Kullu
Kullu is a genuine jewel in the crown of Himachal Pradesh.Kullu & Manali lies between the extraordinary peaks of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. This stunning hill station is surrounded by huge snow clad mountains and thick pinewood forests with the beautiful Beas River. Kullu is also known as the ‘The Valley of Gods’. Kullu is situated at an altitude of 1230 m. Kullu is a hot-spot for adventure sports. Trekking, river rafting, mountaineering, paragliding and hiking over the Himalayan glaciers. Angling is another activity enjoyed a lot. Mountaineering beginners can trek around the Beas Kund region, Hanuman Tibba and Deo Tibba. Kullu is also popular as a sister town to Manali which is on much higher altitude and provides more scenic views.
Kullu was earlier known as Kulanthpitha, meaning ‘the ending point of inhabitable world’. The beautiful valley is also mentioned in epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata and Vishnu Purana. Kullu had several Buddhist monasteries in earlier days. There were Hindu temples too and people of both faiths lived peacefully together. Both Buddhist and Hindus inhabited the caves near the mountain passes.
How to Reach Us
By Air Kullu has it’s own Airport in Bhunter and daily flights are operational from metro cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.
By Rail The nearest Railway station to Kullu is Jogindernagar which is approx.125 kms. From there one can hire taxis/cabs.
By Road Himachal Roadways operate luxury and economical buses from all nearby towns and even from New Delhi and it is one of the easiest way to reach Kullu.
Best Season to visit
Summer (March to June) The temperature ranges from 10 to 25 degrees and is best for camping , river-rafting and trekking activities.
Monsoon (July to august) In this season Kullu receives heavy rainfall and it is not advisable to visit this place.
Winter (October-February) The temperature goes down to as low as -1 degrees. October and November are just cold but December to February there is a heavy snowfall.
Food
The restaurants here serve Indian, Chinese and Continental food. In Kullu, one can find local food like Bhature, Patrodu, Vada, Sattu, Kodra Roti, Jatu (Red rice) and more. Along with this one can also enjoy some locally made wines known as Lugri and Chakti prepared from red rice and barley.
Restaurants
Sapna Sweets
Chinda ka Dhaba
Attractions
Jagannathi Devi Temple
Jagannathi Devi Temple, dedicated to Bhuweneshawar, the sister of the Hindu god of protection, the sister of Lord Vishnu. The temple lies at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level and was built around 1500 years ago. A Myths narrates story of a shepherd boy who discovered two girls dancing to the tune of his magical flute, the boy caught hold of one of the girls who revealed her true identity as a goddess. After which goddess decided to reside in the village of Bekhli. The walls of the temple is crafted with the images of Goddess Durga.
Bhuntar
Bhuntar is a part of Kullu district and Kullu Airport is also located within Bhuntar. This place is surrounded by lush greenery, and has temples with high religious significance. This place has not much to see as it is less crowded. It is used as a gateway to the towns of Kullu, Manali, Kasol and Manikaran. River Beas which flows through Bhuntar opens an opportunity of water rafting. A camping site located near the town is an excellent place to stay during the summer season. It also is in the way of many treks like the Chandrakhani Trek. You can go on many treks starting from Bhuntar.
Naggar
Naggar is at a height of around 5750 feet from sea level. In 17th century Naggar was the capital for Kullu (for 1460 years) under Raja Jagat Singh. The capital was later shifted to Sultanpur at Kullu in 1860.Naggar is a big village with two valuable heritages situated at a distance of 21 kms from Kullu in Himachal Pradesh. Naggar can be reached either from Kullu side or Manali side.
Sightseeing at Naggar
Naggar castle: This place is very scenic and the entire kullu valley can be seen from here.The castle was built by Raja Bhosal, there is a hotel run in this castle. There are three storeys in the castle and there is a museum in one of the gallery.
Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery and Museum: The museum consists of traditional items used by people of Himachal Pradesh like dresses, ornaments, cooking utensils etc… Nicholas Roerich was a famous artist. He married to Helena Roerich and famous Indian actor Devika Rani is his daughter in law. He settled in Naggar. This place was originally belonging to a Raja of Mandi and Roerich bought from him.
Gowri Shankar Temple: Gauri Shankar temple is facing the valley side where one can see the ice covered peaks of Kullu valley. This is located on the way to Nicholas Rerich Art gallery and Museum.
Dagpo Shedrupling Monastery - KAIS: This Monastery is nearest to Kullu and just around 10Kms away. This place is surrounded by lush green hills. The Monastery is located at the left bank of Beas river and the view of valleys surrounding the place is majestic.This Monastery was inaugurated during 2005 by the Dalai Lama.
Nishala: Nishala village is around 4 kms from Naggar, Chamunda Bhagwati temple is located at this place. This place is a favorite location for movie makers shooting.
Muralidhar temple: This place is situated at a height of Naggar. This place is around 3-4 hours journey from Naggar. Radha Krishna idols are installed in the temple.
Shringi Rishi Temple, Banjar
The temple houses an idol of Shringa Rishi along with goddess Shanta in the temple. It is at small distance from the town of Kullu. Thousands of devotees come here every year to worship to Lord Shringa, who is the ruling deity of Banjar valley.
Fishing
Fishing is quiet popular in the Kullu Valley. There are a number of spots for fishing along the river Tirthan, such as Kasol, Naggar, Katrain and Raison.
City Shopping
After spending a beautiful day of sightseeing, the best option is to shop.In kullu one can shop pashmina shawls, Tibetan traditional stuff, Buddhist paintings and many other wooden stuff. In Kullu Market there are Kinnauri and Kullu Shawls which are entirely different from the traditional Kashmere flower design,these shawls have Asian inspired geometrical designs. Tibetan Silver Jewellery is intricately carved and heavy Tibetan jewelry is very easily found here. Amulets, neckpieces, earrings are all inspired by the Tibetan traditional beliefs. Kullu Caps are made of pure pashmina and angora wool. The caps reflect the aesthetics and excellent skills of the artisans of Kullu.
Main Markets
Akhara Bazaar: It is majorly famous for woolen apparels.
Tibetan Bazaar: The bazaar is known for silver turquoise jewelry. The beautiful Buddhist paintings are available here.
Sultanpur Market: Here you can find the beautiful tiny paintings are a great mix of royally and Pahari theme.
Bhuttico And Himbunkar: The market has hand woven shawl industry.
Hanogi Mata Temple
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mata Hanogi,watching the valleys from the top of a hill and has a stream running down below gives a perfect picturesque and sacred feeling. One can also enjoy nearby trekking and rock climbing .
Manikaran Sahib
Manikaran is known as an important pilgrimage destination for both Sikhs and Hindus. The hot springs, religious tendencies, and beautiful surroundings attract a lot of people. Gurudwara, Manikaran Sahib forms the religious pattern of the place.
According to Sikhs, Guru Nanak Ji performed several miracles here and Hindus believe that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati stayed here for almost 1100 years. This Gurudwara is also mentioned in the 'Twelfth Guru Khalsa' by Giani Gian Sikh which makes it more pure and significant for its disciples. There are three hot springs where one can take a bath, one being inside the Gurudwara itself and the other two being privatised by the guesthouses. Different sections for men and women are made at the bathing place. The water in these springs contains uranium, sulphur and other radioactive elements which are capable of curing tremendous diseases. The water is hot enough to prepare food directly for thousands of devotees who visit to attain peace and spirituality. The water is auspicious and is boiling today as well.
Bijli Mahadev Temple
It is said that the structure houses a Shiva Linga which was broken into pieces by lightning, that were brought back together and bounded by a temple priest using butter. The word around is that this repeats itself every year.The temple has to be reached by a trek through a 3 km long path covered with pine trees. The surroundings and the sceneries that one witnesses during the trek make it breathtakingly beautiful and refreshing rather than tiring.
Raghunath Temple
This is the oldest temple in the valley .The idol of Lord Raghunath placed here, the temple finds connections to Lord Rama, and is said to be the same as the one used by him. The design and architecture are in Pahari and Pyramidal styles. Other than the spirituality, the sceneries and views are equally beautiful.
Malana
Malana is an ancient lonely village in Himachal Pradesh in an inaccessible and charming highland by the side of the Malana River. According to localities, Malana is the place where democracy is best followed with the well-organized parliamentary system, guided by their deity Jamlu Rishi. The people of Malana are the ancestors of Aryans,they got their independence during the Mughal sovereignty when Akbar visited the place to cure his ailment. As it cured, he passed a statement that all the inhabitants of the valley were not required to pay taxes anymore. Today, the Malana Hydro Power Station has brought the valley out of the isolated world. Aryan Sharma, a Delhi-based businessman, adopted Malana in 2004. In January 2008, a fire breakout in Malana destroyed several cultural structures of ancient temples. The people of Malana speak Kanshi.
Sightseeing in Malana
Trading in Malana: Malanis have their own rule, and breaking them can invite a fine. All trade and transaction is done through a link via the earth or then surrounding air and hence, goods are exchanged either by throwing at the receiver or keeping them on the ground from where it can be picked up. In keeping with the traditions of Malana, you are not to touch the belongings of the people here without their permission.
The Muzik Cafe: An example of perfect Himachali hospitality, this serene cafe lies up a short trek. Snug rooms, dainty decorations and delicious food are the plus points of this place.
Trekking in Malana: A trip to Malana is incomplete without trekking through the thick forests here. The trek takes you through the superb valley and ends in a flow of dazzling water, which makes it totally worth it.
The Great Himalayan National Park
The Great Himalayan National Park, is one of India's national parks, which is located in Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh. It is spread over an area of 1,171 km sq at an altitude of between 1500 to 6000 m. Great Himalayan National Park has four valleys named Sainj Valley, Tirthan Valley, Jiwa Nal Valley and Parvati Valley. They are all popular for their natural and scenic beauty. The park has interesting variety of flora and fauna. The park was established in 1984. The park provides trekking facility to the visitors for which the Kullu Valley is the starting point . Activities like Rappelling, Trekking, Bonfires, River Crossing, Fishing demonstration, Wildlife , Bird watching are available.
