Himachal Cities

Festival

The Kullu - Manali region in the state of Himachal Pradesh is described as the Valley of Gods. It is one of the most famous hill station in Himachal Pradesh and known for its beautiful scenery, apple orchards, forests, alpine meadows, gurgling rivers and lively tribal dances. Earlier, Kullu was known as Kulanthpitha, 'the end of the habitable world'. Kullu is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and surrounded by the snow ranges of Himalayas, the Dhauladhar and the Pir Panjal range that run parallel to the south and the narrow terraced valley that runs in the north up to the Rohtang Pass. There are numerous valleys in Kullu, each of which is a visual delight and seems more beautiful than the other. The Beas river flows through the flower bedecked valley. The 'Silver Valley' has nature's treasures that lie carelessly scattered like the flowers on the high meadows. Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari and English are some of the languages which are spoken by the people in Kullu. In winter, the temperature is very low and heavy woollens are required. While in summers, it is pleasant and cotton clothes are recommended. The best season to visit Kullu is from March to June and September to November.

The fine Kullu Pashmina Shawls, local tweeds, woven rugs, foot wear ('pullan'), baskets, natural oils (almond and olive), Kulu caps are the various things which can be bought from Kullu. Various articles carved out of the wide range of woods like birch, walnut, black mulberry, Tibetan carpets, tangkhas and metal craft items are also available in Kullu.

When Dussehra celebrations come to an end in the rest of the country, they begin at Kullu. Over 600 local deities all over the valley came here in chariots to pay homage to Lord Raghunath, the main deity of Kullu. This is a time when the valley is at its colourful best. The Dussehra Festival is celebrated in Kullu in the month of October every year. There is a great celebration in Kullu with music and dance.

The various tourist attractions in Kullu are the Raghunath Temple, the Bijali Mahadev Temple, Kasol, Manikaran, Roerich Gallery and Naggar. The Raghunath Temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh in the 17th century and houses the image of Raghunath, the Lord Rama, who is the main deity of Kullu.

The Bijali Mahadev temple belongs to the Lord Shiva. This temple is one of the striking temples of the Kullu district. Roerich Arts Gallery houses the paintings and sculptures of the famous Russian artist, Nicholas Roerich. The Manikaran Hot Springs is also a place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Sikhs.

The Kullu valley has numerous places for trout fishing like Katrain, Raison, Kasol and Naggar, then along the river Tirthan near Larji, in the Sainj Valley and in the Hurla Khud. There are several trekking routes in this area. Some of these treks are over the Chander khani Pass to Malana, over the Jalori Pass or Bashleo Pass to Shimla, and over the Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan. The Beas River also offers excellent opportunities for white water rafting. 

By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Bhuntar, about 10 km from Kullu. Kulu is connected by air from Delhi and Chandigarh.

By Rail:
The closest narrow gauge railway station is located at Jogindernager, 95 km from Kullu. The most convenient railway stations are located at Chandigarh and Pathankot.

By Road:
Kullu is about 530 kms from Delhi via Mandi, 240 kms from Shimla and 40 kms from Manali. Kulu is connected by good roads with Chandigarh, Delhi, Haridwar, Pathankot, Dharmshala, Shimla, Mandi, etc.