Kullu Travel Guide

Kullu is a small yet beautiful hill-station in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated roughly 40 km south of Manali. The local language of Kullu is Pahari but Hindi is spoken and understood.

Kullu is famous for its Dussehra festival. The major sources of income of here are tourism and agriculture.

Things To Do In Kullu

There is nature and beautiful scenery all around in Kullu. So, you can just relax, chill, and enjoy the view. Go on a small walk or a hike in the mountains and forests and feel the oneness with nature.

Photo: The Art of Travel Partners

Some of the most popular tourist spots are:

• Rohtang Pass — one of the most popular attractions among tourists. Pass at a height of around 13,900 ft.
• Parvati Valley — a lush green valley offering numerous treks of different grades
• Great Himalayan National Park — a world heritage listed national park in the Himalayas

Photo: Great Himalayan National Park / The Art of Travel

• Vashishth Hot Water Springs
• Buddhist Montessori’s
• Nagar Castel
• Hamta Pass
• Chanderkhanni Pass
• Malana Village
• Jana Falls
• Siyolsar Lake
• Bhekhli Heights
• Solang Nala
• Kais Dhar
• Jalori Pass
• Soja

Photo: The Art of Travel Partners

Manikaran

Manikaran is in Parvati Valley about 34 km from Bhuntar. The water from the hot sulfur spring at Manikaran is said to have medicinal value and is a cure for a number of chronic ailments.

It’s surprising to note that hot water springs are only a few feet away from river Beas having very cold water. Sometimes one can feel the floor of the temple hot on walking as spring water flow underneath.

Manikaran is also known for the temple of ‘Lord Shiva’ who remained in ‘Samadhi’ for eleven thousand years in ‘Treta Yug’. Gurdwara Shri Hari Har Ghat are also there. Manikara sahib is a pilgrim of Sikhs as well as Hindus.

First Guru of Sikh’s Shri Guru Nanak Dev has visited this place along with their disciple Mardana. Every day a few thousand people visit this place, especially during summers.

Langar (a free lunch) and accommodation are provided in Gurdwara free of cost.

Khir Ganga

Khir Ganga is situated in Parvati Valley at a distance of 25 km from Manikaran. This tribal village is the last village of Kullu district.

To reach Khirganga one needs to get a bus from Manikaran up to Barshaini; around 13 km, and from there to Khirganga on foot. This trek leads through hilly terrain by Nakthan village.

Vaishno Devi Temple

Vaishno Devi temple is located just 5 km from Kullu on the Kullu-Manali Road N.H. No.1.

Raghunath Temple

Raghunath temple is situated at Sultanpur, 1 km from main Kullu Bus Stand. The temple is dedicated to ‘Lord Raghunath’, the chief deity of Kullu.

The world famous ‘Kullu Dussehra’ is held after his name. It is believed that the idol in the temple is the one that was used by Lord Rama while performing the ‘Ashwa-Megh-Yagya’.

Photo: The Art of Travel Partners

Fun Activities In Kullu

• Skiing
• River Rafting
• Rock climbing
• Paragliding
• Trekking
• Mountaineering
• Jeep Safaris
• Bike Safaris
• Angeling

Local Cuisine

Eat fresh trout from River Beas and momo (dim sum) from a street vendor.

Photo: The Art of Travel Partners

Try a few local apples. They are fresh, sweet, and famous in Kullu.

Buy

Local handicrafts and shawls are a must buy. Needless to say, rates of local vendors are cheaper than showrooms. That said, do some negotiation before agreeing to the final price.

There is a big fare during the Dushera and there is special discount during Dushera festival.

Safety

If planning for a trek up the beautiful mountains, don’t forget to hire a local guide. As the local customs and laws are quite strict and you might land up in trouble if unknowingly you offended any of their laws.

Touching gods and temples, or trespassing private property can be considered an offend and can attract a fine of few hundred to a few thousand rupees.

Don’t pluck apples from trees. Don’t jump around and watch your steps. Any single bad move can cause you to slide into a deep valley.

How To Get Here

Kullu (Bhuntar) has an airport which is connected to Chandigarh and New Delhi. So, that’s the most expensive but fastest option.

Luxury buses are available every day from Delhi, as well as the state deluxe, semi-deluxe, and ordinary buses that are much cheaper than private buses.

Local tourism buses are available from all inter-state bus terminals in North India.

Getting Around

There is an intra-town bus-system, which will take you to all the important places at very nominal prices. Local taxis can be hired easily. Also, you can rent motorbikes from the local shops and enjoy a ride in the mountains.

December 6, 2018 11:23 pm Published by Salil Jha