Palampur, Himachal Pradesh

Palampur is a hill station and a municipal corporation situated in the Kangra District in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

[3] Palampur is located in the Kangra Valley and is a well-known hill station that was historically part of the Jalandhar kingdom.

The town developed when William Jameson, the superintendent of the Saharanpur Botanical Gardens, introduced the tea bush from Almora in 1849.

The expansion of tea estates starting from the mid-19th century led to the development of infrastructure in Palampur, including schools, colleges, and hospitals.

Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya was founded in 1978, followed by the establishment of the C.S.I.R - Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology in 1983.

[2] In 2020, after the creation of Palampur municipal corporation, it acquired the nearby panchayats and satellite areas, and the population was recounted to 40,385 after merging with the census figures taken in 2011.

The Neugal stream, located on the outskirts of Palampur, flows gently over stony ground far below the cliff, offering a picturesque setting for visitors.

Palampur serves as the starting point for various trekking routes, particularly over the Dhauladhar Mountains towards districts such as Chamba and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh.

The upper regions of Palampur receive heavy snowfall, offering opportunities for tourists to participate in winter sports or leisurely explore the tea gardens.

Palampur has gained popularity as a filming location, with directors such as Imtiaz Ali and Lawrence D'Souza choosing the town for movie shoots.

Palampur is strategically located at the heart of several major tourist destinations, including Dharamshala to the west and Baijnath and Manali to the east.

Visitors to Palampur have access to a range of accommodation options, including hotels, homestays, villas, and cottages, available at competitive prices.

Additionally, the town boasts a variety of dining establishments in the main market area, offering a diverse selection of cuisines to cater to different tastes.

Managed by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, the Van Vihar serves as an educational site focusing on nature and environmental conservation.

Spanning 35 acres, it offers serene surroundings amidst the Dhauladhar mountains, providing visitors with a peaceful retreat away from urban life.

Drawing thousands of devotees from various parts of India, the temple serves as a revered site for offering prayers and seeking blessings.

Bir and Billing (35  km from Palampur): This a village renowned for its Buddhist monasteries, serves as a prominent landing site for hang gliding pilots.

Surrounded by scenic tea gardens and nestled amidst low hills, Bir offers an ideal spot for paragliders to land.

[14] Notable for its ancient architectural style and intricate craftsmanship, the temple reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Bundla Stream (2 km from Palampur): Known for its substantial width of over 100 meters, exhibits dramatic surges during the monsoon, accompanied by the thunderous sound of cascading water.

Often linked with goddesses like Parvati, Chandi, and Durga, Chamunda is depicted as dwelling in cremation grounds or under fig trees.

Devoted to Mata Jakhni, it is positioned near the Birni Devi Temple at Chandpur Village, close to Palampur.

Offering serene views of the Dhauladhar mountain range, the garden provides a tranquil escape within the institute's grounds.

Its primary mission is to popularise science and foster scientific temper among the general public, particularly students in Palampur and the broader Himachal Pradesh region.

[17][18][19] SpiceJet and Air India operate daily flights from New Delhi to Kangra Airport which is just 40 km from Palampur.

Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) runs buses from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.

Snowy peaks of Dhauladhar mountain range in Palampur
Dhauladhar mountains in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
Shiv Temple Baijnath
Palampur Tea gardens