KULLU Valley The "Valley of Gods"

ABOUT KULLU

          Kullu (1220m) was once known as Kulanthapitha - the end of the habitable world. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalaya, and by the banks of the shining river Beas lay the fabled Silver Valley. Kullu got its first motorable access only after independence. The long centuries of seclusion have however allowed the area to retain a considerable measures of its traditional charm. 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 Silver Valley has nature's treasures that lie carelessly scattered as flowers. This wealth nestles by every tree in the splendid forests, bursts forth in the blooms and in the fruit of every orchard. Here are riches which cannot be measured and echo down the ages with the words of every myth and ancient legend and glow in the warm smiles of its gentle people. There is pleasure in every step you take in these enchanted valleys and in every gurgle you hear in the clear mountain streams.

          Amidst the loftiness of the majestic Himalayas, and the serene ambience of the unpolluted River Beas, Kullu is in the state of Himachal Pradesh also known as the "Valley of Gods".

Formerly renowned as Kulanthpitha, translating to 'the ending point of inhabitable world', this fabulous valley has its mention in epics like Ramayana, Mahabarata and Vishnu Purana. Kullu was not an easily accessible place till independence, which helped to preserve its unspoiled charm and centuries old tradition. A cluster of beautiful valleys, Kullu presents an enjoyable tourist spot where one can feel the rejuvenating warmth of Mother Nature.

Bestowed with abundant natural resources, Kullu valley offers everything that tickles the tourist’s imagination. The awe-inspiring landscapes, friendly people with varied culture and traditions makes Kullu a favourite picnic spot. Challenging trekking, river rafting and mountaineering are activities you can enjoy in this serene valley. Words would not suffice to explain the downright excitement of descending from the sky, paragliding over subterranean mountain, rafting in the deafening crystalline water, or hiking the glaciers and mountain acmes of Himalayas.

At an altitude of 1230 meter, this valley of gods commands the beauty of nature at its zenith. Its picturesque views dotted with snow clad mountain peaks, verdant grassy fields, soaring deodar jungles, gurgling rivers and the apple orchards are awe inspiring spectacles.

With the awesome views of lush evergreen grazing lands, engulfed by the gushing streams and twisty rivulets, tossing all around, Kullu offers a rather broad area which is ideal for everyone who wishes to get away from the trappings of the hectic city life.

Besides these blessed beauty spots, Kullu valley is also famed for its finely carved temples, brilliant artistries and cultural festivals. In a nutshell, Kullu Valley offers a variety of amazing attractions which gather large crowds year after year

MUST SEE PLACES IN KULLU

Chandrakhani Pass

          

          Chandrakhani Pass is located in the Parbati valley that joins Malana Valley to Kullu Valley. An ideal base for trekking, the pass is known for its scenic beauty. Chandrakhani is 3600m above sea level and offers scenic trekking trails. Just below the Chandrakhani pass, trekkers can stop over at the small village of Malana which is a cluster of stone roof houses. The best season for trekking at Chandrakhani pass is from May to October.

Pandoh Dam

          Around 10 kms from Manali lies this vast expanse of man-made beauty. Pandoh dam is a power generator hydro-electric dam, built on river Beas. The lake is the reservoir of the dam and has five bays that regulate the water.

At a height of 76 m, the dam is earth cum rock filled and is part of the Bhakra Beas Management Board. This dam is en route to Manali from Kullu and tourists can stop over here to capture a few glimpses of this magnanimous beauty in their cameras.

The Great Himalayan National Park

Great Himalayan National Park, also known as Jawahar Lal Nehru Great Himalayan National Park, is an ideal place for wildlife buffs. Located amidst the spectacular natural vista, the park is home to some of the most elusive and endangered species of animals. Sprawling on an area of 50 sqkm, there are around 180 species of bird and mammals that tourists can sight here. Some of the most popular animals tourist can look forward to sights include musk deer, brown bears, Himalayan Tahr, Ibex, black bears and rare species of snow leopard.

The best way to explore the park is by taking up a five day trek that is organized by the park authorities. Park rangers accompany the tourists. Hence safety is not a concern. The arrangements can be made at the Sai Ropa Tourist Center, located 5 Kms before Gushaini.

The best time to visit the park is from the months of April to June and again from September to November. Tourists are advised have a travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuations.

To reach the Himalayan National Park, tourists can catch any bus on the Mandi-Manali route to Aut, and further take a taxi to the park entrance.

Adventure games

Rafting

      

Kullu is one of the most popular destinations for rafting. River Beas, located close to Kullu is the place where rafters can enjoy this sport. The season from end of April to June and again from mid-September to mid-October is the apt time for rafting in Kullu. Charges for enjoying this sport are around Rs 1000 to 1500 per person (negotiable).

The river boasts of various grades that suits amateurs as well as seasoned rafters. Gears and training can be taken from the Himachal Mountaineering Institute and Allied Sports, located in Manali.

Trekking

         Kullu features among the main trekking areas in Himachal Pradesh. There are several famous treks around the Kullu Valley, but most of the trails are situated beyond the Rohtang Pass in the valleys of Spiti, Lahaul, Zanskar and Ladakh. Expeditions for upto 10-12 days are organized in this area from Pin-Pass to Spiti and Manikaran to Chhota Dhara.

          The valley extremities are usually around 3500 m high with many villages and Buddhist monasteries positioned well above 4000 m. Most treks take about two to three weeks to complete and lead through isolated areas.

The treks here pass through rough and pristine terrain, deep forests and beautiful streams. The trekkers can see many old temples that lie along the way. The best period to enjoy trekking in this region is from April to mid-June and mid-September to mid-October. The excitement of high altitude trekking is the utmost when done in the months from June to September.

Putasar Lake trekking is also a good option for trekkers. Starting from Dashal temple, it usually takes 4 days to reach the lake. Best during September and October months, such treks are organized by Juniper Outdoor pursuits Centre (9810009564), charging up to Rs 25,000 inclusive of all equipment.

PLACES OF INTEREST

KULLU DUSSEHRA : When Dussehra celebrations comes to an end in the rest of country, it begins at Kullu. Over 300 local deities come to pay homage to Lord Ragunath. This is a time when the valley is at its colorful best.

RAGHUNATH TEMPLE : In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu committed a great wrong. To atone for the sin, he sent a courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Ragunath (Lord Rama). This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and is greatly revered.

BIJLI MAHADEV TEMPLE (14 km) : At 2460m, this is set on a spur that offers some spectacular views. The temple is famous for its high staff that periodically draws lighting which shatters the Linga and scorches the building. Using only butter as adhesive, the Linga is then carefully pieced together by the temple pundit.

BASHESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE BAJURA (15 KM) : One of the most charming temple in Kullu, this is renowned for its intricate stone carvings.

OTHER TEMPLES : The Vaishno Devi temple (4km), the Devi Jagannath Temple at Bekhli (5 km) and the Vishnu temple at Dayar (12 km) are other important shrines around Kullu.

KAISDHAR (15 KM) : A high meadow fringed by deodar trees. A picturesque spot.

KASOL (40 km) : An open glade by the banks of the river Parvati on way to Manikaran. Clean white sand separates the lush green grass from the water. A good spot for trout. Himachal Tourism runs Tourist Hut at Kasol.

How to reach?

The airport at Bhunter is 10 km from Kullu, where taxis and buses are available. By road, the distance from Delhi is 530 km, Shimla - 240 km. From Delhi, HPTDC Luxury and Volvo coaches ply to Kullu daily. During tourist season there is a daily luxury coach to Shimla.

CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature gets quite low when heavy woolens are required. It is pleasant in summer and cottons are recommended.