KULLU

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.

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.

KASOL (40 km) : An open glade by the banks of the river Parvati on way to Manikaran. Clean white sand
separates the lush green grass from the water. A good spot for trout. Himachal Tourism runs Tourist Hut at
Kasol.
MANIKARAN
At 1737 m, on the right bank of river Parvati. this place is famous for hot sulphur springs revered by both
Hindus and Sikhs pilgrims. Thousand, of pilgrims take dip in holy water. The water of the spring is also said to
have curative value which cures many skin diseases. According to an ancient saying Manikaran is also
connected with Lord Shiva and His divine concert Parvati.

PLACES OF INTEREST
PULGA : Kasol to Pulga is a challenging trek of 16 km and climb of a nearly 1600 meters.

KHIRGANGA : The place is well known for its hot springs. Its water contains medicinal property. Another 2 Km
from Khirganga lies Mantalai which is a scenic spot.

CHANDRAKHANI PASS : It lies east of Katrain. After a stiff climb from Kasol, the whole area looks
wonderfully striking and colourful when the flowers blossom. MALANA VILLAGE : Beyond the beautiful
Chandra Khani Pass lies an unique village Malana which is famous for its distinct culture and the temple of
Jamlu devta.

SHOJA (69 km) : This is a vantage point for a complete panorama of the Kulla area. It provides an
encompassing view of snow peaks and valleys, meadows and forests, rivers and streams. Bifurcating from Aut
from the National Highway, Shoja is just 5 km short from Jallori Pass. A walk of 5 km from the Pass takes you
to the Sarolsar Lake among deep forest. The road further to JallorI Pass connects to Rampur, Narkanda and
Shimla via Ani and Luhri.
MANALI
Welcome to the heaven of world and the city of God, which looks like the natural bed sheet. This heaven
spread its beauty and purify the environment through the fragrance of so many natural herbs, Apple and
Cherry orchards. The bank of Beas with thicky forest of Deodar, enchanting Mountains and lush green gardens
makes it more charming, romantic and beautiful. Really this is a beautiful gift of god on the earth.

Manali is the model place to set aside the rest of the world behind and go for long walks, mountain climbing,
trekking, river rafting, heli-skiing, para-gliding and trout fishing. This heaven is situated at the north end of the
Kullu Valley in the Middle or lesser Himalayas, Manali is located at an altitude of 1929 meters.

One day, Varvasvata, the seventh incarnation of Manu found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him
to look after it with devotion as one day it would do him a great service. The seventh Manu cared for the fish till
the day it grew so huge that he released it into the sea. Before departing, the fish warned Manu of an
impending deluge when the entire world would be submerged and bade him to build a sea worthy ark. When
the flood came, Varvasvata and seven sages were towed to safety by Matsya, the fish which is regarded as
first avatar of Lord Vishnu. As the water subsided the seventh Manu's ark came to the rest on a hill side and
the place was named Manali (2050 m) after him.

As the flood slowly dried, here arose a place of breath- taking natural beauty which was only appropriate at
Manali that life began again. Today this legendary cradle of all human kind is a prime holiday destination.
There are high mountains surrounded by snow and deep boulder strewn gorges. There are thick forests full of
cool breeze and bird songs. There are fields of wild flowers, small picturesque hamlets and fruit laden
orchards. .

PLACES OF INTEREST
HADIMBA TEMPLE (1 km) : Built in 1553 with a superbly crafted four tiered pagoda roof, it is famous for its
exquisitely carved doorway.

MANU TEMPLE (2 km) : This is dedicated to the sage Manu situated at old Manali.

VASHISTH (3 km) : Well known for its hot springs. There are old temples dedicated to the sage Vashisth and
to Lord Rama.

MONASTERIES : There are three recently built Tibetan monasteries at Manali.

JAGATSUKH (6 km) : The one time capital of Kullu. Here are old temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and to
Sandhya Gayatri. The Arjun caves are just ahead.

SOLANG VALLEY(14 km) : In a picturesque setting this has good ski slopes and picnic spots.

TOWARDS THE ROHTANG PASS : On the road to Keylong is the Nehru Kund (6km) which is a clear water
spring scenic spot named after the Late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. Kothi (12km) is a picturesque village and has a
thrilling view of the deep gorge through which the Beas swiftly races. The beautiful Rahalla falls (16km) are at
at altitude of 2500m. A crucial link on the old trade route and still the gateway to trans Himalayan Lahaul, the
Rohtang Pass is at height of 3978 m.

CLUB HOUSE : The Club House with its comprehensive facilities that include a roller skating rink, an
auditorium, billiards rooms, a library, a bar and restaurant makes wonderful outing for the day.