Palampur

Activities in Palampur

Palampur is famous for its colonial architecture. St John’s Church is one of the important buildings of Palampur. A beautiful waterfall is present in Bundla Chasm. The Neughal Khad near Bundlemata Temple is a 300 m wide opening through which the Neugal stream flows.

Few Adventure activities one can do in Palampur:

• Shivratri Fair: Every year thousands of pilgrims descend on Baijnath to enjoy the colourful fair and festivities.
  
  
• Holi Festival: Every year in February/March, Holi Fair is organized at Palampur and large number of people visit the fair.
  
  
• Safari in a Jeep: In an open jeep, take a scenic mountain drive. Enjoy  the local sights along the way, including tea gardens, waterfalls, a scenic and  historic old temple, birds, and breath taking views of the Dhauladhar mountain  range from 6100 feet! This trip fulfils all of your reasons for visiting the  mountains.
  
  
• Trekking/Paragliding: Palampur is also perfect for trekking and paragliding. One of the important trek routes is from Sanghar Pass to Bharmaur via Holi.
  
  
• Shopping: Palampur is famous for handicrafts, souvenirs, tea leaves, Tibetan handicrafts and woollen garments.
  
  
• Village strolls: A walk through the village in Exsul's backyard is a  true cultural experience. You will enjoy stunning views of Palampur and the  surrounding mountains, as well as traditional village life.
  
  Many Exsul employees  live in the village of dhred, providing a very up close and personal experience  as you stroll through the village made of traditional mud houses overlooking  the beautiful kangra Valley. A fantastic location for sunrise and sunset  photos!
  
  
• A River Cruise: The Garhi hike (approximately 14km) is the ideal activity  for spending a day outdoors in nature, breathing in the essence of the Kangra  valley.
  
  We walk through thick pine, cedar, and rhododendron jungle trails rarely used by urban tourists to reach the uninhabited village of GARHI, with  its traditional mud houses built in the "GADDI" architectural style.
  
  
• Tour of a Tea Estate: This multi-generational family-owned estate is  steeped in legends and traditions. Discover the tranquil beauty of Kangra  Valley, India's Northern Tea Capital.
  
  It's a hands-on tour led by the family that will allow you to see the tea making process from beginning to end while  also enjoying tea-infused homemade organic snacks in the tea gardens!
  
  
• Walking Tour in MCLEODGANJ: Immerse yourself in Tibetan  culture in Mcleodganj - Take a scenic drive with mountain views to Mcleodganj  (1.5 hours), tour the Dalai Lama's Temple and museum, walk around the Kora while turning 400 prayer wheels, and place your own prayer flags around the  Kora.
  
  You can also go shopping at local Himachali and Tibetan markets and end  your day by relaxing and enjoying local Tibetan cuisine while overlooking the  valley at a local cafe.
  
  
• Tour of the Pottery: The small village of Andretta in the Kangra Valley  located between the old Shuahk hills and the towering range of the Dhauladhar  Himalaya, not only offers a fascinating cultural heritage with magnificent surroundings, but also allows you to experience world renowned pottery.
  
  
• Sightseeing in BIR/BILLING: Have you ever wondered what it  would be like to fly high in the sky and get a bird's eye view of the world?  Tandem paragliding is a two-seater joy ride with an experienced pilot who holds  an international tandem flying license and has flown more than 500 hours.
  
  You  have enough time in the air to take in the breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar  Range below while still feeling the rush. You will end your afternoon by  visiting Sherbling monastery, Baijnath Temple, and having tea/snacks at a local  café in Bir.
  
  
• Tours on ATV: Experience ATV Tours, which are designed for  complete beginners who want to enjoy the thrill of an ATV ride. Guests are  welcome to ride on our off-road track. ATVs provide an exciting experience of a  tea plantation, with trails that pass through tea plantations and pine forests.
  
  They can also participate in archery and paintball shooting. So tighten your  boots, strap your helmets, and let's go for an off-roading adventure.  

Staying in Palampur

Some of the best cottages and  hotels in Palampur:

• WelcomHeritage Taragarh Palace Hotel
• Himachal Heritage Village
• The Stone House Cottage Homestay

Palampur Food Guide

While in Palampur, you should try  the local dish made of patroda, braha flower, and lasiada, as well as the  town's specialty, Lungru pakoras. Don't forget to stop by Neugal Café for a cup  of aromatic Kangra tea.

Some of the best hotel and  restaurant in Palampur:

• Cloud 7 Revolving Restaurant
• Joy Restaurant
• Machaan Restaurant
• Punjchin
• Cliffys Cafe

History of Palampur

• The name Palampur derives from the  word Polum, which means "abundant water." It was previously part of  the local Sikh Kingdom of Jalandhar before falling under British control during  the Colonial era. Dr. Jameson, Superintendent of Botanical Gardens, established  the town in 1849 after introducing the tea bush from Almora.
  
  
• With the exception  of the famous (former) Wah Tea Estate, which was owned by Nawab Muhammad Hayat  Khan and his descendants until 1947, the bush thrived, as did the town, which  became a focus for European tea estate owners.
  
  
• Since then, Palampur Kangra tea  has gained international acclaim. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, India's first prime minister, visited Palampur in 1941, when it was still British India. To  commemorate this event, Palampur has a Nehru Chowk.