Kullu

The pristine valley of temples, springs and greenery

The Kully Manali Valley is perhaps the best tourist destination for romantic couples, providing silence from the excessive hue and cry from the city life. Evolving as the prized possession of Himachal Pradesh, Kullu is known for the sparkling Beas River, cascading waterfalls and the rustic growth of Pine and Deodar trees. There is more to this place than what meets the eyes and definitely, it is one of the most enrapturing abodes in North India. In fact, Kullu has been fondly called as the Valley of Gods and is adorned with numerous temples and religious places. Several tourists visit Kullu to experience the jubilant Dussherhra celebrations with pomp and style. It is also positioned at the confluence of Sarvari and Beas River, which makes its even more entrancing. Tourists from all over the world come to Kullu for enjoying a leisure stay, also.

History reveals that Kullu was called as Kulanthpitha, which meant the end of the habitable world. According to the legends, the fabled 'silver valley' existed beyond the other side of the Himalayas as the territory of Kully slowly approached its end. It is believed that people started inhabiting Kullu from first century AD. Several prominent rulers controlled the area of and around Kullu in the medieval days. It was only during the British rule that the Kullu rose into prominence and was better connected to other parts of India.

Following are the main attractions of Kullu:

Raghunath Temple: Shri RaghuNath is the chief diety of Kullu. Every year, the festival of Dussehra is celebrated under his name. The temple has been constructed in 1660 AD by King Jagat Singh. It has both pyramidical and Pahari style of architecture used to adorn its outlook and ambience. 45 different festivals are celebrated in this temple in the entire year.

Bijli Mahadev: Situated 14 km away from Kullu, this sacred temple is located amidst beautiful meadows and houses an ancient Shiva temple. It is famous for its Shiva Linga idol. It is believed that every time lightning strikes, the Linga gets destroyed and then the pujaris resurrect it. Annual fairs are also held in the month of March near the temple.One can also witness a panoramic view of the Paravati valley and Kull Valley from the temple. A 60 feet tall shaft glistens over the temple.It is believed that this shaft attracts blessings.

Mahadevi Tirth Temple: It is located 2 km away from Kullu and is also known as the Mata Vaishno Maha Devi Tirth Temple. It was constructed in 1966. The temple has been constructed for Goddess Parvati by Swami Sewak Das Ji Maharaj. It is also known for its shrines and handicraft souvenir centres.

Manikaran: It is nestled in the Parvati Valley and  is located 45 km away from Kullu. Over the years, it has evolved as a sacred place for both Hindus and Sikhs. Thus, several temples and Gurudwaras have also sprouted in Manikaran, further purifying the ambience of this place. The hot water springs here are also considered very sacred.

Shoja: This picturesque landscape, lined with apple orchads, locating before Kullu, is also a part of the Great Himalayan National Park. The long, untouched and virgin ambience of this territory needs to be felt and cannot be explained, especially the enchating walk in the woods.It is also the vantage point of Kullu and located around 1435 m from the sea level.

Excursions from Kullu

The important destinations located near to Kullu are Bhuntar (10.2 km), Naggar (23.9 km), Kasol (36.9 km), Manali (40.1 km), Manikaran (40.9 km) and Shimla (210.3 km).

Shopping in Manali

Tourists can find Kinnauri shawls, caps, rugs, imported groups along with interesting Tibetan items in the local bazaars and make shift markets. The Akhara Bazzar is known for the handicrafts emporium.

When to Reach
Kullu has a very pleasant climate all round the year. But the most ideal time to visit Kullu is during the months of June to September. The summer months provide the much needed respite from the scorching summer sun while heavy snowfall during the winter months makes Kullu an ideal destination for trekking and watching the snow fall.

How to Reach

Air:The nearest airport to Kullu is located in Bhuntar which is around 10.2 km away from it. Though, currently this airport is not functional and hence, the closest airport to Kullu in Chandigarh airport.
Rail: The nearest railway station to Kullu in Jogindernagar which is located around 125 km away.
Road: Buses of Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation are easily accessible from the nearby cities like Delhi, Chandigarh and Pathankot for Kullu.