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Kangra

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BIR AND BILLING

Place Details:

Known as the ‘Paragliding capital of India’, the towns of Bir and Billing in Kangra district are extremely popular places for adventure sport. Bir is the take off site while Billing is the landing spot. Bir is situated 35 km from Palampur while Billing is situated 14 km from Bir.

The best season for paragliding in Bir and Billing is from March to May and then again from October to November.

Bir is famous for its Tibetan colony and various Buddhist monasteries which are worth visiting. The Tibetan colony is one of the earliest Tibetan refugee settlements in India and was established in 1962 by those fleeing the Chinese invasion of Tibet. The Deer Park Institute is a famous centre for the study of classical Indian wisdom traditions which was established by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.

The Chokling Monastery is the most famous monastery in Bir and has a large stupa and a statue of Padmasambhava. The Palpung Sherab Ling Monastery is another famous monastery which offers periodic courses in Buddhist meditation and philosophy and is the monastic seat of Kenting Tai Situ Rinpoche.

Hang gliding pilots use Billing as their landing site. The village, completely surrounded by tea gardens and an amphitheater of low hills, is ideal landing around for para-gliders. Fine Tibetan handicrafts are also produced here. Palampur is 29 km and Baijnath is 13 km from Bir.

Billing presents a panoramic view of the valley below. Bir and Billing was rated as one of best destinations for paragliding in the world. From May to June a tented colony is set up by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism for the convenience of hang gliders.

Billing is also renowned for being the venue of the first paragliding competition and every year, The Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Himachal Pradesh organises the ‘Para Gliding Pre-world Cup’ at Bir Billing in the month of October. Tourists can also try their hand at hangliding and parasailing.

Bir and Biling have another claim to fame. Bir and Billing have one of the most beautiful jeep-able routes in Kangra valley. The 14 km distance from Bir to Billing is actually a road hew out of the rock face in 1962. The distance can only be covered either by foot or a jeep.  

WHERE TO STAY

There are limited options to stay in Bir and Billing. There are a few guesthouses and resorts in Bir but tourists prefer to stay in Palampur as there are quite a few accommodation options available. Most budget hotels and cottages are situated in Chandpur tea estate. Mid-range resorts are located on Neugal Khad. The town also has many privately owned guesthouses which offer budget stay. One can also choose to stay in heritage hotels that provide luxury accommodation.

WHERE TO EAT

There are a few cafes in Bir. Other than that eating options are limited in Bir and Billing.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Bir and Billing is between the months of February to November.

WHAT TO SEE

Chokling Monastery: The exile branch of the Chokling Monastery was built by Neten Chokling Pema Gyurme in Bir and is currently a home to his reincarnation- Neten Chokling Rinpoche. Chokling Monastery has a large stupa and a statue of Padmasambhava.

Palpung Sherab Ling Monastery: Situated in Bhattu in Bir-west, it is the monastic seat of Kenting Tai Situ Rinpoche of the Karma Kagyu lineage. The monastery also offers periodic courses in Buddhist mediation and philosophy.

NEAR BIR AND BILLING

Tashijong Monastery: About 12 km from Billing lies the Tibetan monastery which is also a handicrafts manufacturing unit.

Andretta: Situated 13 km from Billing lies the tiny attractive village of Andretta where lived Norah Richard who devoted herself to dramatics. Known as Artist’s Village, Andretta is located 14 km fromPalampur. The village has various crafts and pottery shops. Kangra Miniature paintings can also be bought here. Shobha Singh Art gallery and Norah Richard’s house showcase some fine collection of paintings. Andretta pottery and crafts society also teach the art of pot making and other crafts.

Baijnath: About 12 km away from Bir, Baijnath is situated on the banks of Gomti in Garur Valley. It is famous for its 13th century temples.

Palampur: A hill station 35 km from Bir, it is extremely popular for its tea gardens. It is often called the ‘Tea Capital of North India’. It is a popular honeymoon destination.

Kangra: Located at the confluence of Majhi and Bener streams, Kangra is located 60 km from Bir.Kangra is a popular destination amongst trekkers. Chamunda Devi temple, Baijnath temple, Brijeshwari temple, Naam Art Gallery and Al-Hilal are other places worth visiting.

Mandi: Known as the ‘Varanasi of East’ because of its stone temples, Mandi the is second most populous town in Himachal Pradesh after Shimla. It is situated 70 km from Bir.

Dharamsala: Dharamshala is situated in the picturesque Kangra valley against the backdrop of Dhauladar Mountain ranges. Dharamshala serves as the capital of the Tibetan Government in exile. It is situated 80 km from Bir.

BEST TIME TO VISIT KANGRA

The average minimum and maximum temperature of Kangra is as given below. The best time to visit Kangra is also specified.

MONTH BEST TIME MIN. TEMP (°C)MAX. TEMP (°C)
January417
February417
MarchBest time721
AprilBest time1128
MayBest time1527
JuneBest time1528
July1326
August1226
September1225
October1023
November622
December417
Adventure Nature

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