Bir, a little town where you get to experience the snow-clad peaks of Dhauladhar ranges in all its mysterious grandeur! The evergreen forests, pleasant climate, the Gompas, learning institutes, and never ending tea gardens are some of the great offerings of this town. Once you are in this old town, you will have a tough time deciding where to start from. Worry not and read along! In this blog, we are giving you a go-round of the must-visit places in Bir that undeniably will never fail to entice you.
Top 10 Places to visit in Bir Billing
1. Monasteries
2. Deer Park Institute
3. Bir-Landing Site
4. Dharmalaya Institute
5. Exotic Waterfalls
6. Rajgundha Valley
7. Baijnath Temple
8. Take-Off Site Billing
9. Chowgan Tea Gardens
10. Himalayan Film School
1. Monasteries
Reckoning amid the most sacred places of worship, Buddhist monasteries have millions of visitors coming from different parts of the world in search of peace. Also, if you want to explore the place’s history, cultural, and religious beliefs, paying a visit to the monasteries will never leave you wistful. Here, we bring you a list of the most incredible monasteries in Bir and how one can be a part of the gompas tradition and culture.
a. Chokling Monastery
Chokling Monastery, located in the middle of the Tibetan colony in Bir, dates back to India’s post-independence era of 1960. The monastery has a spectacular line of stupas and has three segments- the ingress, the temple complex, and the meditation center. From the ‘Om Mani Padme Hum‘ multi-colored flags, fluttering in the air along with the entrance decorated with sculptures to the soulful orisons coming from the temple complex; altogether it makes the Chokling monastery undoubtedly a perfect place to layover. At the gompa complex there is a luxuriant garden right in front of the meditation center, from where you can also perceive the paragliders flying above you.
b. Drukpa Kagyu Monastery
Established by the 8th Khamtrul Rinpoche near Palampur in Tashi Jong, Drukpa Kagyu monastery has inscriptions and stone sculptures illustrating various sects and subsects of Tibetan culture. One can meditate in tranquility as the environment here is spectacular and at the same time, spiritually soothing.
c. Sherabling Monastery
This impressive monastery is 6km away from Bir in the upper Bhattu region. Sherabling consists of extensive buildings and stupas, semi-covered in the blanket of pine forests amidst the colorful festoons on the sides of the road. You can hear the monks chanting mantras in the prayer hall, creating a spiritual vibe. Also, there is a small canteen behind the main prayer hall where you can have tea, noodles, thukpa, etc. Also don’t forget to see a perfect sunset in the evening while sipping a cup of tea.
2. Deer Park Institute
Deer Park Institute is considered one of the most prestigious learning centers in India. Deer park is built in pagoda style of architecture and is adorned with splendid paintings and carvings of Tibetan culture. From meditation and culture, yoga to philosophy, not to mention the art of healing, it lays on various programs. Instead of paying a visit just for a day, devour an overnight stay here, as the prices are affordable and make new friends, eat to the fullest and get amazing teachings. Make sure you book yourself in advance as they always are occupied. Prepare to be enchanted.
3. Bir-Landing Site
Needless to say, this is a place where the paragliders land. However, it is not just a landing site. In the evening, whilst rambling, one can enjoy the inspiring sunset here. It is usually jam-packed in the evening as the locals and the tourists flock to this place to see the exquisiteness the blues has created. Also, it has a number of cafes around, making it all a serene sight. Move into one, order some food and enjoy the vista of paragliders graciously descending here.
4. Dharmalaya Institute
Dharmalaya institute for compassionate living is an innovative educational and charitable institute in the town of Bir. The Dharmalaya Institute overtures an integrated program of experiential learning, economic empowerment, traditional wisdom, and volunteer service. Unending that, you can be a part of their workshops, internships, courses they offer and can get yourselves engaged in numerous activities like organic farming, green building and sustainable village development. Join them as volunteers (highly recommended) and get to know the idea of promoting integrated slants to sustainable development. Just a reminder, the institute is open to registered participants only. However, if you are registered before, they will offer you guided tours, but only once a week (usually Saturdays).
5. Exotic Waterfalls
Few would know an interesting fact that Bir is not just about cafes and monasteries. There are some incredibly beautiful places that you should not miss out on. Away from the town are a bunch of fascinating waterfalls cascading down the hills.
a. Gunehar Waterfall
A visit to Bir is incomplete without having a glimpse of Gunehar waterfall. Placed up on a knoll is a village called Gunehar, approximately 1.5 km away from Bir. The smashing waterfall can be reached through a short trek. Once you are up there you’ll come across the crystal-clear water gushing down the hills and the condensed forest surrounding the fall adds to its appeal, just in case you’re looking for untouched natural beauty. It is one of the most delightful sights that mother nature has bestowed upon the town.
b. Bangoru Waterfall
This mesmerizing waterfall is 4.5 km away from Bir (Tibetan colony). Nestled within the green lush grass Bangoru waterfall has chilling cold water that can be a perfect spot for relaxing, meditating, playing, and flaunting your Instagram profile with loads of pictures. If you plan for a day’s hike, pack your bags and drop in on to this hidden location by trekking to Gunehar, and after walking a few steps more, you’ll reach the waterfall. Take a dip in the cold water, splash around and have fun!
6. Rajgundha Valley
It is a small village between the Dhauladhar ranges. If you are an adventure enthusiast, a trek to Rajgundha should be in your to do list. Mesmerizing flower plantations and birds whistling above will make the trek a trip to heaven. While walking, sing along with some feathered friends and enjoy the heavenly ambiance. If not a nature lover, it’s expected you are becoming one. It is a worldly experience altogether. You can trek to this beautiful place anytime except for the rainy season as the Rajgundha receives a good amount of rain during the monsoon.
7. Baijnath Temple
Located in Baijnath, a town 12 km away from Bir, is the temple of Lord Shiva that holds highly religious importance. It is believed that Baijanath temple is one of the oldest shrines which even existed before the construction of the present-day structure of the temple. Pay a visit to this holy place, feel the air of spirituality and take blessings from Lord Shankara. The moment you enter the temple you’ll see how beautifully the temple is engraved with sculptures depicting incidents of Hindu mythology. Surrounded by the lush green gardens, the serene temple intends to astonish you as it overlooks the mighty snow-arrayed mountains.
8. Take-Off Site Billing
If in Bir, the first activity you would be doing is paragliding, true? If yes, then hold your breath as you will fly from the twin town, Billing, one of the most amazing places overhead in the mountains. It will take half an hour to reach up there. The paragliding take-off site has satisfying winds for an intact and easy takeoff.
Often, most visitors land this place only for gliding, or else, it’s merely a take-off site for them. Vibrantly for those, if paragliding is not your thing, still you can pay a visit to this prudent site and see the beautiful snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and feel the aura of fresh air.
9. Chowgan Tea Gardens
What if you see all the greenery around you that is immensely dense and beautiful on the contrary? Does this sound like an illusion? If yes, then pay a visit to the beautiful Chowgan tea gardens, making it all clear. The tea garden located in the lower Bir has hills and misty clouds as a backdrop. The weather here is preferably pleasant for growing different types of tea. The tea garden has these workers with baskets on their backs, some of them are quite friendly so you can laugh with them and get snapped.
10. Himalayan Film School
Are you into filmmaking, storytelling, or photography? Then please check yourself in at India’s one of the most prestigious film schools. Himalayan Film School is within the Deer Park Institute (mentioned above) with beautiful infrastructure. The school runs various workshops in partnership with Tuning Fork films. Crashing here means taking a lot back. So, break in your journey and stop by this school for an undeniable unique experience.
Bir allows you to discover enough unseen marvels of the Kangra Valley. This place has become a bewildering travel destination that somewhat is left unexplored by travelers. So, on your mark and get set, because it’s time to pack your bags and explore the exciting places of Bir. Also, the kick in your trip is doing some thrilling adventure activities offered here so, don’t miss to shake hands with the same.
