Kullu is famous for its majestic mountains, lush green hill-sides, blooming orchards, meandering streams, mossy meadows, gushing rivers and natural hot springs. It is a heaven on earth. Tourists are drawn for its unmatchable natural beauty, friendly people living in quaint little villages. Trekkers, mountaineers and honeymooners throng the place during its peak season.
What to see in Kullu?
Raghunathji Temple: One kilometer for Dhalpur is Raghunathji temple, the principal deity of Kullu. This temple houses the idol of Raghunathji, a manifestation of Lord Rama. It is believed that Raja Jagat Singh brought the idol from Ayodhya, the birth place of Lord Ram. Having installed the idol, Raja Jagat Singh crowned it king to atone for the sin of causing death of a Brahmin priest.
Bijli Mahadev Shrine: 10kms from Kullu is the outstanding temple of Bijli Mahadev across the Beas River. You can get a spectacular view of the Kulu and Parvati Valleys from the temple. It is believed that 20m long trident projecting out of the shrine attracts divine blessings in the form of lightening from the skies.
Basheshwar Mahadev: 15km from Kullu, on the banks of Beas at Bajaurais is Basheshwar Mahadev, one of the oldest temples in the region. It is built in the shape of a pyramid and decorated with floral scrollwork.
Vaishno Devi Temple: Just 4km from Kullu is the famous Vaishno Devi Temple on the Kullu Manali National Highway No.1.
Naggar: On the left bank of Beas, is Naggar at a height of 1760m. It was the capital of erstwhile Kullu for about 1400 years. It is famous for a number of temples like Vishnu, Tripura Sundari and Lord Krishna.
What to do in Kullu
There are many adventure sports that you can pursue in Kullu. It is famous for it mountaineering training programmes. The Western Himalaya Mountaineering Institute imparts mountaineering and rock climbing courses in the tribal region. Trekkers can hire equipments for trekking purposes from the Institute. Fishing is another important activity in this region. Anglers fish for trout in River Beas and its tributaries like Parvati, Sainj, Trithan, Manikaran and Katrain. White water rafting form May to July is popular among tourists here. Other popular sports in this region are Skiing, Heli-skiing and Para gliding.
Excursions from Kullu
Kasol: 42 kms from Kullu is Kasol at a height of 1640 m located on the banks of Paravati River. This is a good holiday destination near Kullu where tourists also indulge in fishing.
Manikaran: Located at an altitude of 1829 m, Manikaran is famous for its hot springs. 40kms from Kullu, this place has one of the finest hot springs in India. It is an important pilgrimage spot for both Hindus and Sikhs for the presence of a Raghunathji temple and gurudwara. It is believed that Parvati lost her earrings in this region which gave birth to this hot spring on Parvati River.
Malana: Malana is located at a height of 2652 m, a little ahead of Chanderkhani Pass. It is famous for its temple of Jamlu and its unique social and cultural life. It is considered to have the oldest democracy in the world. Banjar: Banjar is situated 58 kms from Kullu is popular among tourists for trout fishing in river Tirthan.
Accomodation selection in Kullu
There are various places where you can stay at Kullu. Hotel Sangam and Mashoo Resorts are among the good ones in Kullu. HPTDC runs Apple Valley Resort, Silver Moon and Vill Batahar, Haimvati House.
Best season to visit Kullu
The best time to visit Kullu is during March to mid-June. Winter receives very heavy snowfall in this region.
How to reach Kullu
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar, 10km from Kullu. It is connected by Indian Airlines, Trans Bharat Aviation and Jagson airlines.
By Rail: The nearest stations are Kalka, Chandigarh and Pathankot. You can hire a taxi to reach Kullu.
By Road: Kullu is conveniently connected by road to Shimla, Delhi or to nearby places. Regular bus services are available form Shimla, Delhi, Pathankot, Ambala, and Palampur.
