Palampur (Himachal Pradesh)
|
|
Hotels & Resorts in
Palampur |
|
|
|
|
The Kangra valley of
which Palampur (1249 m) is a major station, was the 'Trigarta' of old. It was
one of the leading
 hill states and was once a part of the kingdom of Jalandhara.
In local Parlance, the word for lots of water is 'pulum'. This is what has given
Palampur its name and it is water that has given the valley so much of its
character. Countless streams and brooks criss-crosses the landscape and in their
intricate mesh, hold tea gardens and rice paddies. The town came into being when
the tea bush 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 to further bless the area with remarkable natural beauty,
the Dhauladhar ranges rise dramatically from the earth, just beyond Palampur.
The town itself has some interesting colonial architecture and the area around
is richly garnished with historical temples and forts and scores of picturesque
hamlets.
PLACES OF INTEREST
 The Factory
At the very start of
town the tea factory of the co-operative society, offers an insight to the
processing of Kangra tea.
St. John Church (200 m)
This attractive church is built on a low rise. It was reconstructed in
1929 and has several memorial tablets
Temple of Bundlamata (2 km) : One can walk through tea gardens and open fields
or drive to reach this historical temple which was originally built about five
centuries ago.
Neugal Khad
Close to the temple of Bundlamata, is this 300 m wide chasm, through
which the Bundla streem flows. Immediately ahead are the Dhuladhar
mountains.
EXCURSIONS
Gopalpur
(13 km)
There is a mini zoo
here.
Chamunda Devi
Legend has it that two demons Chanda and Munda tried to harass the
goddess Ambika. Enraged, Ambika knitted her brows and from their folds emerged a
terrifying from of Kali, who slew the demons. Pleased, Ambika declared that Kali
would now be worshipped here as 'Chamunda'.
Andretta (13 km)
This has been the home of artist Noarh orchards, Sobha Singh and B.
C. Sanyal. In Sobha Singh's home, now a gallery, several of his notable works
are dispiayed. Also, there is a pottery and crafts centre at Andretta.
Kangra Fort (27 km)
The most important fort of the region, it is enclosed by high ramparts
and its walls have a circumference of approximately 4 km. It was built about
1,000 years ago on the confluence of the Banganga and Manjhi rivers. Its various
gates, shrines end remains of the old palaces are noteworthy.
Sujanpur Tira (42 km)
Built in 1758 the fortress of Tira Ghar the remnants of old halls,
palaces end temple. the town of Sujanpur below the fort, has several old temples
of which the Narbadeshwar and Murli Marahar are exemplary.
TashiJong (12 km)
There is a Tibetan monastery here.
Baijnath (15 km)
At the jewel-like temple of Baijnath Lord Shiva is revered as
Vaidyanath, the Lord of physicians. With a wealth of intricate carvings and
graceful proportions, this temple is a big draw for pilgrims and visitors. It is
said that here, King Havana supplicated Lord Shiva for the boon of immortality.
Bier (24 km)
There is a Tibetan monastery here
HOW TO GET THERE?
By Air
The airport at
Googol (Kangra) is 37 km from Palampur.
By Rail
The broad gauge railway reaches Pathankot which is 115 km from Palampur
and the narrow gauge railway comes right upto Moranda, 4 km from the town. Taxis
and buses are available at both places.
By Road
Palampur is 545 km from Delhi.
CLIMATE CONDITIONS
In winter, the
temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woollens are required.
During summer the climate is mild and light woollens/cottons are recommended.
|
