Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh

Hamirpur, located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, is the headquarters of Hamirpur district and a Municipal Council. It is situated amidst the Shivalik Ranges, with an average elevation of 790 meters above sea level, and is overlooked by the northern High Altitude Dhauladhar Ranges. The city is a major junction on National Highway 3, and National Highway 103 starts from here. It is renowned for its high literacy rate, numerous educational institutions, and the traditional festival of Hamir Utsav. It stretches from Jhaniari to Bhota along NH 3 and NH 103 and is a significant commercial center for the district. The city boasts a well-developed infrastructure, including quality educational institutions, the National Institute of Technology, state universities, and skill learning centers. It is surrounded by pine tree forests and is well-connected to the national capital through regular HRTC Volvo and ordinary buses. The nearest airport is Kangra Airport and Mohali International Airport, while the closest railway station is in Una, located 79 km away.

Located at 31.68°N 76.52°E, with an average elevation of 799 meters. The highest point in the region is Awah Devi peak, which stands at 1250 meters. Hamirpur experiences short warm summers from late April to June, with temperatures that can reach up to 40°C, while winters are cool from mid-October to April, with temperatures dropping as low as 7°C. The monsoon season starts in late June and lasts until early September, bringing a fair amount of rainfall. In January 2012 and February 2019, some parts of the district experienced snowfall. Hamirpur lies beneath the irregular pattern hills of the Lower Western Himalayas and the southern Shivalik Ranges and is surrounded by a considerable amount of pine forests.

Activities in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh

Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh offers a range of activities for tourists to enjoy:

Trekking: It is surrounded by hills and mountains, making it an ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts. Some popular trekking routes in the area include Awah Devi Trek, Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple Trek, and Sujanpur Fort Trek.
Sightseeing: It is home to several historical and cultural sites that are worth exploring, such as the Sujanpur Fort, Tauni Devi Temple, and Narbadeshwar Temple.
Adventure sports: The region offers various adventure sports such as paragliding, rock climbing, and river rafting.
Wildlife safari: Hamirpur is home to the Naina Devi Bird Sanctuary, where tourists can enjoy a wildlife safari and observe a variety of birds and animals.
Festivals: Hamirpur hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the traditional Hamir Utsav, which showcases the region’s rich culture and heritage.
Shopping: Tourists can shop for local handicrafts, woolen garments, and handmade artifacts at the local markets in Hamirpur.
Relaxation: It is a peaceful and serene destination, perfect for those looking to relax and unwind in the lap of nature. Visitors can enjoy picnics, nature walks, and yoga and meditation sessions amidst the beautiful surroundings.

Major Attractions in Hamirpur

It has several major attractions for tourists to visit:

Sujanpur Fort: Built by Raja Abhaya Chand of Kangra in the 18th century, Sujanpur Fort is a famous historical site that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region. The fort houses a temple dedicated to Narbadeshwar.
Tauni Devi Temple: Tauni Devi Temple is a popular religious site located on a hilltop in Hamirpur. It is dedicated to Goddess Kali and offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
Naina Devi Bird Sanctuary: Naina Devi Bird Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in the vicinity of Hamirpur. The sanctuary is home to a variety of birds and animals, including peacocks, pheasants, and leopards.
Hamir Utsav: Hamir Utsav is a traditional festival celebrated in every year. The festival showcases the region’s rich culture and heritage and includes various cultural performances, traditional games, and food stalls.
Awah Devi Temple: Awah Devi Temple is a famous religious site located at an altitude of 1250 meters. The temple offers scenic views of the surrounding areas and is a popular trekking destination.
Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple: Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple is a famous religious site located on the banks of the Beas River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts a large number of devotees.
Deotsidh Temple: Deotsidh Temple is a famous religious site located in the vicinity of Hamirpur. The temple is dedicated to Baba Balak Nath, a famous saint revered by the locals. It is believed that the temple fulfills the wishes of its devotees.

Staying in Hamirpur

Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh has a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some popular choices:

Hotels: Several hotels ranging from budget to luxury, with facilities like swimming pools, restaurants, and spas. Some popular options include Hotel Hamir, Hotel Comfort Inn, and Hotel Utsav.
Homestays: Homestays are a great option for those looking for a more authentic experience. Visitors can choose from a variety of homestays, including traditional Himachali-style homes and modern apartments. Homestays offer a chance to experience local culture and customs and to interact with the local people.
Guesthouses: There are also several guesthouses and homestays in Hamirpur that offer comfortable and affordable accommodation options. Some popular guesthouses include Hotel Sidhartha Guest House and Parihar Niwas.
Guesthouses: Guesthouses are another budget-friendly option that offers a comfortable and homely atmosphere. These are run by local families and offer visitors a chance to experience local culture and customs. Guesthouses are also a good option for those who prefer to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Campsites: For those who prefer outdoor living, there are several campsites located in and around Hamirpur that offer tents and basic facilities. Some popular campsites include Adventure Valley and Bir Billing Camps.
Resorts: It has a few luxury resorts that offer high-end amenities like spas, swimming pools, and fine dining. Some popular resorts include Baragaon Resort and Himachal Heritage Village.
Hostels: For budget travelers, there are several hostels that offer dormitory-style accommodation with basic facilities. Some popular options include Nomads Hostel and The Hosteller Hamirpur.

Hamirpur Food Guide

Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, has a unique cuisine that combines traditional Himachali flavors with influences from neighboring states like Punjab and Uttarakhand. Here are some popular food items to try in Hamirpur:

Chana Madra: Chana Madra is a popular Himachali curry made with chickpeas cooked in a yogurt-based gravy with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. It is usually served with rice or roti.
Dhaam: Dhaam is a traditional Himachali meal served during weddings and festivals. It consists of rice, dal, boor ki kari (a spicy lentil dish), rajma (kidney beans), and meetha (sweet dish).
Babru: Babru is a popular Himachali snack made of deep-fried wheat flour dough stuffed with spiced black gram paste. It is usually served with a mint or coriander chutney.
Aloo Palda: Aloo Palda is a popular Himachali curry made with potatoes cooked in a yogurt-based gravy with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaves. It is usually served with rice or roti.

Apart from these, Hamirpur also offers a variety of street foods like momos, chaat, and samosas. The town also has several restaurants that offer Indian and international cuisines. Some popular restaurants include The Saffron Tree, The Spicy Hut, and The Tandoor.

How To Get There

By Road

Hamirpur is located on National Highway 3, which connects it to major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla. Regular buses run from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other nearby cities to Hamirpur. Private taxis and shared cabs are also available for hire.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Hamirpur is in Una, which is about 79 km away. Una railway station is well-connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. From Una, you can take a taxi or a bus to Hamirpur.

By Air

The nearest airport to Hamirpur is the Kangra Airport in Gaggal, which is about 87 km away. The airport is well-connected to major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Another option is the Chandigarh International Airport, which is about 166 km away. From both airports, you can take a taxi or a bus to Hamirpur.

Once you reach Hamirpur, you can easily explore the town and nearby areas on foot or by hiring a taxi or a bike. Local buses also run between Hamirpur and nearby towns and villages.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hamirpur

What is Hamirpur famous for?

Hamirpur is known for its high literacy rate, quality educational institutions, and the traditional Hamir Utsav festival. It is also a major commercial center for the district and a popular tourist destination.

What are the major tourist attractions in Hamirpur?

Some of the major tourist attractions in Hamirpur include the Hamirpur Fort, Deotsidh Temple, Nadaun Village, and Sujanpur Tira. The town is also surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and pine forests.

How can I reach Hamirpur?

Hamirpur is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is the Kangra Airport, and the nearest railway station is in Una. Regular buses run from nearby cities and towns to Hamirpur.

What are the popular food items to try in Hamirpur?

Some of the popular food items to try in Hamirpur include Siddu, Chana Madra, Dhaam, Babru, Aloo Palda, and Dham Chana. The town also offers a variety of street foods like momos, chaat, and samosas.

What is the best time to visit Hamirpur?

The best time to visit Hamirpur is from March to June and from September to December. The weather is pleasant during these months, and the town is surrounded by lush green landscapes. However, if you want to experience snowfall, you can visit Hamirpur in January or February.