Best Hill Stations Near Palampur For Serene Escapes And Scenic Views

Scenic view of Palampur Valley with lush greenery - explore hill Stations Near Palampur.

Palampur, with its beautiful Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh, is one of the main attractions for the lush green tea gardens, landscapes and salubrious climate. The dainty hill station is known as the “Tea Capital of North India”, making it an ideal base to explore a set of other beautiful hill stations nestled close by. These hill stations near Palampur are some of the most incredible getaways for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts and peace seekers due to their beauty and serenity.

10 Hill Stations Near Palampur

Get a list of the best hill stations near Palampur that combine natural splendour with cultural richness:

1. Dharamshala

Scenic view of Dharamshala with mountains and vibrant greenery under a clear sky.

Photo: mrinalpal / Shutterstock

Dharamshala is a hill station situated in the Kangra Valley, and is famous for its scenic beauty and rich Tibetan culture. Dharamshala is one of those hill stations near Palampur that is sure to provide a peaceful refuge from the noisy hordes. The town is divided into two parts: the Lower Dharamshala, where the civil and commercial centres are situated, and the actual city of Upper Dharamshala, more popularly known by the name McLeod Ganj and the residents of the Dalai Lama. A visitor can very well select to explore the peaceful monasteries around, like the Namgyal Monastery, and get immersed in the local Tibetan culture.

Distance From Palampur: 35 km

2. McLeod Ganj

Picturesque view of McLeod Ganj rooftops with mountains - Hill Stations Near Palampur.

Photo: mrinalpal / Shutterstock

Located within the Dharamshala municipality, McLeod Ganj is a hill station known for its Tibetan culture and as a centre of spirituality. It is home to the Dalai Lama, residing in the Tsuglagkhang Complex, which also contains the Namgyal Monastery and the Tibet Museum. One can visit the vibrant markets, enjoy local cuisine and engage in meditation-cum-yoga retreats. The town is a base for treks to Triund with its picturesque views of the Dhauladhar range. The annual festivals and cultural events of Tibetans are another source of interest for this place.

Distance From Palampur: 39 km

3. Bir Billing

A vibrant paraglider flying high above the beautiful landscape of Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

Photo: Sudip Jotshi / Wikimedia Commons

This small hill station in Kangra could often be named the “Paragliding Capital of India.” Bir is one of the best aero sports and splendiferous beauties in the world. This town is well known for the best facilities in the world for paragliding and attracts all kinds of crazy sports lovers from all corners of the world. The takeoff site is located in Billing, which offers a panoramic view of the Dhauladhar range. In contrast, in Bir, the landing site, one could see Tibetan monasteries known for their spirituality. Moreover, in Baijnath, there is a Sherab Ling Monastery and a Deer Park Institute, a centre for studies on Buddhism.

Distance From Palampur: 29 km

4. Baijnath

Baijnath Temple: Historic architecture nestled in nature, showcasing intricate carvings.

Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons

It is a small town famous for its 13th-century-old Lord Shiva temple. The temple’s architecture is brilliant and represents remarkable ancient art. The pilgrimage is named Baijnath. The calm setting and spiritual feel of the place establish it as the ideal place for peace travellers and spiritual seekers. One may visit the tea gardens in and around and discover the beauty of the supporting hills. There is an annual Shivratri festival celebrated with lots of joy.

Distance From Palampur: 16 km

5. Barot

Uhl Barrage in Himachal Pradesh, showcasing beautiful mountains and vibrant greenery.

Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons

These all make Barot – a hidden beauty in Himachal Pradesh – all the more appealing. Situated in the Mandi district,the small town offers undisturbed serenity surrounded by incredible landscapes. The city is across the Uhl River in the Mandi district and is famous for fishing trout, while other places to visit are the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary and hill camping or trekking. Nature lovers, and at the same time, adventure enthusiasts will find the most suitable place in Barot for the same by looking at the surrounding beauty of the scenery.

Distance From Palampur: 67 km.

6. Joginder Nagar

Snowy mountains surrounded by lush greenery a passenger train - Hill Stations Near Palampur.

Photo: raj_janak / Shutterstock

This beautiful small hill station is known by the name “Electric City,” and it is known by the people for the redefined beauty and bounty of adventure and the quantum of adventure activities it holds. This picturesque tiny little town is the nodal point where Mandi-Pathankot’s Narrow-Gauge Railway, wiggling its way through all, is seen. Unplanned activities, such as trekking and paragliding can be enjoyed in the nearby Joginder Nagar Valley. The well-known fishing point in Macchial Lake also attracts attention.

Distance From Palampur: 44 km

7. Tashi Jong

Scenic view of Himachal Pradesh showcasing lush green mountains - Hill Stations Near Palampur.

Photo: Ruchit Darji / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Tashi Jong is a very peaceful and seclusion-made hill station best known for its Tibetan monastery – popularly, the Tashi Jong Monastery. The monastery is an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism, which helps to give knowledge in this region about the local culture and traditions to a tourist. A visit to the monastery can be paid, followed by meditation sessions in the hill station. One can further enjoy picturesque views of the surrounding hills. The peacefulness of the town and spiritualism makes it a perfect destination to achieve peace and upliftment spiritually.

Distance From Palampur: 15 km

8. Andretta

A tranquil river meanders through vibrant trees, with stunning mountains rising nearby.

Photo: Ashwini Chaudhary / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Andretta is a beautiful town, highly renowned for its artistic origin and scenic beauty. This adorable little village was set up by an Irish dramatist by the name of Norah Richards and now continues to be a place that shelters many artists and writers. An individual who wishes to do so can visit the Andretta Pottery and Craft Society, Sobha Singh Art Gallery and a beautiful view of the surrounding hills. The artistic set-up inside the village, in and around the town and a quiet environment make this village a destination for nature lovers and art seekers.

Distance From Palampur: 13 km

9. Naggar

Scenic view of Naggar Castle in Kullu, showcasing its historic architecture - Hill Stations Near Palampur

Photo: Schwiki / Wikimedia Commons

It is an ancient town situated in the Kullu Valley, famous for its lovely old temples, breathtaking views and rich cultural heritage. The way this Naggar Castle has been built is proof that it is a historic fortress, which Raja Sidh Singh constructed in such a manner that it provides panoramic views of surrounding mountains and valleys. Here, visitors can also pay a visit to the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery, dedicated to the renowned Russian painter, and ancient temples, such as the Gauri Shankar Temple and the Tripura Sundari Temple. The old-worldly appeal of this town, combined with its picturesque natural beauty, attracts history enthusiasts as well as nature lovers in quite good numbers.

Distance From Palampur: 97 km

10. Kullu

Lush green hills of Kullu Valley under a vibrant blue sky - Hill Stations Near Palampur.

Photo: Vaibhav Goyal / Unsplash

Sometimes known as the “Valley of Gods,” Kullu is a land of beautiful landscapes, ancient temples and lively festivals. The place lies on the banks of River Beas and also serves as a gateway to Manali, another famous hill station. Rohtang Pass is also around the corner. The visitors may explore the Raghunath Temple dedicated to Lord Ram or the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All the more, this hilly place is ideal for all nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Distance From Palampur: 104 km

These enchanting hill stations near Palampur provide a good mix of natural beauty, cultural richness and adventurous experiences. Be it the spiritual calmness of McLeod Ganj, the smell of tea in Bir Billing or the artistic charm of Andretta; the places spell their beauty uniquely at each destination. Plan your next getaway with TripXL and immerse yourself in the beauty of these hill retreats, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Cover Photo: avishekray1 / Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit these hill stations is usually between March to June and then again between September and November when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.
Yes, most of these hill stations offer excellent trekking – from easy nature walks to serious mountain treks. Popular destinations for trekking here are Triund, Barot and the forests around Bir Billing.
Unique experiences one can have include paragliding at Bir Billing, visiting the tea estates at Baijnath, the Tibetan monasteries at Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, and the panoramic morning views of the sunrise from Triund.
Most of these hill stations are at a road distance from Palampur. Shared jeeps, private taxis and a few other bus services can be used. Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj and Bir Billing are connected by road, which can be approached easily from Palampur.
Yes, local guides can be hired in most of these hill stations for trekking, birdwatching or cultural tours.

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