Himachal Pradesh, India

Devbhumi : "Land of the Gods"

Kullu Travel Guide

The valley of gods, as the Kullu valley has come to be known, is perhaps the most delightful region in the western Himalayas. The valley spreads out its charm on either side of the upper reaches of the river Beas. Running north to south, the main river. The 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.

In the spring Kullu is at its most colorful with pink blossoms and white flowers while the higher slopes are aglow with gorgeous rhododendrons. By December, there is no greenery except the majestic pines and cedars in the forests. In winter the hillsides are flanked in white.

Situated on the banks of the Beas, Kullu, the headquarters of the district, serves as a nerve center of the valley and is the starting place for a number of treks. The deodar-fringed grassy huge maidan called Dhalpur, is a stage for many colorful fairs.

Climate

Summer

During summers, the weather is very plesant and the maximum temperature hardly reaches 30 degree Celsius in the day, while the nights still retain a bit of chill. Summer is the season when tourists come in large number. When rest of India goes through extreme heat Kullu offers respite, with its cool and calm climate. Light woolen and cotton clothing is ideal during this weather condition.

Winter

Extreme weather is observed in Kullu during the winters, when the temperature may go down to freezing point. From December to February. Heavy woolen clothes are required during this weather. Temperature in Kullu are lower as compared to Manali which is at a greater height.

How to reach

By Air 

The nearest airport is Bhuntar airport, situated near Kullu town,  it is about 10 Kms from Kullu town. There are limited flights from New Delhi and Chandigarh.

By Bus/ Taxi: Distance from Kullu

Delhi Manali bus services        Shimla Manali bus services

By Rail 

The nearest broad gauge railhead is Chandigarh (270 Kms). Alternative railheads are Shimla (220 Kms) and Jogindernagar (narrow gauge)( 40 Kms), connected with Kalka and Pathankot (broad gauge).

Places of interest in Kullu

Raghunath Temple

The chief tourist interest of Kullu is the Raghunath Temple that worships Lord Ram, who is believed as one of the most important deities in the Hindu mythology and is the patron deity amongst the residents of Kullu valley. It was erected in the year 1660 by Raja Jagat Singh, the one-time ruler of Kullu, basically to make amends for his sins. He got an idol of Lord Ram from Ayodhya and founded it in this temple.

Jagannathi Devi Temple

At a distance of 3 km from Kullu is located the Jagannathi Devi Temple or the Bekhli temple in the village of Bekhli. Although it is a precipitous 1½ hour gradient leading to the temple, it provides an amazing view of Kullu which is worth the ascent.

Bijli Mahadev Temple

The Bijli Mahadev Temple is placed on a spur at an elevation of 2460 meters. As the name suggests, the temple is frequently struck by lightning. There is a 20 meter high staff projecting out of the shrine, which is said to catch lightening from the skies and destroy them below the Shivlingam (the symbol of Lord Shiva). Bijli Mahadev, the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located across the river Beas, at some ten kilometers distance from Kullu. The temple offers a panoramic view of the Kullu valley and is worth visiting.

Places of interest around Kullu

Manikaran (85 Kms)

85 Kms from Manali and 45 km from Kullu, lies in the Parvati Valley, the holy pilgrimage place of Manikaran. Here icy cold waters of the Parvati river co-exists with boiling water side-by-side. The hot water springs are reputed for their healing properties. The springs in the area are hot enough to boil rice in it. Manikaran, a place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Sikhs, has a temple and a gurudwara.

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara ( Manikaran 85 Kms)

Manikaran is also held sacred by the Sikhs. According to the Sikh sources, Guru Nanak Dev once visited this place, accompanied by his disciple Bhai Mardana. The Gurudwara is commemorated to the same visit of the Guru. The Janam Sakhi or the ‘Autobiography of Bhai Mardana’ mentions the various miracles did by the Guru at this place. Manikaran Gurudwara, built in the mountains, provides some extraordinary sights.

Kullu Handicrafts

The artisans of Kullu valley preserve a rich heritage of handlooms and handicrafts. There is an amazing range of beautiful handloom and handicraft products in Kullu.

The traditional brilliant colors of the Handlooms probably manifest people's zest for life and creation.

Kullu Shawls

The famous Kullu Shawls are admired for their elegant look. The Kullu Shawl owes its origin to the Kinnauri Shawl. The Kullu Shawl's designs and motifs woven today have originally been derived from intricate Kinnauri designs that have been enlarged enormously and simplified with the passage of time. Shawls made in Kullu in Himachal Pradesh occupy a place of pride among the handicrafts of Kullu. For their elegant look, brilliant traditional patterns, quality and reasonable cost, these shawls are world famous.

Kullu Caps are widely worn by the local people and are also equally popular among tourists.

Warm local Tweeds, Pattus, Muflars etc. are the other handloom products largely produced in Kullu.