Kullu Manali

Introduction of Kullu-Manali

Kulu – A nature's paradise on earth, Kullu is often described as 'Silver valley' of Himachal Pradesh, which is located at a distance of 40 km from Manali. The Kulu Valley with its pastoral ambience, fruit orchards, temples and mountain scenery, is one of the beautiful valleys in the foothills of the Himalayas. The Valley tilts northwards from Mandi at 760 meters to the Rohtang Pass at 3915 meters. The grassy meadow at the southern side of Kulu town, is the site for fairs and festivals, particularly the colourful Dussehra Festival, from which the Kulu Valley has gained the name ‘Valley of the Gods’.

Manali – An important hill station of Himachal Pradesh, Kullu is often described as 'Switzerland of India', which is Situated at a height of 2050 m above sea-level and falls under the northwestern region of the Indian Himalaya. Manali is awe-inspiring with spectacular views of snow coated peaks and wooded gorges. With the Beas gushing across the rocky alleys amid grasslands wrapped in layers of wild flowers and bushes. The rich and healthy environment offers marvellous walks too fruit orchards and mesmerizing forest of pines and deodars. Manali is a superb spot for a spending leisure hours, a most preferable resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, Leh and Zanskar regions in Kashmir valley.

Location
Kullu is located at a distance of 40 km from Manali and 570 km from state capital of India, Delhi while Manali is located at a distance of 40 km from Kullu and 521 km from state capital of India, Delhi.

Major Tourist Attractions

Hadimba Temple
The main attraction at Manali is historically and archeologically famous the Dhoongri Temple dedicated to goddess Hadimba, the Bhim of the Hindu Epic Mahabharat. The temple has four-tiered Pagoda like roof and the entrance is carved with mythological shapes and symbols.

Manu Temple
Manu Temple, dedicated to Manu Rishi, is set some 3 kms. from the main bazar in old Manali. It is believed to be the only temple of Manu in India, the creator of human race on the earth.

Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple
Situated 3 km from Manali is Vashist, a small village situated on the left bank of the river Beas, onwards Rohtang pass. The place is worth a visit for its renowned hot springs and temples. Close to this, is a stone temple in pyramidal shape, dedicated to Vashist Muni. There is another temple dedicated to Lord Ram, based at this place. Natural hot sulphur springs (said to have curative value) with two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies are always crowded with tourists.

Solang Valley
Around 14 kms from Manali, is the Solang valley, that boasts of the glacier nearest to the resort. Replete with terrific picnic - spots, the amazing ski slopes here are full of hectic activity, come January - February.

Monasteries
Manali also houses three Tibetan monasteries, that have been built recently.

Rohtang Pass
Located at a height of 3980 m, the Pass once served as a crucial trade route, and still remains the gateway to the districts of Lahaul and Spiti.The Pass is open from June to November each year, and provides wonderful views of the entire surroundings.

Arjun Gufa
Five kms from Manali near the village of Prini is the Arjun Gufa, Arjuna's cave. Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, is believed to have performed his penance here.

The Great Himalayan National Park
Characterised by dazzling high ridges, glaciers, deep gorges, alpine meadows and valleys with closed virgin forests, the Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu district is one of the best destinations for Himalayan flora and fauna lovers.

Bijli Mahadev Temple
Situated at an altitude of 2,438 metres one can reach this temple by a tough but rewarding climb through a 6-km long trek. From the temple site, a panoramic view of Kullu and Parvati valleys is available.

Brighu Lake
In district Kullu, Brighu Lake lies east of the Rohtang Pass and is about 6-km from the village of Bulaba. The shores of this clear water lake are devoid of human habitation yet, it is visited regularly by the people of the area

Dhankia Mahadeva Temple
The temple is dedicated to Shiva who stands enshrined in a cave in the form of a 'lingam'.

Akhara Bazaar
Known as one of the main bazaar, where Kullu caps, shawls, 'pattoos', gudmas, 'puhlas' and 'namdas' or rugs are sold in plenty.

Chandra Khanni Pass
The tough climbing trek-route of Chandra Khani Pass lies east of Khatrain. The whole area looks wonderfully striking and colorful when the flowers in various brilliant hues, are in blossom

Dashir Lake
Dashir Lake is situated near the Rohtang Pass that connects district Kullu with Lahaul at a height of 4,270m.

Deo Tibba
Also known as Indralika, this 2,953 metres (9,687 ft.) high snow dove Jagatsukh, has a legend around it, with Arjuna. He started performing 'tapa' at this mountain, under the advice of Maharishi Vyas, in order to obtain the powerful Pasupata Astra from Indra.

Raison
By the banks of the Beas-and on the Kullu-Manali highway- Himachal Tourism runs a camping site here. This place is ideal for a taste of adventure and for spending a quiet holiday in solitary splendour.

Naggar
Taken as an excursion from Kullu or Manali, Nagar also known as Naggar, is a very lovely village set on a hill surrounded by forests. Naggar was the capital of Kullu valley in the 16th century and the monuments in the region are witnesses to the glory it had once lived in.

Manali Sanctuary
This sanctuary is located in District Kullu's nearest town, Manali. The area of this sanctuary is 3,180 hectares. The sanctuary wasnotified on 26th February 1954, under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animals Protection Act, 1933.

Kanawar Sanctuary
This sanctuary is located in Parbati valley of Kullu district. Uphill walk along Garahan Nala from Kasol through dense majestic Deodar and Fir forests is enjoyable.

Kaso
An open glade by the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol makes a good holiday destination. Clean white sand separates the lush green grass from the stone, this place is well known for trout fishing

Katrain
At about midpoint on Kullu-Manali road, this is the home of lush orchards and famous for bee keeping and trout fishing. Khatrain is the widest point in Kullu Valley and is overlooked by the 3,325 m Baragarh peak.

Mode of Transport
By Air: The airport at Bhuntar is the nearest. There are other regular flights from Delhi. Shimla, Chandigarh and other cities that offer easy commuting to Manali.
By Rail: The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar (135 km). The nearest broad gauge raiheads are at Chandigarh (310 km), and Ambala (355 km).
By Road: The distance from Delhi via Mandi is 585 km, and from Simla the distance is 270 km. From Simla, Chandigarh and Delhi, luxury buses run by Himachal Tourism regularly ply to Manali.

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kullu Manali is from mid-May to June and September to November.