Palampur-Tourism Guide
Palampur
Palampur is a beautiful hill station in Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh-pristine beauty and enchanting surroundings-a town that entices you to a getaway at any time of the year.
Nestled amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar Range at an altitude of 1219 Metres , flanked by tea gardens and terraced paddy fields, forests of pine and deodar and lush tree plantations.The town has derived its name from the local word “pulum’, meaning lots of water. There are numerous streams flowing from the mountains to the plains from Palampur. The combination of greenery and water gives Palampur a distinctive look and the town is famed for its mild climate and salubrious environs. The pine scented air is invigorating and the scenery inspiring.
Tea Capital of North India or Darjeeling in Himachal! Palampur apart from its serene beauty, snow-clad mountains, fields and forests and lush green plantation, is famous for its tea gardens. A trip to the Kangra Tea Factory is your best bet for picking up genuine tea.
What to do in Palampur?
Reaching Palampur
By Air
The nearest airport is Gaggal airport in Kangra 30kms away- regular buses or taxis are available from there.
By Rail
The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Maranda, 02 kms from Palampur. The nearest broadgauge railhead with best train connections is at Pathankot, 115 kms away. From there, regular buses connect to Palampur.
By Bus
Palampur is easily accessible by road.
Location Distance Journey Time
- Delhi 520 Kms 11-12 Hours
- Chandigarh 270 Kms 7-8 Hours
- Pathankot 115 Kms 3-4 Hours
- Shimla 270 Kms 8-9 Hours
- Dalhousie 175 Kms 6-7 Hours
- Manali 204 Kms 7-8 Hours
- Dharamshala 37 Kms 1 Hour
Staying in Palampur
Palampur has both budget and up-market accommodations. If you want to enjoy the palatial stay then choose to stay in Welcome Heritage Taragarh Palace. Owned by the royal family of Jammu and Kashmir this palace features excellent hospitality.
The other decent option is Sarovar Portico and Budha Mal's Palace.Under budget properties you have an option to stay at Sai Garden Holiday Resorts and Country Club that features variety of well-appointed boutique bedrooms and offers the views of the snow capped Himalayas or Hotel Vishal that is conveniently located at the Palampur- Dharamshala Road. You can also try Rupayan Home Stay away from the busy streets near Maranda. This property is at a walking distance from the Railway Station.
Other such accommodation options are Silver Oaks Mountain Resort, Centre Point Resort, Yamini Hotel and The Tea Bud Hotel that is run by Himachal Tourism. Else than this you will find many privately-owned guest-houses in this region.
Getting Around Palampur
Palampur is a small town and can be covered on foot. This is also the best way to be able to get off the main road onto interesting trails and remote villages. For trips out of Palampur, you can either take buses from the New Bus stand or private taxis at fixed rates available at Old Busstand. Rented cars are chauffeur driven.
Sightseeing & Activities in Palampur
You can check out five century’s old Temple of Bundlamata and the Chamundadevi Temple situated 18 kms away. The Kangra valley’s distinctive art style survives in the lovely little village of Andretta, 14 km near Panchrukhi. It is the residence of renowned Artist Sobha Singh and late playwright Norah Richards.
The famous Shiv Temple at Baijnath is about 16 km from Palampur. It is said that Ravana built this temple to worship Lord Shiva. It is beautiful and it’s amazing monuments are worth seeing.
Neugal Khad, a 305 meters wide abyss that drops over a 100 meters to the Bundla stream. The stream is a thin streak running over stony ground far below the cliff. During the monsoon season, it swells and rages - madly over the entire width of the chasm taking stones and boulders along with it and makes loud roaring noise like thunder. Neugal Khad offers a fine view of the Dhauladhar range.
The Dhauladhar National Park at Gopalpur, 13 km from Palampur on Chamunda Road has a mini zoo with black bear, leopard, lion, red fox and several types of deer such as goral and sambar.
Best Place to Eat
Eating out in Palampur is all about enjoying culinary skills of the locals as the town offers an expansive palate to cater to different gastronomic pursuits.
So build up that hunger and then get ready to savour the scrumptious cuisines that are a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Relish the mouth watering Pahari cuisine, which has many vegetarian dishes along with few non vegetarian dishes.
Some of the other must-try local dishes include Patroda, Braha flower chutney and Lasiada. You may also try Lungru pakoras that are unique to this region. For those who love Jain food may like to visit Sai Gardens or Country Club to enjoy a Jain fare. Take pleasure in a cup of rejuvenating Kangra Tea at the Neugal Cafe.
Savour some mouth-watering dark chocolate pastry, fat free yoghurt and pizzas at the popular Dominos Pizza.
Skyroom and Hotel Yashita are the two well-known multi-cuisine restaurants in Palampur; the restaurants also offer delicious fast food including pizzas and burgers. Adarsh Bakers in Main Bazaar serve pizzas and burgers, ideal for a quick bite. Neugal Cafe is ideal for people looking for serene environs and quality dining experience.
There are lots of restaurants and cafes in the Main Market offering local cuisines as well as Indian, Continental and Chinese food. The Taj Restaurant and The Lounge, offers a host of cuisines that are worth trying.
What to Pack
Be sure to carry comfortable walking shoes. Light woollens even in the summer for chilly nights and heavy woolens for winters are recommended. If you are going for a monsoon break, be sure to take rubber footwear and an umbrella.
Emergency Numbers
Police Station (01894) 230211| Civil Hospital (01894) 230101 | Taxi 9988100816 |