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Introduction Manali

Introduction Kullu

Sightseeing  Manali

Sightseeing Kullu

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Travel Essential

Located in Himachal Pradesh, the Himalayan Jewel. Kullu was once known as Kulanthpitha-'the end of the habitatable world'. Beyond rise the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalaya, and by the banks of the shining river Beas, lies the fabled 'Silver Valley'. The town of Kullu is famous for its colourful Dussehra festival. Decorated palanquins and processions convey gods and goddesses from temples all over the valley to Kullu, to pay homage to the reigning deity, Raghunathji. A mela springs up during the festival which is celebrated with a great deal of singing, dancing and festivity.

MANALI:

Situated at the northen end of the Kullu Valley, Manali has spectacular views of snowcapped peaks and wooded slopes. The Beas rushes along its rocky course amid grassy meadows carpeted with wild flowers and wagtails hop along from stone to stone along the stream's edge. There are marvellous walks too, through dappled orchards and fairy-tale forests of deodar.

The Manali market is crowded with myriads of interesting shops selling Tibetan carpets and crafts and the appetizing aroma of steaming noodles hangs about the  little restaurants. Manali, with its Mountaineering Institute, is a popular base for trekking and mountaineering in summer and skiing in winter. Interesting routes into the surrounding valleys, over the high passes, are provided with tourist huts and rest houses for trekking enthusiasts.

AREA: 80 Sq. Km. ALTITUDE: 1915 Mts.-Manali

Temperature: Summer Max 30.0C    Min 25.0C   , Winter Max  25.0  Min 0   

BEST SEASON:  Sept-Nov(Winter), April-June(Summer).  In winter, the temperature gets quite low when heavy woolens are required. It is pleasant in summer and cottons are recommended. 

STD CODE:  01902 Kulu / 01901 Manali

REACHING KULLU/MANALI

The airport at Bhunter is 10 Km/6 mile from Kullu, where taxis and buses are available. The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 95 Km/59 mile from Kullu. By road, the distance from Delhi via Mandi is 530 Km/328 mile and from Shimla this is 240 Km/148 mile. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Kullu. Chandigarh and Pathankot are the nearest railhead.

PLACES OF INTEREST KULU

Raison(13 Km/8 mile): Not far away is the camping site at Raison on the grassy banks of the river. This can be starting point for number of interesting walks or treks in the area.

Katrain(19 Km/11 mile):Katrain is situated at the widest part of the Kullu Valley. There is excellent fishing here and a trout hatchery nearby ensures a well stocked river.

Naggar(24 Km/15 mile):On the opposite bank of the Beas, across a bridge at Patil Kuhl, the road climbs sharply through groves of dark green deodar to the little town of Naggar, high above the valley.The old castle of Naggar-once a capital of Kullu-is a marvellous medieval building, built of rough stone around a courtyard with a tiny temple at its center. The interesting tourist bungalow near the castle, precariously perched over a steep drop, has a bird's eye view of the   verdant valley. In a gracious house set in a flower-filled garden is a little art gallery displaying the works of the famous painter Prof. Nicholas Roerich.

Bijli Mahadev Temple(8 Km/5 mile): The interesting Bijli Mahadev Temple is close to  Kullu. Its temple tower, with a 20m rod on top, attracts lightning which shatters the stone linga in the sanctum. The priest puts it together with a butter and grain mixture called sathu till the next time-when the lightning strikes it once again.

Manikaran(44 Km/27 mile):High up under the snowy peaks, of the Parvati Valley are the hot springs at Maniakran. The water from the steaming springs is noted for its healing properties. Manikaran, a place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Sikhs, has a temple and a gurdwara. It is also spot for trout fishing.

PLACES OF INTEREST MANALI

Hadimba Temple: A pretty path leads to the Hadimba Temple standing tall among the stately deodars. the ancient temple is built like a pagoda and its lintel and door frame have intricately carved wood. Inscriptions proclaim that it was built by  Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1553. A colurful festival is held here in May every year.

Vashist Springs(3 Km/2 mile): One of Manali's main attractions, it is a place to luxuriate in Himachal Tourism's baths where the water of hot sulphur springs renowned for their medicinal qualities has been piped into baths-including private deluxe ones.

Jagatsukh(6 Km/3.5 mile):At Jagatsukh, in the midst of a picturesque village, are old temples. The elegant Gauri Shankar shrine built in the 8th century is the earliest surviving stone temple in this area. Jagatsukh was also once the capital of Kullu.

Arjun Gufa(5 Km/3 mile):Legend has it, that it was here that Arjun practiced austerities to get the Pashupata Ashtra, the sacred weapon from Lord Indra.

Nehru Kund(6 Km/3.5 mile):A spring of cold clear water is along the road to the Rohtang Pass.

Solang Valley(13 Km/8 mile): Enroute to Kothi, close to the Rohatang Pass is the beautiful Solang Valley. There are marvellous views of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Excellent ski slopes and a good ski lift make it a popular resort in winter. There is a hostel here, run by the Department of Mountaineering and Allied Sports and a fine camp site with modern amenities that is popular during the summers.

Kothi(12 Km/7.5 mile): Located at the foot of the Rohtang Pass, Kothi is a picturesque spot - a convenient camping site not too long ago, when the pass was crossed on foot. The well appointed Public Works Department   rest house has a panoramic view of the magnificent mountainscape. Close - by the River Beas swirls through a deep chasm.

Rahalla Falls(16 Km/10 mile):This splendid cascade is about 4Km/2.5 mile from Kothi.

Rohtang Pass:Situated at the altitude of 3980m the pass is open for just four months in the year, from June to October, when the snow melts. This is one of the best place to visit.

Club House: The Club House with its comprehensive facilities that include a roller skating ring, an auditorium, a billiards room, a library, a bar and restaurants, make a wonderful outing for the day.

TOURIST OFFICE:H.P.T.D.C. Ltd, Marketing Office, The Mall, MANALI, Distt: Kullu-175131 Tel: (01902)53531 Fax: (01902)52325

SHOPPING:

Shawls, local tweeds, caps, rugs (namdas), footwear, fresh fruit, natural oils (olive and almond), silver jewellery, pullovers, metal craft, woolen jackets and bamboo products.