The most charming and beautiful Kullu valley spreads out
its charm on either side of river Beas. The valley runs north
to south of this river and is 80kms. long and about 2kms.
at its broadest. Yet with awe inspiring glens and mossy meadows
encircled by the rushing streams and meandering brooks, flung
east & west, a fairly wide area is open to the tourists,
the trekkers, the mountaineers, the artists and to anyone
who wishes to escape the heat & dust of the plains to
breathe the exhilarating air of the Himalaya and enjoy the
spectacle of the variegated mountain scenery. The Kullu valley
is also famous for its exquisitely woven colourful hand made
shawls and kullu caps.
Kullu was once known as Kulanthpitha, which means the end
of the habitable world. Beyond rose the forbidding heights
of the Greater Himalayas, and by the banks of the shining
river Beas, lay the fabled 'Silver Valley'.
Here is the core of an intricate web of numerous valleys
- each of which is a visual delight and seems more beautiful
than the other. The mountain scapes remain spectacular whether
in brilliant sunshine or in the haze of the mist. The 'Silver
Valley' has nature's treasures that lie carelessly scattered
as flowers on the high meadows.
The town of Kullu has long been a centre of faith. In the
17th century, Raja Jagat Singh installed here an idol of Lord
Raghunathji, which he brought from Ayodhya. As a mark of his
penance, he placed the idol on his throne and it became the
presiding deity of the valley.
Kullu Sightseeing - Places
of Attraction at Kullu
BIJLI MAHADEV SHRINE (2460
m): 10kms. from Kulu across the Beas river, Bijli Mahadev
temple is one of the striking temples in the temples strewn
district. It can be reached by a tough but rewarding climb
of 10 kms. trek. From the temple a panoramic view of Kulu
& Paravati valleys can be seen. A 60 feet high staff of
Bijli Mahadev temple glistens like a silver needle in the
sun. in this temple of lightening it is said, the tall staff
attracts the divine blessings in the form of lightening. The
rest of the story can be heard from the priest, which is un-believable
but true.
RAGHUNATHJI TEMPLE:
1 km. from Dhalpur, Raghunathji is the principal deity of
the valley.
VAISHNO DEVI TEMPLE:
At a distance of 4kms. from Dhalpur, a small cave enshrines
an image of Goddess Vaishno Devi.
CAMPING SIGHT RAISON (1433
m): 16kms. away from Kulu, the sight is ideal for spending
a quite holiday in solitary splendor and for holding youth
camps. There are a large number of orchards in this part of
the valley. HPTDC has log cabins for comfortable stay.
KATRAIN (1463 m): The
central and the widest part of the valley, Katrain is 20kms.
from Kulu on way to Manali. Apple orchards and trout hatchery
lend charm and prominence to the place. It is also famous
for bee keeping and Govt. trout farm at Patilkulh. Sufficient
accommodation is availablein Hotels of HPTDC.
NAGGAR (1760 m): On
the left bank of the Beas, Naggar is delightfully situated
on a wooded slope and commands an extensive view. It was the
capital of erstwhile Kulu state for about 1400 years. There
are large number of famous temples notably Vishnu, Tripura
Sundari & Lord Krishana. Cars and jeeps easily go upto
the Naggar castle. Roerich art gallery which houses the paintings
of Nicholas Roerich as well as his sculptures , is less than
a km. from the Castle. Naggar is also a base for undertaking
treks to Chanderkhani Pass and to remote valley of Malana.
KASOL (1640 m): Situated
on the bank of Paravati river, Kasol makes a good holiday
destination. 42kms. from Kulu, charmingly located on an open
space which slopes down to the broad expanse of clear white
sand at the Parvati river. The place is well known for trout
fishing.
MANIKARAN (1700 m):
Manikaran, 45kms. from Kulu and just 3kms. from Kasol, is
famous for its hot springs. Thousands of people take a holy
dip in hot waters here. The water is so hot that dal, rice
& vegetables etc. can be cooked in it. It is also a well
known pilgrimage place for both Hindus & Sikhs. Ramchandra
and Shivaji temples besides a Gurudwara are there. According
to an old legend, Manikaran is connected with Lord Shiva and
his divine consort, Parvati, who lost her ear rings here,
which gave birth to hot waters on the bank of Parvati river.
Hearing this religious myth from the priests will be more
rewarding and interesting. Ample accomodation in the temples
and Gurudwara, is available for night stay besides the HPTDC
hotel.
MALANA (2652 m): Little
ahead of the beautiful Chanderkhani Pass lies the village
Malana which is famous for the temple of Jamlu and its distinct,
social and cultural life. Malana is considered to be the oldest
democracy in the world. It would be worth while to visit this
village to study the style and social system prevalent there.
BAJAURA: 15kms. short
of Kulu , Bajaura is on the main road where BASHESHWAR MAHADEV
temple is situated about 200 m from the village in a plain
between the main road and the Beas river. It is believed to
have been built in the mid 8th century.
LARJI (957 m): South
of Kulu, Larji 34kms. away is a small hamlet providing excellent
spot for trout fishing. The PWD rest house is located in a
stunning position between the foaming torrents of the river
Sainj & Tirthan, before they join the Beas. The place
is patronized mostly by anglers.
BANJAR (1524 m): At
a distance of 58 kms. south of Kulu, Banjar is an excellent
spot for trout fishing in the waters of river Tirthan.
How to reach Kullu
AIR: Kullu is connected
by Indian Airlines, Trans Bharat Aviation and Jagson flights
with Delhi & Shimla. The airport is at Bhuntar, 10kms.
from Kulu.
RAIL: Nearest convenient
rail heads are Kalka, Chandigarh and Pathankot on Broad Gauge
from where Kullu can be reached by road.
ROAD: Kulu is well
connected by road with Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Shimla,
Dehradun, Pathankot, Dharamsala & Dalhousie etc. Regular
direct buses ply between these stations including deluxe,
semi-deluxe and air conditioned buses during tourist season.
LOCAL TRANSPORT: Local
buses operate between Kullu-Manali and Manikaran regularly.
Taxis are also available.
General Information
- Kullu |
Area
of Kullu |
6.68 sq.kms. |
Population
of Kullu |
25,000 aprox. |
Altitude
of Kullu |
1230 m (Kullu) |
Climate of
Kullu |
Pleasant temperature in summer and
cold below 0 C with heavy snow fall in winter |
Best Visiting
Season for Kullu |
Although Kullu is good in all seasons
but March to June is considered best for relaxation and
visiting the places of sight seeing and enjoy short and
long excursions as well as climbing and river rafting.
For honeymooners (Honeymoon couples) its all time great. |
Rainy Season
of Kullu |
July and August |
Automun of
Kullu |
September to November for trekking,
climbing, sight seeing and river rafting |
Winter of
Kullu |
December to February- snow-skiing
and heli-skiing in Manali and above |
Languages
of Kullu |
Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari, English are
understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism
trade |
Clothing
requirements in Kullu |
Cotton and tropical in summer and
heavy woollen in winter |
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