Palampur

Palampur पालमपुर
Tea Capital of North India
—  town  —
View of Dhauladhar Mountains from Palampur
Palampur Location of Palampur in Himachal Pradesh and India
Coordinates	32°07′00″N 76°32′00″E
Country	India
Region	North India
State	Himachal Pradesh
District(s)	Kangra
Population	4,006 (2001)
Official languages	Kangri language, Hindi
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area • Elevation	• 1,472 metres (4,829 ft)
Climate Temperature • Summer • Winter	ETh (Köppen) •      34 °C (93 °F) •      0–0 °C (32–32 °F)
Codes • Pincode • 176061 • Telephone • +91-1894 • Vehicle • HP 37

Palampur is a green hill station and a municipal council in the Kangra Valley in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, surrounded on all sides by tea gardens and pine forests before they merge with the Dhauladhar ranges. Palampur is the tea capital of northwest India but tea is just one aspect that makes Palampur a special interest place. Abundance of water and proximity to the mountains has endowed it with mild climate.

The town has derived its name from the local word "pulum', meaning lots of water. There are numerous streams flowing from the mountains to the plains from Palampur. The combination of greenery and water gives Palampur a distinctive look. Palampur is at the confluence of the plains and the hills and so the scenery shows the contrast the plains on one side and the majestic snow covered hills on the other side. Behind this town stands high ranges of Dhauladhar mountains, whose tops remain snow covered for most part of the year.

History

Palampur was a part of the local Sikh Kingdom before it came under the British raj. The Kangra valley was the Trigarta of old, where the Palampur town is situated. It was one of the leading hill states and was once a part of the Jalandhar kingdom. The Palampur gets its name from 'Pulum' which means the abundant water. Countless streams and brooks criss-cross the landscape and in their intricate mesh, hold tea gardens and rice paddies. The town of Palampur came into being when Dr. Jameson, Superintendent of Botanical Gardens, introduced the tea bush from Almora in 1849. The bush thrived and so did the town which became a focus of the European tea estate owners. Since then the Kangra tea of Palampur has been known internationally.

The future first prime minister of independent India Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru visited Palampur in 1941 when it was still British India. There is a Nehru Chowk in Palampur to commemorate this event.

Palampur also known as the 'Tea Capital of North India,' is a popular hill station because it is not only known for its scenic beauty but also for the beautiful temples and buildings built in the Colonial period. Here a nature lover can enjoy a quiet stroll while feasting his eyes on the natural beauty and an outdoor lover with a taste for adventure can enjoy hand gliding and trekking during the holiday. It has something for all tastes, which makes it an ideal holiday resort for many. Hill Resort in India offers online booking for accommodation and tour/travel packages to this beautiful hill resort.

Evolution

Pre-Independence

During the second half of 18th Century, with success of tea estates in Palampur area, the original settlement started developing. In 1888, it was made tehsil headquarter, by shifting the same from Bhawarna. The tea estate owners impressed upon the administration to bring infrastructure like schools, colleges and hospital. It also became a centre of labourers engaged in plucking of tea leaves and packing, transportation and marketing thereof. The earthquake of 1905 left a trail of destruction. Therefore, building style, projections and building material had to be modified. The tehsil complex, school and church towards T-Bud Hotel were built during British Period. Consequent upon laying of railway line for hydro-electric project at Joginder Nagar in 1927 and thereby installation of railway station and staff quarters, construction activity grew fast. Increase in the employment, led to investment in the area, whereby multifarious development including roads took place.

Post Independence

In 1947, Sobha Singh moved from Punjab to Andreta and developed his art gallary. He painted world famous art pieces related to Punjabi culture and shot into prominence as an artist. After 1946, the regional linkages of town started improving. A Military station got established at a strategic location of the town. Agriculture University got established, besides the establishment of Indian Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (I.C.S.I.R.) Complex (IHBT).. Many offices at the level of sub division pertaining to Electricity, Housing Board, Public health and PWD (B&R) were located. tourist accommodation like T-Bud Hotel by Himachal Tourism Development Corporation and other hotels were constructed.

Education

• Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV) or Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, an Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) accredited and ISO 9001:2000 certified university, has been operating since 1978.
• GGDSD College, Rajpur (Palampur) specializes in many new professional courses like BCS, BBA and BCA along with B.Sc., B.Com and B.A courses.Also the IGNOU study centre
• Institute of Himalyan Bioresource Technology (CSIR)- A CSIR laboratory engaged on various research aspects of Himalyan Bioresources. Imparting Ph.D in biological and Chemical Sciences
• Sri Sai University, Palampur

SCHOOLS

• Kendriya Vidyalaya, Holta Cantt. (Palampur)
• St. Paul's sr. sec. School
• DAV Public school
• SD Chand sr.sec. School
• ABM sr. sec. school, Maranda (Palampur)
• Mount Carmel school, Thakurdwara (Palampur)
• Crescent public school, Banuri (Palampur)
• Anuradha public school, Maranda (palampur)
• Neugal public sr. sec. school, Bindaraban (Palampur)

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Palampur had a population of 10000. Number of Households are 868. Palampur has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%

Geography

Palampur is located at 32.12°N 76.53°E / 32.12; 76.53, at a height of 1,220 meters above sea level. It is close to the Dhauladhar Range. It is in the northwestern region of Himachal Pradesh, in north India and is only 30 km from the popular hill station of Dharamshala. Palampur, at a height of 1219 mts., is a main spot in the beautiful valley surrounded by tea gardens and pine trees.

Behind the town stands high ranges of Dhauladhar mountains (white hill of snow), 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 way to be established here. An Agricultural University is already functioning near by one Ayurvedic hospital is situated, also one Ayurvedic medical college is there in Paprola is about 10 km away from here some tea factories are also in operation Kangra valley is also known as tea capital of India this tea was quite famous among the British.

On the outskirts of Palampur, at Bandla, Neugal stream is a thin streak running over stony ground far below the cliff. It offers great scenic beauty with snow covered peaks. A recreational spot, called Saurabh Van Vihar, is also located in Bandla, which gets its name from Capt. Saurabh Kalia who hails from Palampur.

Several trek routes lead out of Palampur, particularly over the Dhauladhar Mountains towards the town of Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Some important treks are over the Sanghar pass to Bharmaur via Holi, the forest trek from Mcleodganj to Treund and from Baijnath over the Jalsu pass to Bharmaur. A four-day trek will lead the traveler to Holi, via Waru La. Twenty-eight kilometers from Palampur is Billing, near Bir, an important centre for the adventure sport of paragliding. Paraglider pilots often land near Palampur after cross-country flights starting from Billing. Palampur also has numerous Buddhist monuments and is famous for its Tibetan handicrafts.

Connectivity

By Air

Kingfisher Red is running daily flights from New Delhi to Kangra Airport (Gaggal Airport) which is just 40 km from Palampur. Flights are prone to climatic conditions and can be cancelled due to low visibility in the winters- plan your trip accordingly.

By Rail

Palampur is connected by narrow gauge railway from Pathankot. Approximate distance from Pathankot to Palampur is 112 km. The journey takes about 7 hours covering two tunnels, one of which is only 250 feet and the other 1,000 feet in length.

The kangra valley toy train also operates in the town. The nearest railway station is at Maranda(Palampur), 3 km from main bus stand.

By Road

Palampur is well connected by road to all major cities and towns in and around the state. Himachal Road Transport Corporation(HRTC) is the best way to travel plying Air conditioned, Deluxe and Semi Deluxe buses from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. Distances to the major cities are Delhi (530km), Chandigarh (240km), Shimla (259km), Manali (205KM), Dharamshala (35km) etc. Tickets can be booked online from HRTC website.[1]

Attractions

Visitor attractions in Palampur include:

1. Neugal Cafe is most visited place in the palampur. it is one of the great attraction in the palampur from where you can view the dhauladhar hills and also can get the view of Neugal khad.

View from Neugal Cafe

1. Sourabh Van Vihar is also one of the nice place to visit, here you can find a green park.
2. The village of Andretta, spread below the thickly wooden hill known for the art gallery. The village was once the home for the painter Sardar Sobha Singh and playwright Norah Richard.http://www.kangrapilgrimage.org/gallery.html
3. Dhauladhar Nature Park at Gopalpur in the lap of Dhauladhar Range is just about 12 km from Palampur city and is a nice place to visit.
4. Famous Devi Latti Jakhni's temple situated at the top of Chandpur village is a place to feel the beauty of DhaulaDhar from very close.

Adventure Sports

Palampur is the ideal hill resort for you if you enjoy trekking and Paragliding. There are several trek routes that one can trek on, one important one being over Sanghar Pass to Bharmaur via Holi.

The paragliding site at Bir-Billing in Kangra district near Baijnath is regarded as among the best in the world for Paragliding. Billing (2290 m) is the take-off site and Bir (1400 m) is the village at the landing site.The road distance between the two is 14 km. Bir is sheltered by the Dhauladhar mountains and the ridges behind keep rising to 3000 mtrs, 4000 mtrs, 5000 mtrs and one after the other so as pilot can fly at 4000 mtrs and still watch the mountains tower above. Bir is a beautiful village surrounded by tea gardens and spectacular scenery, whereas Billing offers unique opportunities for high altitude and cross country flying and flights of 180 kms have been achieved from here.

All along the bottom of the ridges runs a parallel road from Mandi to Dharamshala and beyond which assures easy recovery for pilots after landing. The most important feature of this region is its weather. On bad weather days one can still fly 20-30 kms and on good days 100 kms is not difficult. October & November are the ideal months for flying in autumn and March to May i.e spring is also flyable but conditions are very strong in spring with thermals of 6-12 mtrs/sec and cloudbase of 4000 to 6000 mtrs.

The small towns of Taragarh, Baijnath and Jogindernagar are close to Bir- Billing and large town of Palampur is 29 km from Bir. Himachal Pradesh is conducting International Paragliding competitions since 2002 at Bir-Billing every year.

Tourism

Famous Places Around Palampur : Chamunda Devi Temple : around 20 km from town. There is beautiful temple complex of Maa Chamunda Devi

Bir and Billing : ( 35 km. from town.) This village is famous for its Buddhist monasteries. Hang gliding pilots use it as their landing site. 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 handicrafts are also produced here. Billing, up in the hills 14 km. from Bir with an arena of 200 km. for high altitude and cross country flying, is one of the best aerosports sites in the country.

Baijnath : ( 16 km. from town.) The Shiva temple at Baijnath is one of the most remarkable monuments of the Kangra valley. Ancient name of this town was 'Kirgrama'. Baijnath got its name from Shiva Vaidyanatha. The temple consists of an 'Adytum' surrounded by a spire of the usual conical shape with a 'Mandap' covered with a low pyramid shaped roof. The 'Adytum' contains the Lingam. There is fine sculpture work to be associated with Ravana, who worshipped Shiva at this spot and gained immortality. Baijnath is one of the 'Twelve Jyotirlingams'. Shivratri of Baijnath is a well attended fair.

Neugal Khad : ( 2 km. from town.) Neugal Khad provides a fine view of the Dhauladhar range. It is roaring in the rainy season and gurgling all the year round. Himachal Tourism cafe provides food and a fine view from its restaurant. It is a famous picnic spot and ideal for a day escape from busy life.

Bundla Stream : ( 2 km. from town) Bundla stream with wide chasm of more than 100 metres, swells up and rises madly in monsoons taking stones and boulders along with it making a loud noise like that of continuous thunder. This is a lovely walk from Palampur to Budla.

Andreta : ( 13 km. from town ) It is the home of the famous artist, late Sardar Shobha Singh and late playwright Norah Richards. This presents an excellent view of the Dhauladhar Range.

Shobha Singh's Art Gallery : It is situated in Andhretta which is 13 km. from town. Chamunda Maa: Temple complex is around 20 km from Palampur

Saurabh Van vihar : (4 KM from town) Named after the valiant Army officer, Captain Saurabh Kalia, Saurabh Van Vihar is in Neugal near Palampur. Managed by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, the Van Vihar was set up with the purpose of providing information to the tourists about the nature and environment.

The Vihar sprawls on an area of 35 acres and there is a green park located here. The area is surrounded by the Dhauladhar mountains and offers scenic views of the surrounding.

HOTELS

• Hotel Taragarh palace
• Hotel T Bud
• Hotel Neugal cafe
• Hotel Yamini
• Hotel vishal residency
• Hotel pines
• Villa camellia resort
• Sai gardens resort
• The Citadel Resorts

Politics

Palampur is a state legislative constituency in Himachal Pradesh. The town politics is mostly dominated between ruling Bhartiya Janta Party and the Congress(I). The current legislative from Palampur is Praveen Kumar. He is from ruling BJP government. The political affair of Palampur has always been a two way party affair. The last BJP legislator from BJP was former chief minister Mr. Shanta Kumar. He was the last BJP legislator in 1992 when the state government led by him was dissolved in the aftermath of Babri Masjid demolition. For Congress, the politics has been dominated by a rich family, Butails. Lala Kanhiya Lal Butail, a freedom fighter and Gandhian activist was the first representative from Palampur. His nephew Kunj Behari Lal Butail served as an MLA for over a decade and also the first Pradesh Congress Committee President. The seat, till recent elections was occupied his younger brother for over 20 years, Mr. Brij Bihari Butail who also remained a minister in the state Cabinet and advisor to the Chief Minister.

Recent Issues

Palampur has seen somewhat exponential growth since the liberalization in India. It has grown from a decrepit and quite British hill station to a buzzing town. You can start counting the revenue generated in the town as total of Nineteen topmost banks are present here. Eg IDBI, BOI, PNB, SBI, LIC etc. There has been a wide speed growth growth in and around Palampur. It has threatened the fragile ecology of the town. Recently, the deodar trees in Palampur are drying up with abnormally fast speed. Palampur is the only hill station in India where deodar trees are grown between the height of 3000 feet to 4000 feet from Mean Sea Level.

External links

• Palampur travel guide from Wikitravel
• Palampur.info Palampur Information, Travel Guide & Yellow Pages
• Mcllo.com An Informative, Travel website of Kangra Valley- Palampur Information