Palampur, Himachal Pradesh

Palampur is a hill station and a municipal corporation situated in the Kangra District in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

Etymology
The term Palampur is formed from the combination of three words—pani (water), alam (environment or 'abode of') and pur (settlement). Thus, Palampur means "a settlement where there is plenty of rainfall".

History
Palampur is located in the Kangra Valley and is a well-known hill station that was historically part of the Jalandhar kingdom. The town developed when William Jameson, the superintendent of the Saharanpur Botanical Gardens, introduced the tea bush from Almora in 1849. The tea bush flourished in Palampur's climatic conditions, attracting European tea estate owners. An exception was the 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.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, 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 laborers involved in activities such as plucking, packing, and transporting tea leaves.

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. 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 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 32.12°N, 76.53°W, 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.

Distance from major cities

 * Distance from Chandigarh: 233 km
 * Distance from Delhi: 464 km
 * Distance from Shimla: 208 km
 * Distance from Pathankot: 112 km
 * Distance from Mumbai : 1,834 km
 * Distance from Kasauli : 212 km

Climate
Palampur has a monsoonal-influenced humid subtropical climate (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.

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 14.96 km2 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 Shanta Kumar. Congress and the Bhartiya Janata Party 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, especilly to rebuild Ram temple.

Tourism


Located behind the town are the imposing Dhauladhar mountains, characterized 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 kilometers 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 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 kilometers from Palampur near Bir, is an important hub for paragliding. Paraglider pilots often land near Palampur after undertaking cross-country flights starting from Billing. Palampur is also home to numerous Buddhist monasteries, 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 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 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.

Some notable tourist attractions around Palampur include:

Saurabh Van Vihar (4 km from Palampur): It is a park established in memory of Late Capt. Saurabh Kalia, who sacrificed his life in the Kargil War. 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.

Baijnath Shiva Temple: Built in the 12th century, is regarded as one of the oldest Shiva 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 kilometers 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 colorful ambiance and may encounter Tibetan cuisine available on-site.

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 dedicated to Goddess Chamunda. 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, 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 to land. Visitors to Bir can explore its Buddhist monasteries and discover Tibetan handicrafts produced in the area. Billing, situated 14 kilometers from Bir, boasts a vast arena spanning 200 kilometers 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, surrounded by a conical-shaped spire and a 'Mandap' covered with a low, pyramid-shaped roof. Intricate sculptures associated with Ravana, 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.

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, which affected their international market presence, these gardens continue to produce Kangra Tea, a local specialty. 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 (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, is a zoological park established by the Himachal Pradesh government. It offers an array of animal species including lions, leopards, bears, and porcupines, making it an engaging destination for animal enthusiasts and families with children.

Chamunda Devi Temple (21.2 km from Palampur): It is dedicated to Chamunda 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, or mother goddesses. She is also associated with the Yoginis, 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, Chandi, and Durga, 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, 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 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 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.

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, characterized 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 or Maghi, 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 honor 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.

By air
SpiceJet and Air India operate daily flights from New Delhi to Kangra Airport which is just 40 km from Palampur. Air India has started a direct flight from Chandigarh International Airport to Kangra Airport from October 2019.

By rail
Palampur is connected by the narrow gauge Kangra Valley Railway, Pathankot to Joginder Nagar. 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-Mandi National Highway 154 (India) (Old NH 20) is the major highway that passes through Palampur. Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) runs buses from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.

Education and research

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

Notable persons

 * Captain Saurabh Kalia
 * Major General Siri Kanth Korla, PVSM, DSO, MC
 * Major Som Nath Sharma, PVC
 * Major Sudhir Kumar Walia, AC, SM*
 * Captain Vikram Batra, PVC
 * Brij Behari Lal Butail, Politician
 * Shanta Kumar, Politician