Our wearied souls are always on a quest for offbeat getaways to live our dreams away from our busy city lives. While places like Manali and Shimla top the list for easy escapes, Palampur, in the foothills of the Dhauladhar range, has remained offbeat for many city folks.
Nestled between Mecledoganj and Bir, Palampur is the tea capital of northwest India. With thriving and lush tree gardens, the mornings here are sunny and evenings pleasant, giving you ample things to do in Palampur.
Apart from being the first-ever commercial tea plantation, Palampur is blessed with plenty of nature and great things to do. Initially spotted by English men, the remains of its magnificent past can be felt in the historic English-style buildings and the picturesque landscapes. The sweet mingling of greenery and water gives Palampur a unique look, making it relaxing for a holiday and peaceful enough for a worksation in the hills.
Top 10 Things To Do In Palampur
With the most lovely tea estates, monasteries, and walkthroughs dotted with pine woods, and trees, Palampur is no less than a slice of heaven. There are many things to do in Palampur for an unforgettable mountain vacation.
Explore The Tea Gardens Covered with Greenery
The most beautiful part of Palampur is exploring its infamous tea gardens. With their aromatic surroundings, dense green carpets, and rolling hillsides, these tea gardens are a special retreat for tea lovers. As you step into the lush greenery of these tea estates, you’ll find yourself immersed in the divine fragrance of tea, making you yearn for a hot cup of tea then and there.
There are many tea estates to explore nearby. Some are privately owned and not open to tourists, while others are ‘demonstration plots’ managed by specific organizations. Don’t miss the two famous ones, the Palampur Co-Operative Tea Factory and the Bundla Tea Estate.
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Visit the Chamunda Devi Temple
If you are travelling with family, you must respect the ancient temple of Chamunda Devi. Situated 10 km from Palampur at the banks of river Baner, this temple is devoted to the goddess Chamundeshwari.
The exciting part of this temple is the portrayal of excerpts from Ramayana and Mahabharata, making it famous amongst many devotees. After seeking blessing at the temple, you can sit by the riverside near the temple and soak in the beauty and spiritual aura.
Try Your Hand At Pottery
Also known as an artist’s colony, Andtetta is no less than a treasure trove for art connoisseurs and artistic folks. It is a charming village 20 minutes from Palampur, where you can witness pottery-making art at minimal pricing.
The idea behind starting this place came with an aspiration of teaching clay pottery while offering a course to interested candidates. You can also explore Shobha Art Gallery and Chaeli Niwas when here. If you are a history buff, a photographer, or a budding artist, this one should be on your bucket list!
Visit The Tashi Jong Monastery
With a unique sense of regard, peace, and virtue, this monastery is a homely abode for Tibetan refugees. Tibetan has inhabited this magnificent structure for a long back, and it offers peace and tranquillity along with stunning views of the Kangra Valley.
Don’t forget to try lip-smacking Tibetan flavours from the Tibetan restaurant inside the monastery. If you are looking to seek peace in a quiet place, make sure you also drop by the colourful Tashi Jong Monastery when in Palampur.
Seek Blessings At The Baijnath Shiva Temple
One of the most famous tourist spots in Kangra Valley, this temple is known as an architectural masterpiece. One of the oldest Shiva temples, Lord Shiva is worshipped as the “God of healing.”
With its significance to Lord Shiva, it draws tourists and devotees from all over the country to offer prayers. Situated in the backdrop of the Himalayan range, it is enclosed within lush green gardens to invoke your senses and spirituality.
Go for a picnic At Neugal Khad
A popular attraction for all tourists and locals, Neugal Khad is a clear water stream flowing with a panoramic view of the majestic Dhauladhar range. An absolute treat to the eyes, it is an excellent spot for a small picnic and enjoying those pretty sunset shots by the stream.
You can take a short walk or indulge in photography to capture a perfect backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Apart from a picturesque setting, it is an ideal place for an outing and to explore a couple of cafés and eateries nearby to satisfy your taste buds.
Go to Saurabh Van Vihar
Saurabh Van Vihar in Palampur is another scenic nature park and a lovely garden offering lush greenery, water streams, plants, and a stunning view of the Dhaulaudhar range. The place was named after the brave Captain Suarbh Kalis, a valiant army officer.
Situated just 4 km from Palamapur, it is perfect for a small picnic or a stroll to soak in the greenery. The garden is home to 151 species of herbs that have great medicinal value and are spread over 35 acres. Some exciting activities you can try here are birdwatching, boating, and bouldering.
Dhauladhar National Park
Located around 13 km Palampur, this national park is an exciting place to visit for a rare adventurous experience. Dhaulandhar National Park is also home to a zoo called Gopalpur, and it is an excellent place for wildlife enthusiasts.
This place is blessed with rich flora and fauna and is home to various endangered species and different types of deer, red foxes, black beard, and leopards. If you are a wildlife buff and willing to experience wildlife closely, it is one of the ideal things to do in Palampur.
Ride in a Toy Train
Ever experienced riding in a toy train? If not, this is a sign for you to enjoy a toy train ride in Palampur. This train journey starts from Palampur and goes to Pathankot. It offers to ride with a view of lush greenery, shimmering waterfalls, rivers, and picturesque mountain valleys. If you are fascinated with the glimpses of rural life in the hills, you must board this toy train and get an experience like none other.
Must Read: Palampur Travel Guide: What to See, Where to Stay, & How to Reach
Unwind and Enjoy a Hot Cup of Tea
This is one of the most underrated things to do in Palampur, but sit back and relax with a cuppa chai and stunning views in the front. Kangra tea is unique with a soothing honey colour, fragrant and light. This is the place for you to lay back for once and let go of all your stress and worries at that moment. Wake up early, and sip tea in Palampur as you watch the sunrise from jüSTa Palampur on the hilltop.
Conclusion
Palampur is all about experiencing acquainted and serene surrounding am taking a short escape from the outer world. From enjoying the art of pottery-making in the Andretta village to seeking blessings at the oldest Shiva temple in Baijnath, Palampur has a lot to discover. However, the Palampur tea tops it all. So, come visit and explore this quaint town with jüSTa Palampur Resort & Convention. It is conveniently located on the hilltop and offers breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar range. From a luxury and comfortable space to lush tea gardens in the backyard, jüSTa Palampur is the best luxury resort in Palampur.
