13 Things To Do In Palampur For An Entertaining Vacay In 2024

Palampur is a pretty hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Other than the famed tea capital of northern India at the foot of the scenic Dhauladhar range, it offers travelers a lot of interesting things to do in Palampur. This town is located at a distance of about 35 km from Dharamshala and attracts a lot of tourists owing to its scenic tea plantations and rice fields. The pine trees covering the slopes make the town green, while the unending beauty, the tranquil location, and a multitude of activities in Palampur make it a top spot for travelers. Need more reasons to visit?

13 Exciting Things To Do In Palampur

Here are the best experiences that include Palampur sightseeing and other excursions to make it a fun and memorable vacation for yourself and your loved ones. Check the following things to do in Palampur:

Bir: Go Paragliding
Naam Art Gallery: Appreciate Art
Triund: Trek To The Peak
Tea Plantations: Explore The Green Land
Andretta: Try Your Hand At Pottery
Chamunda Devi Temple: Pay Your Respects
Neugal Khad: Enjoy A Picnic
Tashi Jong Monastery: Visit The Place
Norbulingka Institute: Absorb The Tibetan Culture
Baijnath Temple: Seek Blessings
Jwalamukhi Temple – The Shakti Peetha
Saurabh Van Vihar – Popular Picnic Spot
Dhauladhar National Park – For Wildlife Enthusiasts

1. Bir: Go Paragliding

Why walk when you can fly! Have the most thrilling experience of flying aka paragliding at Bir, a picturesque hamlet in Himachal Pradesh located at a distance of 29.6 km from Palampur. Often referred to as the paragliding capital of North India, it is a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Enjoy the 360° panoramic view of the Dhauladhar Range of the Indian Himalayas. This is hands down the best amongst the things to do in Palampur Himachal Pradesh.

Paragliding starting price: INR 1,500/- (prices may vary)

Must Read: Explore The Himalayas: 48 Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh!

Himachal Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

2. Naam Art Gallery: Appreciate Art

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Naam Art Gallery is located in Dharamshala at a distance of 30.9 km from Palampur. This gallery displays works of Elsbeth Buschmann, a German professional painter, and Alfred W. Hallett, a renowned painter from England. The paintings are magnetic and captivating and you would be totally fascinated by those watercolors, oils, and acrylics over them.

Timings: 10 AM – 7:30 PM (closed on Monday)
Entry fee: INR 10/-

3. Triund: Trek To The Peak

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It is rightly said that great views come after great climbs! For thrill seekers, the Triund trek is a must, where you can enjoy the climb and camp at the Triund base camp. Fall in love with the beautiful vistas of mountains and meadows on the way. The Triund trek starts from Dharamkot which is at a distance of 41 km from Palampur. This tops the list of the things to do in Palampur. The view of the evening sky when the sun is setting behind the mountains at Triund is priceless. You can gaze at the twinkling stars all night from your tent, and the witness the phenomenal sunrise the next morning.

Timings: open 24/7
Entry Fee: No entry fee

4. Tea Plantations: Explore The Green Land

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The tea gardens are top Palampur attractions which is also the tea capital of northern India. Vast expanses of land here are covered in lush tea plantations enveloping the town in green foliage year-round. You can view the tea making process elaborately here. For tea lovers, this is amongst the top Palampur sightseeing. Enjoy the aroma of the tea fields and we are sure it would be a paradisiacal experience for all tea addicts out there.

Timings: 8 am – 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free

5. Andretta: Try Your Hand At Pottery

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Andretta is an artsy dainty village in Himachal Pradesh. It has been attracting tourists for long since it’s an artists’ colony. It is at a distance of 11.9 km from Palampur, which can be covered in an easy 20 minutes. Try your hand at pottery in this beautiful village of Andretta at nominal prices. The place to explore here is Sobha Singh Art Gallery, a treasure for art connoisseurs, photography freaks, and history buffs. Still, wondering what to do in Palampur? Read the rest of the listings.

Timings: 10 am – 5 pm
Entry Fee: Free

6. Chamunda Devi Temple: Pay Your Respects

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At a distance of around 10 km on the banks of river Baner is this ancient temple of Chamunda which is dedicated to goddess Chamundeshwari. The temple portrays scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. It is a famous site amongst devotees and believers visiting from far and near. After paying your respects at the temple, you can sit by the riverside and relax at this holy place. It is one of the popular Palampur things to do with your family.

Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: no entry fee

7. Neugal Khad: Enjoy A Picnic

Clearwater streams in cities are a myth, no? But not in Palampur. Neugal Khad is a wide stream of clear water flowing close to Palampur. Neugal Khad is a top picnic spot situated at a distance of 3-4 km from Palampur. One can enjoy walking along the pebbled path or sit by the stream and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Dhauladhar Range. The snow clad mountains offer spectacular views and make a great backdrop for photography. Closeby is the Neugal Park where there are sumptuous cafes and eateries. You can enjoy food and beverages with a mountain view. This is one of the best Palampur attractions.

Timings: 6 am – 9 pm
Entry Fee: Free

8. Tashi Jong Monastery: Visit The Place

Still haven’t decided what to do in Palampur? Check this out. This monastery, an abode of Tibetan refugees, is a beautiful structure. The monastery is a serene and quiet place and one can enjoy the stunning views of the Kangra Valley from here. The complex has a Tibetan restaurant where one can relish the lip-smacking Tibetan flavors. The place also houses a crafts emporium where tourists can buy Tibetan artifacts and take them home as souvenirs.

Timings: 9 am – 6 pm
Entry fee: Free

9. Norbulingka Institute: Absorb The Tibetan Culture

Absorb the tibetan culture at Norbulingka Institute

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The Norbulingka Institute is located at a distance of 29.5 km from Palampur. This place is a storehouse of Tibetan art, culture, and literature. The institute offers short-term workshops on Tibetan art. The tourists can enjoy a free guided tour except on Sundays. There is also the Losel Doll Museum at the Norbulingka Institute which has the world’s largest collection of Losel dolls.

Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM (offices and workshops closed on Sundays)
Guided tour entry fee: INR 100/-

10. Baijnath Temple: Seek Blessings

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Baijnath Temple is located at a distance of 17 km from Palampur. Nestled in the green Kangra valley this is one of the most beautiful temples. It has a unique architectural design that resembles that of the Jagannath temple in Puri. History says that Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva here to achieve immortality. It is a top tourist spot amidst devotees and travelers alike.

Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: free

11. Jwalamukhi Temple – The Shakti Peetha

Jwalamukhi Temple is one of the most-explore things to do Palampur. Located at a distance of 35 kilometers from the main town, the temple is well-connected and can be reached in 30-40 minutes by road, depending upon the traffic. The temple is one of the Shakti Peethas and has nine flames in the sanctum each named after Goddesses. This is also one of the best places to visit in Kangra.

Timings: Summers- 5:00 AM-10:00 PM | Winters- 6:00 AM-9:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee

12. Saurabh Van Vihar – Popular Picnic Spot

Saurabh Van Vihar in Palampur is a beautiful garden located in the lush green valley of Himachal. The place is named after Captain Saurabh Kalia, the valiant Army Officer. The stunning garden is home to over 151 species of herbs having medicinal significance.

The garden is spread over 35 acres comprising picnic sheds, water streams, children park, health trails, Tiger hill bridge and a lot more! This is one of those things to do in Palampur where you can have a perfect family time with your loved ones.

Timings: 9:00:AM-4:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 150

13. Dhauladhar National Park – For Wildlife Enthusiasts

Dhauladhar National Park is another most interesting thing to do in Palampur and is loved by tourists for its rare experiences. The park is famous as Gopalpur Zoo and lures wildlife enthusiasts from across the country. It is situated 13 kilometers from Palampur and is well-connected to the main city.

You can also visit the mini zoo here which is home to numerous endangered species including leopards, black bears, Asiatic lions, red fox, angora rabbits, sambhar, and deers. This national park is one of the most popular Palampur things to do.

Timings: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 50

How To Reach Palampur

Here are the different means of getting to this beautiful city:

By Air:
The nearest airport to Palampur is Gaggal airport in Dharamsala at a distance of around 40 km. You can further reach your destination by bus or taxi.

By Train:
The Palampur Railway Station is connected to all important cities of Himachal Pradesh like Manali, Shimla, and more.

By Road:
Palampur is located at a distance of 490 km from Delhi and one can find HRTC buses which take around 12-13 hours to reach here. Palampur is also connected to various cities like Pathankot, Mandi, Dharamshala, Shimla, and Chandigarh through state-run buses. You can also hire private cabs or drive to Palampur.

Best Time To Visit Palampur

The pleasant climate of Palampur makes it a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is between March to June to beat the summer sun, and September to November after the monsoons, as well as right before the winter chills.

Further Read: 55 Hill Stations Near Delhi One Must Visit For A Peaceful Getaway!

Now that you know all the interesting and thrilling things to do in Palampur, plan your Himachal vacation right away. Know of any more exciting Palampur activities? Write to us below.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Palampur

Is it safe to visit the state of Himachal Pradesh in the upcoming weeks or months?

The tourism industry is slowly reopening, and you can visit most of the above-mentioned places and more if travelling in a small group while following all the guidelines released. But don’t take our word for it: check up on the latest travel advisory, Covid-19 measures, and the number of cases before your departure.

Are there any adventure activities in Palampur?

Yes, there are numerous adventure sports that one can be a part of in Palampur. Some of the famous things to do in Palampur Himachal that attract thrill-seekers are paragliding, hiking, and trekking. Trekking in Palampur is offered to both beginners and professionals, making it a popular choice among travellers.

What is the best time to visit Palampur?

Palampur welcomes travellers with pleasant and favourable weather almost throughout the year. The mild climate of Palampur is what attracts tourists to spend some time in the hills. However, the most popular and best time to visit Palampur is between the months from March to June and mid-September to November.

Why is Palampur famous?

Also known as the tea capital of the Northern region of India, Palampur is a hill station that is famous for not only its aromatic tea gardens and impeccable paddy fields but also colonial-era architecture and beautiful temples. The picturesque landscapes of Palampur is another famous attribute of the town.

What are some popular trekking trails in and around Palampur?

Attracting all the thrill-seekers out there, there is an extensive number of trekking trails that are available in and around Palampur with the famous ones being Triund Trek, Barot and Rajgundha Valley Trek, and Bimi Devi Temple.

Are there any temples in Palampur?

Yes, there are many temples in Palampur with Chamunda Devi Temple, Baijnath Temple, Bundla Mata Mandir, and Jakhni Mata Temple are some of the most popular religious places here. Whenever in Palampur make sure you visit these.

What is the best way to get around the towns close to Palampur?

The towns around Palampur are well connected through a network of buses. The most trustworthy bus service running along these roads is the HRTC bus service which is operated by the Himachal Pradesh Government.

Is it safe to travel to Palampur with family?

Without an inch of doubt or any hesitation, Palampur is a very safe place to visit. It is situated in a very friendly neighbourhood and it is for sure known to be one of the most beautiful hill stations in the country.

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Deepti Gupta

A writer by choice, a photographer by passion, a seasonal sailor preferably monsoons and a pilot when the wind is just right! When not in the city, I’m often found chasing sunrises in the mountains or sunsets at the beaches!