Tucked inside the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Palampur's invigorating climate and splendid natural scenery, make it a very pleasant little town. A profusion of natural beauty is the town's sole attraction. There are some old tea plantations around here. Take a walk down to the Bundla chasm, just outside the town, where a waterfalls jumps down to the Bundla stream. With appropriate arrangements (to be made through trekking agencies at McLeodganj, 40 kilometres away) you can go from Palampur to Holi via the Waru Pass-- but it is not a soft trek. Palampur is 30 kilometres from Dharamsala.

BASICS

STD Code: 01894.

How to go: There are regular buses from Dharamsala, Mandi and Pathankot. The nearest railhead is at Maranda, 2 kilometres away which is on the narrow gauge train route connecting Pathankot and Jogindernagar.

Best time: Pleasant round the year except for the monsoon period between July and August. Spring and autumn are the best seasons.

Accommodation: Himachal Pradesh Tourism's Hotel T-Bud (Tel: 31298), Hotel Highland Regency (Tel: 31222), Hotel Sawhney (Tel: 30888), Pine's Hotel (Tel: 32633).

Local Transport: taxis, autorickshaws.

Contact: Himachal Pradesh Tourism's tourist office at Dharamsala (Tel: 01892-24212).