PALAMPUR

Palampur, at a height of 1219 mts., is a main spot in the beautiful valley surrounded by tea gardens and pine trees. The place enjoys a healthy climate and the pine scented air is said to have curative properties. The scenery presents a sublime and beautiful contrast- the plain presents a picture of rural loveliness and repose, while the hills are majestic. Behind this town stands high ranges of Dhauladhar mountains, whose tops remain covered for most part of the year. This place is being developed as large tourist centre. A ropeway and an amusement park is also on the  to be established here. An Agricultural University is already functioning and some tea factories are also coming up.

There are also some pleasant walks around the town. A short walk from here takes one to the awe inspiring Bundla chasm which falls over a 100mts. to the Bundla stream. The stream is a thin streak running over stony ground far below the cliff. During the monsoon seasons, it swells and rages - madly over the entire width of the chasm taking stones and boulders along with it and makes loud roaring noise like thunder.

APPROACH

AIR: Nearest airport is at Gaggal after which it is accessible by road.

RAIL: Palampur is connected by narrow gauge railway from Pathankot.

ROAD: Palampur is also accessible by road and there are many buses from Dharamshala 40 kms, Kangra 18 kms, Kulu-Manali 205 kms & Shimla 259 kms.

WHAT TO SEE

NEUGAL KHAD: Roaring in the rainy season and tinkling all the year around, Neugal Khad offers a fine view of the Dhauladhar range. Himachal Tourism café provides food and a fine view from its restaurant.

BANDLA: Spread over an area of 4kms., the estate has a modern tea factory.

ANDRETTA: Home of the famous artist, SOBHA SINGH and late play-writer. Ms. NORA RICHARDS. There are beautiful paintings worth seeing in their private houses. It affords an excellent view of Dhauladhar range.

CHAMUNDA DEVI: The famous temple dedicated to the goddess Chamunda is 25 kms. away and Yatri Niwas here provides an excellent accommodation for the visitors.

BAIJNATH: At a distance of 16kms. from Palampur, Baijnath is a pilgrimage centres of the Hindus in Kangra Distt. Here one finds the oldest existing Shiva temple in the country, believed to have been originally built by the Pandavas close to the Binwa Khad.

BIR & BILLING: Bir, surrounded by tea gardens and an amphitheater of low hills, is an ideal landing around for para-gliders. Bir has Buddhist Monasteries that are worth visiting. Fine Tibetan handi craft are also produced here. Billing, up in the hills 14 kms. from Bir with an arena of 200 kms. for high altitude and cross country flying, is one of the best aerosports sites in the country.