Kullu Himachal Pradesh

Kullu, once known as Kul-anti-peetha - "the end of the habitable world", is the capital town of the Kullu District, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located on the banks of the Beas River in the Kullu Valley about ten kilometres north of the airport at Bhuntar. Kullu is a broad open valley formed by the Beas river between Manali and Largi. This valley is famous for the beauty and its majestic hills covered with Pine and Deodar Forest and sprawling Apple Orchards.The course of the Beas river presents a succession of magnificent, clad with forests of Deodar, yowering above trees of Pine on the lower rocky ridges. Kullu valley is sandwiched between the Pir Panjal, Lower Himalayan and Great Himalayan range.

Kullu Valley

Kullu Valley is the largest valley in the Kullu district, in Himachal Pradesh, India. The Beas River runs through the middle of the valley. It is also called the "Valley of the Gods".

It connects with the Lahul and Spiti valleys via Rohtang Pass, situated at 13,051 ft (3,978 m), 51 km from Manali city.

Kullu Valley, also known as the "Valley of Gods", is well known for the seven day festival of Kullu Dussehra, a celebration of Avatar Lord Rama's victory over the evil king Ravana. The festival takes place in the months of October or November, depending upon the Hindu calendar.

Due to it being the commercial and economic center, the township of Kullu has had an eclectic influx of nearby village/district inhabitants, shop owners and government employees from bordering states who give a different feel from the rest of the valley. This has also contributed to a stronger sports and educational infrastructure in the town.

How to Reach Kullu

By Road: The bus station is located near the banks of river Sarvari. Kullu has a good bus service for Shimla, Delhi, Chandigarh, Mandi, Manali, Manikaran, Nagar, Bajura, and Dharamsala. The Taxi stand is located near the National Highway 21, and one can get taxi for Delhi, Shimla, Manali, Mandi, Manikaran, and Dharamsala.

By Air: The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, which is 10 km south of Kullu. Bhuntar is well connected to Delhi by air, and there are daily flights between them operated by Archana Airlines and Jagson Airlines with a stopover at Shimla.

By Rail: The nearest railway sataion is at Jogindernagar (95 km).

Kullu Weather:

See 10-Day Forecast

Kullu Map:

Places to Visit in Kullu

Raghunath 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 Rama. This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and even today, is greatly revered.

Shringi Rishi Temple- Banjar

About 60 Km. from Kullu is Banjar valley wherein Shringi Rishi Temple is located. Shringi Rishi is the ruling deity of Banjar valley. In fact , before the Lord Rama's advent into Kullu valley from Ayodhya Puri,Lord Shringi was the ruling deity of Kullu. Shringi rishi is one among the "atthara kardoo" (eighteen chief deities) of the Kullu valley.

Maha Devi Tirth Temple (Shri Mahadevi Tirth)

Popularly known as Vaishno Devi Mandir (by localities), situated about two kilometers North from the Kullu valley on Kullu Manali road, though a newly founded temple, yet it is acknowledged like any old famous temple. The foundation of this temple was laid by (Swami Sewak Das Ji).

Bijli Mahadev

Bijli Mahadev Temple is one of the most excellent forms of art in India. It is located at 2,435 meters from sea level and is about 10 km away from Kullu. The staff of the temple is 60 feet high and can be seen from the Kullu valley too. It is the highest point around Kullu from where the beautiful view of the whole town, and more can be experienced.

Raison

By the banks of the Beas -and on the Kullu-Manali highway - Himachal Tourism runs a camping site here. Ideal for a taste of adventure.

Shoja

At 2692 m, this is a vantage point for a complete panorama of the Kullu area - snow peaks and valleys, meadows and forests, rivers and streams.

Basheshwar Mahadev Temple

Bajaura One of the most charming temples in the Kullu valley, this is renowned for its intricate stone carvings.

Kasol

An open glade by the banks of the river Parvati. Clean white sand separates the lush green grass from the waters. A good spot for trout. Himachal Tourism has a Tourist Hut here.

Naggar

For 1400 years this was the capital of Kullu. Its 16th century stone and wood castle is now a hotel run by Himachal Tourism. Here, a gallery houses the paintings of the Russian artist, Nicholas Roerich. Naggar also has three other old shrines.

Kullu Attractions

Handloom Kullu Shawl is the best treasure one can look for. Kullu Shawls are made of many natural fibers such as pashmina, sheep-wool, angora etc.

Kullu Dussehra

When Dussehra celebrations come to an end in the rest of the country, they begin at Kullu. Over 600 local deities come to pay homage to Lord Raghunath. This is a time when the valley is at its colourful best.

Fishing and Adventure in Kullu

The Kullu valley has numerous places for trout fishing. These include Katrain, Raison, Kasol and Naggar, then along the river Tirthan near Larji, in the Sainj Valley and in the Hurla khud.

The valley is the nucleus of several trek routes. Some major ones are over the Chanderkhani Pass to Malana, over the Jalori Pass or Bashleo Pass to Shimla, and over the Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan.

White water rafting is popular on the Beas river.

Hotels in Kullu

Apple Valley Resort, Kullu
Evergreen Hotel, Kullu
Krishna Palace Hotel, Kullu
Aroma Classic Hotel, Kullu
Sandhya Hotel - Kasol, Kullu
Snow Princess Hotel, Kullu
Valley View Hotel, Kullu