Kullu-The Silver Valley

Introduction

2008-08-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

Kullu is located in the charming Kullu valley and is set amongst the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas.

This town is famous for its temples and the annual Dussehra festival, both of which attract thousands of tourists. It is also known for its handicrafts.
LOCATION

Kullu is located in the central part of the state of Himachal Pradesh in the northern region of India. It is located amidst the Himalayas at an altitude of 1200 m above sea level at the confluence of Beas and Sarvari rivers.

It is 240 km north of Shimla. The weather in Kullu is alpine.

Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September.

HISTORY

Formerly, the Kullu valley was known as Kulanthapitha, meaning the end of the habitable world. The earliest recorded information of this area goes back to 1st century AD, when this valley began to be inhabited. In the medieval period, Kullu and the area around it was ruled by a number of local rulers. The Kullu valley was isolated from other parts of the country for many centuries until it came under British rule.

How to reach in kullu valley

2008-08-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

By Road

Kullu is well connected to major parts of the country by a network of roads. The distance from Delhi is 522km approximately. Ambala, Chandigarh, Ropar, Kiratpur, Bilaspur and Mandi are the main stations on the way.

By Air

Indian Airlines and Jagson Airlines operate flights from Delhi to Kullu & back and Shimla to Kullu & back round the year. During monsoon the flights are uncertain because of bad weather. It takes 90 minutes to reach Kullu from Delhi. Only an 18 seater (Dornier) aircraft is able to land in Kullu Manali Airport at Bhuntar, which is at a distance of 10 km from Kullu town.

By Train

The railway stations close to Kullu are Jogindernagar (125 km from Kullu), Pathankot (285km from Kullu), Simla (270km from Kullu), Chandigarh (267km from Kullu) and Kalka. Chandigarh is the most convenient rail- head as regular bus service is available from Chandigarh to Kullu. Various private agencies in Kullu provide booking facilities for railways

Apple Valley Resorts

2008-08-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

.

Apple valley resort is paradise in Himalayas. With a combination of luxury and excellent services, it has the most beautiful interiors that our customers like to cherish with their experience.
Apple Valley Resort, situated on the National Highway, 6 kms from the Bhuntar Airport, is the ideal retreat. For a dream of holiday, far far away from the madding crowds and the pressures of city life Apple Valley Resort is a hamlet of cottages, with a luxury accommodations in each cottage. Be it a family, longing for a holiday, or a couple on honeymoon or a business delegation for a conference, the Apple Valley Resort has something for everyone. The front desk introduces you to the services of the resort. After a friendly check-in, you are escorted to you cottage by the river side.
A well-designed concept of resort cottages makes everyone elated and good at heart. The rich interiors and exclusive wood work presents aesthetic sensibility to the whole atmosphere.
The people with a taste for exclusive holiday experience and seeking peace and tranquility tend to become hooked. " The most therapeutic thing about Apple Valley Resort is to have the mind get still," there is definitely the energy behind this place, natural surroundings with the river side that makes it more of a healing place than just an ordinary resort.

Hotel Silvermoon

2008-08-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

Slightly out of Kullu town, at Shastrinagar Himachal Tourism runs the hotel Silvermoon which is the ideal place for someone who would like to be a little out of town - and yet not too far away

CLASS: Deluxe Hotel
FACILITIES: The rooms are airy and spacious with attached sitting rooms. they are decently furnished and have attached baths with bath-tubs and running hot and cold water.

CTV with multi channels.

Room Service.

Laundry and dry-cleaning arranged.

Room heaters on demand.

Parking within premises. Doctor on Call.

Restaurant 28 covers.

Serves Indian, Chinese and continental cuisine.

Hotel Sarvari

2008-08-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

In the heart of Kullu, Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel Sarvari. It is perfect for those who would like to savouir the delights of the valley without forsaking the charms of this quaint town.

CLASS: Deluxe Hotel.
FACILITIES:

Most rooms have wall to wall carpeting. They are airy, spacious, decently furnished and have attached baths with running hot and cold water.

CTV with multi channels.

Room service.

Laundry and dry-cleaning arranged.

room heaters on demand.

Parking within premises.

Doctor on call.

Restaurant 32 covers.

Serves indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines and a Beer Bar

Wildlife Sanctuaries

2008-08-26T11:21:00.000-07:00

Kullu valley has five wildlife sanctuaries. These are the Great Himalayan National Park, Kais Sanctuary, Khokhan Sanctuary, Manali Sanctuary and Kanawar Sanctuary. These wildlife sanctuaries preserve certain highly endangered species as Western Tragopan, Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Snow Leopard and Cheer Pheasant.
Other animal species found in these sanctuaries are Goral, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Civet, Barking Deer, Red Fox, Himalayan Yellow Throated Marten, Snow Leopard Blue Sheep. Among the pheasants Western Tragopan, Monal, Cheer (Catreus Wallichi), Koklass, Kaliz and Himalayan snowcock are found in these sanctuaries.
India's largest remaining population of Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus Jemlahicus) has also been reported from Kanawar sanctuary. Out of seven pheasants found in the Western Himalayas, six are found in the Great Himalayan National Park.
The best time to visit these sanctuaries is April to June and September to October as during these months weather is conducive to travel, visibility is good and high reaches are accessible.

Waterfall in kullu

2008-08-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

Speed is always entralling, especially when it causes a chill to run down your spine. Such are the gushing waterfalls trying to break the tranquil silence of the Himalayas. The chaste waterfalls of the valley are simply infatuating and ever awe-inspiring. The water tumbling down on the rocks and in turn falling onto your faces is enlivening.

Rahla fall is located at a distance of 27 km from Manali. It is a mesmerizing waterfall where the River Beas cascades in showers from a height of 50 metres. It is a beautiful picnic spot for the nature lovers. Rahla means a halting station. In the olden days sages, saints and pilgrims preferred to stay here overnight during there journey to Lah

Palani fall is 150 metres high torrent situated to the north of Bijli Mahadev, about 6 km away. It is a marvelous picnic spot and the water gushing down presents a rejuvenating spectacle.
Every March a fair is held in the vicinity of the fall where people from far away places come to take the holy bath. There is a forest rest house about half a kilometre away.

Hot Springs

2008-08-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

Kullu enfolds numerous hot water springs, unsurpassed in natural beauty, primarily concealing curative power in them. People suffering from skin diseases horde hot water springs at Kheerganga, Kalath, Vashishta and Manikaran.

White sulphur particles can be seen sticking at the bottom on both sides of the hot water spring at Kheerganga in Parbati valley or floating like milk cream here and there. These particles give the water white color and this caused it to be named as Kheerganga. These springs are accessible by vehicles. A short trek from Manikaran takes you to the hot water springs at Kheerganga .
In Manikaran one can find hot water springs in the area of 4 km i.e. between Kasol & Brahma Ganga but the main and hottest springs are found in Manikaran itself. The hot water springs gush out from below the rocks. Temperature of water varies from 88°C to 94°C. A German scientist gave presence of radium as one of the main reasons behind the high temperature of water.
The water tastes good but has calcium carbonate as is evident from the crust at the bottom. A regular dip in the water cures gastric problems and rheumatic pains. Rice can be cooked in twenty minutes in the hottest of these springs.
A bath in the hot water springs at Kalath, Manali is said to cure all kinds of skin diseases. Separate baths for men and women have been constructed here now.
Vashishtha village in Manali is famous for the Turkish baths built by Tourism Department. The legend behind the presence of these springs here goes that when Laxman felt that his Guru, Rishi Vashishtha had to go a long distance for his bath he shot an arrow on the ground and when that arrow struck the ground hot water oozed out.

Raghunathji Temple

2008-08-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

This temple in Kullu is dedicated to Lord Rama and is the seat of the valley's presiding deity. According to legends during 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kulu brought from Ayodhya a statue of Lord Raghunath- Lord Ram as a mark of his penance.

He built this temple where he installed the idol of lord Ram in his chariot. From that day onwards Raghunathji, became the reigning deity of the valley.

Bijli Mahadev Temple

2008-08-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

It is believed that the temple tower attracts lightning, which occasionally shatters the stone lingam in the sanctum.

It miraculously returns to its original form when a mixture of butter and sathu (barley and gram) is applied to it. The temple is famous for its 20m high rod that periodically draws lightning, which shatters the stone lingam of Lord Shiva.

Parvati Valley and Manikaran

2008-08-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

It is situated at a height of 1,737 m, where there is a hot sulphur springs that bubble next to the by waters of the Penal river.

It is a holy place for both the Hindus and Sikhs. People go for trekking from here to places like Pulga, Khirganga and Mantalai. This route finally leads to the Pin Parvati Pass at a height of 4802 m, which ultimately opens into the Sutlej valley.

Bhuvneshwari Devi Temple

2008-08-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

Bhekhli is built in Pahari style. The temple walls are decorated with Kangra paintings of Durga. The stone lion in the courtyard is a fine example of local art. This beautiful temple is situated uphill at a distance of 10 km from main Kullu town.

Vaishno Devi

2008-08-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

Vaishno Devi Temple lies on the national highway about 2 km north of Kullu town.

This newly founded temple is as famous as any other old temple. Mahadevi herself wished for this temple and secondly it is blessed by two Tapasyas, one of Mahadevi (Vaishnu Devi) herself and other of Shri Maharaj ji (founder). Raghunath Temple, Sultanpur is dedicated to Lord Raghunath, the chief deity of Kullu. The world famous festival of Kullu Dussehra is held on his name. It is believed that the idol preserved in the temple is the one that was used by Lord Rama while performing the Ashwamedh Yagna.

Jagatsukh

2008-08-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

It is situated on the left bank, between Nagar and Manali. Here you can see two ancient temples. One is the small shrine of Gaurishankar and the larger chalet-roofed temple to the goddess Sandhya Devi, the stone base of which is much more ancient than the 19th-century wooden verandah and roof.

Deo tibba

2008-08-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

According to legends Arjun performed 'tapa' at this mountain, under the advice of Maharishi Vyas, to obtain the powerful Pasupata Astra (weapon) from Indra.

Adventure Sports

2008-08-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

Blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, Kullu Valley offers a wide scope of activities for nature lovers. It's lush green forests, alpine meadows, gurgling rivulets and high snow covered mountains are ideal for skiing , mountaineering , trekking and other adventure sports.
The sheer thrill of hurling down ski-slopes, rafting in the roaring white waters of Beas river, paragliding over deep mountain gorges or climbing the glaciers and mountain summits of the Himalayas is to be experienced to be believed.
In short we can say that Kullu Valley is a paradise for adventure lovers. It's no wonder that thousands of visitors feel attracted every year to come to this valley from all nooks and corners of the globe.

Camping

2008-08-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the beauty of nature close from a nostalgic camp site in Kullu Valley. No matter if you are on your own or prefer to join a camp run by the Youth Hostel Association of India, you will remember your trip for a lifetime.
SeasonThe best months for camping in Kullu Valley are April to mid-June and mid-September to mid-October. Don't forget to bring warm clothes with you, especially during April and October.

Paragliding

2008-08-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

Kullu valley, described as one of the finest launch sites in the world, is a heaven for aerosport enthusiasts. Imagine yourself soaring like an eagle on top of the beautiful Himalayan ranges.
Paragliding is a sport which has taken the world by storm. The pilots are able to fulfil one of humanity's oldest human dreams, namely flying. The origin of this sport goes back to the 1940's but only recently became more popular due to the increase in safety in the gliders. Aerosport enthusiasts are delighted with the local wind conditions, the spectacular scenery as well as launch sites like Solang, Bijli Mahadev and Bhaikhali.

Rafting

2008-08-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Himachal Pradesh is making itself quickly a name in the field of River Rafting or White Water rafting. In Kullu valley this thrilling sport can be enjoyed downstream on the Beas river from Pirdi to Jhiri on a track of about 16 km in length.

Skiing

2008-08-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

The region of Kullu valley is famous for skiing. Skiing involves sliding on snow with the help of a snow board or a pair of skies attached to your feet.
Skiing courses and competitions are held every year at Solang Nala above Manali. The best slopes are available at Bhrigu peaks near Hamta. A little bit of summer skiing can be done even on the Rohtang pass.
"To ski down a slope is to feel the freedom and joy, filled with sheer excitement of speed after the hard track uphill with the skies".
- Ravi Bhutungru
SeasonMiddle of December to the end of June.
ClothingWarm winter clothes (ski pants, cap, gloves, sunglasses).

Trekking

2008-08-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

The main trekking areas in Himachal are the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges easily accesible 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.
SeasonApril to middle of June, and mid-September to mid-October. The higher regions get cold in October. To access Lahaul valley trekkers have to wait until Rohtang Pass opens which is usually in June.

Mountaineering

2008-08-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

For the most adventurous, peaks in Kullu valley offer challenging playground for Indian and International expeditions as well. With an average altitude of 5,000 to 6,000 meters, these peaks have been tried by experienced mountaineers from all over the world.
The large number of virgin peaks, easy access to base camps and the affordability of local expeditions have made Kullu a good value for many mountain climbers.
Mountaineering inspires man to attain the inner elusive peak within himself. But it also requires exhaustive planning, budgeting, specialised equipment, expertise and experience. Bonhomie, camaraderie, esprit de corps and team spirit is developed through mountaineering.

Naggar

2008-08-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

On the left bank of the Beas, Naggar is delightfully situated on a wooded slope and commands an extensive view. Besides its natural beauty, the place is also an important pilgrimage site with its Gauri Shankar Temple, the Chatar Bhuj Temple, Tripura Sundri Devi Temple and the Murlidhar Temple Naggar was capital of the Kullu valley for nearly 1500 years. The castle, built about 500 years ago as the raja's headquarters, was converted to a hotel in 1978. Cars and jeeps easily go upto the Naggar castle.

Roerich art gallery which houses the paintings of Nicholas Roerich as well as his sculptures , is less than a km. from the Castle. Naggar is also a base for undertaking treks to Chanderkhani Pass and to remote valley of Malana.

Roerich gallery

2008-08-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

1 km from the Naggar castle is the interesting Roerich gallery, a fine old house displaying the artwork of both the eccentric professor Nicholas Roerich and his son Svetoslav Roerich. Just uphill from the gallery is the Urusvati Himalayan Folk & Art Museum which houses a collection of embroidery and folk art. Its location is delightful and the views over the valley are great. It's open daily from 9am to 1pm, and from 2 to 5pm.

Kaisdhar

2008-08-26T09:52:00.002-07:00

Kaisdhar is 15 kilometres from Kullu, over and across a steep mountain is a quiet secluded spot of a great beauty known for its magnificent scenery and innumerable walks.