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.
