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International sports sites around Palampur

HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium

Established in 2003 with capacity of 23000,  the stadium is home to Himachal Pradesh cricket team for Ranji trophy matches and hosts IPL matches as a home stadium for Kings XI Punjab.

HPCA Stadium

Splendid!! Flamboyant!! Magnificent!! Even these words can't define the paradise in front of your eyes. Known for its unique location it is considered to be the most beautiful stadium in the country and one of the most beautiful cricket stadiums in the world. The snow-capped peak of Dhauladhar range in the backdrop, the stadium is at an elevation of 4,780 feet above sea level and is best described as a continuation of Himalayas.
       

Kings XI Punjab

The first International team that played here was the Pakistan cricket team against India in 2005. The first ODI was played between India and England in January 2013, which England won by 7 wickets



   

L-R: Anurag Thakur, Dalai Lama, Preity Zinta

Dharamshala town is best known internationally as the home of the Dalai Lama of Tibet. His holiness The Dalai Lama with Anurag Thakur, president of HPCA  and Preity Zinta, owner of Kings XI Punjab and an Indian actress who doesn't need an introduction.

Bir-Billing - World cup 2015

It is second in the the world and top site in Asia for paragliding because of the incredibly smooth and favourable climatic conditions for take-off. The landing site at Bir is safe with minimum threats of accidents and availability of rescue team.

Human birds in Billing

In 1992, the world record of 132.5kms for an out-and-return flight was set. International teams come in May to challenge the records for the Himalayan Hang-Gliding rally while the paragliders compete in the Himalayan Open in autumn. This place is paradise for paragliders who keep on making and breaking the records.

Suspended in the air

Ready to take-off

After hosting a Paragliding Pre-World Cup successfully for the third time at Bir-Billing last year, now its time for Himachal to host Paragliding World Cup by the Paragliding World Cup Association, France in 2015. The World Cup would be held from October 24 to October 31, 2015 in which around top 150 ranked pilots of the world would participate, besides 500 free flying pilots. The event would be one of a kind due to the elaborate arrangements the state government is planning.

Special Attractions: Acrow Show in air, Hot Ballooning, Live trekking system facility during the event to ensure the security of the pilots, food stalls and a lot more.

Best flying season: September to October, almost open throughout the year depending upon the weather conditions.

Flying is a lot like playing a musical instrument; you're doing so many things and thinking of so many other things, all at the same time. It becomes a spiritual experience. Something wonderful happens in the pit of your stomach. 
— Dusty McTavish 

Local Culinary skills

Here is the list of best local picks one must have in Palampur

Chicken Momos and Paneer momos
Venue 1 - Special (Paneer momos) Seven Eleven in Chaparty, Near Vacation Resort
Venue 2- Special (Mutton momos) Sonu Fast Food in Tibetan market and near Palampur bus stand
Venue 3- Waiting
Special butter momos on request with extra filling. I bet you can't get better momos in the world. I have had momos in the best and worst of places but their culinary skills are just exceptional.

Masala Tea
Venue 1- Nuegal Cafe owned by Himachal tourism
Venue 2- Saurabh Van Vihar owned by Himachal tourism
Venue 3- Handmade tea at My Office with me (Ashima Sood)
Masala tea has a unique blend of all the spices and tea leaves that eventually gives you a memorable taste and warmth in the cold valley along with picturesque view.

Aloo Patty
Venue 1- Krishna bakery in Main Bazar
Venue 2- Kalra bakery in Main Bazar( famous for fresh Sweet Heart buiscuits and Soup)
Venue 3- Aadarsh bakery
The bakery belongs to a dear uncle and a friend (appu, the elephant) who have maintained the legacy of their yummy patties over the years and other bakery items. Their patty is amongst must haves in Palampur.


Chat Papri and Cold Coffee
Venue - Joy Restaurant in main market
A pure veg restaurant, right from my school days I remember ordering chat papri in my shop for all the guests including me along with the Cold Coffee and it is still the same. Papri they use in the chaat is specially made and is the same from ages.








Amritsari kulcha from Amritsari Rasoi

Venue- Manohar Plaza, Opp New Sabzi Mandi
Speciality- Amritsari Kulcha
They bring you the taste of Amritsar right from Maa ki rasoi.

Chilly Chicken, Butter Chickhen, Keema naan with gravy
Venue - Taj Restaurant in main bazar
All the exam reunions right from class 5th to class 10th started from this chilly chicken and ended at mouth watering Butter chicken. The best part is the extra keema in the gravy along with keema naan which you can't get anywhere at the same price with the same taste.





Garlic Breads and Honey Chilly Potato
Venue 1 - Dominos, Grand Plaza
Venue 2 - Local restaraunts
Venue 3 - waiting
Italian lovers can settle their hunger with the tasty garlic breads which are little unusual from the typical ones you get in the market. Honey Chilli Potato adds on to the taste. But if you are in hurry, then this is definitely the place not to be in because their service even surpasses the government offices.

Samosa
Venue 1- Rattan Sweets famous for pocket friendly Breakfast and snacks, Main Bazar

Venue 2- Gurudwara road
Venue 3- waiting

The best local Indian delicacy even known to me. This man is famous for his samosas even before the time I was born. His special aloo stuffing along with love for taste makes it all the more tasty.

P.S. - Please feel free to get in touch and update me on the delicacies I have missed, so that I can add it to my column.

My contact no. 9888339911
Owner of HANDPICKED

Devi Latti Jakhni temple

Jakhni temple

Devi Latti Jakhni's temple situated at the top of Chandpur village. It is a place where you can feel the beauty of Dhauladhar from very close. Due to its proximity to Palampur, the locals keep on visiting the temple for kirtans, picnics and adventurous drives.

Entrance

Temple Insight

It is a famous religious picnic spot for the schools in and around Palampur to provide exposure to the students. The location contributes to peace, serenity, on the whole an enthralling experience. 

kids enjoying on the rooftop

The small balcony in the temple offers space for recreational activities and run around. People gather here on special occasions for langar seva and celebrate.

Sitting area

Those interested in Photography can choose this location without any hesitation. The backdrop is jaw dropping and can give you some nice clicks with your talent, moving inside the jungle around the hill.

P.S.- I would like to thank my dear friend Parul Malik for clicking such beautiful pictures. Never did I think that they will be so useful to me.

Religious connect in Palampur

door to paradise

view from top

Old Vindhyavasini temple near the Kingerchhoo (Bundla) falls, 328 ft is an ancient significant temple and one of the places one must visit while staying in Palampur. Its a construction site for Power house. Outside the temple, there is a beautiful long tunnel which is approx 1km long. The crossover of the tunnel is a must to experience. The temperature inside the tunnel is 3-7 degree celsius lower than the temperature outside.

It is a perfect place for those born with love for nature, adventure or with a spiritual streak. The temple is a tribute to Vindhyavasini devi, a form of Amba or Durga. The temple authorities organise various programmes during the Navratri festival.

On the way

If you are lucky enough like me then you can come across these Pahari lambs. They are the hippies of animal kingdom. Their fur gives us the wool from which local warm handicrafts and woollen garments are made.

The lambs always flock together, escorted by the Himalayan Mastiff breed and the caretaker. They walk through the rough Himalayan terrains and are known to be dangerous greedy breed that grazes on any food, chicken, meat and even humans beings.

 The priest who stays alone here is more than welcoming. He is the chosen one in famous Kumbh Mela, Allahbad. He was recognised amongst thousands of priests in Kumbh Mela and was gifted 108 Rudraksh beads which are beaded in his hair. His stories are from another world and the bond my family shares with him is full of love and respect. 

If you can take a dip in chilled water, then this is a place to be. Get your snacks and beverages and enjoy chilling in the snow melted water with breathtaking view.

Inside the temple

Attractions in Palampur

Nuegal cafe

Nuegal cafe is the hotspot for all the locals and tourists. It is known as the gedi route of Palampur. Fresh air along with picturesque background attracts people from all the corners. You can sit for hours in the open cafe sipping hot hot tea or coffee while chit chatting with your friends or with your good reads.

Bundla Tea Estate is one of the most beautiful tea estates of palampur with over 200 years of existence. It falls between Nuegal cafe and main market of the town. Labour can be seen plucking the leaves from April till October. The famous Kangra tea and Green tea is an outcome of their hard work. The estate looks its best during monsoons.

the hanging bridge

Kandi Pull is a freely suspended bridge which was made in non-technological era. Prohibited for vehicles after construction of a new pull, but once was the only connectivity to the Kandi hill. The backdrop is a trek which connects the small villages to Palampur.


Saurabh Van Vihar is named after a Kargil Martyr Captain Saurabh Kalia, who sacrificed his life and family for our safety. It is situated on the banks on Nuegal stream which emerges from the Dhauladhar range. The Vihar is spread over 35 acres offering us a swimming pool, Monal Restaurant, Green park and a glimpse of being in forest.

Picnic

Green park

Jungle fun

School Picnic spot where kids enjoy in the perfect surroundings and learn about nature

walking along the edge

Boating in Saurabh Van Vihar

Boating started recently in Saurabh van vihar to attract more tourist. The entire experience of being in water with your loved ones, amidst the beauty elevates you to another realm.

Connectivity to Paradise

Railway Station

By Rail - The toy train in Palampur is an attraction for most of the tourists. Pathankot which is 112 kms from Palampur is a hot spot for travellers because of the existence of main railway station. The journey takes around 6-8 hours from delhi to pathankot and further 3-4 hours from Pathankot to Palampur.

Palampur Busstand 

By Road - Palampur is well-connected to all the major cities and towns in and around the state. Volvo, private buses, Deluxe and semi-deluxe buses gives you the flexibility to travel as per your pocket and comfort. Tickets can be booked online from HRTC website.

Kangra Airport

By Air - The Gaggal, Dharamshala airport which is just 40 kms away from Palampur is connected to New Delhi. Tickets can be booked online from official websites of Air India, Indigo and Jet airways.