Kullu

The Kullu-Manali tourist complex is spread in the entire Kullu valley which is lavishly gifted with superb scenic wealth. Kullu also known as 'Valley of Gods' has numerous temples. Kullu valley offers a scenic charm of peaceful wooded glades and rivers through the rocks. The Dashehra of Kullu is world famous. The ancient Hindus regarded Kullu as the farthest limit of human habitation 'Kulantapitha' and its original name finds mention in the epics, The Ramayana and Mahabharta as well as the Vishnu Purana. Kullu, which is located on the bank of river Beas is the Central point of this tourist complex. Running North to South, the main river valley is only 80 km. long and 2 km. at its broadest, yet a fairly wide area is open to the visitors to enjoy the spectacle of variegated mountain scenery. The deodar-fringed grassy maidan, Dhalpur, is a stage for many colorful fairs.

Bijli Mahadev Temple :- ( 2,460 metres ) 11 km. This is one of the most striking temple in Kullu, where 20 metre tall image is supposed to attract special blessings from the skies in the shape of lightning. From the temple a panoramic view of Kulu & Paravati valleys can be seen. A 60 feet high staff of Bijli Mahadev temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun. in this temple of lightening it is said, the tall staff attracts the divine blessings in the form of lightening. The rest of the story can be heard from the priest, which is un-believable but true.

Bajeshwar Mahadev Temple :- ( bajaura ) 15 km.This pyramidical temple belonging to the 8th century A.D. is embellished with wonderful carvings in stone and sculpture in the Shikhara style. This temple is situated about 200 metres from the village in a plain between the main road and the Beas river.

Jagannath Temple :- 3 km., a stiff climb leads one to the shrine from where one gets a panoramic view of Kullu town.

Banjar :- ( 1,534 metres ) 58 km. The famous temple of Shringi Rishi is located here in whose honour a fair is held every year in May. Banjar is an excellent spot for trout fishing in Tirthan river.

Manikaran :- ( 1,700 metres ) 45 km. According to legend, Manikaran is also associated with Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Parbati, who lost and recovered her ear rings here. Legend has it that once when Shiva and Parbati were relaxing by the river. Parbati's ear rings fell nto the water. The lord of another world ( Patal Nagari ) named Shesh Nag took possession of them and despite Parvati's pleas, he refused to hand them back. However when all the gods prevailed upon him, he snorted them out of his nostrils, causing a boiling fountain of water to erupt. the jewels thus returned. There are temples of Ramchandra and Shiva besides the Gurudwara. This place is famous for hot water springs. Thousands of people take a dip in its hot water. The main water is so hot that Dal ( pulses ), Rice, Vegetables etc. can be boiled in it.

Pulga and Khirganga :- 16 km. a stiff march takes one to restful environment affords a Sylvan and peaceful retreat for body and mind. The 'Tos Nullah' which branches off from the main Parbati valley is well worth exploration by those who favour the wilder aspects of natural scenery are prepared to camp out. Kirganga lies 10 km. from Pulga. Khirganga is also famous for hot springs.

Katrain :- ( 1,463 metres ) 20 km. This place is situated on the way to Manali and has acquired prominence due to apple orchards, a fruit research station and trout hatchery. It is also famous for bee keeping and Govt. trout farm at Patilkulh. Sufficient accommodation is availablein Hotels of HPTDC.

Naggar :- ( 1,760 metres ) 25 km. Naggar was the capital of the Kullu Rajas for about 1,400 years. It is also known for its castle and the Nicholas Roerich's Museum. On the left bank of the river Beas and about three hundred metres above the river, Naggar is delightfully situated on the wooded slope and commands an extensive view, especially of the North-West of the valley. There are a large number of famous temples in and around Naggar and an excellent place for a longer stay.

Camping Sight Raison :- ( 1,433 metres ) 16kms. away from Kulu, the sight is ideal for spending a quite holiday in solitary splendor and for holding youth camps. There are a large number of orchards in this part of the valley. HPTDC has log cabins for comfortable stay.

Bajaura :- ( 15 km. short of Kulu ) Bajaura is on the main road where Bahseshwar Mahadev temple is situated about 200 m from the village in a plain between the main road and the Beas river. It is believed to have been built in the mid 8th century.

Largi :- ( 957 metres ) 34 km. This is a small hamlet providing excellent trout fishing. The famous rivers Sainj and Tirthan join the Beas a few hundred metres below. Larji is patronised mostly by anglers.

Malana :- ( 2,652 metres ) 28 km. up to Naggar by bus and then 20 km. on foot. The tiny village of Malana lies a little ahead of the 'Chanderkhani Pass' famous for the temple of 'Jamlu'. Malana village is reputed to be the oldest democracy in the world in existence where all the inhabitants of the village take part in managing its affairs. It is also famous for trekking.

Kasol :- ( 1,640 metres ) 42 km. Kasol is charmingly located in an open space which slopes down to a broad expanse of clear white sand at the edge of the river. It is situated on the bank of Parbati river in the Parbati valley.

Shoja :- ( 2,650 metres ) 13 km. from Banjar, located on the Kullu side, of the Jalori Pass has marvellous scenic surroundings.

Kaishdhar :- ( 2,300 metres ) 16 km. A delightful spot for a quiet holiday where one can commune with nature.

Raghunathji Temple : - 1 km. Raghunathji is the principal deity of the Kullu valley.