An Overview :
Located on the banks of river Beas, the magical land Kullu(Kulu), is known
for its natural hot springs and snow capped mountains. With an area of 6.68
sq-kms, it is one of the most beautiful hill station situated in the north
Indian state, Himachal Pradesh. The hill station is sometimes called as 'the
valley of gods.' Every village at the hill station has its own deity. In
ancient times it was popular as Kulanthpitha, which means the end of the
world.
Manali is a picturesque town located at the Kullu valley of Himachal
Pradesh. It is surrounded by Deodar trees and is an excellent honeymoon
destination. The place also offers several adventure activities such as
trekking, rafting, skiing and mountaineering for adventure enthusiasts. The
hill town Manali is also famous for its beautiful temples and colourful
handicrafts, that are produced by the local craftsmen.
Climate of Kullu Manali :
Surrounded by snow clad mountain range Kullu Manali experiences a pleasant
climate throughout the year. Its maximum summer day temperature goes up to
30 degrees C which falls substantially in night. The minimum winter
temperature can drop below freezing point. Heavy woolen clothes are required
in winter and cottons in tropical summer. The most ideal time to visit Kullu
Manali is between the month of May and October.
Tourist Attractions in Kullu :
» Raghunathji Temple - The temple is regarded as
the most important holiest place in Kullu. It is dedicated to lord
Raghunathji another form of Lord Rama. The temple was built by the king of
Kullu Raja Jagat Singh who brought the present idol of the god from
Ayodhya(the birth place of Lord Rama) and established here.
»
Bijli Mahadev Temple - Located at a distance of 10 km from the town
Kullu across the Beas river, the Bijli Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord
Shiva. It named so because there is a 20 meter high rod projecting out of
the shrine, which catches lightening from the skies and destroys below the
Shivlingam(the symbol of Lord Shiva). It offers a panoramic view of the
Kullu valley and is worth visiting.
» The Great Himalayan National Park - Located in
the district of Kullu, it is one of the major national park of Himachal
Pradesh. It is home to a diverse variety flora and fauns with around 300
bird species and more than 30 animal species.
» Basheshwar Mahadev Temple - This 9th century
built temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is popular for its intricate
stone carvings.
Tourist Attractions in Manali :
» Hidimba Devi Temple - The present wooded temple
of goddess Hadimba Devi was built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1553. This
four story temple is renowned for its wooden carvings of animals, plants and
local deities. Inside the temple is a small brass idol of the statue of
goddess Hadimba.
» Vashist Spring - These sulphur hot springs are
considers as sacred and known for its medicinal and rejuvenating values.
» Manali Sanctuary - Located at a distance of 2km
from the down town area, the wildlife sanctuary was first notified in the
year 1954. It houses a variety of Himalayan flora and fauna with animal
species like lion, snow leopard, ibex etc.
» Winter Carnival - The annual five-day winter
carnival of Manali is celebrated every year in the month of January. The
festival starts fro the Hadimba Devi Temple with the worship of goddess
Hadimba. Various cultural and winter sports events are organised during this
festival which represents the culture and ethnicity of Himachal Pradesh. It
attracts large number of participants and tourists from all parts of the
country.
Accommodation
in Kullu Manali :
Kullu Manali offer good accommodation facilities in various hotels and
resorts of all categories.
» Hotels in Manali - Hotel Tourist, Jhon Banon'n
Guesthouse, Sunshine Guest House, Hotel Highlands, Pinewood Hotel, Hotel
Chetna, Beas Hotel and Hotel Rohtang Manalsu.
» Hotels in Kullu - Apple Valley Resort, Banon
Resorts, Holiday Inn, Span Resorts.
Getting to Kullu Manali :
» By Air - The Bhutnar Airport is at a distance
of 10km from Kullu and 52 km from Manali. From here taxis and buses are
available to Kullu and Manali.
» By Rail - The nearest narrow gauge
railhead is at Joginder Nagar, 95km from Kullu.
» By Road - Kullu and Manali are well connected to
other major destinations of Himachal Pradesh and the neighboring states.
Both has regular bus connections from Delhi, Shimla, Pathankot, Chandigarh
and other north Indian towns.
