Kullu Tourism, Kullu Hotels, Tourism in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India

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 the Kullu and Manali 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.

Kullu and Manali tourist complex is spread in the entire Kullu valley which is lavishly gifted with superb scenic wealth. The entire tourist complex is extremely popular and attracts a huge number of tourists all year long. Where Manali can be described as the winter sports capital of Himachal, Kullu is more of a religious place having a numerous important temples i.e. Raghunath Ji temple, Bijli Mahadev temple, Bhakhali temple, Aadi Brahma temple, Bishweshwar temple, Rama temple etc. The view of surrounding hills is breathtaking from Bijli Mahadev temple. Kullu is a highly religious place where gods still control the life and actions of people of Kullu valley.

Being a highly religious place, a number of fairs and festivals are celebrated in Kullu i.e. Pipal Jatra, Bhuntar fair, Sainj fair, Luhri Lavi, Ghatasani fair, Phagli fair, Birshu fair, Dushehra festival, Chet festival, Chrewal or Badranjo festival, Nawala festival etc. and visiting Kullu during these fairs and festivals is a memorable experience, especially during Dushehra festival. The fairs and festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm in entire Kullu Valley.

Tourism in Kullu offers numerous beautiful and famous places to explore around i.e. Naggar, Manikaran, Phulga and Kheerganga, Katrain, Camping Site Raison, Bajaura, Malana, Kasol, Banjar and not to mention the majestic Manali. All these places are gifted with superb natural beauty and increase the joy of tourism in Kullu manifolds. Manikaran is very famous for its Hot Springs. Naggar was the capital of Kullu Rajas for about 1400 years and there are a large number of famous temples in and around Naggar and it is an excellent place for a longer stay.

Tourism in Kullu offers some beautiful lakes to explore around Kullu i.e. Bhrigu lake, Servalsar lake, Mantlai lake and Dashir lake. All the lakes are easily accessible and are set amidst beautiful surroundings. Kullu is rich in wild life and tourism in Kullu offers numerous wildlife sanctuaries i.e. The Great Himalayan Nationa Park, Kais sanctuary, Kanawar sanctuary, Khokhan sanctuary, Tirthan sanctuary. Especially the Great Himalayan National Park is worth a visit for wild life lovers.

The entire Kullu and Manali tourist complex is a wonderful place to explore in the lap of Himalaya. Kullu with all its glory of beautiful temples, lakes, wildlife sanctuaries, world famous tourist places and superb scenic wealth is one of the principal show places of Himachal.

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.

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.

Phulga and Kheerganga :
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.

Camping Site 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.

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.

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.

Raghunathji Temple :
The chief deity of Kullu is Raghunath Ji. Dussehra festival is held in its name. The idol is same which was used by Lord Rama himself at the time of Ashwamegh Yagya and was brought from Tretnath temple of Ayodhya.The temple was constructed in 1660 AD with a mixed look of Pahari and Pyramidal style. Everyday puja (aarti) is held for five times. Round the year, 45 festivals are held. It is said that Raja Jagat Singh used charanamrit of the idol for 42 days and was absolved from the evil effect fo the curse of a Brahmin Durga Dutt.

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.

Bhekhli Temple :
Bhekhli or Bhakhali. In the lap of a hill, about 10 km far from Kullu, Bhekhli or Bhakhali is a small village of Brahmins. But, on foot it is only 4 km. It is the adobe of Jagannathi mata, also called as Bhuweneshawari, sister of Lord Narayana. The temple is 1500 years old. A fine sample of local art of sculpture, a full sized lion of stone stands in lawn of the temple. Walls have the painting of Durga in various actions.

Aadi Brahma Temple at Khokhan :
Khokhan is 12 km from Kullu on a link road from Shamshi at 4 km distance from there. The temple of Aadi Brahma is in Pagoda style. Built in 14th centyry, it has four roofs. There are three other small temples within temple premises.The door of the temple has nice carving of Puranic Scenes. As temple is situated at a height, it provides an excellent view all around.

Bishweshwar Temple :
Built is 9th century, it was rebuilt in 1673 AD by Raja Shyam Sen of Mandi, this temple is of great architectural value. The style of this temple is pyramidal and is built on shankracharya 'Panch Dev Puja Padhati' that means worship of five gods together at a place. Along with Shiv Linga inside the temple, there are four other gods installed inside the temple. Vishnu, Ganesh and Durga in the West, South and North sides respectively wehreas Surya is on the top of the temple. The main door opens in the East. Ganga & Yamuna welcomes every visitor at the gate.

Rama Temple at Manikaran :
Rama tample built by Raja Jagat Singh in the place of two Shiva temples, is in pyramidal style.The idol of Rama was brought from Ayodhya. The idol was kept here till 1661 AD, thereafter it was shifted to Kullu. The temple was repaired by Raja Dilip Singh in 1889 AD. Since 1981, a trust is looking after the temple. A free lunger also runs here. Private & government accommodation is also available here, where hot bath's facility has been extended.

Bhrigu Lake :
This lies east of the Rohtang Pass and is about 6 km from the village of Gulaba. The lake is situated at an altitude of 4,235 meters above sea level. Its depth is about 3 to 4 m and and it remains under snow for the whole winter. It is held sacred to Rishi Bhrigu. Being sacred this lake is visited by the people of Kullu, Mandi and Lahaul valley. It also lie on several trek routes of the region.

Serolsar Lake :
Serolsar or Servalsar It is situated at the top of Jalori Pass in district Kullu. This beautiful lake is situated at an altitude of 3100 meters. It is 20 km. from Banjar towards Anni. The location is beautiful and commands a good view of the surrounding hills.

Mantlai Lake :
This lake is the source of Parbati River. This beautiful lake is situated at an altitude of 4116 meters above mean sea level. The location is beautiful and there is a beautiful range of Parbati peaks surrounding the lake. The beautiful surrounding mountains and clear water makes this beautiful lake look like an emerald shining bright amidst the mountains.

Dashir Lake :
Situated at an altitude of 4,270 meters above sea level, the lake is located near the Rohtang Pass that connects district Kullu with Lahaul. Rohtang Pass is at an altitude of 3,978 metres on the highway to Keylong, the mass affords a wide-spread panorama of mountain scenery. Here eye meets a range of precipitous cliffs, huge glaciers and piled moraine and deep ravines. Dashir ( also known as Dashaur and Sarkund ) is a very beautiful lake lies near the Rohtang Pass. This attractive lake has a depth of 3 to 4 m. The bath in the water of Dashir lake effects cure of all bodily ailments or imaginary.

The Great Himalayan National Park :

Altitude : varies from 1500 meters to 5805 meters.
Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 1300 mm.
Temperature : temperature varies from -5 to 25°C.
Area : 62,000 hectares ( 620 sq. km. ).
Location : nearest town is Banjar.
Approaches : Kullu to Banjar to inside park.

The Great Himalayan National Park consists of the upper catchment areas of the Tirthan, Sainj and Jiwa rivers, which flow westwards and feed the Beas River. Though large scale felling in easily accessible areas were carried out during the second World War, the area is one of the least disturbed in the state. It therefore consists of relatively good forests and meadows, which support an extremely diverse wild life population. This includes the largest remaining population of Himalayan Tahr in Himachal Pradesh. The park is also one of the only two places of India, where anything more than a remnant population of Western Tragopan is known to survive. Total area occupied by the The Great Himalayan National Park is 62,000 hectares. Part of the present area ( 8,396 hectares ) was declared sanctuary ( Tirthan ) on 17th June 1976. On 1st March 1984, it was declared a national park. Besides the Tirthan sanctuary which is the part of Nationa Park, it is also boarded by Pin Valley National Park on the North-East, Kanawar sanctuary on the North-West and Rupi Bhaba sanctuary to the east. all these together constitute Himachal Pradesh's largest protected wild life region.

Flora
Forest types include Ban Oak, Moist Deodar, mixed coniferous, Montane Bamboo Brakes and Temperate Pastures.

Fauna ( Mammals )
Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear, Jungle Cat, Goral, Leopard Cat, Himalayan Palm Civet, barking Deer, Musk Deer, red fox, Goral, Ibex, Jackal, Langur common or Hanuman, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Rhesus Macaque, Himalayan yellow throated Marten, House Mouse, Himalayan Mouse Hare, Serow, Blue Sheep, Grey Shrew, Himalayan Water Shrew, Squirrel Kashmiri Flying and common Giant Flying, Himalayan Tahr, Royle's Vole, Himalayan Weasel and Wolf.

Reptiles
Viper and Himalayan Pit.

Kais Sanctuary :

Altitude : varies from 2800 meters to 3680 meters.
Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 1071 mm.
Temperature : temperature varies from -5 to 30°C.
Area : 1420 hectares ( 14.20 sq. km. ).
Location : nearest town is Kullu.
Approaches : Kullu to inside sanctuary.

It was first notified as a sanctuary on 26th February 1954. This small heavily disturbed sanctuary reportedly harbours population of the endangered Musk Deer, as well as of several species of pheasants. It includes part of the catchment of the Kais Nala, an important tributary of the Beas River.

Flora
Maple, Fir, Deodar, Poplar, Rai and Walnut.

Fauna ( Mammals )

Kanawar Sanctuary :

Altitude : varies from 1800 meters to 4833 meters.
Annual Snowfall : mean annual rainfall is 321 mm.
Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 1000 mm.
Temperature : temperature varies from -10 to 25°C.
Area : 6,070 hectares ( 60.70 sq. km. ).
Location : nearest town is Manikaran.
Approaches : Kullu to Mnaikaran to inside sanctuary.

It was first notified as a sanctuary on 26th February 1954. A high altitude sanctuary, mostly steep to precipitous with rocky cliffs and narrow valleys. It is famous for one of the India's largest remaining population of Himalayan Tahr.

Flora
Forest types include Ban Oak, Moist Deodar, mixed Coniferous, temperate Deciduous, Kharsu Oak, sub Alpine Fir and Alpine Pastures.

Fauna ( Mammals )
Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear, jungle Cat, Himalayan Palm Civet, barking Deer, red Fox, Goral, Ibex, Jackal, common Langur, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Marten, Rhesus, Macaque, Himalayan Mouse Hare, Indian Porcupine, Serow, Squirrels, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Weasel and Wolf.

Khokhan Sanctuary :

Altitude : varies from 1500 meters to 2787 meters.
Annual Snowfall : mean annual rainfall is 330 mm.
Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 850 mm.
Temperature : temperature varies from -5 to 28°C.
Area : 1,405 hectares ( 14.05 sq. km. ).
Location : nearest town is Bhuntar.
Approaches : Kullu to Bhuntar to inside sanctuary.

It was first notified as a sanctuary on 26th February 1954. This sanctuary is home for one of the largest reported diversity of Mammals in Himachal, including endangered species like the Himalayan Tahr and Musk deer. Khokhan sanctuary is unfortunately heavily disturbed by the humans and livestock. It is connected to Nagra sanctuary in the South-West, across the Bagi Dhar. Wild animals are reported tomove between the sanctuaries across this ridge.

Flora
Forest types include moist deodar, moist temperate deciduous forest and Kharsu Oak forest.

Fauna ( Mammals )
Himalayan Black Bear, Jungle Cat, Himalayan Palm Civet, barking Deer, red Fox, Goral, Jackal, common Langur, Leopard, Marten, Rhesus Macaque, Porcupine, blue Sheep, Squirrels, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Weasel and Wolf.

Tirthan Sanctuary :

Altitude : varies from 2100 meters to 4875 meters.
Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 1500 mm.
Temperature : temprature varies from -5 to 30°C.
Area : 6,112 hectares ( 61.12 sq. km. ).
Location : nearest town is Banjar.
Approaches : Kullu to Banjar to inside sanctuary.

It was first notified as a sanctuary on 17th June 1976. This high altitude sanctuary is quite rich in floral and faunal species. The northern part of the sanctuary now has been included in the Great Himalayan National Park.

Flora
Forest types include Ban Oak, moist Deodar, western mixed coniferous, moist temprerate deciduous, Kharasu Oak and Alpine Pastures.

Fauna ( Mammals )
Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear, jungle Cat, barking Deer, Musk Deer, red Indian Fox, Goral, Ibex, Jackal, common Langur, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Rhesus, Macaque, Marten, Mouse Hare, Porcupine Indian, Serow, blue Sheep, Squirrels, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Weasel and Wolf.

Fairs in Kullu

Pipal Jatra :
The traditional name of Vasantotasava is Pipal Jatra or it is also called Rai-ri-Jach. It takes place at Dhalpur, Kullu on 16th Baisakh every year. The Raja of Kullu was used to sit in front of the 'Kala Kendra' on a raised plateform of Pipal Tree alongwith his courtiers and the traditional dance was held in front of him. Once about 16 Kullu gods participated in this fair but by and by it lost its grandeur. The Baishakha is the month of Blooming spring season in Kullu Valley. So the fair has been renamed as Vasantotsava or Spring festival. Cultural programms are organised with classivla music songs and dances.

Bhuntar Fair :
The fair is held on 1st Ashad (June-July) for 3 days in village Bhunter. The fair is seasonal and religious. The fair was started by the Devta of the ilaqua Suraj Pal. Palaghmiar a Devta from mardo also attends. From this day the use of foodgrains from the newly harvested crops starts after cooked food offeringsare made to the gods and then hte meal is shared by other relatives and friends. This is known as 'Tahoolikhana' in the local terminology.

Sainj Fair :
This fair is held in Raila on 21st of Baisakh (April-May) for one day. The significance and legend of the fair is religious and recreational. Idol of Devta Laxminarayana is brought from Raila to Sainj. Thereafter the fair starts with folk dances and songs rythemical with the beat of drums and trumpets.

Luhri Lavi :
This fair is held on Kartik 21 and 22 ( October-November ) for two days and one night in village Dingidhar at Luhri. The significance of the fair is religious and commercial. The fair is held in hounour of Devta Jogeshwar and Khegro Maya. The Devtas are worshiped. Nati dances, mimcking, fold dance performaces at night are resorted to.

Ghatasani Fair :
This fair is held on Chait 4ty (March-april) for two days in village Dawra. The legend connected with the fair is taht once mother Parvati asked Lord Shiva to forget Rama saying that even Rama could change. To prove this she went to Rama in the guise of Sita to deceive him. When Lord Rama saw her he could see through the game and addressed Parvati as mother and enquired as to why she has left his guru i.e. Lord Shiva. The fair starts with worship of Vishnu Bhagwan and the village Devi. Natti dances, folk songs and other cultural programmes are the main attractions of the fair.

Phagli Fair :
The fair is is held in the month of Phagun and hence the name Phagli. The fair is held to show the struggle of supermacy between the god and demon, in which ultimately the god emerges victorious. This fair is also held to commemorate the event of killing the demon by god. A person wearing the mask and a grass tied with the help of strings all over the body acts as a demon and god is represented by gur (god's spokes man). Special dancess 'Deo Khel' and 'Raksh Khel' are performed by these people with the rhythm of the drum-beats. The demon is 'Tundi Raksh' who troubled people living from Manali to Archhandi. Manu Rishi with the help of Shandalya Rishi killed him. Phagli is held at Malana, Jana, Halan, Soil and in all temples of Jamlu.

Birshu Fair :
This fair held in the month of Chaitra or Baisakh, through out the district. One day before the first day of the month delicacies are cooked in the houses and sent to all the relatives. The temples are decorated on the first day. All the villagers assembled there and gur of the god performs 'Deo Khel'. Then the god si teken for a round in th village. All the people greet & pay respect to him out side their houses and seeks his blessings. After completing the round, the god returns to the temple.

Festivals in Kullu

Dussehra Festival :
Celebrations of Dussehra or Dushehra are same in all the places of India. It is celebrated on the month of Spetember or October. On Dashmi - 10th day of celebration, people make a bonfire of effigies of Ravna, Kumbhkarna and Meghnatha. It symbolises victory of good over evil. Dushehra of Kullu is famous all over the world. Kullu Dushehra is however, different in certain ways from Dushehra celebrated in the other parts of the country. It presents cultural ethos of the people and their deep rooted religious beliefs which manifest during this festival with traditional songs, dances and colorful dress. It begins on Vijya Dashmi and lasts for a week.

Chet :
(Dholru) is the first month of the lunar year and the first day of the month is cellebrated with a belief to bring hapiness and prosperity. This festival is known as Chatrali in Kullu and Dholru in Bharmaur area of Chamba district. In district Kangra, Hamirpur and Bilaspur, first day of Chet month hold special importance.

Chrewal or Badranjo :
It is also known as Prithvi pooja in some places. It is celebrated on the Ist of Bhadon - middle of August. This continues for full one month. The farmers do not yoke oxen during this month. In Kullu, this festival is known as Badranjo. In Chamba, it is called Pathroru. It is a festival of flowers here. This is an occasion of great celebration, particularly for girls who dance on this day.

Nawala Festival :
Gaddis of Kangra, Chamba, Mandi and Kullu celebrate this festival, when a household individually collects enough money for celebration. Nawala, in fact, is a thanks giving ceremony to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped at the time of misfortune and clamiti. Devotional songs in praise of Lord Shiva are sung throughout the night.