The most charming and beautiful Kullu valley spreads out its charm on either side of river Beas. The valley runs north to south of this river and is 80km long and about 2km at its broadest. Yet with awe inspiring glens and mossy meadows encircled by the rushing streams and meandering brooks, flung east & west, a fairly wide area is open to the tourists, the trekkers, the mountaineers, the artists and to anyone who wishes to escape the heat & dust of the plains to breathe the exhilarating air of the Himalaya and enjoy the spectacle of the variegated mountain scenery. The valley is also famous for its exquisitely woven colourful hand made shawls and kullu caps.
Places for INTERSECT
Vaishno Devi Temple
At a distance of 4kms. from Dhalpur, a small cave enshrines an image of Goddess Vaishno Devi.
Raghunathji Temple
1 km from Dhalpur (Kullu), Raghunathji is the principal deity of the valley.
Bijli Mahadev Temple
Placed at a height of 2460 meter is Bijli Mahadev, a sacred destination, 14 km to thesouth-east of Kullu and a three km trek from Mansari village. A beautiful meadow with an ancient Shiva temple, famous for its stone Shiva-Linga which shatters (it is believed)each time lightning strikes it, only to be resurrected by the Pujari. The prospect from Bijli Mahadev is enthralling with a panaromic view of the Kullu & Manikaran valleys. It is a fovourite spot for visitors and the local populace alike. One can also visit the Palani fall which lies six km to the north of Bijli Mahadev and is a popular picnic spot. If visit the fall in March, take a stop at the fair which is held there annually during this month.
Banjar
At a distance of 58 km south of Kullu, Banjar is an excellent spot for trout fishing in the waters of river Tirthan.
Bajaura
15kms. short of Kulu , Bajaura is on the main road where BASHESHWAR MAHADEV temple is situated about 200 m from the village in a plain between the main road and the Beas river. It is believed to have been built in the mid 8th century.
Naggar
On the left bank of the Beas, Naggar (1760 m) is delightfully situated on a wooded slope and commands an extensive view. It was the capital of erstwhile Kullu state for about 1400 years. There are large number of famous temples notably Vishnu, Tripura Sundari & Lord Krishana. Cars and jeeps easily go upto the Naggar castle. Roerich art gallery which houses the paintings of Nicholas Roerich as well as his sculptures is less than a km from the Castle. Naggar is also a base for undertaking treks to Chanderkhani Pass and to remote valley of Malana.
Raison
16kms. away from Kulu, the sight is ideal for spending a quite holiday in solitary splendor and for holding youth camps. There are a large number of orchards in this part of the valley.
Malana
Little ahead of the beautiful Chanderkhani Pass lies the village Malana which is famous for the temple of Jamlu deity 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.
Kasol
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
Manikaran (1700 m), 45km from Kullu and just 3km 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 private hotels & guest houses.
Great Himalayan National Park
The National Park with an area of 754 sq. km. is located in Kullu District and has the representative area of temperate and alpine forests of Himachal. It has some the virgin coniferous forests of the State. Vast areas of alpine pastures and glaciers cap this park. This area has many important wildlife species of Western Himalayas, like Musk deer, Brown bear, Goral, Thar, Leopard, Snow leopard, Bharal, Serow, Monal, Kalij, Koklas, Cheer, Tragopan, Snow cock etc. Trekking of Rakti-Sar, origin of Sainj river and camping in alpine pastures is unforgettable. Similar is the trekking route to Tirath the origin of Tirthan river. Visitors can contact Director, Great Himalayan National Park at Shamshi or Range Officer wildlife at Sainj or Range Officer Wild Life at Sai Ropa (Banjar) for assistance and guidance. Camping equipment and guides are provided by the Forests Department.