Kullu Travel Guide

The valley of gods, as the Kullu valley has come to be known, is perhaps the most delightful region in the western Himalayas. The valley spreads out its charm on either side of the upper reaches of the river Beas. Running north to south, the main river. The 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 colorful with pink blossoms and white flowers while the higher slopes are aglow with gorgeous rhododendrons. 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 center of the valley and is the starting place for a number of treks. The deodar-fringed grassy huge maidan called Dhalpur, is a stage for many colorful fairs.

Kullu Climate

Summer

During summers, the weather is very plesant and the maximum temperature hardly reaches 30 degree Celsius in the day, while the nights still retain a bit of chill. Summer is the season when tourists come in large number. When rest of India goes through extreme heat Kullu offers respite, with its cool and calm climate. Light woolen and cotton clothing is ideal during this weather condition.

Winter

Extreme weather is observed in Kullu during the winters, when the temperature may go down to freezing point. From December to February. Heavy woolen clothes like shawls, sweater, cardigans etc. are required during this weather. Temperature in Kullu are lower as compared to Manali which is at a greater height.

How to reach Kullu

By Air

The nearest airport is Bhuntar airport, situated near Kullu town; it is about 10 Kms from Kullu town. There are limited flights from New Delhi and Chandigarh.

By Rail

The nearest broad gauge railhead is Chandigarh (270 Kms). Alternative railheads are Shimla (220 Kms) and Jogindernagar (narrow gauge)( 40 Kms), connected with Kalka and Pathankot (broad gauge).

By Bus/ Taxi: Distance from Kullu

Places of interest in Kullu

Raghunath Temple

The chief tourist interest of Kullu is the Raghunath Temple that worships Lord Ram, who is believed as one of the most important deities in the Hindu mythology and is the patron deity amongst the residents of Kullu valley. It was erected in the year 1660 by Raja Jagat Singh, the one-time ruler of Kullu, basically to make amends for his sins. He got an idol of Lord Ram from Ayodhya and founded it in this temple.

Jagannathi Devi Temple

At a distance of 3 km from Kullu is located the Jagannathi Devi Temple or the Bekhli temple in the village of Bekhli. Although it is a precipitous 1½ hour gradient leading to the temple, it provides an amazing view of Kullu which is worth the ascent.

Bijli Mahadev Temple

The Bijli Mahadev Temple is placed on a spur at an elevation of 2460 meters. As the name suggests, the temple is frequently struck by lightning. There is a 20 meter high staff projecting out of the shrine, which is said to catch lightening from the skies and destroy them below the Shivlingam (the symbol of Lord Shiva). Bijli Mahadev, the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located across the river Beas, at some ten kilometers distance from Kullu. The temple offers a panoramic view of the Kullu valley and is worth visiting.

Places of interest around Kullu

Manikaran (85 Kms)

85 Kms from Manali and 45 km from Kullu, lies in the Parvati Valley, the holy pilgrimage place of Manikaran. Here icy cold waters of the Parvati river co-exists with boiling water side-by-side. The hot water springs are reputed for their healing properties. The springs in the area are hot enough to boil rice in it. Manikaran, a place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Sikhs, has a temple and a gurudwara.

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara ( Manikaran 85 Kms)

Manikaran is also held sacred by the Sikhs. According to the Sikh sources, Guru Nanak Dev once visited this place, accompanied by his disciple Bhai Mardana. The Gurudwara is commemorated to the same visit of the Guru. The Janam Sakhi or the ‘Autobiography of Bhai Mardana’ mentions the various miracles did by the Guru at this place. Manikaran Gurudwara, built in the mountains, provides some extraordinary sights.

Kullu Handicrafts

The artisans of Kullu valley preserve a rich heritage of handlooms and handicrafts. There is an amazing range of beautiful handloom and handicraft products in Kullu.

The traditional brilliant colors of the Handlooms probably manifest people’s zest for life and creation.

Kullu Shawls

The famous Kullu Shawls are admired for their elegant look. The Kullu Shawl owes its origin to the Kinnauri Shawl. The Kullu Shawl’s designs and motifs woven today have originally been derived from intricate Kinnauri designs that have been enlarged enormously and simplified with the passage of time. Shawls made in Kullu in Himachal Pradesh occupy a place of pride among the handicrafts of Kullu. For their elegant look, brilliant traditional patterns, quality and reasonable cost, these shawls are world famous.

Kullu Caps are widely worn by the local people and are also equally popular among tourists.

Warm local Tweeds, Pattus, Muflars etc. are the other handloom products largely produced in Kullu.

Manali Travel Guide

Manali literally means the ‘Home of Manu’, the mythological character who survived when the world was drowned in a flood. Spectacular views of snowcapped peaks and wooded slopes, grassy meadows carpeted with wild flowers make Manali the perfect retreat for a family holiday.

Location

Manali a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh is located at the north end of Kullu valley in Kullu district at a height of 2050 m (6398 ft). It is about 40 Kilometers from Kullu. Tourists traveling to Manali also visit Kullu as it is on the way.

Situated on the Beas river (and near its source) amidst lovely forests of towering cedars, circled by snowy peaks and the unending roar of the Beas as a constant companion, Manali also offers unparalleled opportunities for trekking, rock climbing, angling, and winter sport.

Manali Climate

The climate in Manali is very pleasant all through the year except during the winter when night temperatures may drop below zero degree Celsius. Springtime, beginning in March and lasting through April, brings to the valley blossoms, flowers and butterflies – offering a completely rejuvenating experience.

The summer temperatures range between 12° C and 25° C, while the winter temperatures usually remain between 2° C and 15° C.

Close to the snowfields of the Solang Nala and the Rohtang pass, Manali is decidedly cooler than Kullu. During winter there is heavy snowfall, sometimes throwing transportation out of gear and required woolen cloths like shawls, sweater, cardigans etc. During monsoons Manali gets heavy rainfall, and it is advisable to always travel with sufficient warm clothing.

How to reach Manali

By Air

The nearest airport is Bhuntar airport, situated near Kullu town,  it is about 50 kms from Manali and 10 Kms from Kullu town. There are limited flights from New Delhi and Chandigarh.

By Rail

The nearest broad gauge railhead is Chandigarh (320 Kms). Alternative railheads are Shimla (270 Kms) and Jogindernagar (narrow gauge)( 90 Kms), connected with Kalka and Pathankot (broad gauge).

Distance from Manali

Places of interest in Manali

Manali accounts for nearly a quarter of all tourist arrivals in Himachal Pradesh. Manali’s cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. It is famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, para gliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. It also offers hot springs, spectacular religious shrines and temples, Tibetan Buddhist temples, and trekking in the surrounding mountains.

Hadimba Temple:

Manali has many attractions but the chief center of interest, historically and archeologically, is undoubtedly the Hadimba Temple dedicated to goddess Hadimba or Hadimba Devi. It has four-tiered Pagoda shaped roof and the doorway is carved with legendary figures and symbols. Hadimba Devi Temple in Manali is located amidst wooden forest of deodar. It is a pleasant experience to stroll in the Hadimba Devi Temple complex which was built in 1533 A.D. A large festival is held here in May every year.

Places of interest around Manali

Vashist Springs (3 Kms)

At about more than half an hour’s walking distance from town, about 3 km away from Manali, at an altitude of 1,982 meters (6,200 feet) across the Beas river there are sulphur springs: gush, hot and medicinal – emerging out of the mountains at Vashisht. There are two separate bathing tanks for Gents and Ladies, which are always full of tourists. The village itself is perched on a steep hillside across the river Beas. Nearby is the Pyramidal Stone Temple dedicated to Vashisht Muni. There is another Temple of Lord Ram as well.

Jagatsukh (6 Kms)

It is one of the biggest villages in Kullu district. About 6-km from Manali, Jagatsukh is famous for its Shiva temple that is built in “shikhara” style and nearby is the old Devi Sharvati temple.

Arjun Gufa (5 Kms)

On the left bank of the Beas, 5-km from Manali near the village of Prini, is the ‘Arjun Gufa’ or the cave of Arjuna. In here Arjuna practiced austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.

Rohtang Pass (13 Kms)

Situated about 50-km from Manali town, at an altitude of 4,111m on the highway to Keylong, is the Rohtang Pass. There is a beautiful Dasohar Lake left of the Pass. The Pass, which provides the only access to the Lahaul Valley, is open from June to November each year. Snowfall is, however, unpredictable and blizzards can close the Pass even during this period. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendour. A few km away from the pass is the Sonapani glacier and, slightly to the left are the twin peaks of Gaypan-jagged pyramid of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.

Beas Kund (13.5 Kms)

The famous Beas Kund, the source of the Beas river, is at the farther end of Rohtang Pass. It is said that great Rishi Vyas meditated here, the place is still hollowed by a celestial light. It is because of this the river got the present name of Beas. The tiny round igloo like stone hut shelters the Beas Kund, the very source of the holy river Beas. Water flows at the source of the river like a spring, so clear and icy cold that it almost numbs the fingers. All around is the rocky terrain with very little vegetation. A few mules graze around while all and sundry try to brave the wind on a clear sunny day.

Kothi (12 Kms)

This is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the Rohtang pass, just 12 km away Manali town, situated on the Lahaul-Spiti Leh Highway. It offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers and an awe inspiring gorge where the Beas enters a chasm about sixty meters deep and just a few meters broad. Kothi used to be a camping site when Rohtang pass had to be climbed on foot.

Solang Valley (13 Kms)

13 Kms from Manali is the Solang Valley, offering spectacular views of the snow-clad mountains and the glaciers all around. Solang is the venue for paragliding and the annual skiing courses.

Manikaran (85 Kms)

85 Kms from Manali and 45 km from Kullu, lies in the Parvati Valley, the holy pilgrimage place of Manikaran. Here icy cold waters of the Parvati river co-exists with boiling water side-by-side. The hot water springs are reputed for their healing properties. The springs in the area are hot enough to boil rice in it. Manikaran, a place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Sikhs, has a temple and a gurudwara.

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara ( Manikaran 85 Kms)

Manikaran is also held sacred by the Sikhs. According to the Sikh sources, Guru Nanak Dev once visited this place, accompanied by his disciple Bhai Mardana. The gurdwara is commemorated to the same visit of the Guru. The Janam Sakhi or the ‘Autobiography of Bhai Mardana’ mentions the various miracles did by the Guru at this place. Manikaran Gurudwara, built in the mountains, provides some extraordinary sights.