Palampur is known for its tea gardens, and most locals are involved in farming. Visitors stop here because of the beautiful vistas overlooking the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladar ranges.

The tea estate offers a factory tour followed by tea tasting. The local train station is a five-minute walk away. Here, you will find a narrow-gauge railway still operating, one of only five left in India. Jump on the 10:30 train to Paprola station, about a 30-minute ride away. Just for the journey, this is worth doing, like a step back in time, complete with your cardboard ticket. Paprola is close to the impressive Baijnath temple, with intricate rock carvings.

Local activities include a soft trek to the hilltop Birni Devi Temple. You can also picnic and venture to the impressive waterfalls just outside town. Also close by is Andretta Pottery, India’s first studio pottery. It was set up by a renowned Sikh family in the 1900s and let guests try their hand at the wheel or purchase handmade ceramic wares. Kangra Fort is one of the oldest forts in India and can be reached en route to or from Dharamshala.