Kullu, once known as Kulanthpitha – “the end of the habitable world”, is the capital town of the Kullu District, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located on the banks of the Beas River in the Kullu Valley about ten kilometres north of the airport at Bhuntar.
Bajaura
Here is the famous temple of Basheshar Mahadev with fine stone carvings and sculptures and is believed to have been built in the mid 8th century. It is truly an incredible structure.
Beas River
The Beas River is the second easternmost of the rivers of the Punjab. The river rises in the Himalayas in central Himachal Pradesh, India, and flows for some 290 miles (470 km) to the Sutlej River in western Punjab state. The river was also known as Arjiki or Vipasa to the ancient Indians and the Hyphasis to the Ancient Greeks.
Bhrigu Lake
At an altitude of 4235 metres in district Kullu, this lies east of the Rohtang Pass and is about 6 Kms. from the village of Gulaba. The shores of this clear water lake are devoid of human habitation-yet it is visited regularly by the people of the area and is held sacred to “rishi” Brighu. It also lies on several trek routes of the region
Bijli Mahadev Temple
Situated at an altitude of 2,438 metres (8,000 ft) and can be reached 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.A sixxty feet high staff of Bijli manadeve Temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun, this is a bisible even from Kullu. In this temple of Lightening , the tall staff attracts the divine blessing in the form of lightening, it is said. with every flash of the lightening , coming down the staff, the Shinva Ling is shattered into pieces. These are put toghter by the priest and covered with satto and butter. The image is restored to its orginal oneness till another similar flash repeats the miracle.
Dashir Lake
Dashir Lake situated at a high altitude, is one of the most beautiful lakes that can be found in the Himachali region. Located near Rohtang pass (which connects Kulu district with Lahaul) this lake is a veritable treasure trove for nature lover. Crystal clear cobalt water makes you see right through the lake. The scenery at the backdrop is equally majestic.
Gauri Shankar Temple
Gauri Shankar Temple at DASHAL village(700 mtrs. from Sarsai )on the main left bank Kullu Manali Highway.It is a 12th century protected monument.Also see lush green apple orchards,play with water stream out there Fun park” near Hadimba Temple
Hidimba Temple
It is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, who was a character in the Indian epic, Mahabharata. The temple is surrounded by a cedar forest at the foot of the Himalayas. The sanctuary is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground, which was worshiped as an image of the deity. The structure was built in the year 1553.
Himalayan National Park
The Himalayan National Park is situated around 60kms from Kullu in Himachal Pradesh. The park covers a large tract of land i.e. around 765sq.kms. The height of the region varies from place to place and mostly ranges between 1300m-6100m. The park is full of hills and comprises of rich coniferous forests and alpine forest that spreads throughout the area. During the winter season, the peaks get covered with snow and thus give the ambience an enchanting look. There are various types of animals that are found here. Some of them are Serow, Bharal, wild mountain goats, brown bear, leopard, snow leaopard etc. One can also see various species of birds like monal, cheer, khaliji, tragopan etc.
Katrain
This is the central and the widest part of the valley, and is 20 kms. from Kulu on way to Manali. Apple orchards and trout hatchery lend charm and prominence to the place and it is also famous for bee keeping..
Kullu Hills
The most charming and beautiful Kulu valley spreads out its charm on either side of river Beas. The valley runs north to south of this river and is 80kms. long and about 2kms. at its broadest. Yet with awe inspiring glens and mossy meadows encircled by the rushing streams and meandering brooks, flung east & west, a fairly wide area is open to the tourists, the trekkers, the mountaineers, the artists and to anyone who wishes to escape the heat & dust of the plains to breathe the exhilarating air of the Himalaya and enjoy the spectacle of the variegated mountain scenery. The valley is also famous for its exquisitely woven colourful hand made shawls and kullu caps.
Manali
40 kms. away from Kulu to the north, Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape here is breath taking. One sees well-defined snow capped peaks, the Beas river with its clear water meanders through the town. On the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday, a favorite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, Leh and Zanskar regions in Kashmir valley. It is known as the SWITZERLAND OF INDIA.
Manali Sanctuary
The sanctuary is located at a distance of about 2 km from Manali main town. It is the catchment area of the Manalsu khad. A path from Manali log huts and Dhungri temple passes through dense Deodar, Kail, Horse chestnut, Walnut and Maple forests to the sanctuary. Musk deer, Monal and Brown bear, Leopard and Snow leopard are some of the sport seen here. Herds of Ibex are also seen roaming in the glacier zone in summers.
Manikaran
Nagar
Once the capital of erstwhile Kullu state, Naggar is delightfully situated on a wooded slope. One finds a large number of famous temples of Vishnu, Tripura Sundari and Lord Krishna. Roerich art gallery houses the paintings and sculptures of Nicholas Roerich. Naggar is also a base for undertaking treks to Chanderkhani Pass. This is a lovely small village on a hill surrounded by the forests. The old castle provides marvelous views
Rahala Waterfalls
40 kms. away from Kulu to the north, Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape here is breath taking. One sees well-defined snow capped peaks, the Beas river with its clear water meanders through the town. On the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday, a favorite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, Leh and Zanskar regions in Kashmir valley. It is known as the SWITZERLAND OF INDIA.
Rohtang Pass
at an altitude of 3979 m (13,050 ft) above sea level, is another adventure tourist site where it can be cold even on a summer day. It is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road and provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly breath taking. Close by is a small lake called Dassaur Lake. Beas Kund, the source of river Beas, is also nearby. In winter, the road of Rothang Pass is closed.
Seruvalsar Lake
The Seruvalsar Lake is placed in the state of Himachal Pradesh in the district of Kullu. The Seruvalsar Lake in Himachal Pradesh is positioned at a high altitude and is 3,100 meters above the sea level. The Seruvalsar Lake in Himachal Pradesh is surrounded by a very dense forest cover, which enhances the beauty of the lake to a great extent. The beauty of the Seruvalsar Lake makes it an important spot of tourist attraction in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Solang Valley
Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple
Around 3 km from Manali, across the Beas river is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Modern bathhouses, with Turkish-style showers, have the hot water piped into them for the convenience of the visitors who come here to benefit from the medicinal properties. Vaishisht, also boasts a pair of old stone temples, opposite each other above the main square. Dedicated to the local patron saint Vashista, the smaller of the two opens on to a partially covered courtyard, and is adorned with elaborate woodcarvings. Those lining the interior of the shrine, blackened by years of oil-lamp and incense smoke, are particularly fine. The temple tanks are underground hot-water/sulfur springs.
