Offbeat Weekend Escape And Places To Visit In Palampur And The Pottery Village Of Andretta

While most of the weekend travellers flock to Parvati Valley, Manali and even Tirthan Valley of Himachal Pradesh for a quick escape from cities like Delhi and Chandigarh, places to visit in Palampur remain off the radar of tourists. Somehow this tea-town of Kangra does not get it's due, mostly because more popular tourist towns like Bir and Mcleodganj which are quite close by attract the Himachal bound tourist population.

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However, if you're looking for a quiet getaway with friends or family, Palampur is an ideal escape with the village of Andretta in close vicinity. The thriving tea estates, the 180 degree view of the Dhauladhar Ranges and the artist village of Andretta give ample opportunities for a weekend full of exploration.

Just 14 kms away from Palampur the village of Andretta is full of surprises and is one of the best places to visit in Palampur and nearby. The pottery school here hosts artists for a 3 month residential course and if you're a visitor you can opt for a 20-minute or 1-hour long pottery class. It could also be a chance for you to buy some fantastic pottery made of the artists in Andretta. Moreover, this village is home to Sobha Singh Art Gallery and writer Norah Richard's House which are open to visitors.

Bundla Tea Estate: In Upper Palampur on the way to Sanjay Vanvihar, this tea estate is just a delight of a sight. You can enjoy the sun under the beautiful trees where parrots whistle on quiet evenings. The view of the surrounding Dhauladhar is just stunning and quite refreshing.

Sanjay Van Vihar: It's a long walk from the main town to Sanjay Van Vihar so you can opt to take a taxi on this day tour. It's a beautiful community park where the locals come on weekends with families. You can also sit by the Neugal riverside near the park or enjoy boating at lake. Carry snacks on your trip since the cafe here is dysfunctional.

Himalayan Brew Tea Factory: Himalayan Brew Tea factory at the Raipur Tea Estate near Palampur is just a short drive away from the main town of Palampur. A walk through the cleanly cut tea plantation during sunset with the remarkable view of the mounatins at the distance is simply a rejuvenating experience. You can also get a tea tour inside the factory on a working day.

Sobha Singh Art Galley: This art gallery is dedicated to the beautiful artworks of India artist Sobha Singh. 14 kms away from Palampur near the Andretta Pottery School, this art galley is at the residence of the artist where his house is open for visitors and artists. You can also pick up handicrafts at the ticket counter made by the women of Andretta Village who are trained here.

Norah Richard's House: Norah Richards is an artist and theatre practitioner who settled in Kangra Valley during the 1920s. During her lifetime she played a vital role and bringing together artists from around the country to this little village where art thrived. Norah Richards is still known as the grandmother of Punjabi Theatre and every year on her birthday students perform plays at the amphitheatre here.

Stay at a tea estate accommodation on this gorgeous getaway and wake up to the sounds of the whistling parrots. Bundla Tea Estate Homestay is located just when you take a right at the entrance of the vast tea estate. The rooms are well equipped with all the essentials and the hosts live just a short walk away can help you with anything you need during your stay. The breakfasts are complimentary and the hosts can prepare traditional Himachali Dham on special request.

Tariff

Chalet suite: Rs. 2300 / night

Tea Garden suite: Rs. 2500 / night

Kitchen Garden suite: Rs. 1800 / night

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