Hill stations have always lured backpackers to enjoy a joyful weekend with their loved ones with their scenic beauty. Where Shimla & Manali come as top holiday destinations, Palampur too is an ideal hilly escape to get relief from a strenuous work life. It might be an underrated place with lesser footfalls, in contrast to other hilly places, still, this beautiful hill station in Himachal is a worthwhile visit for its treasured beauty.
Palampur is the best alternative for travellers who want to escape from crowded streets, as seen in Shimla. This place in Himachal is truly a gem with pristine natural beauty. If you have never been to this hill station, let us bring you a Palampur itinerary guide to help you plan your journey.
Palampur: Know the meaning behind the name of this charming hill station in Himachal
Famously called the ‘Tea Capital of North India’, Palampur is a lovely place in the Kangra Valley. Encircled with lush tea gardens & pine trees, this municipal council in Himachal Pradesh lies in the foothills of the mountains of Dhauladhar Range. Now coming to an interesting aspect regarding how it got its name.
It is formed with three words, Palum, meaning water; Alum, meaning environment; & Pur, indicating settlement. Together, these words make a place with abundant water sources. Besides numerous streams flowing to the plains, the verdant greenery adds the beauty quotient to Palampur’s scenic natural beauty.
Activities to explore in Palampur
To make your Palampur trip intriguing, below are some popular activities to indulge in. These are:
Strolling at tea gardens plus knowing the manufacturing of tea at tea factory
When coming to Palampur, you will notice the vast expanse of tea gardens, which is why it is called the Tea Capital of India. Besides spending your leisure time strolling at Wah Tea Estate, you will also learn about the tea manufacturing process at the tea factory. Do take some tea when returning back to your home.
Take blessings of Lord of Physicians at Baijnath Temple
Baijnath Temple is one of the famous tourist places to visit in Palampur at a distance of 17 km. This holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as Baijnath, meaning ‘Lord of the Physicians’. It is an ancient temple dating back to the 13th century. Built-in 1204 A.D, this Shiva temple is worth admiring for its spectacular architectural marvel, with inscriptions in Sanskrit.
Experience thrilling air ride with paragliding in Bir Billing
Expecting some adventure thrill in Palampur? If yes, this lovely hill station welcomes you to experience paragliding in Bir Billing, known for this airy activity & other aero sports. Many national & international events, like the Paragliding Pre-World Cup, have been hosted here. The distance between Bir Billing & Palampur is 35 km.
Playtime in snow covered areas
Although Palampur is not a hill station to expect significant snowfall, which is very rare here. But during February, there are high peak areas covered with fresh snow. If it happens, it is a golden chance to indulge in playful snow activities with your loved ones. It is best to bring your kids for their playtime.
Finding peace at Palpung Sherabling Monastery
Located in the upper Bhattu region at 6 km is Palpung Sherabling Monastery, designed on the theme of ancient geometric science, & is constructed with modern materials, & old Tibetan architectural patterns. It features 3 shrine halls, 6 rooms, a school, a library, a museum, a monastic college, a dispensary, & an exhibition hall. What is worth observing here is cheerful people from all walks of life celebrating life.
Admiring art & learning pottery making at Andretta Village
Andretta Village is one of the riveting attractions in Palampur one should not miss exploring. Located at a distance of 13 km, it is a place to admire paintings at art centres, including Shobha Singh Art Gallery, & Norah Richard’s Centre for the Arts. Your visit to Andretta Village will give you a new experience in learning the art of pottery, both theoretically & practically.
Planning your stay at the top resort in Palampur
When coming to this hill station with family, friends, or partners, jüSTa Palampur Resort & Convention Centre is the top luxury resort in Palampur. Located on the hilltop side facing Dhauladhar Range, this is an idyllic stay in the hilly Himachal Pradesh, with lush green tea gardens. It comes featured with 27 luxurious rooms with different categories matching the visitors’ preferences. Each room here provides a beautiful scenic view of Dhauladhar hills & tea gardens, giving you a fresh good morning start. It also has a gymnasium to keep your fitness routine intact.
Those willing to get married amidst picturesque backdrops can make their dream come true with a destination wedding in Palampur. There is no need to search for alternatives when jüSTa Palampur Resort & Convention Centre is at its best with Jehan, a spacious banquet hall at 7,200 sq. ft featuring 5 different seating style arrangements. The other two spacious amenities to accommodate your guests include Amber Lawn (5000 sq. ft) & Al-Fresco Lawn (2500 sq. ft). With all possible facilities provided here, from catering to decorations, your event will undoubtedly be a big success with lifetime memories.
When it comes to listening to your belly, there is Sabor, one of the top Palampur restaurants featuring authentic Himachali cuisines & other Indian cuisines. This eatery joint is perfect for big or small gatherings, with moments of joy & laughter. The Kaafal Cafe here lets you enjoy sipping a hot cup of coffee or tea with light snacks while enjoying the visual treat of scenic views.
Conclusion
Palampur is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh with picturesque views, lush green tea gardens, monasteries, temples, & artistic sites. Moreover, experiencing paragliding, a popular adventure sport in Bir Billing, adds more thrill to your journey. So overall, you won’t be returning to your hometown half-heartedly, as this hill station has something to offer its vacationers.
