municipal corporation Municipal corporation is the legal term for a local governing body, including (but not necessarily limited to) cities, counties, towns, townships, charter townships, villages, and boroughs. The term can also be used to describe municipally o ...

Kangra District Kangra district is the most populous district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Dharamshala is the administrative headquarters of the district. History Kangra is known for having one of the oldest serving Royal Dynasty in the world, the Katoch of ...

Indian state India is a federal union comprising 28 states and 8 union territories, for a total of 36 subnational entities. The states and union territories are further subdivided into 800 districts and smaller administrative divisions by the respe ...

Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh (; Sanskrit: ''himācāl prādes;'' "Snow-laden Mountain Province") is a States and union territories of India, state in the northern part of India. Situated in the Western Himalayas, it is one of the thirteen Indian Himalayan ...

Palampur Himachal railway station Palampur Himachal Railway Station is a small railway station in Kangra district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The station lies on Kangra Valley Railway. Palampur Himachal railway station is at an elevation of . It was allotted the r ...

Bhuntar Airport Bhuntar is a town and a nagar panchayat in Kullu district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is just 11 km from Kullu town, and lies along National Highway 3. The Kullu-Manali Airport is located in Bhuntar. The next major settlement ...

Gaggal Airport Kangra-Gaggal Airport , officially known as Kangra Airport, is a domestic airport serving areas of Kangra including Dharamshala, the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located at Gaggal, which is situated from the city, from ...

Kangra Valley Kangra Valley is a river valley situated in the Western Himalayas.the Jalandhar kingdom. The town developed when William Jameson, the superintendent of the Saharanpur Botanical Gardens, introduced the tea bush from

Almora Almora ( Kumaoni: ') is a municipal corporation and a cantonment town in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is the administrative headquarters of Almora district. Almora is located on a ridge at the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills of the ...

in 1849. With increased trade activity, a commercial trade fair was introduced by Sir Douglas Forsyth, the then Commissioner of Punjab in 1868, with a view to increase trade with Central Asia. This Trade fair was held annually till 1879. Sir Forsyth also laid the foundation of the Church which was destroyed in 1905 earthquake. Consequently, with increased revenue, Palampur was made a separate Tehsil in 1888.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Jawaharlal Nehru (14 November 1889 – 27 May 1964) was an Indian anti-colonial nationalist, secular humanist, social democrat, and statesman who was a central figure in India during the middle of the 20th century. Nehru was a prin ...

, the first Prime Minister of independent India, visited Palampur in 1941. In commemoration of this visit, there is a Nehru Chowk in the town.

Pre-independence

The expansion of tea estates starting from the mid-19th century led to the development of infrastructure in Palampur, including schools, colleges, and hospitals. The town also emerged as a hub for labourers involved in activities such as plucking, packing, and transporting tea leaves. The tea bush flourished in Palampur's climatic conditions, attracting European tea estate owners with exception of Wah Tea Estate, which was owned by Nawab Muhammad Hayat Khan and his descendants until 1947. Since then, Kangra tea from Palampur has gained international recognition. The earthquake of 1905 caused significant destruction in the region, prompting extensive reconstruction efforts. In 1927, a railway line was constructed for the hydro-electric project at

Joginder Nagar Jogindernagar, or Jogindar Nagar (), is a municipality, and a sub district in Mandi district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Named after Raja Joginder Sen, the hill station is the terminus of the Kangra Valley narrow-gauge railway. Jog ...

. This development resulted in increased employment opportunities, fostering growth and investment in the area.

Post independence

A military station was established at Holta, a strategically significant location within the town.

Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, also known as CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University (CSK HPKV), formerly Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, is an agricultural university at Palampur in the Indian s ...

was founded in 1978, followed by the establishment of the C.S.I.R - Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology in 1983. Several infrastructure and sub-division departments were established, including those for the electricity board, housing board, public health services, and public works department.

Geography

Palampur is at , at a height of around 1300 metres, above sea level. It is in the northwestern region of Himachal Pradesh in north India and is 213 km from the hill station of

Shimla Shimla, also known as Simla ( the official name until 1972), is the capital and the largest city of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of British India. After independence, the city ...

.

Distance from major cities

*Distance from

Chandigarh Chandigarh is a city and union territory in northern India, serving as the shared capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana. Situated near the foothills of the Shivalik range of Himalayas, it borders Haryana to the east and Punjab in the ...

: 233 km *Distance from

Delhi Delhi, officially the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, is a city and a union territory of India containing New Delhi, the capital of India. Straddling the Yamuna river, but spread chiefly to the west, or beyond its Bank (geography ...

: 464 km *Distance from

Shimla Shimla, also known as Simla ( the official name until 1972), is the capital and the largest city of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of British India. After independence, the city ...

: 208 km *Distance from

Pathankot Pathankot () is a city and the district headquarters of the Pathankot district in Punjab, India. Pathankot is the sixth most populous city of Punjab, after Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala and Bathinda. Its local government is a municipal ...

: 112 km *Distance from

Mumbai Mumbai ( ; ), also known as Bombay ( ; its official name until 1995), is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Mumbai is the financial capital and the most populous city proper of India with an estimated population of 12 ...

: 1,834 km *Distance from

Kasauli Kasauli is a town and cantonment, located in the Solan district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The cantonment was established by the British Raj in 1842 as a Colonial hill station,Sharma, Ambika"Architecture of Kasauli churches" ''The ...

: 212 km

Climate

Palampur has a

monsoonal A monsoon () is traditionally a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation but is now used to describe seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with annual latitudinal oscill ...

-influenced

humid subtropical climate A humid subtropical climate is a subtropical -temperate climate type, characterized by long and hot summers, and cool to mild winters. These climates normally lie on the southeast side of all continents (except Antarctica), generally between ...

(''Cwa'') with not so hot summers and cool winters. Late summer and early spring see massive amount of monsoonal rain.

Demographics

As per the 2011 Indian Census, Palampur municipality had a total population of 3,543, of which 1,814 were males and 1,729 were females. It has a sex ratio of 953 females to 1000 males. Population within the age group of 0 to 6 years was 254. The total number of literates in Palampur was 3,004, which constituted 84.8% of the population with male literacy of 85.9% and female literacy of 83.6%. The effective literacy rate of 7+ population of Palampur was 91.3%, of which male literacy rate was 93.0% and female literacy rate was 89.6%. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes population was 785 and 17 respectively. Palampur had 842 households in 2011. In 2020, after the creation of Palampur municipal corporation, it acquired the nearby panchayats and satellite areas, and the population was recounted to 40,385 after merging with the census figures taken in 2011.

Government and politics

Civic administration

In 2020, after the formation of the Palampur municipal corporation, 15 wards were created by merging the satellite areas and 15 panchayats, increasing the total area to and a total population of 40,385, combining those of the merged areas.

Politics

Palampur is a state legislative constituency in Himachal Pradesh. Lala Kanhiya Lal Butail, was the first representative of Palampur. Palampur is the hometown of the senior BJP leader and former

Chief Minister A chief minister is an elected or appointed head of government of – in most instances – a sub-national entity, for instance an administrative subdivision or federal constituent entity. Examples include a state (and sometimes a union ter ...

Shanta Kumar Shanta Kumar Sharma (born 12 September 1934) is an Indian politician who was the 3rd Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and a Union Minister in the Government of India. He is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He was elected to the 9th ...

. Congress and the

Bhartiya Janata Party The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP; , ) is a political party in India and one of the two major Indian political parties alongside the Indian National Congress. BJP emerged out from Syama Prasad Mukherjee's Bharatiya Jana Sangh. Since 2014, ...

are the dominant political parties. BJP leaders from Palampur include Ch. Sarvan Kumar, Praveen Sharma and Shiv Kumar. For Congress, the Butail family has been significant. Kunj Behari Lal Butail served as an MLA for over a decade and was the first Pradesh Congress Committee President. The current MLA is Ashish Butail. Palampur is also famous for BJP's 1989 Palampur resolution, in which BJP decided to go all out for Hinduism, especially to rebuild Ram temple.

Culture/Cityscape

Tourism

Located behind the town are the imposing Dhauladhar mountains, characterised by their snow-capped peaks throughout most of the year. This area is being developed into a major tourist center, with plans for the construction of a ropeway and an amusement park underway. Nearby, an agricultural university is already operational, while an Ayurvedic hospital and an Ayurvedic medical college are located in Paprola, approximately 10 kilometres away. Palampur is also home to several operational tea factories, contributing to the region's reputation for its tea gardens in the Kangra valley. The Neugal stream, located on the outskirts of Palampur, flows gently over stony ground far below the cliff, offering a picturesque setting for visitors. A popular trekking destination, Bundla Falls, cascades from a height of 100 meters and can be reached via a trekking route. Additionally, Saurabh Van Vihar, a recreational spot in Bundla, is named after Capt. Saurabh Kalia, a native of Palampur. Palampur serves as the starting point for various trekking routes, particularly over the Dhauladhar Mountains towards districts such as Chamba and

Kullu Kullu () is a municipal council town that serves as the administrative headquarters of the Kullu district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is located on the banks of the Beas River in the Kullu Valley about north of the airport ...

in Himachal Pradesh. Notable trekking routes include the Sanghar pass to Bharmaur via Holi, the Thamsar Pass from Billing to Manali via Bara Bhangal, the Jalsu pass from Baijnath to Bharmaur, and the forest trek from Mcleodganj to Triund. A four-day trek from Palampur leads to Holi via Waru La. Billing, situated 28 kilometres from Palampur near Bir, is an important hub for

paragliding Paragliding is the recreational and competitive adventure sport of flying paragliders: lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft with no rigid primary structure. The pilot sits in a harness or in a cocoon-like 'pod' suspended be ...

. Paraglider pilots often land near Palampur after undertaking cross-country flights starting from Billing. Palampur is also home to numerous

Buddhist monasteries A monastery is a building or complex of buildings comprising the domestic quarters and workplaces of monastics, monks or nuns, whether living in communities or alone (hermits). A monastery generally includes a place reserved for prayer which may ...

, adding to its cultural richness and appeal. Palampur is experiencing rapid development and offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors. The upper regions of Palampur receive heavy snowfall, offering opportunities for tourists to participate in winter sports or leisurely explore the tea gardens. Palampur has gained popularity as a filming location, with directors such as Imtiaz Ali and

Lawrence D'Souza Lawrence may refer to: Education Colleges and universities * Lawrence Technological University, a university in Southfield, Michigan, United States * Lawrence University, a liberal arts university in Appleton, Wisconsin, United States Preparator ...

choosing the town for movie shoots. Additionally, plans for a ropeway across the Neugal river have been proposed, aiming to enhance the tourist appeal of the area. Palampur is strategically located at the heart of several major tourist destinations, including

Dharamshala Dharamshala (, ; also spelled Dharamsala) is a town in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It serves as the winter capital of the state and the administrative headquarters of the Kangra district since 1855. The town also hosts the Tibeta ...

to the west and Baijnath and Manali to the east. Visitors to Palampur have access to a range of accommodation options, including hotels, homestays, villas, and cottages, available at competitive prices. Additionally, the town boasts a variety of dining establishments in the main market area, offering a diverse selection of cuisines to cater to different tastes.

Notable tourist attractions around Palampur

Saurabh Van Vihar (4 km from Palampur): It is a park established in memory of Late Capt.

Saurabh Kalia Captain Saurabh Kalia (; – ) was an officer of the Indian Army who was killed during the Kargil War while being held as a prisoner of war by the Pakistan Army. He and five soldiers in his patrol group were captured by Pakistani troops fo ...

, who sacrificed his life in the

Kargil War The Kargil War, was fought between India and Pakistan from May to July 1999 in the Kargil district of Ladakh, then part of the Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir (state), Jammu and Kashmir and along the Line of Control (LoC). In In ...

. Managed by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, the Van Vihar serves as an educational site focusing on nature and environmental conservation. Spanning 35 acres, it offers serene surroundings amidst the Dhauladhar mountains, providing visitors with a peaceful retreat away from urban life. The park features a water pond with various fish species and offers boating facilities. Additionally, there is a designated children's park for younger visitors to enjoy. Birni Devi Temple: Situated at an altitude of 2240 meters, offers a manageable day trek for visitors. Local residents along the route provide guidance through the forested path leading to the Birni top. The trek typically begins from Jakhani Mata temple, accessible by car, marking the starting point for the journey to Birni Mata. Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir (20 km from Palampur): It is a significant

Hindu temple A Hindu temple, also known as Mandir, Devasthanam, Pura, or Kovil, is a sacred place where Hindus worship and show their devotion to Hindu deities, deities through worship, sacrifice, and prayers. It is considered the house of the god to who ...

dedicated to Goddess

Chamunda Chamunda (, ), also known as Chamundeshwari, Chamundi or Charchika, is a fearsome form of Chandi, the Hindu mother goddess, Mahadevi and is one of the seven Matrikas.Wangu p.72 She is also one of the chief Yoginis, a group of sixty-four or ...

. Drawing thousands of devotees from various parts of India, the temple serves as a revered site for offering prayers and seeking blessings. Bir and Billing (35 km from Palampur): This a village renowned for its

Buddhist monasteries A monastery is a building or complex of buildings comprising the domestic quarters and workplaces of monastics, monks or nuns, whether living in communities or alone (hermits). A monastery generally includes a place reserved for prayer which may ...

, serves as a prominent landing site for hang gliding pilots. Surrounded by scenic tea gardens and nestled amidst low hills, Bir offers an ideal spot for

paragliders Paragliding is the recreational and competitive adventure sport of flying paragliders: lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched Glider (aircraft), glider aircraft with no rigid primary structure. The pilot sits in a :wikt:harness, harness or in ...

to land. Visitors to Bir can explore its Buddhist monasteries and discover Tibetan handicrafts produced in the area. Billing, situated 14 kilometres from Bir, boasts a vast arena spanning 200 kilometres for high-altitude and cross-country flying, making it one of the premier aero sports destinations in the country. Baijnath (16 km from Palampur): The Shiva temple at Baijnath stands out as a significant monument in the Kangra valley. Historically known as 'Kirgrama', the town derived its current name from Shiva Vaidyanatha. The temple features an 'Adytum' housing the

Lingam A lingam ( , lit. "sign, symbol or mark"), sometimes referred to as linga or Shiva linga, is an abstract or Aniconism, aniconic representation of the Hinduism, Hindu Hindu deities, god Shiva in Shaivism. The word ''lingam'' is found in the Up ...

, surrounded by a conical-shaped spire and a 'Mandap' covered with a low, pyramid-shaped roof. Intricate sculptures associated with

Ravana According to the Mahakavya, Hindu epic, ''Ramayana'', Ravana was a kingJustin W. Henry, ''Ravana's Kingdom: The Ramayana and Sri Lankan History from Below'', Oxford University Press, p.3 of the island of Lanka, in which he is the chief antag ...

, who is believed to have worshipped Shiva at this site, adorn the temple. The Shivratri festival at Baijnath attracts a considerable number of visitors, making it a notable event in the region. Baijnath Shiva Temple: Built in the 12th century, is regarded as one of the oldest

Shiva Shiva (; , ), also known as Mahadeva (; , , Help:IPA/Sanskrit, ɐɦaːd̪eːʋɐh and Hara, is one of the Hindu deities, principal deities of Hinduism. He is the God in Hinduism, Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions w ...

temples in existence. Notable for its ancient architectural style and intricate craftsmanship, the temple reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region. Situated amidst pristine surroundings, the temple offers a serene atmosphere for visitors. It is located between the Kangra and Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh, approximately 16 kilometres from Palampur. Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery: It is accessible from both Palampur and Baijnath, is a vibrant monastery featuring a meditation hall. Visitors can experience the monastery's colourful ambiance and may encounter

Tibetan cuisine Tibetan cuisine includes the culinary traditions and practices of the Tibetan people in the Tibet region. The cuisine reflects the Tibetan landscape of mountains and plateaus and includes influences from neighbors (including India and Nepal ...

available on-site. Palampur Tea Gardens: Palampur Tea Gardens are integral to the region's identity and economy. Palampur is also regarded as the Tea Capital of Northwestern India and produces the famous "Kangra Tea". Established in 1849 by Jameson and British officers, these gardens have a rich heritage in tea cultivation. Despite facing challenges such as the

1905 Kangra earthquake The 1905 Kangra earthquake occurred in the Kangra Valley and the Kangra district of the Himachal Pradesh, in India on 4 April 1905. The earthquake measured 7.8 on the surface-wave magnitude scale and killed more than 20,000 people. Apart from ...

, which affected their international market presence, these gardens continue to produce Kangra Tea, a local speciality. A tea processing factory in the area further supports the tea industry, highlighting its significance beyond tourism. Neugal Khad (2 km from Palampur): Neugal Khad provides a fine view of the Dhauladhar range. It is roaring in the rainy season and gurgling all year round. Himachal Tourism cafe provides food and a view from its restaurant. It is a picnic spot. Bundla Stream (2 km from Palampur): Known for its substantial width of over 100 meters, exhibits dramatic surges during the monsoon, accompanied by the thunderous sound of cascading water. The trek from Palampur to Bundla offers a chance to appreciate the natural surroundings, including the nearby tea gardens. Bundla Tea Estate (2 km from Palampur): It encompasses Bundla, Aima, and Lohna panchayats. It lies along the road between Neugal Café and the main town of Palampur. This estate features tea gardens that flourish with lush greenery, particularly during the monsoon season. Tea plucking activities are a common sight from April to October. The estate's historic complex, which has stood for over 200 years, can be spotted from the roadside.

Andretta Andretta is a town and ''comune'' in the province of Avellino, Campania, Italy Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a country in Southern Europe, Southern and Western Europe, Western Europe. It consists of Italian Peninsula, a peni ...

(13 km from Palampur): It is notable as the residence of the late artist Sardar Sobha Singh and the late playwright Norah Richards. Additionally, Sobha Singh's Art Gallery is situated in Andretta. Gopalpur Zoo (14 km from Palampur): Officially known as Dhauladhar Nature Park, it is a zoological park established by the Himachal Pradesh government. It offers an array of animal species including lions, leopards, bears, and porcupines. Chamunda Devi Temple (21.2 km from Palampur): It is dedicated to

Chamunda Chamunda (, ), also known as Chamundeshwari, Chamundi or Charchika, is a fearsome form of Chandi, the Hindu mother goddess, Mahadevi and is one of the seven Matrikas.Wangu p.72 She is also one of the chief Yoginis, a group of sixty-four or ...

Devi, a significant deity in Hindu mythology. Chamunda Devi is revered as a formidable manifestation of Devi, the Hindu Divine Mother, and is among the seven

Matrikas Matrikas (Sanskrit: मातृका (singular), IAST: mātṛkā, lit. "mothers") also called Mataras or Matri, are a group of mother goddesses in Hinduism. The Matrikas are often depicted in a group of seven, the Saptamatrika(s) (Seven Mot ...

, or mother goddesses. She is also associated with the

Yogini A yogini (Sanskrit: योगिनी, IAST: ) is a female master practitioner of tantra and yoga, as well as a formal term of respect for female Hindu or Buddhist spiritual teachers in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Greater Tibe ...

s, a group of Tantric goddesses. The name "Chamunda" is derived from "Chanda" and "Munda," two demons whom Chamunda defeated. Often linked with goddesses like

Parvati Parvati (, , IPA: /Sanskrit phonology, pɑɾʋət̪iː/), also known as Uma (, , IPA: Sanskrit phonology, /ʊmɑː/) and Gauri (, , IPA: /Sanskrit phonology, gə͡ʊɾiː/), is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism, revered as the Devi, ...

,

Chandi Chandi (, ) or Chandika () is a Hindu deity. Chandika is a form of goddess Durga. She shares similarities with the Goddess Chamunda, not only in name but also in attributes and iconography. Due to these similarities, some consider them to ...

, and

Durga Durga (, ) is a major Hindu goddess, worshipped as a principal aspect of the mother goddess Mahadevi. She is associated with protection, strength, motherhood, destruction, and wars. Durga's legend centres around combating evils and demonic ...

, Chamunda is depicted as dwelling in cremation grounds or under fig trees. Traditional worship of the goddess includes ritual animal sacrifices and offerings of wine, though in

Jainism Jainism ( ), also known as Jain Dharma, is an Indian religions, Indian religion whose three main pillars are nonviolence (), asceticism (), and a rejection of all simplistic and one-sided views of truth and reality (). Jainism traces its s ...

, where she is also venerated, offerings are strictly vegetarian. Chamunda Devi's worship originated in tribal traditions and later integrated into Hinduism and Jainism. Jakhni Mata Mandir: The Jakhni Mata Temple is a

Hindu temple A Hindu temple, also known as Mandir, Devasthanam, Pura, or Kovil, is a sacred place where Hindus worship and show their devotion to Hindu deities, deities through worship, sacrifice, and prayers. It is considered the house of the god to who ...

situated in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India. Devoted to Mata Jakhni, it is positioned near the Birni Devi Temple at Chandpur Village, close to Palampur. According to local legend, the temple traces its origins back approximately 450 years when an image of Mata Jakhni was brought by a family belonging to the Gaddi Group from Bharmour, where a similar image is venerated. Tulip Garden: The Tulip Garden, situated within the CSIR Institute in Palampur, is notable for its cultivation of

tulip Tulips are spring-blooming perennial herbaceous bulbiferous geophytes in the ''Tulipa'' genus. Their flowers are usually large, showy, and brightly coloured, generally red, orange, pink, yellow, or white. They often have a different colour ...

flowers, which thrive in the region's cold climate. Offering serene views of the Dhauladhar mountain range, the garden provides a tranquil escape within the institute's grounds. Palampur Science Centre: The Palampur Science Centre, situated near Holta on National Highway-154 in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, is a constituent unit of the

National Council of Science Museums National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) is an autonomous scientific organization functioning under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India for science communication through its network of science museums or science centres spread acr ...

(NCSM),

Ministry of Culture Ministry of Culture may refer to: * Ministry of Tourism, Cultural Affairs, Youth and Sports (Albania) * Ministry of Culture (Algeria) * Ministry of Culture (Argentina) * Minister for the Arts (Australia) * Ministry of Culture (Azerbaijan)Ministry o ...

, Government of India. Its primary mission is to popularise science and foster scientific temper among the general public, particularly students in Palampur and the broader Himachal Pradesh region.

Festivals

* Sair is a traditional festival observed in the Kangra district, including Palampur, with significant enthusiasm among locals. It occurs on the first 'tithi' of the 'Chaitra mass' 'चैत्र मास' each year. Historically, Palampur's geography, characterised by rivers and frequent rainfall, posed challenges such as river floods before the construction of bridges and roads. Sair marks the onset of the rainy season and the transition from the black month. During the festival, people worship the Shair deity and offer new crops, fruits, and vegetables. They prepare various local dishes and invite friends and relatives to join the celebrations. Additionally, newlywed brides return to their in-laws' homes after spending a month with their parents. Children engage in traditional activities such as playing games with walnuts as part of the festivities. *

Lohri Lohri is a midwinter folk and harvest festival that marks the passing of the winter solstice and the end of winter. It is a traditional welcome of longer days and the sun's journey to the Northern Hemisphere. It is one of the Indian harvest fes ...

or

Maghi Maghi is the regional name of Makar Sankranti, the Indian harvest festival celebrated on winter solstice. Maghi falls on the first day of the month of Magh and is celebrated in Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Himachal Pradesh. It follows on the heel ...

, celebrated in mid-January, holds cultural significance as it marks the midpoint of winter and commemorates the final sowing of the Rabi crops. During this festival, the community gathers around bonfires, engaging in folk songs and traditional dances. Children often sing local folk songs known as 'lukdiyan' while going door to door. Additionally, a special sacrament called 'tilcholi' is prepared, consisting of roasted rice, sugar, and peanuts. * The Palampur Holi Fair takes place at the Capt. Vikram Batra Stadium, featuring various cultural activities. During the event, numerous singers perform, and there are also displays of tableaux representing different deities. * Gugga Navami is a local festival celebrated to honour Gugga Pir, a revered folk deity. People participate in processions, offer prayers, and perform traditional dances. The festival includes various cultural and religious activities, fostering community spirit. * Nag Panchami is a traditional festival dedicated to snake worship, observed in Palampur with reverence. People offer milk and flowers to snake idols and seek blessings for protection from snakebites and misfortunes.

Transport

By air

SpiceJet SpiceJet is an Indian low-cost airline headquartered in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. , it is the fourth largest airline in India by number of domestic passengers carried, with a market share of 4% and connects 73 destinations, including 60 Indi ...

and

Air India Air India is the flag carrier of India with its main hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, and secondary hubs at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, alo ...

operate daily flights from

New Delhi New Delhi (; ) is the Capital city, capital of India and a part of the Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT). New Delhi is the seat of all three branches of the Government of India, hosting the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Parliament ...

to

Kangra Airport Kangra-Gaggal Airport , officially known as Kangra Airport, is a domestic airport serving areas of Kangra district, Kangra including Dharamshala, the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located at Gaggal, which is situated from t ...

which is just 40 km from Palampur.

Air India Air India is the flag carrier of India with its main hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, and secondary hubs at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, alo ...

has started a direct flight from

Chandigarh International Airport Chandigarh Airport , officially Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, is an international airport serving the union territory of Chandigarh, India. The airport is located in Jhiurheri, Mohali, Punjab and shares space with the Indian Air F ...

to Kangra Airport from October 2019.

By rail

Palampur is connected by the

narrow gauge A narrow-gauge railway (narrow-gauge railroad in the US) is a railway with a track gauge (distance between the rails) narrower than . Most narrow-gauge railways are between and . Since narrow-gauge railways are usually built with Minimum railw ...

Kangra Valley Railway,

Pathankot Pathankot () is a city and the district headquarters of the Pathankot district in Punjab, India. Pathankot is the sixth most populous city of Punjab, after Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala and Bathinda. Its local government is a municipal ...

to

Joginder Nagar Jogindernagar, or Jogindar Nagar (), is a municipality, and a sub district in Mandi district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Named after Raja Joginder Sen, the hill station is the terminus of the Kangra Valley narrow-gauge railway. Jog ...

. The railway station is named Palampur (Himachal). It is situated 4 km from ISBT.

By road

Palampur is well connected by road to all major cities and towns in and around the state.

Pathankot Pathankot () is a city and the district headquarters of the Pathankot district in Punjab, India. Pathankot is the sixth most populous city of Punjab, after Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala and Bathinda. Its local government is a municipal ...

- Mandi

National Highway 154 (India) National Highway 154 (NH 154) is a National Highway in India India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, seventh-largest country by area; the List of c ...

(Old NH 20) is the major highway that passes through Palampur. Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) runs buses from major cities like

Delhi Delhi, officially the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, is a city and a union territory of India containing New Delhi, the capital of India. Straddling the Yamuna river, but spread chiefly to the west, or beyond its Bank (geography ...

and

Chandigarh Chandigarh is a city and union territory in northern India, serving as the shared capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana. Situated near the foothills of the Shivalik range of Himalayas, it borders Haryana to the east and Punjab in the ...

.

Education and research

* CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology * Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University * Sri Sai University

Notable persons

* Captain

Saurabh Kalia Captain Saurabh Kalia (; – ) was an officer of the Indian Army who was killed during the Kargil War while being held as a prisoner of war by the Pakistan Army. He and five soldiers in his patrol group were captured by Pakistani troops fo ...

* Major General

Siri Kanth Korla Major General Siri Kanth Korla, PVSM, DSO, MC (also spelled Sri Kanth Korla) (27 January 1917 – 7 April 2007) was a general officer in the Indian army who served in the Second World War and the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965. He served in the ...

, PVSM, DSO, MC * Major

Som Nath Sharma Somnath Sharma, PVC (31 January 1923 – 3 November 1947), was an Indian military officer and the first recipient of India's highest military decoration, Param Vir Chakra (PVC), which he was awarded posthumously. Sharma was commissioned into ...

, PVC * Major Sudhir Kumar Walia, AC, SM* * Captain Vikram Batra, PVC * Brij Behari Lal Butail, Politician *

Shanta Kumar Shanta Kumar Sharma (born 12 September 1934) is an Indian politician who was the 3rd Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and a Union Minister in the Government of India. He is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He was elected to the 9th ...

, Politician

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Palampur Cities and towns in Kangra district

Etymology

History

Pre-independence

Post independence

Geography

Distance from major cities

Climate

Demographics

Government and politics

Civic administration

Politics

Culture/Cityscape

Tourism

Notable tourist attractions around Palampur

Festivals

Transport

By air

By rail

By road

Education and research

Notable persons

References

External links