Set against the backdrop of the Dhauladhar Ranges is Palampur, the best travel destination in Himachal Pradesh, encircled by large slopes of verdant tea gardens. It is an ideal visit for those seeking an escape from their mundane city lifestyle. Famously called the ‘Tea Capital of North India, ’ this quaint hill station will not only make you fall in love with its lush green tea gardens but also other alluring sights, including azure streams, gurgling waterfalls, slumpy paddy fields, winding lanes, forest trails, nature parks, & hidden treks that would make your travel journey thrilling & reminiscing.
All the above features will influence any backpacker to explore this wonderful town of Himachal. But do you know how it got its name, Palampur? If not, let us tell you that it derived its name from Pulum, which signifies the meaning ‘Lot of Water’ in common language. With so many streams flowing from hills to the plains, one can imagine that the town receives an abundant water supply. To discover the significant facets of this town, let us help you with a brief overview of the places that should be on your Palampur itinerary list.
Places that make Palampur an absolute travel destination in Himachal Pradesh
If you have decided to plan your holiday in Palampur, then below are the places you should explore. Let’s begin with:
Baijnath Shiva Temple
Located in the Kangra region of Himachal, Baijnath Shiva Temple is one of the Palampur top 10 must-visit places to explore with your family. This revered temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracting many devotees to seek blessings of the deity. According to mythological legend, it was the first place where the 10-headed Lankan demon Ravana prayed to Shiva to get the boon of immortality. The temple is worth noticing for its spectacular architectural structure.
Chamunda Devi Temple
Another major religious site to experience inner peace is Chamunda Devi Temple. This holy shrine in Palampur is dedicated to goddess Chamunda (one of the names of goddess Durga). Every year, the temple is thronged with devotees to get the glimpse of the goddess & pray to her for their well-being. It comes among the 51 Shakti Peethas, & is a very revered sacred site to visit & meditate in its peaceful surroundings.
Sherabling
Besides Dharamshala, Palampur also has a touch with Buddhist culture via Sherabling. It is the home of Tai Siti Rimpoche, a Buddhist preacher. This famous Buddhist monastery is nestled in the middle of the lush green vegetation, from where you can have a panoramic view of the surrounding zone.
When visiting this serene monastery, you will spot a large stupa, a main attraction & will also see many Buddhist pilgrims roaming & meditating here. In India, Sherabling is among the most-visited monasteries for followers of Buddhism & is an ideal retreat for peace lovers.
Saurabh Van Vihar
Saurabh Van Vihar is a beautiful garden in Palampur, named after the valiant Army officer, Captain Saurabh Kalia, who was killed in the Kargil war when he was held captive by the Pakistani Army. This park is a tribute to this braveheart who sacrificed his life in fighting for his motherland.
This amazing park includes 151 different herb species known to have medicinal effects. Spread over 35 acres, it is an excellent spot for picnicking with kids since it has a children’s park & other noteworthy attractions like water streams, Tiger Hill Bridge, & health trails.
Dhauladhar National Park
Dhauladhar National Park is an intriguing wildlife spot that lures wildlife enthusiasts from all over the country. It is well connected with Palampur at a distance of 13 km. Also popular with the name Gopalpur Zoo, this national park is home to many endangered species, including black bears, leopards, red foxes, Asiatic lions, sambhars, deers, & angora rabbits.
Where to plan your comfy staycation in Palampur?
After getting a brief overview of these places, you will be interested in visiting the Tea Capital of North India. If you wish to visit Palampur with family, then there are many hotels & resorts to book for your staycation. Well, no need to indulge yourself scrolling the long list of hotels, as you can simply bank on to the hospitality services at jüSTa Palampur Resort & Convention Centre. It is one of the luxury resorts in Palampur that aims to satisfy its guests with all kinds of leisure amenities.
You will be having an unforgettable experience at its 27 luxurious rooms that come with different accommodating options depending on your preferences. All the rooms here are stuffed with world-class amenities. Coming to dining, there is a Sabor restaurant to extinguish your hunger pangs by savouring the delicious Himachali & Indian cuisines. The resort is also a right pick as a wedding venue in Palampur.
Conclusion
Palampur is indeed the best travel destination in Himachal Pradesh when it comes to spending a joyful vacation with loved ones. The place is dotted with a multitude of attractions that lures the tourists to make a visit & soak themselves into the lovely environment where they cradle in nature & can be at peace with themselves.
