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As I wound my way down the mountain road, leaving behind the bustling energy of McLeodganj, I yearned for a quieter escape. The vibrant town, with its Tibetan influence and spiritual aura, had been a wonderful experience, but I craved a more serene retreat. Palampur, the quaint tea town nestled in the Himalayas, promised just that. Tucked away amidst vast green tea estates, lush green valleys, and rolling hills, Palampur was going to be my abode for the next two days, and I was excited to explore its hidden gems. Here is a guide to the best things to do in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh:
My Palampur adventure kicked off with exploring its famous tea gardens. There are many tea gardens here, but Wah Tea Estate is the most sought-after. Not only does it have a wide variety of teas to sample and buy, but it also has an intriguing history. Established in 1857, the tea estate has a rich history of producing some of the finest teas in the region. The name "Wah," meaning "wow" in Hindi, is a testament to the exceptional quality of their teas."
Wandering through the emerald tea gardens of the tea estate was pure bliss. The air buzzed with the gentle chatter of workers plucking leaves, and the scent of fresh tea filled my senses. They even took us on a tour of the "tea factory" (it felt more like a magical workshop!), where we learned the whole process, from leaf to cup. The best part? A tasting session at the end! I sampled their finest picks, each with its unique flavour – some floral, some earthy, and some refreshingly light. It was like discovering a whole new world of tea, and I was hooked! After buying almost the entire shop, it was time to get my hands dirty at the next pit stop - Andretta Pottery Village.
India's oldest pottery studio, Andretta Pottery, was a delightful surprise. Dating back to 1985, Andretta Pottery Studio and Craft Society started as a summer workshop by the legendary potter Sardar Gurcharan Singh. Now, his son, Mansimran Singh, and his wife, Mary Singh, keep the creative flame burning. Their studio is a hub for pottery enthusiasts, and you can see why—it's a charming, artsy spot.
I'm not a pottery pro, but I couldn't resist giving it a shot. I spent a couple of hours getting my hands dirty on the wheel, and it was surprisingly therapeutic. I felt like a kid again, experimenting with shapes and textures. Even if I didn't create a masterpiece, it was a fun and memorable experience. However, for those wanting to learn this art form, the studio hosts a 3-month beginner's level residential program.
After my pottery session, I browsed their shop, filled with stunning pieces—from bowls and mugs to platters and decorative items. I picked up a cute little mug to remember my pottery adventure.
I reserved the next day for some soul-searching, and Palampur seemed like just the right place. Nestled between the lofty Dhauladhar mountains, about 15 km from Palampur, lies Tashi Jong Monastery, a serene Buddhist haven.
Founded in 1958 by the 8th Khamtrul Rinpoche, this monastery was a beacon of hope for Tibet's vanishing culture. Rinpoche's vision was to preserve the Buddhist legacy and art forms, and Tashi Jong is a living testament to his efforts. Stepping into the monastery, I felt an immediate sense of tranquility. The air was filled with the gentle chanting of monks. I spent hours exploring the monastery's prayer hall, admiring the intricate murals and colourful statues.
And Tashi Jong isn't the only spiritual gem in Palampur. There are smaller monasteries like Sherabling and famous temples like Birni Devi and Baijnath, each with its unique charm.
My journey to Palampur wouldn't have been incomplete without a visit to the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery. Nestled amidst the tranquil surroundings of Palampur, this nunnery offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Tibetan Buddhist nuns. Founded in 1969, the nunnery has been providing education and support to young women from Tibet and other regions.
As I approached the nunnery, there was a sudden sense of calm with the gentle sounds of prayers. After spending some time strolling through the area, I interacted with some of the nuns, learning about their daily lives and their commitment to their faith. The nuns at Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery are not only spiritual leaders but also educators and social workers. They offer education and vocational training to young women, empowering them to become independent and self-sufficient. Visiting Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery was a humbling and uplifting experience. It's a place where women find solace, education, and a sense of belonging.
As I packed my bags after two days in Palampur, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. My soul was content, and my heart was full. I knew I'd be back soon. This little Himalayan gem had stolen a piece of my heart.
The best time to visit Palampur is from March to June and September to November. Palampur weather during these months is perfect outdoor activities.
You can reach Palampur by air via Gaggal Airport (40 km away), by train via Pathankot Junction (112 km away), or by road with buses and taxis from nearby cities like Delhi.
The Lodge at Wah is a sustainable homestay with six rooms rooted in nature and yet offering guests all the modern amenities. Room tariffs start from INR 16,500 for double occupancy plus taxes with breakfast and dinner.
