Check out the various places of interest in and around Palampur.
The Baijnath Temple: Baijnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located 16 kilometers from Palampur in the Beas valley. Shiva is revered as Vaidyanath, or the Lord of Physicians, in this temple. The temple has also given its name to the town, which was previously known as Kiragrama. The temple's history is written on stone slabs.
The temple foundation was laid by two local merchants in the 9th century, according to legend. The inscription's date is given in two eras: Saptarshi and Saka. Saka year 1126, which corresponds to 1204 AD, is thought to be more authentic. Raja Sansar Chand worked on temple renovations in the nineteenth century.
Neughal Khad: This 300-meter-wide chasm, through which the Neugal stream flows, is about 2 kilometers from town. The area is popular for picnics, with the Dhauladhar range rising ahead.
Bundlamata Temple, which dates back five centuries, is located quietly nearby. Sip a cup of tea or coffee while admiring the magnificent view of the high rising peaks and gushing stream from the Himachal Tourism cafe.
Tashijong Monastery: This monastery is about 12 kilometres from Palampur and is close to Taragarh. The monastery is one of those built after the Dalai Lama settled in Mc Leodganj. Carpets, Buddhist tangkha paintings, and other Tibetan crafts can be purchased here.
Bandla: Bandla Tea Estate is 4 kilometers long and has a modern tea factory where you can see how tea is made.
Andretta: Andretta, a small village about 13 kilometers from Palampur, was the home of two famous artists: painter Sardar Sobha Singh and playwright Ms Norah Richards. Today, the village provides a relaxing retreat for artists and art enthusiasts.
There is Norah Richards' mud bamboo house, which has been converted into an open air theatre. Every year on her birthday, students from Punjab University come here to perform plays.
If you want to buy some pottery, the Andretta Pottery and Crafts Society is the place to go. There is also a terracotta museum with pottery from all over India. The Shobha Singh Art Gallery is also worth a visit.
Gopalpur: Gopalpur, located 13 kilometers from Palampur, is best known for its mini zoo.
Chamunda Devi Temple: The Chamunda Devi Temple is one of the most significant in Himachal Pradesh. It is about 25 kilometers from Palampur and is thought to be around 700 years old. The main temple is dedicated to Chamunda Devi, and a smaller shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The artistic carvings on the lintel, pillars, and ceiling are the temple's highlights. The approaching devotees are sheltered by a platform in front of the temple shaded by two peepul trees. The Archaeological Survey of India is currently guarding the temple.
Bir and Billing: Bir, about 29 kilometers from Palampur, is known as the country's paragliding capital. It is surrounded by tea gardens and low hills, and there are four Buddhist monasteries worth visiting. Choling is the most prominent of these.
Bir also has Tibetan handicrafts for sale. Billing is 14 kilometers ahead and has a cliff from which paragliders take off. However, keep in mind that Billing is not suitable for hang gliding beginners. Furthermore, no courses are offered, nor is any equipment available.
