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.
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Shopping |
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.
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Festivals 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.
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Tourist Attractions in Kullu |
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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.
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Other Attractions
in Kullu |
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.
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How to reach here |
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.
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