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Prime Attractions of Kullu

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.

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.

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

Dhankia Mahadeva Temple
The temple is dedicated to Shiva who stands enshrined in a cave in the form of a 'lingam'.

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.

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.

Akhara Bazaar
Known as one of the main bazaar, where Kullu caps, shawls, 'pattoos', gudmas, 'puhlas' and 'namdas' or rugs are sold in plenty.

Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Bajaura
This 9th century Shiva Temple is renowned for its intricate stone carvings.

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

Dashir Lake
Dashir Lake is situated near the Rohtang Pass that connects district Kullu with Lahaul at a height of 4,270m.

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.

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.

Kaisdhar
A picturesque spot, situated across a steep hill known for its magnificient scenery and innumerable walks.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nature Parks: Kufri, Manali, Gopalpur
These are small nature parks getting very popular among the tourists who whish to admire the expance of nature.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bhuntar Airport, 10 km from Kullu, has regular flights both on Indian Airlines and private carriers connecting the town to Delhi and Shimla. The most convenient railhead is Chandigarh, 272 km away, and with good connections to the rest of the country. Buses and taxis ply between the two cities regularly. Alternatively, one can drive to Kullu- good roads link the town to Delhi, Shimla, Chandigarh and other nearby places, and there are regular bus connections to and from Delhi, Shimla, Pathankot, Palampur and Ambala.

The best seasons to visit Kullu are from Mid-March to Mid-April and again mid-September till mid-November. Summers are more crowded, though that is the main season for treks. The festival of Dussehra in October is an extravaganza in Kullu, and reason enough in itself to visit the town at this time.

Kullu has a reasonably wide choice of accommodation, from the mid-range to the budget options. Rates shoot up almost four times during the Dussehra celebrations in mid-October while in the off-season, most hotels offer large discounts.