Bir is a charming village in Himachal Pradesh, India, known for its adventure activities and tranquil surroundings. It is a paragliding paradise in the Himalayan foothills, drawing history enthusiasts worldwide. With monasteries, including Chokling Monastery, the Tibetan Colony provides you with a window into the rich culture of the Tibetan people, thanks to which there are numerous places to visit in Bir. The picturesque pathways and lush tea gardens are meant to beguile you. A revitalising destination away from the bustle of city life, it invites you to savour unique fusion of adventure and tranquillity in order to have an immersive experience.
10 Places To Visit In Bir
There are numerous places to visit in Bir, a small village in Himachal Pradesh dubbed as the ‘paragliding capital of India. Get to explore them one-by-one.
1. Chamunda Devi Temple
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Approximately 10 kilometres west of Palampur, on the banks of the Baner River, is the Chamunda Devi hilltop shrine, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. It is among the most renowned places to visit in Bir. One of Goddess Durga’s most potent avatars is Chamundeshwari Devi. The Chamunda Devi Temple celebrates Navratri, a significant occasion. So, during Navratri, it’s a fantastic tourist destination because of the vibrant celebration all around.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Himachal In September To Make Your Trip Memorable
2. Chokling Monastery
Photo: Brahmavadini / WIkimedia Commons
The Chokling Monastery, located in the heart of the Tibetan Colony, is one of Bir’s most well-known Tibetan monasteries. This magnificent monastery has been painted white and embellished with vibrant colours, creating a beautiful appearance. There is a statue of Padmasambhava and a stupa there. The peaceful environment, colourful flags waving in the breeze, and verdant grounds in front of the meditation centre make this one of the most cherished tourist attractions in Bir. So, you can head to this place to seek solace.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours
3. Baijnath Temple
Photo: Gaurav Sharma / Unsplash
Lord Shiva is considered the ‘God of Healing’ at the Baijnath Temple, one of the most famous tourist places in Bir. The great Lord Shiva takes the form of Baijnath or Vaidyanath; in this avatar, the great lord relieves his followers from all sufferings. This temple is, therefore, entirely holy for all Lord Shiva worshippers and has the most profound significance. The water at this temple is said to have medicinal benefits, and thus can heal various diseases.
Top Attractions: Deer Park Institute, Tashi Jong Monastery, Tea gardens, Sherab Ling Monastery
Best Time To Visit: September to May
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 hours
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Manali Near Mall Road
4. Bangoru Waterfall
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The Tibetan Colony is about 4.5 km from Bangoru Waterfall, one of the smallest waterfalls in and around Bir. Bangoru Waterfall’s milky white waters flowing over the rocks create a sense of peace and tranquillity. The waterfall’s location can be found via Google Maps, Gunehar Village, or Billing Junction in Bir. Therefore, you can have a peaceful picnic at the waterfall after some walking.
Top Experiences: Birdwatching, hiking and photography
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 5 hours
5. Tashi Jong Monastery
Photo: Sahil Acharya / Unsplash
Tashi Jong is a small town situated ideally in the foothills of the Dhauladhar mountain ranges, primarily inhabited by the Tibetan artisan community. One of the schools of the Tibetan Buddhist Kagyu tradition, the Drukpa Kagyu lineage is based in Tashi Jong. This area’s most popular tourist destination is the Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery, which offers a calm atmosphere and mysterious hymns the monks perform that showcase an inexplicable sense of peace. Therefore, you can cherish complete serenity here. The vibrantly painted walls of the monastery are a sight to look at as it is decorated with exquisite Tibetan artwork.
Best Time To Visit: October and March
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 hours
Suggested Read: Best Unforgettable Things To Do In Chitkul For Your Next Surreal Trip
6. Barot Valley
Photo: Sanjay Lakhanpal / Wikimedia Commons
Situated on the tranquil slopes of Mandi District, Barot Valley is one of the famous Bir tourist places. It is still a relatively remote tourist location. Trekking, camping, and trout fishing are popular activities there so as to let you have a thrilling experience. The Uhl river flowing through the picturesque scenery and clean atmosphere are also worth spending time at. So, this place is perfect for both family vacations and solo trips.
Top Experiences: Treks and trails, adventure, and camping activities
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 hours
7. Kangra Queen Toy Train
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A popular activity for both residents and tourists is taking the Kangra Queen Toy Train, which runs between Joginder Nagar and Pathankot and provides you with beautiful scenery from the train. As you traverse tunnels and bridges built above flowing streams, the Kangra Valley leaves you with some scenic views. In addition, the train passes by verdant tea gardens and the ruins of the Kangra Fort, giving you a glimpse into the area’s natural beauty and historical significance.
Best Time To Visit: Any season
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 hours
Suggested Read: Best Unforgettable Things To Do In Dharamkot For Your Next Surreal Trip
8. Palampur
Photo: John Connell / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A well-known town in the Kangra area of Himachal Pradesh is called Palampur. Known for its tea plantations and superior tea quality, Palampur is tucked away amid the gorgeous Dhauladhar Ranges. Following the English’s discovery of Palampur, the town swiftly developed into a bustling metropolis as the centre of trade and business. This town’s Victorian-era houses and castles are a stunning reflection of their existence. Beautiful structures in the English architecture mixed with scenic scenery are a striking reminder of its illustrious past.
Best Time To Visit: September to June
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 hours
9. Rajgundha Valley
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The calm and gorgeous Rajgundha Valley is well-known for its breathtaking scenery and tranquil atmosphere. It is situated close to Bir in Himachal Pradesh, India. Encircled by verdant foliage, snow-capped peaks, and meandering rivers, it is the perfect hideout for those who enjoy the great outdoors and outdoor experiences. It is considered one of the best places for Bir trip. The hidden region of Treasure Valley is ideal for walking, camping, and discovering traditional Himachali culture.
Top Experiences: Camping, trekking, paragliding, scenic views, local culture
Best Time To Visit: October to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 5 hours
Suggested Read: Panchvaktra Temple
10. Deer Park Institute
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The Deer Park Institute, counted among the best tourist places list, allows you to study Indian wisdom traditions. It offers Buddhism, yoga, healing arts courses, art and culture, philosophy, meditation, and more. If your stay is shorter, consider taking advantage of the occasionally offered courses and meditation retreats or exploring the area.
Best Time To Visit: May to June
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 hours
Whether you are an adventure seeker or someone who loves outdoors, you cannot afford to miss visiting Bir, a stunning town in Himachal Pradesh. With a myriad of places to visit in Bir like Bir Monastery, here you can travel to the picturesque Billing Valley, go paragliding for breathtaking views, and stop by the calm Deer Park Institute. So, connect with TripXL to easily organise your itinerary, and get ready for a unique experience.
Cover Photo:Abhinav Kathuria / Wikimedia Commons