Tourist places in and around Kullu
Raghunathji Temple (1 km)
In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kulu had sent a senior courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of lord Raghunath- Lord Ram. This temple was built by Raja Jagot Singh to house the image.This famous shrine was built in 1657 and dedicated to Lord Raghunathji, the principle deity of the valley. The idol of the presiding deity is said to be brought from Ayodhya, about 400 years ago.
Kullu Dussehra
The world renowned annual dussehra festival of kullu is celebrated in September/October. The festivities are organised at Dhalpur maidan, about 1km from Raghunathji Temple. During this time icons of all the deities of kullu valley are brought here in colourful processions to attend the darbar of Lord Raghunathji.Bijli Mahadev Temple (13 km)
This temple is famous for its 20m high rod that periodically draws lightning, which shatters the ‘Shivalinga' and scorches the building. Using only butter as adhesive, the ‘linga' is then carefully pieced together by the temple pundit.The Vaishno Devi Temple (4 km)
This temple has a small cave with an image of goddess Vaishno or Durga in it.Naggr (27 km)
For 1400 years Naggar remained the capital of Kullu. Its 16th century stone and wood castle is now a hotel run by Himachal Tourism.The beautiful site on the banks of Beas was the capital of kullu state for ever 1400 years. It was founded by visudh Pal and has a 16th century castle, which has now been converted into a hotel. Naggar has three old shrines dedicated to lord vishnum, Tripura sundari and Krishna. It is also associated with Nicholas Roerich, an internationally renowned artist from russia.
The Murlidhar Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, Radha, Garuda and Laxminarayana has a striking spire on top. It is also the site of the annual Dusshera Festival. The Tripura Sundri Temple is one of the most well-known temples made in wood and sporting three-storeys. It looks similar to the Hadimba Devi Temple with a kalasa crowning the topmost storey. The temple has stone idols of Ganesha, Vishnu, Brahma, Laxmi Narayan, Shiva and Parvati. Jagati Patt Temple is a wooden temple, whose highlight is a slab believed to have been brought here by the gods from the Bhrigu Tung Peak. Similar to Manali, there is a Gauri-Shankar Temple, dedicated to Parvati and Shiva. The main sanctum has engraved figures of Lord Ganesha, floral patterns and musical instruments.
Parvati Valley/ Manikaran (45 km)
At 1737 m, here hot sulphur springs that bubble next to the by waters of the penal river. The place is revered by both Hindus and Sikhs Treks from here lead to Pulgo, Khirganga and Mantali' a stretch of considerable natural beauty. The route finally reaches the Pin Parvati Pass (4802 m), which opens into the Sutlej valley.Manikaran is the site of the natural hot water springs believed to have medicinal powers. The Rama Temple here is built in pyramidal style and is dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple complex sports three halls and forty rooms where devotees stay and a free meal or langar is also served to them. Manikaran is also home to the Gurudwara of Shri Narayan Hari, who built it almost 60 years back. Today it provides the daily langar service (free meal) to over 4000 people.
This pilgrim centre of Hindus and sikhs is famous for its hot sulphur springs. It has a gurudwara and temples of Lord Ramchandra and shiva.
Manali (41 km)
Magnificent Manali, one of the most popular hill resorts of the country is set picturesquely on the confluence of Manalsu and Beas rivers, surrounded by snow clad peaks and thic forest and fruit laden orchards. Mythological lgends indicate that the name Manali is derived from ‘Manu-alaya', the home of Manu, the great Hindu law giver and it was from here that the human race came into being after the great deluge.One of the most important temples in Manali is the Manu Rishi Temple, which is a five-storey pagoda-like structure with a brass kalasa crowning the top. This temple is dedicated to Manu, who is said to be the first human ever. Vashishtha Temple is dedicated to sage Vashishtha and built in true Pahadi-style. The patron deity inside is a stone idol clad in dhoti, cap and a white shawl. Hadimba Devi Temple is the most important and prayed at temple here. The temple is four-storeyed, pagoda-shaped and showcases intricate carvings of dancers at the entrance. The temple contains an idol of Goddess Hadimba seated on a rock. The Left Bank in Manali is home to the Gauri Shankar Temple built in pyramid style and housing idols of Parvati and Shiva. Close to it is the Sandhya Devi Temple built in pahari style with a sloping roof and square base. Along with a stone image of Goddess Sandhya, an idol of Lord Ganesha can also be found inside. The Dashal Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a beautiful masterpiece. Intricate carvings adorn the walls of this temple.
Akhara Bazaar
Known as one of the main bazaar, where Kullu cops, shawls, ‘pattoos', qudmas, ‘puhlas' and ‘namdas' or rugs are sold in plenty.Bajaura Temple (15 km)
A massive pyramidal structure temple, decorated with images of Durga, Vishnu and Ganesh in the outer 3-sided shrines. Floriated scrollwork can be seen on the exterior walls. Inside this Shiva temple is a large is a yoni- lingam.Kaisdhar
A picturesque spot, across a steep hill known for its magnificient scenery and innumerable walks.Kasol (42 km)
An open glade by the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol makes a good holiday destination.Rajson (16 km)
A camping site runs here. This place is ideal for a taste of adventure and for spending a quiet in solitary splendour.Kartrain (20 km)
This is the home of lush orchards and famous for bee- keeping and trout fishing.Largi (34 km)
Largi is a small hamlet which offers the best fruit fishing and scenic beauty in the valley.Jagatsukh
Jagatsukh is the most ancient kullu capital. There are two ancient temples- the small shrine of Gourishankar and the larger chalet- roofed temple to the goddess Sandhya Devi.Deo Tibba
Also known as Indralika, this 2,953 meters (9687 ft.) high snow dove Jagatsukh, has a legend around it, with Arjuna. He started performing ‘meditation' at this mountain, under the advice of Maharishi Vyas, in order to obtain the powerful pasupata Astra from India.Banjar (58 km)
It is famous for its panoramic beauty and trout fishing in river Tirtham.Malana (16 km)
A little hub of hundred houses. The village is basically famous for its temple of Jamlu and its distinct and fully reserved social and cultural set up.Pulga, Khiranga and Mantalai
On right side or river Parvati lays pulga, which looks like the twin sister of Manali. Khiranga hot water fall is situated in beautiful natural setting and its water contains medicinal property. Covering another two kilometers from Khiranga lies Mantalai.Chandra Khanni Pass
The tough climbing trek- route of Chandra Khani Pass lies east of Khatrain. The whole area looks wonderfully striking and colourful when the flowers in various brilliant hues, are in blossom.Hadimba devi Temple
The pagoda style shrine surrounded by thick deodar trees is dedicated to goddess Hadimba or Hirma Devi. It was built in 1553, by Raja Bahadur singh and is the main attraction of manali.Manu temple (3 km)
It is the only temple dedicated to the legendary sage.Tibetan Monasteries
There are 3 monasteries; two of them are in the town and one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas River. Tibetan handicrafts and carpets can be purchased here.Mountaineering Institute (3kms): It lies on the left bank of river Beas and imparts training courses in trekking, mountaineering, skiing and water sports.
Vashista Hot Springs & Temple (3 km)
The village on the left bank of river Beas towards Rohtang pass is known for hot springs and temple of vashist muni.Temples of Kullu Valley
Basheshwar Mahadev Temple is believed to be the largest and most spectacularly built. Built in typical Pahari style, Bijli Mahadev Temple is one of the toughest to reach. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and derives its name from the fact that the shivling inside has, time and again, been shattered by lightening. The priests put together the shivling with ghee. Similar in style to the Bijli Mahadev temple, the Bhuvneshwari Temple is also built in Pahari style. The temple walls are adorned with Kangra-style paintings of Durga and the stone lion placed in the courtyard is built beautifully. Vaishno Devi Temple is a relatively new temple and is located on the National Highway near Kullu. Dedicated to the patron deity of Kullu, Raghunath Temple is the site of the famous Kullu Dusshera celebrations. Legends have it that Lord Rama performed the Ashwamedha Yajna before this very idol.Temples of Banjar
The main temple of the Banjar Valley is Shringa Rishi Temple dedicated to Shringa Rishi, the patron god of Banjar. The temple is a combination of a pagoda and pahari-style of architecture. Made of wood, the temple also has four roofs and an idol made of stone and brass, who is kept in his chariot all the time. Built like a fort, the Parshuram Temple houses a three-headed statue of Parshuram, which the third eye fitted with a diamond. The Ambika Temple was believed to have been built by Parshuram for his mother. It houses an idol of Ambika and a pair of lions placed before it. Carvings of fighting animals also adorn the walls.Naggar Castle
Today converted into a heritage hotel, the Naggar Castle was built almost 600 years ago as home to the Raja of Kullu. It offers spectacular views of the Naggar Valley and houses the wooden Jagati Patt Temple in its complex. It is also home to the Roerich Art Gallery that houses paintings of Russian artist Nicholas Roerich. The gallery has also preserved original creations of the Himalayas done by Roerich, his quotations and notes left by his visitors.Open from: 10.00 am-5.00 pm (Monday closed)
Urusvati Himalayan Folk Art Museum
Also located in Naggar, this folk art museum was once the research centre of the Himalayan region, and Indian and Tibetan medicine systems, started by Nicholas Roerich. This museum houses a fine collection of embroideries and folk art objects. Russian art, musical instruments, dolls and utensils are other popular displays. Paintings done by Roerich and other Indian and Russian artists also adorn the walls. Don't miss the stone carvings of gods, pieces of crystal and wood, and the traditional garb of Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Tibet and Ladakh.Dechen Choekhor Monastery
Located in Manali, this newly-built monastery owes its origin to the one in Tibet. It houses monks and lamas, who are trained in Buddhism. The monastery also manages a Thangka School of Arts and a carpet-weaving centre both aiming at preserving the Tibetan Art. The interiors are full of paintings depicting scenes from Buddha's life and a Kalachakra (wheel of life), which depicts the circle of life.Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa
Located near the Mall, this gompa is particularly noted for its bright frescoes and a medium-sized Buddhist statue.Wildlife Sanctuaries
The Kullu Valley is home to five wildlife sanctuaries, namely Great Himalayan National Park, Khokhan Sanctuary, Kais Sanctuary, Manali Sanctuary and Kanawar Sanctuary. Here you'd find some of the most endangered species including Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Snow Leopard and Cheer Pheasant. It is estimated that the largest number of the Himalayan Tahr are found in the Kanawar Sanctuary. Visit these sanctuaries in the summer months or early winters when traveling to these heights are relatively easy.Waterfalls
Rahla Fall almost 27 km from Manali is spectacular with the Beas River gushing down 50 mts. Similarly, the Palani Fall is located near the Bijli Mahadev Temple and cascades down 150 mts. Both these falls are popular picnic spots. In addition, the falls are also the site of the annual fair held in March attended by a large number of people from across the country.Hot Water Springs
Kullu has several hot water springs dotting its landscape, believed to have curative powers. Among the most visited is the Kheerganga at Manikaran. These hot water springs seem to emerge from the rocks and are whitish in colour. A dip here is believed to cure gastric problems and rheumatic pains. For skin diseases, a dip in the hot water springs at Kalath, Manali is a must. Vashishtha Springs are also famous for the Turkish baths built by the Tourism Department.Rafting
The Beas River is a well known spot for white water rafting, canoeing and kayaking. Several events and competitions are organized by the clubs here. The equipments for your adventure sessions are also provided by the clubs.Solang Valley
This is one of the most popular treks undertaken from Manali to Solang Valley and the Beas Kund below Hanuman Tibba. Set amidst pine and deodar trees, the Solan Valley's slopes are also the site of the State and National Winter Sports.Snow Point or Rohtang Pass
Catch beautiful glimpses of the majestic Himalayas from here. Rohtang Pass is the highest point on the National Highway and is especially popular for skiing since it experiences heavy snowfall. The Dassaur Lake close by is the source of the River Beas.Jallori Pass
Located between the Ani and Banjar Valley, the pass offers spectacular views of the mountains and valleys. The pass is closed during winter for vehicles because of heavy snowfall.Skiing
Manali is known as one of the best skiing spots. Especially important are Solang Nullah, Patalsu, Kothi, Marhi and Rohtang slopes. For summer skiing, head out to Patalsu and Rohtang slopes. You can also enjoy the National Skiing Competition organized at Solang Nullah.Paragliding
Solang Nullah is also a popular paragliding spot and there are clubs that offer packages in paragliding. You can hire equipments from private clubs in and around Manali.Angling
The Beas River is an angler's delight and the Himachal Pradesh Fisheries Department allows tourists to enjoy a session of trout angling. Among the known fishing spots are Kalath, Katrain, Raison, Seo Bagh, River Parbati and Tirthan Stream. During winters, trout fishing is not allowed and in season, you need to have a permit from the tourist information centres or the fisheries office.Note One permit would allow you 6 fishes