Places to Visit Near Palampur
Set against the breathtaking Dhauladhar Range, Palampur is one of the most visited hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. Best known for its majestic rows of tea gardens and lush greenery, Palampur is close to another scenic destination of Dharamshala which is just 35 km away. Featuring the marvelous temples, hillside, Tibetan monasteries and splendid gardens, there are several things to do in Palampur. While visiting, book your stay at Orchid Resort located on the top of the hill offering the bird-view of slow-clad mountains, valleys, and lush greenery.
Saurabh Van Vihar
Saurabh Van Vihar is a nature park that is dedicated to brave soldier Saurabh Kalia (martyr in the Kargil War). The park is situated on the bank of snow-fed Neugel Khad in Kwat Village. A perfect place for recreation, Saurabh Van Vihar is at a distance of about 4kms from Palampur. Overlooking the mighty Dhauladhar Range, the beauty of this nature park is enhanced with the different varieties of plants and trees. The park also shelters a sizable population of birds’ species, which further adds to its charm.
Saurabh Van Vihar was established in order to create awareness regarding the gradually depleting environment. In the course of time, this nature park has become a popular picnic ground for people. Today, boating, birdwatching and bouldering can be enjoyed in the park apart from nature walks on the pebbly bank of the Neugal Khad.
Tea Garden
Palampur, a quaint hill station nestled in the Dhauladhar range of the Indian Himalayas, is renowned for its picturesque landscape and verdant tea plantations. The town, situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, is blessed with a salubrious climate and an ideal altitude for tea cultivation. It has stayed off the radar for many tourists even-though it is known as the tea capital of North India.
The tea industry in Palampur has a rich legacy, dating back to the colonial era when the British introduced tea cultivation in the region. The tea estates were first conceived in India during the 19th century. These tea estates or gardens have only been a tea lover’s paradise since that time. The first tea plantation was established by Dr Jameson in the picturesque village. In this tea garden, Camelia tea was first grown in 1849. Over the years, the tea plantations in Palampur have grown to become a significant contributor to the local economy, providing employment opportunities and livelihoods to thousands of people.
Jakhani Devi Temple
Palampur’s Jakhni Mata Temple is an ideal location for spending quality time with your loved ones. Jakhni Mata, a modest temple on a mountaintop with quiet settings and amazing views of the valley, is reached by a delightful mountain drive. The pleasant smell of pines and the calming sound of wind cutting through the leaves of these trees will greet you.
The trek to this unusual temple, perched at the highest point in Chandanpur in Kangra, may be tough and physically demanding, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. The vantage point provides breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar mountain range, Kangra Valley, and the picturesque tiny hamlets scattered throughout the district.
Baijnath Temple
The Baijnath temple located in the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh holds high religious importance amongst followers of Hinduism. It is a highly popular temple as it houses one of the 12 holy jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in the country and devotees from across the country throng the temple to offer prayers to the lord. The temple, constructed in 1207 AD by Lord Shiva devotees and local merchants Ahuka and Manyuka, is believed to have medicinal powers as the water emerging from the temple is believed to heal people from their illnesses.
Bir Billing
Amidst the majestic Dhauladhar mountains of Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh lies Bir Billing, a place that seamlessly blends adventure and serenity. This quaint village, while small in size, comes alive with a vibrant energy, buzzing with tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. The area becomes a dynamic centre for adventure and cultural discovery, especially drawing those in search of the exhilarating experience of paragliding.
Imagine this: lush green tea plantations carpeting the rolling hills, colourful prayer flags fluttering in the gentle breeze, and the awe-inspiring Dhauladhar range forming a dramatic backdrop. This is the idyllic setting that welcomes you to Bir Billing.
Gopalpur Zoo
Gopalpur Zoo, situated in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra District, is one of the best holiday destinations in the state that is super fun for the locals and tourists, alike. It is an ideal spot to spend quality time with family and friends while watching different varieties of wild animals. Not just the locals, it is also a great opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and wildlife photographers to cherish as they get to click incredible snapshots of raw nature.
Chamunda Devi Temple
Just 7 km from Resort is the famous temple of goddess Chamunda Devi (Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham). At the back of the temple is a cave-like scoop where a stone “Lingam” under a boulder represents Nandikeshwar (Shiva). The temple complex is an enchanting spot with glorious view of Dhauladhar, the Baner Khad and Dadh. A vast running water pool houses the statues of Lord Shiva and Saraswati. A trek of about 16 km up in the Dhauladhar ranges is the ancient temple of Aadi Himani Chamunda.
Chinmaya Tapovan
This ashram is located almost 10 kms from Dharamsala and houses a 9 m high idol of Lord Hanuman, a temple dedicated to Lord Rama, a meditation hall and a health and recreation centre.
A tranquil mediatation complex set up by the great exponent of the Gita Swami Chinmayananda. It is 10 km from Dharamshala in Kangra District of Himachal. Its complex includes a 9-m high image of Hanuman, a Ram Temple, Meditation Hall, a health and recreation centre. It also has residence facilities for members of Chinmaya Trust.
Chinmaya Tapovan is a modern day ashram situated at the foothills of the majestic Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas. Situated on the banks of Bindu Saras, the ashram was founded by late Swami Chimayananda. The ashram complex has a 9 m high image of Lord Hanuman, a Ram temple, a meditation hall, a school, and a health and recreation center.
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
The stadium served as the home ground for the Himachal Pradesh cricket team for Ranji Trophy matches and other domestic matches. The stadium also hosted some IPL matches as a home stadium for Kings XI Punjab.
The picturesque venue is unique in India as it is situated at an altitude of 1,457 m above the sea level and has the snow-capped Himalayan mountains in the background. Getting to Dharamsala from the nearest airport Is Kangra Airport, which is about 8 kilometres away through the hilly terrain and the harsh winters, during which it rains and snows are some of the deterrents in organizing regular matches.
Tsuglakhang
This is the main temple complex in Dharamsala, built without cutting a single tree! In fact it is based on trunks of growing deodars, held in place by adjustable iron rings. The main deity inside is a 9 ft high gilded Buddha on a lotus seat. Also located within are 12 ft high gold images of the Padmasambhava and Avalokiteshwara. In fact, it is believed that some elements of the temple were brought from the originalTsuglakhang in Tibet. The temple also provides beautiful views of the neighbouring Dhauladar peaks. Evening is the best time to visit it when prayers and other rituals are conducted by the Dalai Lama. The courtyard is the centre of activities as the monks make preparations for the Kalachakra ceremony. The café here is also the best place to try out some Tibetan herbal tea and South Indian coffee.
Note – Photography is not permitted inside the monastery.
Bhagsunag
Located barely a km from McLeod Ganj, Bhagsunag is home to an ancient temple and a beautiful waterfall. This is another scenic spot you can walk around in.Bhagsu Waterfall: This waterfall is situated at Bhagsu, 2 km from McLeodganj. It lies behind the Bhagsunag Temple. During Monsoon, the fall turns into a 30 feet cascade.Bhagsunag Temple: Temple of god Shiva situated around 2 km from McLeodganj Bazaar. Constructed by 1 GR by around 1800 century and then worshipped majorly by 14 Gukha platoon villages in Dharamshala. Very next to Bhagsunag temple is a water fall, one of the major tourist attraction spot in Dharamshala.
Kunal Parthi Temple: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kalpeshwari, and is located 3 km from the Kotwali Bazaar. It’s a believed that a part of Goddess Sati, skull, fell here when Lord Shiva was carrying the charred body of the Goddess, and hence the name of the temple. In 1860, the 66th Gurkha Light Infantry was moved from Kangra to Dharamshala, which was at first made a subsidiary cantonment.
Dal Lake
Located 2 kms from McLeod Ganj, this is a small lake set amidst forests and hills. It is a scenic picnic spot and you can even feed the goldfish that abound here. The locals consider this lake extremely sacred and it is believed that a dip here fulfills wishes.
Dal Lake is a small mid-altitude lake (1,775 m above sea level) near the village of Tota Rani in Kangra district (Himachal Pradesh) in northern India. The name ‘Dal Lake’ is taken from Kashmir’s Dal Lake. The lake is surrounded by deodar trees and is considered to be a sacred spot as there is small Shiva mandir (shrine) on its bank. There are different kinds of fish that live in this lake. The lake has greenish water.
Dharamshala Ropeway
Dharamsala Skyway, a remarkable 1.8 kilometer ropeway system that transports passengers from Dharamshala to Mcleodganj in just 10 minutes, offering a swift and scenic journey through the skies. This modern marvel provides visitors with a breathtaking aerial perspective of the picturesque landscapes that stretch between these two charming destinations.
As you glide above the lush valleys and rolling hills, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the majestic Dhauladhar Range and the serene beauty of Himachal Pradesh.
Bajreshwari Devi Temple
The Bajreshwari Devi Temple is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh behind the crowded market of Kangra Town. It is said to be constructed by Goddess Bajreshwari itself at a place where once the famous Ashwamedh or horse-sacrifice took place. Standing behind the cricket field, numerous food selling stalls and bustling streets, the temple stands high and proves its presence by the echoing sounds of its huge bells. The annual Makar Sankranti festival is celebrated at this temple with great pomp and show. On this auspicious occasion ghee is applied on the idol of the goddess and water is poured 100times. After that the idol is decorated by flowers. This is practised for a week.