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PALAMPUR
The
Kangra valley of which Palampur (1249 m) is a major station,
was the 'Trigarta' of old. It was one of the leading hill states
and was once a part of the kingdom of Jalandhara. In local Parlance,
the word for lots of water is 'pulum'. This is what has given
Palampur its name and it is water that has given the valley
so much of its character. Countless streams and brooks criss-crosses
the landscape and in their intricate mesh, hold tea gardens
and rice paddies. The town came into being when the tea bush
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 from the earth, just beyond Palampur. The town
itself has some interesting colonial architecture and the area
around is richly garnished with historical temples and forts
and scores of picturesque hamlets.
PLACES
TO VISIT :
The
Factory
At the very start of town the tea factory of the co-operative
society, offers an insight to the processing of Kangra tea.
Top
St.
John Church (200 m)
:
This
attractive church is built on a low rise. It was reconstructed
in 1929 and has several memorial tablets
Temple of Bundlamata (2 km) : One can walk through tea gardens
and open fields or drive to reach this historical temple which
was originally built about five centuries ago.
Neugal
Khad
Close to the temple of Bundlamata, is this 300 m wide
chasm, through which the Bundla streem flows. Immediately ahead
are the Dhuladhar mountains.
Narkauda
A
good place for trekking i.e. to the nearby Hatu Peak and for
skiing the season is Jan-Mid April.
Sarahan
In
the Sutlej is an unpretentious village set against a spectacular
background. Sarahan valley commands a wonderful view of the
snow-capped mountains from east
to west, rolling fields and deep valleys. This former summer
capital of Rampur Bushahr, one of the biggest princely states
in the Shimla Hills, is well known for its centuries old Bhimkali
Temple.
Situated
on a small table-land above the valley, well over 2000 metres,
Sarahan presents striking spectacle of snow-covered Himalayan
ranges and a picture of unspoilt pastoral loveliness. 800 year
old construction technique can be seen here and visitors can
also get a good opportunity to study the western Himalayan
architecture.
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