APPROACH
AIR: Kullu is connected by Indian Airlines, Trans Bharat
Aviation and Jagson flights with Delhi & Shimla. The airport is at
Bhuntar, 10kms. from Kulu.
RAIL: Nearest convenient rail heads are Kalka, Chandigarh and Pathankot on Broad
Gauge from where Kullu can be reached by road.
ROAD: Kulu is well connected by road with Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Shimla,
Dehradun, Pathankot, Dharamsala & Dalhousie etc. Regular direct buses
ply between these stations including deluxe, semi-deluxe and air
conditioned buses during tourist season.
LOCAL
TRANSPORT: Local buses operate between Kullu-Manali and Manikaran
regularly. Taxis are also available.
WHAT TO SEE
BIJLI MAHADEV SHRINE (2460 m): 10kms. from Kulu across
the Beas river, Bijli Mahadev temple is one of the striking temples in
the temples strewn district. It can be reached by a tough but rewarding
climb of 10 kms. trek. From the temple a panoramic view of Kulu &
Paravati valleys can be seen. A 60 feet high staff of Bijli Mahadev
temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun. in this temple of
lightening it is said, the tall staff attracts the divine blessings in
the form of lightening. The rest of the story can be heard from the
priest, which is un-believable but true.
RAGHUNATHJI TEMPLE: 1 km. from Dhalpur,Raghunathji is the
principal deity of the valley.
VAISHNO
DEVI TEMPLE: At a distance of 4kms. from Dhalpur, a small cave
enshrines an image of Goddess Vaishno Devi.
CAMPING SIGHT RAISON (1433 m): 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. HPTDC has log cabins for comfortable
stay.
KATRAIN (1463 m): The central and the widest part of
the valley, Katrain is 20kms. from Kulu on way to Manali. Apple orchards
and trout hatchery lend charm and prominence to the place. It is also
famous for bee keeping and Govt. trout farm at Patilkulh. Sufficient
accommodation is availablein Hotels of HPTDC.
NAGGAR
(1760 m): On the left bank of the Beas, Naggar is delightfully
situated on a wooded slope and commands an extensive view. It was the
capital of erstwhile Kulu 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.
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.
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.
LARJI (957 m): South of Kulu, Larji 34kms. away is a
small hamlet providing excellent spot for trout fishing. The PWD rest
house is located in a stunning position between the foaming torrents of
the river Sainj & Tirthan, before they join the Beas. The place is
patronized mostly by anglers.
BANJAR (1524 m): At a distance of 58 kms. south of
Kulu, Banjar is an excellent spot for trout fishing in the waters of
river Tirthan.
