handicrafts made from wood, metal and brass. Kangra tea is something that almost everyone buys here. Quality carpets and woollen wear are also sold at cheap rates.
Nearby Places:
- Andretta (about 14 km.): This peaceful hamlet is located about 14 km. from Palampur and is known for Shobha Singh art gallery. The town also has the famous Norah Centre for Arts and the Adretta Pottery and Craft Society.
- Bir (about 30 km.): A paradise for paragliding and hang-gliding activists, Bir hosts many national and international tournaments of paragliding inviting participants from all over.
- Dharamshala (about 43 km.): Home to highly revered Dalai Lama and many Tibetan refugees, it has many ancient temples, monasteries, churches, and museums. The upper portion is called McLeodGanj where most Tibetans reside. It is also a trekking hotspot.
- Kullu (about 200 km.): On the banks of Beas River, Kullu valley is one of the most adored honeymoon destinations in India. Tourists also visit here allured by the exciting mountaineering, trekking and river-rafting adventures.
- Jammu (about 218 km.): This ethereal spot of northern India boasts many ancient temples, palaces and historical buildings. The unbeatable possession of Jammu is its panoramic natural landscape at the Himalayan foothills.