Kullu
Blessed with an abundance of Natural beauty,
the Kullu Valley, Himachal's prized tourist destination, is rightly
celebrated as the valley of the Gods. Nestled between the Dhauladhar
and Pir Panjal ranges, it is the cradle of the great River Beas.
About 80km long, this lush valley extends from the gorge at Aut
to the Rohtang pass. it harbours forests, alpine meadows, gurgling
rivulets and orchards laden with fruit, and its Inhabitants are
a joyful and gentlepeople. Treat yourself to a glimpse of this
Himalayan paradise. Wander through the valley, succumb to its
Magical charms and discover Himachal at its best.
Kullu (1220m) was once known as Kulanthpitha-
'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 Velley.' Kullu got its first motorable
access only after Independence. The long centuries of seclusion
have however allowed the area to retain a considerable measure
of its traditional charm. 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 'Silver Valley' has nature's
treasures that lie carelessly scattered as flowers on the high
meadows. Here are riches which cannot be measured and echo down
the ages with the words of every myth and ancient legend- and
glow in the warm smiles of its gentle people. There is pleasure
in every step you take in these enchanted valleys and in every
gurgle you hear in the clear mountain streams.
Excursion
Raghunath Temple
In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kulu committed a great
wrong. To atone for the sin he sent a senior counter to Ayodhya
for statue of Lord Raghunath- Lord Rama. This temple was built
by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and even today, is greatly
revered.
Bajaura (15 km)
One of the most charming temples in the Kullu valley, this is
renowned for its intricate stone carvings.
Kaisdhar (15 km)
A high meadow fringed by deodar trees. A pictureque spot.
Kasol (42 km)
An open glade by the banks of the river Paravti. Clean white sand
separates the lush green grass from the waters. A good spot for
trout. Himachal Tourism has a Tourist Hut here.
Manikaran (45km)
At 1737 m, here are hot sulphur springs that bubble next to the
icy waters of the Parvati river. The place is revered by both
Hindus and Sikhs. Treks from here lead to Pulga, Khirganga and
Mantalai- a strech of considerable natural beauty. The route finally
reaches the Pin Parvati Pass (4802 m) which opens into the Sutlej
valley. At Manikaran Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel Parvati.
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Festival
Dussehra
When Dussehra celebrations come to an end in the rest of the country,
they begin at Kullu. Over 600 local deities come to pay homage
to Lord Raghunath. This is a time when the valley is at its colourful
best. to Malana, over the Jalori Pass or Bashleo Pass to Shimla,
and over the Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan
Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan
The river Beas offers excellent opportunities for while water
rafting.
Adventures
& Sports
Fishing
The Kullu valley has numerous places for trout fishing. These
include Katrain, Raison, Kasol and Naggar, then along the river
Tirthan near Larji, in the Sainj Valley and in the Hurla Khud.The
valley is the nucleus of several trek routes. Some major ones
are over the Chander khani Pass
Getting There
The airport at Bhuntar is 10km from Kullu, where taxis and buses
are available. The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernager,
95km from Kullu. By road, the distance from Delhi via Mandi is
530 km and from Shimla this is 240km. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury
buses fly to Kullu.
Weather
In winter, the temperature gets quite low when heavy woollens
are required. It is pleasant in summer and cottons are recommended.
Shopping
Shawls, local tweeds, rugs ('namdas'), foot wear ('pullan'), baskets,
natural oils (almond and olive), caps.
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General Information & Accomdation info
on Kullu city of Himachal Pradesh - India
