Kullu (1220 m) 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 numbercous valley-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, it 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.

Prime Sites

• Raghunath Tample :
  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 Ragunath - Lord Rama. This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and even today is greatly revered.

• Bijli Mahadev Tample (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 drawns lighting which shatters the Shivlinga and scorches the building. Using only butter as adhesive, the linga is then carefully pieced together by the temple pundit.

• Basheshwar Mahadev Tample, Bajura (15 KM) :
  One of the most charming temple in the kullu, this is renowned for its intricate stone carvings.

• Other Tamples :
  The Vaishno Devi temple (4km), the Devi Jagannathi 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 (42 km) :
  An open glade by the banks of the river Parvati. Clean White sand separates the lush green grass from the water. A good spot for trout Himachal Tourism has Tourist Hut here.

• Manikaran (45 km) :
  At 1737 m, on the right bank of river Parvati. this place is famous for hot sulphur springs revered by both Hindus and Sikhs pilgrimages. Thousand, of pilgrimages have their dip in hot water. The water of the spring is also said to be radio-active which cures many skin diseases. While the temperature of the water is above boiling point. Rice and Dal if placed in a Muslin bag or tied up in cloth, soon be ready for eating purpose. According to an ancient saying Manikaran is also connected with Lord Shiva and His divine concert Parvati.

  Places of Interest in/around Manikaran

  • Pulga :
    Manikaran to Pulga is rather a stiff march of 16 km and climb of a nearly 1600 meters. The place is on the left bank of the river.
  • KHIRGANGA :
    The place is well known for its hot springs. Its water contains medicinal property. Another two Kilometers from Khirganga lies Mantala.
  • CHANDRA KHANNI PASS :
    It lies east of katrain. After a stiff climbing, the whole area looks wonderfully striking and colourful when the flowers blossom.
  • MALANA VILLAGE :
    Little further of the beautiful Chandra Khani Pass lies an unique village 'Malana which is famous for its distinct culture and the temple of Jamlu. there is no rules in Malana village or any type of administration which holds the inhabitants to act according to the law and rules. The law just do not apply here. The nearest village is Jari about 30 km down in the valley.
  • SAUJA (69 km) :
    This is a vantage point for a complete panorama of the Kulla area- snow peaks and valleys, meadows and forests, rivers and streams.

• Naggar (26 km) :
  Situated on the left bank of river Beas at an altitude of 1851m, above sea level Naggar - an ancient town commands an extensive views, especially of the north west of the valley. Naggar was the former capital of Kullu about 1460 years. It was founded by Raja Visudhpal and continued as a headquarters of the State until the capital was transferred to Sultanpur (Kullu) by Jagat Singh probably by 1460 A.D. Today this ancient and beautiful place is a popular tourist spot in the Kullu valley which has many legends and attractions.

  Places of Interest in/around Naggar

  • Raison (13 km) :
    by the banks of the Beas - and on the Kullu- Manali highway- Himachal Tourism runs an adventure and camping site.
  • Jagtipatt Tample :
    In the upper courtyard of the castle there is a tiny temple -a small square structure which contains "Jagtipatt" a slab of stone measuring 5'x8'x6" which is said to have been brought from a place near Vashisht by honey bee. This is also place for meeting of local deities of Kullu.
  • Tripura Sundri Tample :
    This pagoda shaped wooden temple is situated in the upper part of the village. This is also a rare examples of architecture.
  • Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery :
    Prof. Late Nicholas Roerich and illustrates interestingly reputed artist had chosen Naggar as his residence when he came to India in 1929, the house has now been converted in an art gallery which houses many numbers of rare paintings of Roerich and other specimen of art. The gallery is open for visitors.
  • Gauri Shanker Tample :
    At the foot of small bazaar below the Castle is the Gauri shankar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a charming example of architecture and carving of its particular period. Now a protected monument.

Fishing :

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

How To Reach There

• By Air :
  The airport at Bhunter is 10 km from kullu.
• 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 from Shimla this is 240 km. From Delhi and Shimla, HPTDC's luxury buses ply to Kullu.

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

• Delux Hotels :
  1. Hotel Sarvari, Kullu (H.P.)-175101. Tel: (01902) 22471.
  2. Hotel Silvermoon, Kullu (H.P.)-175101. Tel: (01902) 22488
  3. Adventure Resort Raison, Kullu (H.P.) Tel:(01902) 40516
  4. Hotel Castle, Naggar, Distt. kullu (H.P.) Tel: (01902) 47816

• Budget Hotels :
  1. Anglers Bungalow, Katrain (H.P.)-175127. Tel: (01902) 40136.
  2. Cottage River view, Katrain (H.P.)-175129.
  3. Hotel Parvati, Manikaran, Distt. Kullu (H.P.) Tel: (01902) 73735.
  4. Tourist Inn, Kasol Distt. Kullu (H.P.)