Kullu,Himachal Pradesh - Hill Station

Information:

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.

Attractions:

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.

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.

Kanwar 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.

Best time to visit:
Mid-March to mid-April,mid-September to mid-November.

Travel Information:

• By Air: The airport at Bhuntar is 10-km from Kullu,where taxis and buses are available.
• By Rail: The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar,95-km from Kullu.
• 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.