In local parlance, the word for lot of water is "pulum". This is what has given Palampur (1249 m) its name and its water has given the valley so much of its character. Countless streams criss-cross the landscape and in their intricate mesh, hold tea gardens and rice fields. The town came into being when tea plantation was introduced in the 19th century and Palampur became a focus for the planters. Kangra tea, with its center at Palampur, has been internationally acclaimed since then.

To further bless the area with remarkable natural beauty, the Dhauladhar ranges rise dramatically just beyond Palampur. The town itself has interesting colonial architecture and the area around is richly garnished with historical temples and forts and scores of picturesque hamlets.

The appropriately named hotel, The Tea Bud is run by Himachal Tourism at Palampur. In the finest part of town, with lush tea gardens just opposite, is the hotel. It has deodar and pine trees, the red-brick building is a heaven for those who seek solitude and privacy.

ACCESS :

The airport is at Gaggal (Kangra) 37 km from Palampur. Nearest broad gauge railway station is at Pathankot at a distance of 115 km and the narrow gauge railway station is at Maranda, 4 km from the town. Taxis and buses are available at all places. By road Palampur is 545 km from Delhi.

CLIMATE :

In winter, the temperature can get quite low and heavy woolens are required. It is warm in summer and cottons are recommended.

Facilities :

• Airy and well furnished rooms. Attached baths with running hot & cold water. Parking within premises.

• Restaurant, Room service, Satellite Television, Conference Hall

• MasterCard / Visa credit cards accepted.

• Conference Hall

CAFE NEGUAL : HPTDC runs a cafe with a sitting capacity of 30 persons.

CAFE BHAIRAV : HPTDC runs a cafe with sitting capacity 25 persons at Baijnath, 15 km from Palampur.

PLACES OF INTEREST :

TEA FACTORY(15 Km): At the very start of the town, the tea factory of the co-operative society, offers an insight to the processing of Kangra tea.

GOPALPUR(13 Km): It has an attractive small zoo where a variety of Himalayan birds and animals are housed.

ANDRETTA (13 Km): A scenic village that famous playwright Norah Richards and artist Shobha Singh took fancy and spent may years living in. At the small open-air theatre, plays are still performed each summer to commemorate Norah Richard's contribution to dramatics Shobha Singh's house has been converted into an art gallery where the famous artist works are on permanent display. A small pottery produces exquisite Andretta earthenware.

NEUGAL KHAD: A scenic spot with acres of tea gardens around. The wide chasm through which Bundla rivulet flows here is wondrous.

BAIJNATH (15 Km): It harbours an exquisite specimen of temple architecture in finely chiseled stone dedicated to Lord Shiva built in circa 804 A.D.

MAHAKAL TEMPLE (22 Km): Considered to be only one of two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva as Mahakal in the country.