In the mesmerising Kangra Valley is the mystical hill town of Palampur. Surrounded by endless stretches of tea gardens and pine forests, the town offers a gorgeous getaway into the hills. While there are Dhauladhar ranges creating a scenic backdrop, there are also numerous streams and rivers flowing down the mountains. As you enter the picturesque town, you can enjoy its refreshing climate and soak in the scenic charm.
Most of the places to visit in Palampur flourished during the British era. In today’s time, it is renowned for producing the distinctive Kangra tea. While not extremely touristy, the town beautifully blends natural beauty with cultural richness. You get to explore temples, monasteries and colonial-era architecture. So, pack your bags to explore trekking trails and serene landscapes.
15 Gorgeous Places To Visit in Palampur Are –
1. Saurabh Van Vihar
Saurabh Van Vihar is the destination that every traveller talks about when they visit Palampur. A little lover’s paradise, it makes you feel out of this world, all thanks to the gorgeous surroundings. It sure is one of the top-rated places to visit in Palampur for nature lovers. Located along the sparkling Neugal Khad, you get to see the mighty Dhauladhar mountains from here.
What’s more? Well-maintained lanes, colourful gardens and fresh mountain air truly elevate your time. You can take a stroll with your loved ones or plan a picnic with family members. It also has a lake, so if adventure is your thing, go for a boat ride. Do not forget to stand by the lake bridge for Instagram-worthy pictures.
2. Palampur Tea Gardens
You must have always imagined Himachal Pradesh with snow-capped mountains. However, some of the best places to visit in Palampur are here to astonish you. The tea gardens in India, especially here, effortlessly paint the town with shades of green. Spread across the slopes of the Dhauladhar ranges as a backdrop, you get those picture-perfect views.
Imagine the joy of walking through the tea bushes and witnessing the tea production process. The walk itself is an experience! To join you is the fresh aroma of tea leaves, the cold breeze and crispness in the air. Make sure to pose and click endless pictures with the magical scene. If you do love to know more, you can visit nearby local factories.
3. Shakti Peeth Shri Chamunda Devi
As the name suggests, this place of worship is a divine Shakti Peeth dedicated to Goddess Chamunda Devi. It is believed that the head of Goddess Sati fell here, thereby making it one of the prominent places to visit in Palampur. As Goddess Chamunda is a fierce form of Durga, many devotees gather to seek blessings for peace and protection.
You can see the dramatic backdrop of the Dhauladhar ranges. After seeking blessings, you can walk around the temple complex that overlooks the Baner River. While you can hear rhythmic chants and ringing on this side, the other side has snow-covered peaks that truly leave you mesmerised. You can pray, meditate or enjoy some alone time in the temple premises.
4. Baijnath Shiv Temple
Your journey to Palampur remains incomplete without visiting the holy Baijnath Shiv Temple. Being an architectural gem, it is also one of the significant Shiva temples in India. Built in the 13th century, you can witness Nagara-style architecture. Even the exquisite stone carvings have multiple stories to narrate.
According to the legend, Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva here, making the place of worship deeply divine. Located amidst the hills, you can see the Beas River flowing close by. It is the timeless aura that makes you feel wholesome. You are certain to enjoy the blend of history, mythology, architecture and devotion.
5. Birni Devi Temple
Say hi to idyllic views as you visit the Birni Devi Temple. Situated atop a hill, it is surely one of the best places to visit in Palampur. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Birni Mata, where the spiritual atmosphere and the jaw-dropping views fill your heart with calm.
The place is blessed with panoramic views of the Dhauladhar ranges. Being one of the most beautiful valleys in India, the Kangra Valley can also be spotted below. It is important to note that the journey takes you through winding paths and gentle treks. You get to see pine forests on your way, making it a heavenly experience.
6. Dhauladhar Nature Park
Now that you are in Palampur, you cannot miss a beautiful place located in Gopalpur. Just a few kilometres from your main destination is the famous Dhauladhar Nature Park. Whether you love wildlife or wish to photograph natural scenes, this is the place to be.
Situated against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains, the park is home to a variety of animals. You can spot leopards, Himalayan black bears and various species of deer at this park. The animals are taken care of in well-maintained enclosures. You can walk through the greens, plan a picnic or simply enjoy the Himalayan beauty.
7. Shree Jakhani Mata Temple
You must have heard of multiple famous temples in India. You must have also come across different tales of temples that specifically protect a certain region. That’s exactly the story of Shree Jakhani Mata Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Jakhani Mata, she is worshipped as a protecting deity of the region.
As it is located on the hilltop, you can either drive or climb up. The temple is celebrated for its simple architecture, allowing you to deeply connect with the spiritual energies. While it is highly significant for locals, you can visit this place to self-reflect, pray or meditate. Indulging in photography is also a popular activity here.
8. Neugal Khadd
From your busy lives, imagine a mountain stream making its space in your heart. Well, Neugal Khadd has done it for travellers. Being one of the best places to visit in Palampur, it is highly popular among locals and tourists. This wide mountain is considered to be the lifeline of the town.
Interestingly, it flows down from the Dhauladhar ranges, making it a sight to behold. You get to see clean and fresh waters rushing through rocky beds. Such a phenomenon creates a therapeutic sound. You can visit small eateries nearby to sip coffee while enjoying the awe-inspiring views. Let’s not forget that the monsoon is the best time to witness this destination.
9. Sherabling Monastery
Being one of the most spiritually significant places to visit in Palampur, Sherabling Monastery is unmissable! It is also one of the most revered monasteries in Himachal Pradesh for Buddhist learning. It was founded by the 12th Kenting Tai Situpa for meditation and spiritual practice. As you enter this place, tranquillity follows you, all thanks to its gorgeous architecture.
You can see colourful stupas and residences for monks. The traditional Tibetan architecture also elevates the overall feel of the place. Do not miss seeing murals, thangkas and prayer wheels, strongly showcasing the philosophy of Buddhism. If you are lucky, you might get to see the prayer chanting session with the presence of monks.
10. Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery
Here is another beautiful monastery located in the vicinity of Palampur. Tashi Jong Monastery is a prominent centre of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the seat of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage, one of the main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery serves as a training place for monks known as Khampas.
As you enter the place, you can see traditional Tibetan architecture along with colourful murals narrating different scenes. Intricately painted woodwork also takes you back to ancient times.
Make sure to hear the echo of chants and witness rituals in the prayer hall. You can also see many stupas and prayer flags around the monastery. Lastly, you can also meet a community of Tibetan artisans who practise age-old crafts.
11. Andretta
The scenic villages in Himachal Pradesh hold mysteries, art and stories of the bygone times. Andretta is one such beautiful village near Palampur. What’s special? It is a quaint place where art thrives in its purest form. You can witness pottery shops showcasing top-notch craftsmanship. Interestingly, you can also be a part of multiple pottery workshops. A little something that sets your journey apart from the ordinary!
Andretta is also home to the Sobha Singh Art Gallery. The village truly preserves the legacy of Norah Richards. Norah visited Andretta from Ireland and created a hub for theatre, art and literature. She even built her house in the Himachali style and encouraged youths to showcase social themes through artistic expressions. You can see her house, which is now a heritage site, talk to locals and buy some of the best souvenirs from India.
12. Palampur Toy Train
Get ready to experience a thrilling ride on one of the best toy trains in India. The Palampur toy train is a part of the popular Kangra Valley Railway. Did you know this charming train has been running on narrow-gauge lines since the British era?
The train ride takes you through beautiful views of tea gardens, pine forests and terraced fields. The breathtaking backdrop of the Dhauladhar ranges elevates your journey. It is especially slow-paced to let you soak in every view for a lifetime. The toy train connects Palampur to Pathankot and Jogindernagar, along with many halts; plan your journey accordingly.
13. Naam Art Gallery
Just an hour away from the hill town is the Naam Art Gallery. If you love art, this is one of the best places to visit in Palampur for you. You can see works of German painter Elisabeth Buschmann and English painter A. W. Hallett. These artists were deeply inspired by the majestic Himalayas and each painting is a masterpiece of natural wonders.
You can see Buschmann’s paintings highlighting European techniques. They are made with themes of spirituality and nature. However, Hallett’s watercolours beautifully capture everyday life, portraits and the Kangra Valley. You can also visit this place during various exhibitions of contemporary Indian and international artists.
14. Hidden Waterfalls
Palampur is blessed with scenic beauty and, surprisingly, a few secretive waterfalls! Wondering where they are? Well, even the maps fail to locate the cascading beauty, all thanks to its remote location. Smaller and hidden waterfalls can be found around Neugal Khad. Even the nearby forests are home to waterfalls, cascading beautifully from the top.
To reach any of the falls, it is best to ask local villagers. They not only help you find the location but also guide you the complete way. You can discover adventurous treks in Himachal Pradesh simply by waiting for the unexpected. Photography and picnicking are the best things to do around waterfalls in Palampur.
15. The Palampur Co-operative Tea Factory
A legendary place cannot be missed in your itinerary. Established in 1952, the Palampur Co-operative Tea Factory is one of the significant institutions in the hill town. This factory was especially set up to support small tea growers. It gives them a common platform to process and market their tea products. Hence, it ensured fair prices for their effort.
You can witness the journey of tea leaves here. From plucking, withering, rolling, fermenting and drying to finally packing, the journey itself is rewarding to see. You can also buy the famous Kangra tea, known for its distinct flavour and aroma. Immerse yourself in the taste, photograph with the scenic backdrop and purchase authentic tea for your loved ones.
Palampur: A Gateway to Heavenly Hills!
The enchanting land of Palampur strikes you with its natural beauty. From enjoying the fresh aroma of tea to hearing the healing sound of small streams, the destination itself heals your senses. Now that you have the list of the best places to visit in Palampur, it is time to plan your trip. You can easily book affordable hotels in Dharamshala and then rent a taxi to reach Palampur. Hidden trails and heartwarming scenery await your presence here!
