Kullu (1220m) was once known as Kulanthapitha – 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. Kullu got its first motorable access only after independence. The long centuries of seclusion have however allowed the area to retain a considerable measures of its traditional charm. Here is the core of an intricate web of numerous valleys, each of which is a visual delight and seems more beautiful than the other.
The Silver Valley has nature’s treasures that lie carelessly scattered as flowers. This wealth nestles by every tree in the splendid forests, bursts forth in the blooms and in the fruit of every orchard. Here are riches which cannot be measured and echo down the ages with the words of every myth and ancient legend and glow in the warm smiles of its gentle people. There is pleasure in every step you take in these enchanted valleys and in every gurgle you hear in the clear mountain streams.
ACCESS : The airport at Bhunter is 10 km from Kullu, where taxis and buses are available. By road, the distance from Delhi is 530 km , Shimla – 240 km. From Delhi, HPTDC Luxury and Volvo coaches ply to Kullu daily. During tourist season there is a daily luxury coach to Shimla.
CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature gets quite low when heavy woolens are required. It is pleasant in summer and cottons are recommended.
PLACES OF INTEREST
KULLU DUSSEHRA : When Dussehra celebrations comes to an end in the rest of country, it begins at Kullu. Over 300 local deities come to pay homage to Lord Ragunath. This is a time when the valley is at its colorful best.
RAGHUNATH TEMPLE : In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu committed a great wrong. To atone for the sin, he sent a courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Ragunath (Lord Rama). This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and is greatly revered.
BIJLI MAHADEV TEMPLE (14 km) : At 2460m, this is set on a spur that offers some spectacular views. The temple is famous for its high staff that periodically draws lighting which shatters the Linga and scorches the building. Using only butter as adhesive, the Linga is then carefully pieced together by the temple pundit.
BASHESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE BAJURA (15 KM) : One of the most charming temple in Kullu, this is renowned for its intricate stone carvings.
OTHER TEMPLES : The Vaishno Devi temple (4km), the Devi Jagannath Temple at Bekhli (5 km) and the Vishnu temple at Dayar (12 km) are other important shrines around Kullu.
KAISDHAR (15 KM) : A high meadow fringed by deodar trees. A picturesque spot.