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[Shimla
Dalhousie Chamba
DharamShala
Kulluvalley
Kinnaur Tour Spiti Lahaul]
Home -> North
India -> Kullu Valley
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. |
Prime
Attractions of Kullu
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The Great Himalayan National Park
Characterised by dazzling high ridges, glaciers, deep gorges, alpine
meadows and valleys with closed virgin forests, the Great Himalayan
National Park with an altitudinal variation from 1,300m to 6,100m in
Kullu district is one of the best destinations for Himalayan flora
and fauna lovers. Supporting a diverse wildlife of over three
hundred species of birds and over thirty species of mammals, the
region was declared a national park in 1984.
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Bijli Mahadev Temple
Situated at an altitude of 2,438 metres one can reach this temple by
a tough but rewarding climb through a 6-km long trek. From the
temple site, a panoramic view of Kullu and Parvati valleys is
available.
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Brighu Lake
In
district Kullu, Brighu Lake lies east of the Rohtang Pass and is
about 6-km from the village of Bulaba. The shores of this clear
water lake are devoid of human habitation yet, it is visited
regularly by the people of the area
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Dhankia Mahadeva Temple
The temple is dedicated to Shiva who stands enshrined in a cave in
the form of a 'lingam'.
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Kullu Dussehra
More
traditionally, over two hundred deities converge on Kullu for its
unusual Dussehra Celebrations. They pay homage to Lord Raghunathji
while Music and colour fill the "Silver Valley". Dussehra at Kullu
commences on the tenth day of the rising moon, i.e. on 'Vijay Dashmi'
day itself and continues in seven days.
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Pin Parbati Pass
The Pin
Parbati Pass, 4,810m, is marked by rock cairns and prayer flags. The
alpine views to the snow-capped ranges towards the Kullu Valley
contrast with the barren mountain ridges, which stretch east towards
Spiti.
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Akhara Bazaar
Known as
one of the main bazaar, where Kullu caps, shawls, 'pattoos', gudmas,
'puhlas' and 'namdas' or rugs are sold in plenty.
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Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Bajaura
This 9th century Shiva Temple is renowned for its intricate stone
carvings.
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Chandra Khanni Pass
The
tough climbing trek-route of Chandra Khani Pass lies east of
Khatrain. The whole area looks wonderfully striking and colorful
when the flowers in various brilliant hues, are in blossom
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Dashir Lake
Dashir Lake is situated near the Rohtang Pass that connects district
Kullu with Lahaul at a height of 4,270m.
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Deo Tibba
Also
known as Indralika, this 2,953 metres (9,687 ft.) high snow dove
Jagatsukh, has a legend around it, with Arjuna. He started
performing 'tapa' at this mountain, under the advice of Maharishi
Vyas, in order to obtain the powerful Pasupata Astra from Indra.
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Jagatsukh
Jagatsukh is the most ancient Kullu capital, situated on the left
bank, between Nagar and Manali. Around the Jagatsukh secondary
school playground there are two ancient temples - the small shrine
of Gaurishankar and the larger chalet-roofed temple to the goddess
Sandhya Devi, the stone base of which is much more ancient than the
19th-century wooden verandah and roof.
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Kaisdhar
A
picturesque spot, situated across a steep hill known for its
magnificient scenery and innumerable walks.
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Kanawar Sanctuary
This
sanctuary is located in Parbati valley of Kullu district. Uphill
walk along Garahan Nala from Kasol through dense majestic Deodar and
Fir forests is enjoyable.
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Kaso
An open
glade by the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol makes a good holiday
destination. Clean white sand separates the lush green grass from
the stone, this place is well known for trout fishing
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Katrain
At
about midpoint on Kullu-Manali road, this is the home of lush
orchards and famous for bee-keeping and trout fishing. Khatrain is
the widest point in Kullu Valley and is overlooked by the 3,325 m
Baragarh peak.
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Kullu Handicrafts
Also known as "felted wool", Namdas are made by beating rather than
weaving the wool. Baskets in Himachal are made of a high altitude
species of bamboo called 'Nargal'. Kullu cap is an extremely
colourful headgear, made of a wollen cloth with variety of colouful
band of Shaneel around it.
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Largi
Largi is a small hamlet, 34-km south of Kullu via Aut, offers the
best trout fishing and scenic beauty in the valley. The resthouse
there is in a stunning location where two Himalayan torrents, the
Sainj and Tirthan, meet. Fishing permits can be obtained from Kullu
and Largi itself.
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Lohri Festival
Winter chill outdoors contrasts well with the warmth of the
fireplace indoors. Festivities take a head start with Lohri
celebrations when people, young and old, volunteer to sing folk
songs by the side of bonfire at night.
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Malana Valley
In the
valleys of Kullu and Manali below Chanderkhani Pass, situated at an
altitude of 2,76m is a little hub of hundred houses. The village,
which consists of 1,000 tribals, has an immaculate system of
self-governance.
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Manali Sanctuary
This
sanctuary is located in District Kullu's nearest town, Manali. The
area of this sanctuary is 3,180 hectares. The sanctuary wasnotified
on 26th February 1954, under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animals
Protection Act, 1933.
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Naggar
Taken as an excursion from Kullu or Manali, Nagar also known as
Naggar, is a very lovely village set on a hill surrounded by
forests. Naggar was the capital of Kullu valley in the 16th century
and the monuments in the region are witnesses to the glory it had
once lived in.
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Nature Parks: Kufri, Manali, Gopalpur
These
are small nature parks getting very popular among the tourists who
whish to admire the expance of nature.
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Nirmund
Situated in outer Seraj of Kullu district, Nirmund is at present a
block headquarter. Known as 'Chhoti Kashi', it was once a seat of
great scholars and intellectuals.
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Pulga, Khiranga and Mantalai
Almost level walk of two hours along Parvati river is Gattigarh, the
rest place for trekkers. Around 4-km ahead on right side of river
Parvati lies Pulga, which looks like the twin sister of Manali.
Khiranga hot water fall is situated in beautiful natural setting and
its water contains medicinal property. One thing has to be noted
that taking bath in its water will put greasy touches to the body,
unlike Manikaran, where one feels the touch of dryness. Covering
another two kilometres from Khiranga lies Mantalai.
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Raghunathji Temple
In the
17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu committed a great wrong. To
atone for the sin he sent a senior courtier to Ayodhya for a statue
of Lord Raghunath - Lord Ram. This temple was built by Raja Jagat
Singh to house the image and even today, is greatly revered. The
shrine houses an image of Shri Raghunath in his chariot.
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Raison
By the
banks of the Beas-and on the Kullu-Manali highway- Himachal Tourism
runs a camping site here. This place is ideal for a taste of
adventure and for spending a quiet holiday in solitary splendour.
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Seruvalsar Lake
Seruvalsar Lake is situated in district Kullu, 20-km from Ani in the
direction of the Jalori Pass at a height of 3,100m.
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Shoja
At
2692 m, this is a vantagepoint for a complete panorama of the Kullu
area-snow peaks and valleys, meadows and forests, rivers and
streams.
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Sultanpur Palace
It
contains some fine examples of the Kullu style of miniature
painting, characterised by simple rural scenes and the lack of human
subjects.
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The Vaishno Devi Temple
4-km
along the Kullu to Manali road is this temple with a small cave
having an image of goddess Vaishno or Durga.
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Trekking
Himachal
offers a virtual bonanza for trekkers. From moderate to strenuous
treks ranging up to 11 days and the best season to trek over here is
during the months of June to October. One of Himachal's classic
routes is the Chandra Bhaga triangle and the Baralacha Pass at a
height of 4,833m.
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Excursions from Kullu
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Bajaura Temple
On the banks of the river Beas, about 200 m off the Kullu Mandi road
at Hat or Hatta, is situated a massive pyramidal structure temple,
decorated with images of Durga, Vishnu and Ganesh in the outer
3-sided shrines. Floriated scrollwork can be seen on the exterior
walls. Inside this Shiva temple is a large yoni-lingam. It is 15-km
from Kullu.
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Banjar
It is about 58-km from Kullu at an altitude of 1,534m (5,000 ft.).
Banjar is famous for its panoramic beauty and trout fishing in river
Tirtham
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Bathad
A beautiful spot at a distance of 67-km can be approached by road
from Kullu. It is recognized for adventurous games such as hunting,
trout fishing and breathtakingly beautiful sites.
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Jagannathi Devi Temple
This temple is in Bhekhli village, 3-km from Kullu. It's a stiff
climb but from the temple one can catch fine views of the town.
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Fairs & Festivals - Kullu
Kullu 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 Raghunathji. Enthusiasm marks the festival, with
every road leading to Dhaulpur Maidan thronged by gaily-dressed,
good-humoured crowds, folk dances, exhibitions, cultural programmes
are held to mark the festivities.
At the end of April, a colourful 3-day Cattle fair attracts
villagers from the surrounding areas. During the Hill Fruit Show,
sponsored by Department of Horticulture, Himachal Pradesh, best
Kullu fruits are on display.
DHOONGRI FAIR
May gushes in with a whole series of river rafting festivals and
water sports Regattas, throughout the state. Focused around the
goddess Hadimba Devi, Kullu celebrates the Dhoongri fair.
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How To
Get There - Kullu
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By
Road :-
By road,
the distance from Delhi via Mandi is 530-km and from Shimla this is
240-km. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Kullu. There's a
bus and taxi stand on the opposite side of maidan. The main bus
stand is by river in the northern area of the town. |
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By Air :-
The
airport at Bhuntar is 10-km from Kullu, where taxis and buses are
available. |
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By Rail :-
The
closest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 95-km from Kullu.
Places
To Stay - Kullu
In Kullu
accommodation is plentiful and inexpensive with options varying from
govenment and private hotels to guest houses and tourist lodges.
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