IT'S TEA TIME HIGH: A Road Trip To Palampur

Tripoto
27th Aug 2016
Photo of IT'S TEA TIME HIGH: A Road Trip To Palampur 1/2 by Abhinaw Chauhan
In The Lap of Dhauladhar

#SwipeRightToTravel

In the heart of Kangra Valley, surrounded by beautiful tea gardens and green pine forests lies in the lap of Dhauladhar ranges. Palampur is the tea capital of northwest India but tea is just one aspect that makes Palampur a special interest place. Palampur is a green hill station in the Kangra Valley at a height of 1,470 meters above sea level in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The Palampur derived its name from the local word "palum", which mean lots of water. The combination of greenery and water gives Palampur a distinctive look.

Photo of IT'S TEA TIME HIGH: A Road Trip To Palampur 2/2 by Abhinaw Chauhan
View of Dhauladhar Mountains from Palampur

Palampur is well connected by road from all part of India, Palampur is on NH-20 that's links Pathankot to Mandi. Palampur is 519 km from New Delhi and 260 km from Chandighar. The Journey time by road is 11 hours from New Delhi and 7 hrs of Chandighar. Nearest airport is at Gaggal, Kangra 38 km. A taxi to Palampur costs 500 Rs approx.

View from our hotel

Photo of IT'S TEA TIME HIGH: A Road Trip To Palampur by Abhinaw Chauhan

View from our hotel

Photo of IT'S TEA TIME HIGH: A Road Trip To Palampur by Abhinaw Chauhan
Day 1

Well It's A Road Trip

Photo of Jalandhar City, Jalandhar, Punjab, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

We started our journey from Jalandhar city, me and my three other best friends (Aayushi, Arpita & Gaurav) in morning at 7:30 a.m. and it's raining..., nothing makes a road trip more fabulous than rain. 

Must Read: baijnath temple

We put our all stuff in the the car, hit the accelerator and let the journey begins. It takes 6 hours to us to reach Palampur and the weather gives it's full blessing to us to make our road trip an awesome experience. It's raining all the way until we reached Palampur, and when it's rain in hills.., each and every creation of nature became more and more beautiful. The lush of greenery spread through all over the valley. The Clouds seems to become more closer to us. So we driving through the clouds to our magical destination and that's the magic of Himachal.

The Princess of Hills

Photo of Bombay Picnic Spot Hotel & Resort, Una, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Random Clicks

Photo of Bombay Picnic Spot Hotel & Resort, Una, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

@ Bombay picnic spot

Photo of Bombay Picnic Spot Hotel & Resort, Una, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan
Photo of Bombay Picnic Spot Hotel & Resort, Una, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

We reached our first stop in Himachal the Bombay picnic spot. Bombay Picnic Spot is the most popular Picnic spot of this route with beautiful and charming surrounding. Bombay Picnic Spot is surrounded with lush green trees, gardens and boating lake. It is just 75 km 2 hrs run from Jalandhar city. It is just 16 kms before Mata Chintapurini Ji Temple, and 9 kms from nearby town of Mubarkpur. We stop there for a while play some games and yes we eat...! actually when it's come to food we all gone mad might be we all are foodies and love to eat different types of food. After having our snacks we leave for rest of our journey, because a way more to go.

Palampur Bus Stand

Photo of Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Reached Palampur

Photo of Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

It's finally Palampur...., from Bombay picnic spot it just takes 3 hrs to reached Palampur. The first thing that instantly caught our attention was the peacefulness of the place. And yes we are finally in Palampur after a run of almost 175 km and 6 hrs, we reach to our destination, but it's not the end of our journey it's just the beginning of the endless fun and adventure we had planed to do. But first we moved to our hotel it's a run of 6 hrs and even we didn't slept last night we need some rest. Our hotel is Hotel Highland Regency it's near about new bus stand. We checked in and go to our rooms and Oh My God...! look at that view...., we just forget about everything the view of Dhauladhar mountains is can't be described in words. We ordered some snacks and decide to take some rest as we all get tired.

It's time to hit the streets: whenever you traveling a new place don't let the guide to tell you where to go and what to see and what not to, just take the map of the city and start exploring the streets, because that's the real difference in a tourist and a traveler. And who knows might be you could explore something interesting.

Hit The Street

Photo of Subhash Chowk, Berachah, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Happy Faces

Photo of Taj Restaurant, Berachah, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Sexy Umbrella

Photo of Taj Restaurant, Berachah, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Matargashti Khuli Sadak Pe

Photo of Subhash Chowk, Berachah, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan
Day 2

Good Morning Sunshine

Photo of Hotel Highland Regency, Berachah, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Although it had rained during the last whole day, the morning was completely different for us. We were greeted by bright and sunny day inviting us for the thrilling experience. So we ready up, finish the breakfast, we put all the necessarily things in the, and car as soon as possible we and hit the accelerator in search of a new heaven on earth.

Suspension Bridge

Photo of New Neugal Bridge, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Suspension Bridge

Photo of New Neugal Bridge, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

@ Neugal Khadd

Photo of Neugal Khadd, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

For Your Eye's Only

Photo of Neugal Khadd, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh by Abhinaw Chauhan

For Your Eye's Only

Photo of Neugal Khadd, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh by Abhinaw Chauhan

Looking In Your Eyes

Photo of Neugal Khadd, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Finding Nemo

Photo of Neugal Khadd, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Neugal Khad is a wide stream of water that flows close to Palampur. Neugal Khad is a popular picnic destination situated about 3 to 4 kms from Palampur. The panoramic view of the Dhauladhar Range from Neugal Khad is commendable. The major attraction apart from the stream is the massive iron bridge. By walking on this bridge you feel the suspension, because the bridge is actually shaking in the air well it's a part of fun. Those interested in photography have the good opportunity to capture the beauty of this colossal bridge and the surrounding landscape. Apart from photography, walking along the pebbled path of Neugal Khad is ideal. We walk through the stream, throw some stone in the water. The sound of the musical stream was awesome. It's like just close your eyes or lie down. Yes mission accomplished first heaven of the day.

Into the jungle

Photo of Saurabh Van Vihar, Bundla Kandi Road, Uwarna, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

@ Saurabh Van Vihar

Photo of Saurabh Van Vihar, Bundla Kandi Road, Uwarna, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

@ Saurabh Van Vihar

Photo of Saurabh Van Vihar, Bundla Kandi Road, Uwarna, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

@ Saurabh Van Vihar

Photo of Saurabh Van Vihar, Bundla Kandi Road, Uwarna, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Into The Jungle

Photo of Saurabh Van Vihar, Bundla Kandi Road, Uwarna, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

@ Saurabh Van Vihar

Photo of Saurabh Van Vihar, Bundla Kandi Road, Uwarna, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Into The Woods

Photo of Saurabh Van Vihar, Bundla Kandi Road, Uwarna, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Saurabh Van Vihar is a beautiful park for some relaxed and enjoyable time among lush greenery surrounded by the lush green valleys of Dhauladhar mountains. Spread in an area of 13 kms, Saurabh Van Vihar is a nature park that is dedicated to brave soldier of Indian Army Capt. Saurabh Kalia (martyr in the Kargil War). The park is situated on the bank of Neugel Khad. A perfect place for recreation, Saurabh Van Vihar is at a distance of about 4kms from Palampur. Overlooking the mighty Dhauladhar Range, the beauty of this nature park is enhanced with the different varieties of plants and trees. The park also shelters a sizable population of birds' species, which further adds to its charm. Boating, bird-watching and Bouldering can be enjoyed in the park.

It's Tea Time High

Photo of Palampur Tea garen, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

It's Tea Time High

Photo of Palampur Tea garen, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

It's Tea Time High

Photo of Palampur Tea garen, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

It's Tea Time High

Photo of Palampur Tea garen, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Palampur is famous for its scenic beauty and tea gardens. Tea gardens in Palampur cover a large area on the hillsides. The lush plantation with the backdrop of gorgeous Dhauladhar mountain range adds to the beauty of Palampur.

Way of Jakhni Mata Mandir

Photo of Jakhni Mata Mandir Road, Dugh, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

@ Jakhni Mata Mandir

Photo of Jakhni Mata Mandir Road, Dugh, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

View from Jakhni Mata Mandir

Photo of Jakhni Mata Mandir Road, Dugh, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Har Har Mahadev

Photo of Jakhni Mata Mandir Road, Dugh, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

@ Jakhni Mata Mandir

Photo of Jakhani Mata Temple, Dugh, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Jakhni Mata Temple is a temple at nature's paradise. Dedicated to Devi Latti Jakhni. The Jakhni Mata Temple is situated at the topmost point of Chandpur village. The Jakhni Mata Temple is at 5 kms from Palampur. The temple is located at a vantage point, from where the view of the Dhauladhar range is simply spectacular. To get a nice view of the valley, go behind the temple so that you will see an awesome view of the valley and small villages.

Way of Birni Devi Temple

Photo of Birni Devi Temple, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Trail to Birni devi Temple

Photo of Birni Devi Temple, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Trail to Birni devi Temple

Photo of Birni Devi Temple, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Trail to Birni devi Temple

Photo of Birni Devi Temple, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

@ Birni devi Temple

Photo of Birni Devi Temple, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Birni Devi Temple is a popular shrine in Palampur. There is a trek to the Birni Mata temple from Bundla which winds through thick oak and rhododendron forests. The car journey ends at jakhani Mata temple and trek to Birni Mata starts. This is one of the easiest treks which you can do easily. The locals have homes on the way and they can guide your way across the forest to reach the Birni top. Perched on a hill, the temple overlooks the majestic Kangra Valley and offers a panoramic view of Dhauladhar range. The entire Palampur can be seen from here and with the help of a binocular, Baijnath town is also visible from here.

Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery

Photo of Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery, Bheth Jhikli, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery

Photo of Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery, Bheth Jhikli, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery

Photo of Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery, Bheth Jhikli, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery

Photo of Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery, Bheth Jhikli, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery

Photo of Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery, Bheth Jhikli, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery

Photo of Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery, Bheth Jhikli, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

View from Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery

Photo of Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery, Bheth Jhikli, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Tashi Jong, a serene and divine place, can be reached from Palampur. Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery is situated about 15 kms from Palampur. The monastery is located in Tashi Jong village, which is a small rural area. Home to the Drugpa Kagyu tradition of Buddhism, this monastery is one of the schools of Kagyu tradition. A beautiful & vibrant colored monastery, with a meditation hall, one just wants to sit there and enjoy the peace. One can find some Chinese food stuff there. The monastery complex houses the main temple, the Stupa of Khamtrul Rinpoche, and the Yamantak Retreat Center which is restricted to the general public. Several manifestation of Buddha has also been placed in the monastery including the Buddha Shakyamuni. Tashi Jong is an excellent craft emporium, where Tibetan artifacts are available.

Baijnath Temple

Photo of Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

The main attraction of Baijnath is an ancient temple of Shiva. Baijnath is a small township in the Dhauladhar range of western Himalayas, 16 km from Palampur. Baijnath is famous for its 13th-century temple dedicated to Shiva as Vaidyanath, ‘the Lord of Physicians’. The present name Baijnath became popular after the name of the temple. The village is located on the left bank of the river Binwa. The Baijnath temple has been continuously under worship ever since its construction in 1204 A.D. The present temple is a beautiful example of the early medieval north Indian Temple architecture known as Nagara style of temples. The whole temple is enclosed by a high wall with entrances in the south and north. Numerous images are also fixed or carved in the walls.

@ Khir Ganga Ghat

Photo of Khir Ganga Ghat, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

The Mountain & The River

Photo of Khir Ganga Ghat, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

@ Khir Ganga Ghat

Photo of Khir Ganga Ghat, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Chat Hai Vo Aashma

Photo of Khir Ganga Ghat, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

The Waves & Peace

Photo of Khir Ganga Ghat, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

@Khir Ganga Ghat

Photo of Khir Ganga Ghat, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Happy Legs

Photo of Khir Ganga Ghat, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

The Valley of Peace

Photo of Khir Ganga Ghat, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Baijnath might be famous for its Shiva Temple, but the most beautiful place in Baijnath is Khir Ganga Ghat. Khir Ganga Ghat is just in few steps away from the Baijnath Temple. It is located in the bank of the river Binwa. The panoramic view of the Dhauladhar Range makes the view even more pleasing. A perfect place to sit and enjoy the music of nature. You could sit down and spend hours just seeing the beauty of Binwa river. The peace in the valley, the music of the river, the view of Dhauladhar Range and the scenic beauty of the place can't let you leave the place. We spent almost an hour there, do lots and lots of fun and experience the scenic beauty of Khir Ganga Ghatand Binwa river.

Well that's lots of traveling for one day, now it's time to return to Palampur, not because we get tired, because of shopping. Yes when you have girls in your group no matters where you go and how beautiful the place is, there is more powerful attraction force, and that is shopping..! So we decided to return by 7 p.m.

Palampur Market

Photo of Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

City Market

Photo of Lama Market, Palampur-Dharamshala Road, Berachah, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

The Market in Palampur is one of the most upscale markets in the Kangra District. Numerous shopping complexes have mushroomed during the last decade and showrooms of internationally renowned brands have come up. The market has numerous shops where you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, stationery, electrical appliances and almost anything that you may require. There are numerous restaurants serving a myriad of fare including Chinese, Continental, Indian and so on. There are a few places where you can taste authentic local food too. Also some hotels and dhabas serve the traditional Kangri Dham which is confined to this particular part of the world. In Palampur, you can shop for Tibetan handicrafts, Thangka paintings, carpets, woolens as well as some Kangra tea.

After lots and lots of shopping we really got hungry and if you really to much hungry there is a good place for you in Palampur, RS Sarovar Portico.

@ RS Portoco

Photo of RS Sarovar Portico, Palampur-Dharamshala Road, Ghuggar, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

@ RS Portico

Photo of RS Sarovar Portico, Palampur-Dharamshala Road, Ghuggar, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

@ RS Portico

Photo of RS Sarovar Portico, Palampur-Dharamshala Road, Ghuggar, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

@ 7th Cloud

Photo of RS Sarovar Portico, Palampur-Dharamshala Road, Ghuggar, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

@ 7th Cloud

Photo of RS Sarovar Portico, Palampur-Dharamshala Road, Ghuggar, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

@ 7th Cloud

Photo of R S Sarovar Portico., Palampur - Dharamshala Road, Berachah, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

RS Sarovar Portico is the first branded hotel in town. Built in contemporary design, offering magnificent views of the Dhauladhar mountain ranges. RS Sarovar Portico have a stunning multi-cuisine revolving restaurant on it's 7th floor Cloud 7. A multi-cuisine revolving restaurant on the 7th floor offering a wide spread and sumptuous buffet during lunch & dinner. But the best part about Cloud 7 restaurant is the stunning views of the Dhauladhar mountain. The revolving speed of Cloud 7 is really slow and you can experience the magnificent scenic beauty of Palampur. For the discerning foodie, Cloud 7 also a menu of authentic local dishes alongside world cuisine. The restaurant’s live kitchen from 7.00 hrs to 23:00 hrs allows an experience of a unique culinary journey. The 360 Degree Bar at the RS Sarovar Portico is the perfect space to unwind after a day’s adventure. Each drink here is served in beautiful crystal-clear glass giving a fine drinking experience. We enjoy the buffet. The food is really yummy & nice.

After this adventurous and stunning day we really need some rest, so we headed towards our hotel. But wants to sleep when you are in such a place where every single second is an adventure, so we connect our speaker with our phone and tune up the volume lots of dance lots of drinks and endless talk.

Day 3

Another Cloudy Morning

Photo of Hotel Highland Regency, Berachah, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

This time we welcome by a cloudy morning and there is a stunning view of mountains from our room. Today is our last day in Palampur and we heard so mush about Kangra valley toy train so we decided to return by toy train. So we ready up and ordered breakfast and start packing up, because we created a lot mess in the room.

Ready Up

Photo of Hotel Highland Regency, Berachah, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Breakfast Time

Photo of Hotel Highland Regency, Berachah, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Time To Leave

Photo of Hotel Highland Regency, Berachah, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Breakfast is done, our bags are packed, time to leave, we call a taxi to drop us to Palampur railway station. Palampur railway station is almost 5 kms away from Palampur city and it'll takes just 15 mins to reach Palampur railway station.

It's Palampur Railway Station

Photo of Palampur Railway Station, Maranda, Bag Uparla, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Chinky Smile

Photo of Palampur Railway Station, Maranda, Bag Uparla, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

For Now & Always

Photo of Palampur Railway Station, Maranda, Bag Uparla, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

For Your Eyes Only

Photo of Palampur Railway Station, Maranda, Bag Uparla, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

It's You

Photo of Palampur Railway Station, Maranda, Bag Uparla, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

The 2 Feet Track

Photo of Palampur Railway Station, Maranda, Bag Uparla, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Palampur Himachal railway station is a small railway station. The station lies on UNESCO World Heritage Site Kangra Valley Railway. Palampur Himachal railway station is located at an altitude of 1,119 meters above mean sea level. The station is surrounded by beautiful pine forest and high mountains. There is still some time for train to arrive so think lets capture some memories in camera.

The Toy Train Journey:

Toy Trains of Kangra Valley Railway run along narrow gauge track passing through some of the most scenic mountain routes in the world. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey offers breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, forests, tea gardens and local villages on the way.

The Toy Train Journey

Photo of Sulah Railway Station, Raipur Khas, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

The Girl On The Train

Photo of Paror Railway Station, Paraur, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Lets Click

Photo of Nagrota Bagwan Railway Station, Nagrota Bagwan, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan
Photo of Samloti Railway Station, Sunehar, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Munde Plenty Tere Leyi Hogaye Senti

Photo of Kangra Railway Station, Kaswara, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Something Money Can't Buy

Photo of Lunsu, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Sexy Train

Photo of Lunsu, Himachal Pradesh, India by Abhinaw Chauhan

Everyone will must have the experience the toy train journey once in a while, or as much as you could. Why? because happiness is priceless and the cost of this journey is just 25 rupees. Toy train journeys make for unforgettable travel memories. We don't really need to tell you how the real experience of it will feel like. Travelling on this narrow gauge railway draws your attention towards the verdant beauty of Dhauladhar and its surrounding hill towns. Adding to the charm are the scattered clouds kissing the landscape for as far as you can see. Toy train train journey is one of the best things you can experience as a traveler.

So that's it, That is the end of our journey. Once a wise man said "It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end ".