In local parlance, the word for lot of water is “pulum”. This is what has given Palampur (1249 m) its name and its water has given the valley so much of its character. Countless streams criss-cross the landscape and in their intricate mesh, hold tea gardens and rice fields. The town came into being when tea plantation was introduced in the 19th century and Palampur became a focus for the planters. Kangra tea, with its center at Palampur, has been internationally acclaimed since then.

Area: 27.6 km²

Weather: 4°C, Wind S at 5 km/h, 100% Humidity

The High snow clad Dhauladhar ranges form a magnificent backdrop to the hill resort of Dharamshala. This is the principal township of Kangra district and overlooks wide spread of the plains. With dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings and the nearby snowline, Dharamshala has everything for a perfect holiday. It is full of life and yet peaceful. The headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama are at upper Dharamshala. Covering a wide area in the form of twin settlement, lower Dharamshala (1380m) is a busy commercial center. While upper Dharamshala (1830m) with the suburbs of Mcleodganj and Forsytheganj, retains a British flavor and colonial lifestyle. The charming church of St. John in the wilderness is situated here and this is the final resting place of Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy of India during the 19th century. There is also a large Tibetan community who have made this place their home. Numerous ancient temples like Jwalamukhi, Brijeshwari and Chamunda lie on the plains below Dharamshala.

To further bless the area with remarkable natural beauty, the Dhauladhar ranges rise dramatically just beyond Palampur. The town itself has interesting colonial architecture and the area around is richly garnished with historical temples and forts and scores of picturesque hamlets.

Adventure option in the hill station of Palampur is as vast as the tea gardens. Dense forest of Oak, Pine and Deodar surround Palampur, making it a haven for those who enjoy long walks. The green valley’s also making it pleasurable for long drives. The more voracious adventurers can plung off course to nearby destinations that will be quiet rewarding. Enjoy a 4 km long walk to Andretta, an artiste’s colony or to the forts at Kangra and SujanpurTira, that promises to offer you excellent views and great picnic spots. The route from Sanghar Pass to Bharmaur via Holi is also sure to delight a trek lover.

Turn left at Ahju on the road to Jogindernagar and drive through the tea gardens to reach Bir, the hottest para gliding destination in Himachal as well as the country. You cannot miss enjoying para gliding in Bir and Billing that has created a niche for itself as being the ‘para gliding capital of India’. Though there are provisions for savouring hang gliding in Billing, but it is not particularly for freshers. However, no training institutes are available and one needs to carry their own gears if planning to indulge in gliding. Though Palampur is not noted for its shopping activity, but still it has a lot to offer. The hunt will definitely begin with tea. Since itis illustrious as a tea state, so it is doubtless fact that the most important buy here will be the tea leaves. You can buy some in the markets or at Tea co – operatives Society’s gigantic processing plants that you will come across while driving into the town. Other important things that you should not miss buying will be the local handicrafts and souvenirs, local handiwork, Tibetan carpets and winter clothing.

Go to Andretta, an Artist’s village, from where you should buy recherches pottery. There is Andretta Pottery and Crafts Society from where you should buy artistic items. Another wonderful halt for shopping will be the Tashijong Monastery, where you can buy carpets with delicate weaves, Buddhist Thanka paintings and Tibetan artifacts. The award for the major attractions of the town definitely goes to the tea gardens that have earned it the title of being India’s Tea Capital. Famous brands of tea produced here are – Malhar, Darbari, Bageshwari and Rahaar – named after Indian ‘Ragas’. 

When on a heritage tour of Palampur, begin your journey by paying homage at the Baijnath temple located at a distance of 16 kms from the main town. This 13th century temple belongs to the Kirat kings and is very unusual. Seems to be reflective of the temples of Puri, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, try to inspect the rare Sanskrit script etched on the temple’s stone slabs. Another temple to be visited is the five century old temple of Bundlamata. Other places of religious significance are the Chamunda Devi temple, which is 700 years old and is located at a distance of 25 kms from the main town. To prove the existence of humongous religious tolerance there is the St. John’s Church. 

Close to the temple of Bundlamata you should see the NeugalKhud, a 300 m wide channel which forms the passageway of the tiny Bundla stream. See the mighty Dhauladhar range that falls as the backdrop and the sight of the chasm, temple and mountains all together is a leisure you will remember for long times to come.

When in Palampur, you cannot miss Andretta popularly known as the Asthete’s Hideaway. A 13 kms drive from the town past tea gardens and mustard fields will lead you to this artist village. This is Kangra’s best kept secret that owes its arty statures to Norah Richards. Here you will see mud – and – bamboo houses that have been lovingly restored. Besides having an open air theater there is the Andretta Pottery and Crafts Society, where you can pick up some exquisite pottery. Another important attraction here is the Terracotta Museum housing pottery specimens from all over the world. There is Sir Sobha Art Gallery which homes the works of the late portrait painter. 

For all those who are looking for some peace retreat can go to the Tashijong, a Tibetan monastery. This is also a good place for shopping where you can buy carpets with delicate weaves, Buddhist Thanka paintings and other Tibetan arts and crafts. Another monastery that you should not miss is the Sherbling. Approached via Bhattu, this gigantic monastery is home to the pre – eminent Tai SitiRimpoche. The grand stupas standing in the middle of the forest will surely impress you. You should attend the ‘Darshan’ between 2 to 4 every afternoon, where the head monk addresses the audience, and mind it – everyone is welcome. 

Then there is Taragarh, which is a 15 acre commanding wooded estate in the Kangra valley and is beautifully surrounded by tea gardens. Here you should see the Al – Hilal, which is known as Taragarh. This heritage property was built by the Nawab of Bhawalpur and today it is popularly known as ‘Place of the Crescent Moon’. There is a palace here, which was converted into a hotel. Wearing its blue sleeves with the royal lineage, you should see the walls to see portraits, tiger skins, Kangra miniatures and Tibetan Thankgas. In the Taragarh Palace Hotel, you should relish the famous Mutton Yakhni. 

The most inevitable destinations in your tour will definitely be Bir – the Para gliding capital of the country and Billing, the place for hang gliding. You should come here to enjoy some amazing experience while indulging in these adventure sports. In Billing alone there are as many as four monasteries. Out of them the most important is the Choling. In this monastery you cannot miss but notice the entrance that is decorated with rocks sculpted with Buddhist mantras.

Dharamshala is a city in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by cedar forests on the edge of the Himalayas, this hillside city is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. The ThekchenChöling Temple Complex is a spiritual center for Tibetan Buddhism, while the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives houses thousands of precious manuscripts.