Palampur is a town located in the Himalayan foothills in Himachal Pradesh. It is famous for its mountain scenery and tea gardens. This is also known as Green Valley of Himachal Pradesh because it is famous for plantations
Palampur is the tea capital of northwest India but tea is just one aspect that makes Palampur a special interest place. Abundance of water and proximity to the mountains has endowed it with mild climate.
The town has derived its name from the local word "pulum', meaning lots of water. There are numerous streams flowing from the mountains to the plains from Palampur. The combination of greenery and water gives Palampur a distinctive look. Palampur is at the confluence of the plains and the hills and so the scenery shows the contrast the plains on one side and the majestic snow covered hills on the other side. Behind this town stands high ranges of Dhauladhar mountains, whose tops remain snow covered for most part of the year.
PLACE TO VISIT
Baijnath Temple - is about 16 km from here. It is a historic temple of Lord Shiva and it is there from the reign of pandavas, one will find it amazing. It has beautiful monuments which are worth seeing. It is said that Ravana built this temple to worship Lord Shiva. There is a Yagaya Kund where it is believed that Ravana performed Yagaya to please Lord Shiva.
Chamunda Devi Temple - is about 17 km from Palampur and is very popular destination for Indian tourists. It is believed that it is a place where Devi Chamuda killed two evils named Chand and Mund. The temple is very beautiful and it is along a river side which adds to its beauty. From the top of a hill it is an awesome view.
Brijeshwari Temple - is another famous temple which is about 35 km from Palampur. It is situated in the heart of Kangra city.
BUNDLA MATA MANDIR- is a temple 4 km from the town on the NUEGAL CAFE ROAD. It is a worthseeing place full of of nature's blessings. Aima ( Tikka Aima ) is one of the central place with majority of Posh Palampurian's living over there. Aima is Accomplished by beautiful tea garden's. Kartik Badyal also lives in Aima.
JAGHNI MATA TEMPLE- is a temple at nature's paradise 10 km from the Bundla Mata temple.
Virni Mata temple: It is located at the height of 2000-2500 meters above sea level, where one can find unsurpassed creation of God
BHARKUDI- is a tourist place worth seeing: it is filled with fountains and caves and there is a temple of Lord Shiva. It is 25 km from Palampur on Andretta Road.
Sardar Sobha Singh's art gallery- a great place for art lovers. It is just 12 km away from Palampur and well connected by bus or by train. Sardar Sobha Singh Ji was a world-famous painter. His paintings like Kangari Dulhan, Gaddan, are great.
HOW TO REACH
By air - Kingfisher Red and MDLR airlines are running daily flights from Delhi to Kangra Airport (Dharamsala) which is just 40 km from Palampur. Kingfisher uses a fairly sizeable plane and the baggage limit is 25kg. Flights are prone to climatic conditions and at foggy times of year can be cancelled - plan your trip accordingly.
By train - The nearest broad gauge rail-head is Pathankot (112 km) from where a narrow gauge toy train runs. It is a wonderful experience for those who have ample time (it takes around 7 hrs. from Pathankot to Palampur(Maranda)).
By bus - There is an excellent bus service available from major cities like Delhi (510 km) and Chandigarh (250 km). Himachal Roadways also runs a daily air-conditioned bus service from Delhi to Palampur. HRTC is the best bus to travel from Delhi to Palampur or Vice-versa.
