About Kullu Manali Tourist Places List

About Kullur town is set on the banks of river Beas in the strikingly beautiful Kullu valley, also known as the Valley of Gods, is the headquarters of the Kullu District.  Located on the banks of the Beas River, about 10km north of the airport at Bhuntar, Kullu is perhaps the most delightful region in the western Himalayas.  Like a supple delicate hued fern gleaming in the morning dew, the valley spreads out its charm on either side of the upper reaches of the Beas River.  From north to south, the main river valley is 80km long and 2km at it's broadest.  However, there is a fairly wide area that offers picturesque mountain scenery.

With the arrival of spring Kullu becomes luxuriant with pink blossoms and white flowers, while the higher slopes are aglow with gorgeous rhododendrons.  With autumn, clear blue skies return fields, and forests alike show wonderful tints of crimson and ochre. By December, there is no greenery except the majestic pines and cedars in the forests.  Apart from natural beauty, Kullu is an ideal destination for adventure sports and outdoor activities.  There is ample scope for skiing, trekking, mountaineering, sightseeing etc.  On weekend getaways from Kullu-Manali you can travel to Shimla, Kalpa, Kaza, Kannaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Dharamshala, Dalhousie and so on.

Situated northeast from Bhuntar towards Lahaul and Spit, the Parvati Valley is well-established traveler hangout.  Many small towns adjacent to the Valley have been converted into sub-standard hippie resorts.

Kullu Manali Tourist Places

Raghunathji Temple

This famous shrine was built in 1657 and dedicated to Lord Raghunathji, the principal deity of the valley.  The idol of the presiding deity is said to be brought from Ayodhya, about 400 years ago.

Kullu Dussehra

The world renowned annual Dussehra festival of Kulllu is celebrated in September / October.  The festivities are organised at Dhalpur maidan about 1km from Raghunathji Temple.  During this time icons of all the deities of Kullu valley are brought here in colourful processions to attend the darbar of Lord Raghunathji.

Kasol

Kasol is about 42km from Kullu. Situated on the banks of the Parvati River, Kasol is an ideal holiday destination.  Kasol's charming location starts in an open space, which slopes down to a broad expanse of clear white sand on the edge of the river.  This place is known for trout fishing.

Larji

Larji is about 34km in the south of Kullu at an elevation of 957m; Larji provides good scope for trout fishing.  A Rest House is located in a breathtaking position, at an angle between the foaming torrents of the rivers Sanij and Tirthan, before they join the Beas.

Pulga and Khirganga (16km)

A stiff march takes one to the restful solitude of the Forest Rest House whose immediate environment affords a sylvan and peaceful retreat for the body and mind.  The Tos Nullah, which branches off from the main Parvati valley is well worth exploration by those who favor the wilder aspects of natural scenery and are prepared to camp out.  Khirganga, which is well known for its hot springs, is just 10km away from Pulga.

Raison

Raison is about 16km from Kullu. It is in the way to Manali, and is an ideal site at an elevation 1,433m for spending a quiet holiday in solitary splendor and for holding youth camps and rallies.  On the gurgling banks of the Beas there are 14 wooden huts of the HPTDC.

Mandi

Once an important junction on the salt route to Tibet, Mandi is the gateway to the Kullu Valley, and is also the junction of the roads from Kullu, Kangra and Shila.  An important religious center Mandi has over 80 temples and is often called the 'Varanasi of the hills.'  Besides religious importance, Mandi is also famous for trekking and angling. The Barot-Kullu trek is one of the spectacular treks located near this religious town.

Naggar

The beautiful site on the banks of beas was the capital of Kullu state for over 1400 years.  It was founded by Visudh Pal and has a 16th century castle, which has now been converted into a hotel.  Naggar has three old shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Tripura Sundari and Krishna.  It is also associated with Nicholas Roerich, an internationally renowned artist from Russia. Naggar is about 28km from Kullu. Situated on the back road between Kullu and Manali, the slumbering village of Naggar.  Its strategic location on a wooded slope, makes it an excellent viewpoint, especially of the valley's northwest.  A fort constructed by the Sikh rajas of Kullu in 1460 is a centre of attraction.  The fort has now been converted into Hotel Castle, and is managed by the Himachal Tourism department.  There are a large number of famous temples in and around Naggar. The Russian artist Nicholas Roerich's art gallery is worth a visit.

Malana (28km)

Malana is about 28km from Kullu. From Naggar, it takes a tedious hike of 20km to reach this place.  A little ahead off the beautiful Chandrakhani pass lies the tiny village of Malana, famous for the temple of Jamlu and its distinct social and cultural life.  It carries a reputation of being the world's oldest democracy and is a much sought after for trekking.

Manikaran (45km)

This pilgrim centre of Hindus and Sikhs is famous for its hot sulphur springs.  It has a Gurudwara and temple of Lord Ramchandra and Shiva. Manikaran is about 45km from Kullu. The hot springs in Manikaran in the Parvati valley is believed to have curative powers for all diseases ranging from bronchitis to rheumatism.  The water is so hot that even dal and rice can be cooked in it. Manikaran is also a well-known pilgrim centre and there is an ancient Hidu temple and a gurdwara here.  It can be reached via the trekking route to Pulga and Pin Parvati pass.

Manali (41km)

Magnificent Manali, one of the most popular hill resorts of the country is set picturesquely on the confluence of Manalsu and Beas rivers, surrounded by snow clad peaks and thick forest and fruit laden orchards. Mythological legends indicated that the name Manali is derived from ‘manu-alaya’, the home of Manu, the great Hindu law giver and it was from here that the human race came into being after the great deluge.

Hadimba Devi Temple

The pagoda style shrine surrounded by thick deodar trees is dedicated to goddess Hadimba or Hirma Devi.  It was built in 1553, by Raja Bahadur Singh and is the main attraction of Manali.

Manu Temple (3km)

It is the only temple dedicated to the legendary sage.

Tibetan Monasteries

There are 3 monasteries two of them are in the town and one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas river.  Tibetan handicrafts and carpet can be purchased here.

Mountaineering Institute (3km)

It lies on the left bank river Beas and imparts training courses in trekking, mountaineering, skiing and water sports.

Vashista Hot springs and Temple (3km)

The village on the left bank of river Beas towards Rohtang pass is known for hot springs and temple of Vashist Muni.

Places to Visit in Manali Or Manali Tourist Places

Jagatsukh (6 km)

It was once the caital of Kullu state and is known for the ancient temple of Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri built in Shikhara style.

Solang Valley (13km)

The valley extending from Solang village to Beas Kund is a veritable paradise for nature lovers.  The breathtaking views of snow clad peaks and glaciers make it one of the finest picnic spots in the Kullu valley.  The winter skiing festival is organised I the valley.

Rohtang Pass (51km)

The gorgeous gateway to Lahaul Siti, Pangi and Leh valley is set at an altitude of 3979 metres.  The highway to Keylong/Leh passes over this pass of about 1km.  It opens for vehicular traffic from Jun. to October.  The breathing beauty of the mountains flanking the pass, the glaciers and Chandra River flowing down the Lahaul valley leaves a lasting impression on the visitors.

How to Reach Kullu

Kullu is well connected by road with ambala, Chandigarh, Delhi, Shimla, Dharamsala, Dhradun, Pathankot, and Dalhousie.  Regular bus services are available between these destinations.  The nearest railheads are Kalka, Chandigarh and Pathankot.  The Kullu and Parvati Valleys, from Mandi to Manali are serviced by the airport at Bhuntar, 10km south of Kullu town.

Kullu City Distance Guide

Bilaspur 126 Km
Chandigarh 232 Km
Dharmsala 183 Km
Dalhousie 275 Km
Hamirpur 116 Km
Chamba 278 Km
Kangra 192 Km
Mandi 68 Km
Manali 40 Km
Nahan 268 Km
Palampur 153 Km
Solan 213 Km
Shimla 168 Km
Una 156 Km