Travel Kullu - Hill Stations, Himachal Pradesh, Travel Agents

Kullu was once known as Kullanthapitha - the end of the habitable world. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalaya, and by the banks of the shining river Beas, lay the fabled Silver Valley. The hill resort of Kullu is located in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. Kullu lies in the lower reaches of the Himalayan range.

Past in Kullu

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 capital was at Jagatsukh, 5 km to the south of Manali. In the 17th century, the capital was shifted to Kullu and the boundaries of the kingdom extended up to Lahaul and Spiti and the river Sutlej in the east. Though the valley was strategically located on important trade routes from north India to Ladakh and beyond, it was isolated from other parts of the country for many centuries till it came under British rule. The British governed the Kullu valley from Dharamshala.

Places to Interest in Kullu

Raghunath Temple in the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu committed a great wrong. To atone for the sin, he sent a senior counter to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Ragunath - Lord Rama. This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and even today is greatly revered.

Bijli Mahadev Temple At 2460 m, this is set on a spur that offers some spectacular views. The temple is famous for its high staff that periodically draws lightning which shatters the Shivlinga and scorches the building. Using only butter as adhesive, the linga is then carefully pieced together by the temple Pundit.

Kullu Fairs & Festivals The festival of Dussehra is celebrated with much zest in Kullu. The festivals marks the victory of good over evil falls in the month of October. Though the Hindu festival is celebrated throughout India Dussehra in Kullu valley is special. The people in Kullu rejoice for seven long days. Lord Raghunath's idol is taken through the streets on a palanquin carried by pilgrims. Five chosen animals namely a crab, a cock, a fish, a buffalo and a male goat are also sacrificed to mark the occasion amongst the other events. You must try Lugri the traditional Kullu drink, flows by the gallon during Dusshera.

Kasol (1640 m): Situated on the bank of Paravati river, Kasol makes a good holiday destination. 42kms. from Kulu, charmingly located on an open space which slopes down to the broad expanse of clear white sand at the Parvati river. The place is well known for trout fishing.

Manikaran (1700 m): Manikaran, 45kms. from Kulu and just 3kms. from Kasol, is famous for its hot springs. Thousands of people take a holy dip in hot waters here. The water is so hot that dal, rice & vegetables etc. can be cooked in it. It is also a well known pilgrimage place for both Hindus & Sikhs. Ramchandra and Shivaji temples besides a Gurudwara are there. According to an old legend, Manikaran is connected with Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Parvati, who lost her ear rings here, which gave birth to hot waters on the bank of Parvati river. Hearing this religious myth from the priests will be more rewarding and interesting. Ample accomodation in the temples and Gurudwara, is available for night stay besides the HPTDC hotel.

Malana (2652 m): Little ahead of the beautiful Chanderkhani Pass lies the village Malana which is famous for the temple of Jamlu and its distinct, social and cultural life. Malana is considered to be the oldest democracy in the world. It would be worth while to visit this village to study the style and social system prevalent there.

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