Our 4 Top Tips for Weekend Adventures in North India

Our India volunteer programs are based in Palampur, a Himalayan hill station in Himachal Pradesh in far north India. The proximity to the mountains, Nepal, Pakistan and Tibet gives the region a plethora of cultural marvels, interesting places and activities for all types of traveller! Here are some of our top tips for what to do on your free weekend:

 

1. Head to Mcleod Ganj

Mcleod ganj is a one-hour drive from Palampur and is a melting pot of cultures, packed with delicious food and wonderful natural scenery. Mcleod is known for being the current residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the exiled Tibetan government. So why should you travel to Mcleod Ganj?

The Food. Mcleod boasts a vast mix of different foods from Indian to Tibetan to Isreali! Having the opportunity to sample authentic Tibetan cuisine is a rare and wonderful experience!

The Nature. Mcleod is set in the mountains overlooking Dharamsala and is the starting point for lots of popular treks and beautiful waterfalls.

The Culture. This melting pot of people and cultures makes Mcleod the perfect place for cultural immersion. Indian and Tibetan classical music performances, meditation seminars, yoga and the Tibetan museum are just some of the activities you can enjoy.

 

 

2. Paragliding in Bir Billing

Bir Billing is a picturesque mountain landscape where you can enjoy the exhilarating activity of running off the mountain side and floating to the bottom of the valley. Just one and half hours drive from Palampur it’s the perfect weekend getaway. 

 

3. Take a Pottery Class

Himachal Pradesh is famous for it’s ancient art of pottery making and local natural clay. Just 30 minutes from Palampur you can visit Andretta Pottery studio, one of India’s oldest continuously running pottery studios. Classes are fun and informative, and you get to take your wonderful creations home with you!

 

 

4. Go further afield to Amritsar

Amritsar is the state capital of Punjab, 6 hours from Palampur and boasts many culturally and historically significant sites. It is also near to the Pakistan/India border crossing which is a sight to behold with India and Pakistan both putting on an elaborate display in the evenings. Visit: The Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Durgiana Temple and Wagah Border.

 

Convinced that you need to visit north India? Check out our India volunteering opportunities!