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Location :
Himachal Pradesh
Altitude : 1220m.
Attractions : Kullu Dusshera
Best Time To Visit : Mid-May
to Mid-October.
Kullu was once known as Kulanthpitha,
which means the end of the habitable world. Beyond rose the
forbidding heights of the Greater Himalayas, and by the banks of
the shining river Beas, lay
the fabled 'Silver Valley'.
Here is the core of an intricate web
of numerous valley s
- each of which is a visual delight and seems more beautiful
than the other. The mountain scapes remain spectacular whether
in brilliant sunshine or in the haze of the mist. The 'Silver
Valley' has nature's treasures that lie carelessly scattered as
flowers on the high meadows.
The town of Kullu has long been a centre of faith. In the 17th
century, Raja Jagat Singh installed here an idol of Lord
Raghunathji, which he brought from Ayodhya. As a mark of his
penance, he placed the idol on his throne and it became the
presiding deity of the valley.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Raghunathji Temple:
In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh
of Kullu committed a great wrong. To atone for the sin he sent a
senior courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Raghunath - Lord
Ram. This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the
image and even today, is greatly revered. The shrine houses an
image of Shri Raghunath in his chariot.
Bijli Mahadev Temple:
Set on a spur that offers some
spectacular views, this temple is famous for its 20m high rod
that periodically draws lightning, which shatters the 'Shivalinga'
and scorches the building. Using only butter as adhesive, the 'linga'
is then carefully pieced together by the temple pundit.
Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Bajaura:
This 9th century Shiva Temple is
renowned for its intricate stone carvings.
The
Vaishno Devi Temple:
4-km along the Kullu to
Manali road is this temple
with a small cave having an image of goddess Vaishno or Durga.
Jagannathi Devi Temple:
This temple is in Bhekhli village,
3-km from Kullu. It's a stiff climb but from the temple one can
catch fine views of the town.
Akhara Bazar:
Known as one of the main bazaar,
where Kullu caps, shawls, 'pattoos', gudmas, 'puhlas' and 'namdas'
or rugs are sold in plenty.
Sultanpur Palace:
It contains some fine examples of the
Kullu style of miniature painting, characterised by simple rural
scenes and the lack of human subjects.
Naggar:
For 1400 years Naggar remained the
capital of Kullu. Its 16th century stone and wood castle is now
a hotel run by Himachal Tourism. Here, a gallery houses the
paintings of the Russian artist,
Nicholas Roerich. Naggar also has three other old
shrines.
EXCURSIONS
Bajaura Temple:
On the banks of the river Beas, about
200 m off the Kullu Mandi road at Hat or Hatta, is situated a
massive pyramidal structure temple, decorated with images of
Durga, Vishnu and Ganesh in the outer 3-sided shrines. Floriated
scrollwork can be seen on the exterior walls. Inside this Shiva
temple is a large yoni-lingam. It is 15-km from Kullu.
Parvati Valley/Manikaran:
At 1737 m, here am hot sulphur
springs that bubble next to the by waters of the Penal river.
The place is revered by both Hindus and Sikhs Treks from here
lead to Pulga, Khirganga and Mantalai' a stretch of considerable
natural beauty. The route finally reaches the Pin Parvati Pass
(4802 m), which opens into the Sutlej valley.
Kaisdhar:
A picturesque spot, situated across a
steep hill known for its magnificient scenery and innumerable
walks.
Kasol:
An open glade by the banks of the
river Parvati, Kasol makes a good holiday destination. Clean
white sand separates the lush green grass from the stone, this
place is well known for trout fishing.
Shoja:
At 2692 m, this is a vantage point
for a complete panorama of the Kullu area-snow peaks and
valleys, meadows and forests, rivers and streams.
Raison:
By the banks of the Beas-and on the
Kullu-Manali highway- Himachal Tourism runs a camping site here.
This place is ideal for a taste of adventure and for spending a
quiet holiday in solitary splendour.
Karrain:
At about midpoint on Kullu-Manali
road, this is the home of lush orchards and famous for
bee-keeping and trout fishing. Khatrain is the widest point in
Kullu Valley and is overlooked by the 3,325 m Baragarh peak.
Largi:
Largi is a small hamlet, 34-km south
of Kullu via Aut, offers the best trout fishing and scenic
beauty in the valley. The rest-house there is in a stunning
location where two Himalayan torrents, the Sainj and Tirthan,
meet. Fishing permits can be obtained from Kullu and Largi
itself.
Jagatsukh:
Jagatsukh is the most ancient Kullu
capital, situated on the left bank, between Nagar and Manali.
Around the Jagatsukh secondary school playground there are two
ancient temples - 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:
Also known as Indralika, this 2,953
metres (9,687 ft.) high snow dove Jagatsukh, has a legend around
it, with Arjuna. He started performing 'tapa' at this mountain,
under the advice of Maharishi Vyas, in order to obtain the
powerful Pasupata Astra from Indra.
Banjar:
It is about 58-km from Kullu at an
altitude of 1,534m (5,000 ft.). Banjar is famous for its
panoramic beauty and trout fishing in river Tirtham.
Nirmund:
Situated in outer Seraj of Kullu
district, Nirmund is at present a block headquarter. Known as 'Chhoti
Kashi', it was once a seat of great scholars and intellectuals.
Bathad:
A beautiful spot at a distance of
67-km can be approached by road from Kullu. It is recognized for
adventurous games such as hunting, trout fishing and
breathtakingly beautiful sites.
Malana:
30-km from Khatrain, near the
beautiful Chandrakhani Pass, which offers striking views of Deo
Tibba is the mysterious village of Malana. The village is
basically famous for its temple of Jamlu and its distinct and
fully reserved social and cultural set up.
Pulga, Khiranga and Mantalai:
Almost level walk of two hours along
Parvati river is Gattigarh, the rest place for trekkers. Around
4-km ahead on right side of river Parvati lies Pulga, which
looks like the twin sister of Manali. Khiranga hot water fall is
situated in beautiful natural setting and its water contains
medicinal property. One thing has to be noted that taking bath
in its water will put greasy touches to the body, unlike
Manikaran, where one feels the touch of dryness. Covering
another two kilometers from Khiranga lies Mantalai.
Chandra Khanni Pass:
The tough climbing trek-route of
Chandra Khani Pass lies east of Khatrain. The whole area looks
wonderfully striking and colorful when the flowers in various
brilliant hues, are in blossom.
WATER & ADVENTURE SPORTS
The Kullu valley has
numerous places for trout fishing. These include Katrain,
Raison, Kasol and Naggar, then
along the river Tirthan near Lad, in the Sainj Valley and in the
Hurla kund. The river Beas offers excellent opportunities for
white water rafting.
The valley is the nucleus of several trek routes. Some major
ones are over the Chanderkhani Pass to Malana and
Pin Parbati Pass to
Sarahan. The Jalora Pass lies
5-km beyond Shoja and gives access to the outer Seraj region of
the Kullu Valley. From
Chamba to Udaipur (Lahaul)
over Sach Pass, can be completed by trekkers within a day span
of nine or ten days.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
The airport at Bhuntar is 10-km from
Kullu, where taxis and buses are available.
Rail:
The closest narrow gauge railhead is
at Jogindernagar, 95-km from Kullu.
Road:
By road, the distance from
Delhi via
Mandi is 530-km and from
Shimla this is 240-km. From Delhi and
Shimla, luxury buses ply to Kullu. There's a bus and taxi
stand on the opposite side of maidan. The main bus stand is by
river in the northern area of the town.
CLIMATE
In winter, the
temperature gets quite low when heavy woollens are required. It
is pleasant in summer and cottons are recommended.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Kullu Dussehra
When Dussehra
celebrations come to an end in the rest of the country, they
begin at Kullu. Over 600 local deities come to pay homage to
Lord Raghunathji. Enthusiasm marks the festival, with every road
leading to Dhaulpur Maidan thronged by gaily-dressed, good-humoured
crowds, folk dances, exhibitions, cultural programs are held to
mark the festivities. |