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Kullu - Manali Tourism

The valley of gods, as the Kullu valley has come to be known, is perhaps
the most delightful region in the western Himalayas. The ancient Hindus
regarded it as the furthest limit of human habitation - Kulantapitha, and
its original name finds mention in the epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata
as well as Vishnu Purana.
Like a slender delicate-hued fern glistening in the morning dew, the valley
spreads out its charm on either side of the upper reaches of the river Beas.
Running north to south, the main river valley is only 80 km long and 2 km
at its broadest, yet a fairly wide area is open to the visitors to enjoy
the spectacle of variegated mountain scenery.
In the spring Kullu is at its most colourful with pink blossoms and white
flowers while the higher slopes are aglow with gorgeous rhododendrons. With
utumn, clear blue skies return and fields and forests alike show wonderful
tints of crimson and ochre. By December, there is no greenery except the
majestic pines and cedars in the forests. In winter the hillsides are flanked
in white.
Situated on the banks of the Beas, Kullu, the headquarters of the district,
serves as a nerve centre of the valley and is the starting place for a number
of treks. The deodar-fringed grassy maidan, Dhalpur, is a stage for many
colourful fairs.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Raghunathji Temple
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 presidind deity of the valley.
Vaishno Devi
A small cave enshrine an image of goddess Vaishno.Other temples are dedicated
to Lord Shiva, Rama and Krishna.
Jagannathi Temple
A stiff climb leads one to the shrine from where one gets a panoramic view
of Kullu town.
Mahadev Temple
The Mahadev temple one of the most striking temple is set on a spur, and
is famous for its 60 ft high staff which periodically attracts lightning
that shatters the Shivalinga. Each time this happens, it is pieced together
by the temple priest.
The Great Himalayan National Park
Located in the beautiful district of Kullu, the 620 sq. km. area has temperate
forests - some of the virgin coniferous forests of the state. Vast areas
of alpine pasture and glaciers cap this park. Among the animals found in
this part of the western Himalayas are musk deer, ghoral, thar, bharal,
sewor, brown bear, leopard and snow leopard.
Bird life includes a variety of colourful pheasants - monal, khalij,
cheer and tragopan. A trek through the park to Rekte-Sar, the origin of
the Sainj River and camping amid alpine pastures is a memorable experience.
Kanawar Sanctuary
This sasnctuary located in the Parvati Valley of the Kullu District is
the habitat of the Himalayan thar. This big goat is often seen on high
mountainous precipices.
A splendid trek is possible along the Garahan Nalla from Kasol through
dense deodar and fir forests. The rest house at Kasol is convernient and
the Range Officer, Wildlife, Kasol, can offer information and assistance.
Around Kullu
Kaishdhar
16 km. A delightful spot (2,300 metres) for a quiet holiday where one can
commune with nature. Many walks in the neighbourhood. Forest Rest House
provides accommodation.
Bajeshwar Mahadev Temple (Bajaura)
15 km. The pyramidical temple (9th century AD) is embellished with wonderful
carvings in stone and sculptural decorations. The three large image slabs
on the exterior are all of a high order of sculpture in the Indian classical
(Shikara) style.
Kasol
42 km. Situated on the banks of Parvati river, Kasol in the Parvati valley
makes a good holiday destination. Charmingly located in an open space which
slopes down to a broad expanse of clear white sand at the edge of the river.
The place is known for trout fishing.
Manikaran
45 km. On the trekking route to Pulga and Pin Parvati pass, Manikaran is
famous for its hot springs. Thousands of people take a dip in its hot waters.
The water is so hot that dal (pulses), rice etc. can be boiled in it. It
is also a well known pilgrimage centre and there is an ancient Hindu temple
and a gurdwara here. According to a legend, Manikaran is also associated
with Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Parvati, who lost and recovered
her ear-ring here.
Larji
34 km. South of Kullu at an elevation of 957 metres, this is a small hamlet
providing excellent trout fishing. A Rest House is located in a stunning
position, at an angle between the foaming torrents of the rivers Sainj and
Tirthan, before they join the Beas a few hundred anglers.
Pulga and Khirganga
16 km. A stiff march takes one to the restful solitude of the Forest Rest
House whose immediate environment affords a sylvan and peaceful retreat
for body and mind. The Tos nullah, which branches off from the main Paravati
valley is well worth exploration by those who favour the wilder aspects
of natural scenery and are prepared to camp out. 10 km from Pulga lies Khirganga
which is well-known for its hot springs.
Banjar
58 km. an excellent spot (1,534 metres) for trout fishing in Tirthan river.
the famous temple of Shringa Rishi is located here in whose honour a fair
is held every year in May. Accommodation is available at a PWD Rest House.
Shoja
13 km from the Banjar PWD Rest House (2,650 metres) on the Kullu side of
the Jalori pass, it is located in a setting of marvellous scenic surroundings.
Raison 
16 km. On the way to Manali, it is an ideal site at an elevation 1,433 metres
for spending a quiet holiday in solitary splendour and for holding youth
camps and rallies. On the gurgling banks of the Beas there are 14 wooden
huts of HPTDC.
Katrain
20 km. The central and the widest part of the valley on the way to Manali
and at a height of 1,463 metres. Apple orchards, a Fruit Research Station
and a trout hatchery lend prominence to the place. HPTDC's Hotel Apple Blossom
and Tourist Cottage.
Naggar
28 km. On the left bank of the Beas and about three hundred metres above
the river, Naggar is delightfully situated on a wooded slope and commands
an extensive view, especially of the north west of the valley. It is an
excellent place for a longer stay. Naggar was the capital of the Kullu Rajas
for about 1,400 years. There are a large number of famous temples in and
around Naggar. Artist Nicholas Roerich's art gallery is also worth a visit.
Cars and jeeps can easily go up to the Naggar Castle which is now Himachal
Tourism's well furnished Hotel Castle.
Malana
28 km. up to Naggar by bus and then 20 km. on foot. A little ahead off the
beautiful Chandrakhani pass lies the tiny village of Malana, famous for
the temple of Jamlu and its distinct social and cultural life. Reputed to
be the oldest democracy in the world in existence where all the inhabitants
of the village take part in managing its affairs. An exciting place for
trekking.
How to get there
Air
Kullu is connected by Vayudoot flights from Delhi, Shimla and Chandigarh
to Bhuntar airport, 10 km.
Rail
Convenient railheads are Chandigarh, Jogindernagar (narrow gauge with a
change at Pathankot), Shimla and then by road to Kullu.
Road
Kullu is connected by road with Delhi (789 km.) and linked by National Highway
via Ambala (606 km.), Chandigarh (556 km.), Ropar, Bilaspur and Mandi.
Bus Service
State Road Transport buses of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana provide
services from all major centres in the region of Kullu. Main HRTC Bus Stand
at Akhara Bazar.
General Information
Altitude : 1,219 mtrs.
Temperature : Between 2 C in winters and 38.8 C in summers.
Best Season : April to June / September to November
Clothing : (Summer/Winter) Cotton/Heavy Woollens
STD code : 01902
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