Kullu Travel Guide

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The land of valley, Kullu is situated on the banks of pristine river Beas. Spread over a beautiful landscape of Himachal Pradesh, the city of Kullu is 240 km away from the state capital Shimla and 40 km from Manali. Kullu is considered as one of the famous hill stations of Himachal Pradesh, showcasing its panoramic splendor.

Kullu - 'The Silver Valley'
The name Kullu is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Kuluta' which means the suitable place to live in. Known for the 17th century old statue of Lord Raghunath, the city holds significance place in the history. From the pages of history, the existence of Kullu can be traced back in the first century of Christian era, founded by Behangamani Pal a native from Tripura. The city has great faith in the God that can be noticed in the surroundings of Kullu valley, where every village has got their own deity or tutelary. Travel to Kullu to discover the tradition, culture and habitat of the region. A land of nature’s pride, Kullu remains green throughout the year that offers an excellent venue to enjoy the most adventurous sports like trekking, skiing, para-gliding and water surfing. Tourists travelling to this part of country enjoy such activities, which is full of fun and thrill. Apart from adventure charms the city also houses the famous temples and wildlife and handicrafts work, that can be witnessed on the trip to Kullu. While moving around the market of Kullu, try to get one of those beautifully crafted hand woven shawls and cap. And if you are lucky enough to be there in the month of October then must attend the famous festival of Kullu called Kullu Dussehra.

How To Reach
Air
Nearest airport is Bhuntar, which is located at a distance of 9 km from Kullu. Jagson airline connects Delhi, Shimla and Chandigarh to Bhuntar through its regular flights. Indian airline and Jagson airline runs extra flights during the peak summer season. Private taxi or bus services are available from the airport to the major part of city.

Rail
Nearest railway station is Jogindernagar, which is located at a distance of 95 km from Kullu. Tourist cabs and state bus transport is available from the station to Kullu city on regularly basis.

Road
Situated on the national highway 21, Kullu is well connected by the road to Delhi-Chandigarh-Manali on a stretch of 570 km drive. HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation) runs deluxe and semi deluxe buses and connect kullu to major cities of India and Himachal Pradesh.

Internal Transport
To move in and around the city, one can hire private taxi or take local bus service. Generally, a tour is organized by the government or private agencies that cover the entire region of Kullu.

Accommodations
Kullu offers a wide range of options for the perfect leisure, holidays and business trip. Various types of accommodations available are from heritage and five star hotels and resorts to three star hotels.

Places of Interest
Raghunath Temple ( 1 km)
Built by Raja Jagat Singh in 1660 AD, Raghunath temple is one of the famous tourists attractions in Kullu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, who is considered as tutelary of the entire Kullu Valley. It is believed that the temple is constructed by Raja Jagat Singh to compensate for the sin, committed by him.

Bijli Mahadev Temple
Located at an altitude of 2640m above sea-level, the Bijli Mahadev Temple is 11 km away from the Kullu valley. It is said that the temple attracts the divine blessings in the form of lightening. A perfect view of the Kullu valley can be seen from the temple.

Wild Life Sanctuaries
Kullu is famous for the wild life sanctuaries, that attracts huge number of tourists throughout the year, during the month of April - June and September - October. There are five wild life sanctuaries located in the surroundings of Kullu valley such as Great Himalayan National Park, Kais Sanctuary, Khokhan Sanctuary, Manali Sanctuary and Kanawar Sanctuary. These sanctuaries are known for highly endangered species like Western Tragopan, Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Snow Leopard and Cheer Pheasant.

Hot Springs
Hot spring in Kullu is much known for its medicinal value located at a distance of 4 km from the city. A bath in the hot water springs is said to cure all kinds of skin diseases.

Monasteries in Kullu
There are several monasteries located in the Kullu region depicting the events of Lord Budhha’s life. It also makes Kullu as one of the preferred pilgrim destinations for the followers of Buddhism religion.

Excursion From Kullu
Naggar (26 km)
Remained capital of Kullu for 1400 years, Naggar is famous for 16th century old stone and wood castle. The castle was build by Raja Sidh Singh in 1460 A.D. and later on handed over to HPTDC to run as a heritage hotel. Once in Naggar, must visit the gallery that showcases the paintings of the Russian artist, Nocholas Roerich. The city of Naggar is located at a distance of 26 km from Kullu and witness cold winter but pleasant summer.

Parvati Valley & Manikarna (45 kms)
Manikarna is known for its hot water springs, which is located at a distance of 45 kms from Kullu. Every year it attracts huge number of devotees, who takes holy dip in the hot water springs. The water is so hot that food can be cooked in it. It is believed that the divine associate of Lord Shiva Parvati gave birth to this magnificent hot water springs on the bank of river Parvati.

Camping Sight Raison (16 kms)
Located at a distance of 16 km from the Kullu valley, Raison is a perfect getaway for spending quite and peaceful holiday. The site provides an excellent view of the snowcapped peaks of Kullu region. HPTDC have developed it as one of the best picnic spots in the Kullu region. There are 14 wooden huts and a big grassy ground overlooked by the trees and apple orchards.

Adventure Activities
Skiing
Travel to Kullu for best skiing experiences. Solang, which is located at a distance of 13 km from Kullu valley is one of the best ski area in India. Skiing courses and competitions are organised every year at Solang by the mountaineering institutes and Government of Himachal Pradesh. The most favourable season for skiing is from mid December to end of June. One should be equipped with skiing clothes like ski pants, gloves, caps and sunglasses.

Fishing
Places for trout fishing include Katrain, Raison, Kasol, Naggar, and along Tirthan river near Larji, in the Sainj Valley and Hurla Khud. Along with fishing the Beas offers excellent opportunities for whitewater rafting.

Trekking
Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges are the main trekking areas in Himachal Pradesh. These ranges are easily accessible from Kullu valley. Several treks lead over from Kullu valley to Lahaul & Spiti, Zanskar, Kinnaur and Kangra. Most treks pass through rugged and unspoiled terrain, deep forests and beautiful streams. Many old temples lie along the way. The best period to enjoy trekking in this region is from April to mid June and mid September to mid October.

River-Rafting
River rafting or white water rafting can be enjoyed in the Kullu valley on the downstream of Beas river from Pirdi to Jhiri. This is a 16 km long trek ranging from mild, medium and most difficult rapids.

Other Attractions of the City
Kullu Dussehra
Dussehra is a week long celebration in kullu. Celebrated in the month of October, Kullu Dussehra is one of the important festivals of this region. On this day, the raths (Chariots) of Raghunathji, tutelary deity of the valley along with other deities are taken in a procession through the town to Dhalpur Maidan, where they reside for the next seven days.Cheerful crowds throng every road leading to Dhalpur Maidan, there are also various folk dances, exhibitions and cultural programmes held on this auspicious day.

Shopping In Kullu
The entire Kullu valley is famous for its embroidered work on shawls and caps. Shawls made from the hair of Angora rabbits and Pashmina goats are quite expensive and famous among the tourists. Other woolen items produced here are colourful Kullu caps and blankets. Travelers can purchase these handicraft items from the Akhara Bazar, a local market in Kullu.