Kullu
Encyclopedia
Kullu, once known as Kul-anti-peetha - "the end of the habitable world", is the capital town of the Kullu District
, in the state of Himachal Pradesh
, India
. It is located on the banks of the Beas River
in the Kullu Valley about ten kilometres north of the airport at Bhuntar
.
Kullu is a broad open valley
formed by the Beas river
between Manali and Largi. This valley is famous for the beauty and its majestic hills covered with Pine
and Deodar Forest and sprawling Apple Orchards.The course of the Beas river presents a succession of magnificent, clad with forests of Deodar, towering above trees of Pine on the lower rocky ridges. Kullu valley is sandwiched between the Pir Panjal, Lower Himalayan and Great Himalayan range.
The Chinese pilgrim monk Xuanzang
visited the Kullu Valley in 634 or 635 CE. He described it as a fertile region completely surrounded by mountains, about 3,000 li in circuit, with a capital 14 or 15 li in circumference. It contained a stupa (tope)
built by Ashoka
, which is said to mark the place where the Buddha preached to the local people and made conversions. There were some twenty Buddhist monasteries, with about 1,000 monks, most of whom were Mahayanist. There were also some fifteen Hindu temples, and people of both faiths lived mixed together. There were meditation caves near the mountain passes inhabited by both Buddhist and Hindu practitioners. The country is said to have produced gold, silver, red copper, crystal lenses and bell-metal.
Kullu got its first motorable access only after Indian Independence. The long centuries of seclusion have, however, allowed the area to retain a considerable measure of its traditional charm. The road through the Kullu Valley and Lahaul is now paved all the way, to connect and provide the major access route between the northern Indian plains to Leh in Ladakh
.
India census
, Kullu had a population of 18306. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Kullu has an average literacy rate of 81%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 77%. In Kullu, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Kullu has an average elevation of 1,362 metres (4,469 feet). The town of Kullu lies on the bank of River Beas
. A major tributary Sar-vari, (derived from "Shiv -Baardi") leads to the less explored and steeper Lug-valley on the west. On the east of Kullu lies a broad mountainous ridge having the village-temples of Bijli Mahadev
, Mount Nag and Pueed. Beyond the ridge lies Manikaran valley, along the Parvati river which joins Beas in Bhuntar. On the South of Kullu lie towns of Bhuntar, Out(leading to Anni, Banjar and Siraj Valley) and Mandi(a separate district). Historically Kullu was accessible from Shimla via Siraj valley or through passes on the west leading to Jogindernagar and onto Kangra. To the north lies the famous town of Manali, which through the Rohtang pass leads onto the Lahaul and Spiti Valley. Once can see an enormous change in the climate as one climbs up the windward side of the ranges to proceed to the leeward and much drier plateaus to the north of Manali.
Raghunath Temple
In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu committed a great wrong. To atone for the sin, he sent a senior courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Raghunath - Lord Rama. This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and even today, is greatly revered.
Shringi Rishi Temple- Banjar
About 60 Km. from Kullu is Banjar valley wherein Shringi Rishi Temple is located. Shringi Rishi is the ruling deity of Banjar valley. In fact , before the Lord Rama's advent into Kullu valley from Ayodhya Puri,Lord Shringi was the ruling deity of Kullu. Shringi rishi is one among the "atthara kardoo" (eighteen chief deities) of the Kullu valley. [more inform.- shringi rishi Wikipedia, Yeshwant Singh tutorials].
Maha Devi Tirth Temple
Shri Mahadevi Tirth, popularly known as Vaishno Devi Mandir (by localities), situated about two kilometers North from the Kullu valley on Kullu Manali road, though a newly founded temple, yet it is acknowledged like any old famous temple. The foundation of this temple was laid by [Swami Sewak Das Ji].
Bijli Mahadev
Bijli Mahadev Temple
is one of the most excellent forms of art in India. It is located at 2,435 meters from sea level and is about 10 km away from Kullu. The staff of the temple is 60 feet high and can be seen from the Kullu valley too. It is the highest point around Kullu from where the beautiful view of the whole town, and more can be experienced.
Raison
By the banks of the Beas -and on the Kullu-Manali highway - Himachal Tourism runs a camping site here. Ideal for a taste of adventure.
Shoja
At 2692 m, this is a vantage point for a complete panorama of the Kullu area - snow peaks and valleys, meadows and forests, rivers and streams.
Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Bajaura
One of the most charming temples in the Kullu valley, this is renowned for its intricate stone carvings
Kasol
An open glade by the banks of the river Parvati. Clean white sand separates the lush green grass from the waters. A good spot for trout. Himachal Tourism has a Tourist Hut here.
Naggar
For 1400 years this was the capital of Kullu. Its 16th century stone and wood castle is now a hotel run by Himachal Tourism. Here, a gallery houses the paintings of the Russian artist, Nicholas Roerich. Naggar also has three other old shrines.
Other Attractions
Kullu Dussehra
When Dussehra celebrations come to an end in the rest of the country, they begin at Kullu. The State government has accorded the status of International festival to the Kullu Dussehra
, which attracts tourists in large numbers. About 200 local deities come to pay homage to Lord Raghunath. This is a time when the valley is at its colourful best.
Fishing and Adventure
The Kullu valley has numerous places for trout fishing. These include Katrain, Raison, Kasol and Naggar, then along the river Tirthan near Larji, in the Sainj Valley and in the Hurla khud.
The valley is the nucleus of several trek routes. Some major ones are over the Chanderkhani Pass to Malana
, over the Jalori Pass or Bashleo Pass to Shimla
, and over the Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan
.
White water rafting is popular on the Beas river.
, in Himachal Pradesh
, India
. The Beas River
runs through the middle of the valley. It is also called the "Valley of the Gods".
It connects with the Lahul and Spiti
valleys via Rohtang Pass
, situated at 13,051 ft (3,978 m), 51 km from Manali city.
Gurdwara Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is located where Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji was with his Sikhs in the Himalaya mountains of India. His sikhs were hungry and there was no food. Guru Nanak sent his Good Friend Bhai Mardana to collect food for langar (the Community Kitchen). Many people donated rice and flour (atta) to make parsadas (bread). The one problem was that there was no fire to cook the food.
Guru Nanak than lifted a rock and a hot spring (hot water) appeared. The Sikhs were able to make rice and beans. Bhai Mardana was having trouble making parasadas (chapatis) because they kept sinking. Bhai Mardana said, "I am going to donate my life in the name of God". The parsada amazingly floated. Guru Nanak Dev Ji said that anyone who donates his life in the name of God, All his (or her) drowned items will float. This was a miracle.
The place is famous for its hot boiling sulphur springs, which are revered by lakhs who come here for a dip in the curing waters. It is believed that the hot springs can cure skin diseases or even ease the swelling caused by gout. A huge Gurdwara has been erected in the memory of Guru Nanak who is believed to have visited this place. A number of Sikh and Hindu pilgrims visit the Gurdwara every year. The Ram Temple mentioned above, built in the 16th century, is situated near the Gurdwara.
Langar cooked in the hot springs
Sikhs Pilligrimage to Manikaran
The village 'shatt' is on the way where once a cloudburst had turned the village into a nullah. An awe-inspiring experiment at Manikaran is that of cooking rice or dal in the boiling hot waters. Tourists can experience this by purchasing 'chawal potli' (rice in a muslin bag) from the nearby market. The gurdwara
management prepares tea and food by putting huge vessels in the water. There is a water pool in the gurdwara where one can enjoy a hot bath. The local residents use hot water in narrow bazaar through pipes.
Tibetans dominate the market here where one can buy religious idols, offerings, books, prasad, and Tibetan products. The amazing union of cold water and boiling springs in the Parvati River has mystified many a scientist and the devout alike. Nature has used an array of colours, textures and materials to form fascinating mountains with many medicinal herbs. Transparent stone crystals, which resemble topaz, can be found at some points.
Water flowing through the curves of hill land shapes has given rise to driftwood in various shapes and forms. Due to the climate, local vegetables and pulses like rajmah and urad are of rare quality and taste different from those available in the plains
, a celebration of Avatar Lord Rama
's victory over the evil king Ravana
. The festival takes place in the months of October or November, depending upon the Hindu calendar.
Due to it being the commercial and economic center, the township of Kullu has had an eclectic influx of nearby village/district inhabitants, shop owners and government employees from bordering states who give a different feel from the rest of the valley. This has also contributed to a stronger sports and educational infrastructure in the town.
(famous for its hot springs) and hot water springs at Vashisht village near Manali, 40 km north of Kullu, a hub for tourists and rock climbers. Malana, Kaish-Dhaar in Lug Valley, Bijli Mahadev, Bhekhli and Bajaura house the famous temples of the region and places like Kasol and Gohar. Manali is perhaps the most famous town and center of all tourist attractions in the state. Manali also has a well-known temple dedicated to the mythical princess Hadimba.
The economy of the town largely depends on tourism, horticulture (apples, plums, pears, and almonds) and handicrafts (shawls, caps, etc.).
in the north to the Shoja and Jalori passes in the south. Manikaran
is about 40 km to the east. The airport is only 7 km away in Bhuntar which is the nearest Airport for Kullu-Manali.
Kullu district
Kullu is a district in Himachal Pradesh, India. The district stretches from the village of Rampur in the south to the Rohtang Pass in the North....
, in the state of Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a state in Northern India. It is spread over , and is bordered by the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir on the north, Punjab on the west and south-west, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on the south, Uttarakhand on the south-east and by the Tibet Autonomous Region on the east...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. It is located on the banks of the Beas River
Beas River
The Beas River is a river in the northern part of India. The river rises in the Himalayas in central Himachal Pradesh, India, and flows for some 470 km to the Sutlej River in the Indian state of Punjab....
in the Kullu Valley about ten kilometres north of the airport at Bhuntar
Bhuntar
Bhuntar is a town and a nagar panchayat in Kullu district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India.-Demographics: India census, Bhuntar had a population of 5260. Males constitute 55% of the population and females 45%. Bhuntar has an average literacy rate of 80%, higher than the national average of...
.
Kullu is a broad open valley
Valley
In geology, a valley or dale is a depression with predominant extent in one direction. A very deep river valley may be called a canyon or gorge.The terms U-shaped and V-shaped are descriptive terms of geography to characterize the form of valleys...
formed by the Beas river
Beas River
The Beas River is a river in the northern part of India. The river rises in the Himalayas in central Himachal Pradesh, India, and flows for some 470 km to the Sutlej River in the Indian state of Punjab....
between Manali and Largi. This valley is famous for the beauty and its majestic hills covered with Pine
Pine
Pines are trees in the genus Pinus ,in the family Pinaceae. They make up the monotypic subfamily Pinoideae. There are about 115 species of pine, although different authorities accept between 105 and 125 species.-Etymology:...
and Deodar Forest and sprawling Apple Orchards.The course of the Beas river presents a succession of magnificent, clad with forests of Deodar, towering above trees of Pine on the lower rocky ridges. Kullu valley is sandwiched between the Pir Panjal, Lower Himalayan and Great Himalayan range.
History
Kullu (1220m) was once known as Kulanthpitha - `the end of the habitable world`. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalayas, and by the banks of the shining river Beas, lay the fabled `Silver Valley`.The Chinese pilgrim monk Xuanzang
Xuanzang
Xuanzang was a famous Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, traveler, and translator who described the interaction between China and India in the early Tang period...
visited the Kullu Valley in 634 or 635 CE. He described it as a fertile region completely surrounded by mountains, about 3,000 li in circuit, with a capital 14 or 15 li in circumference. It contained a stupa (tope)
Stupa
A stupa is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship....
built by Ashoka
Ashoka
Ashok Maurya or Ashoka , popularly known as Ashoka the Great, was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from ca. 269 BC to 232 BC. One of India's greatest emperors, Ashoka reigned over most of present-day India after a number of military conquests...
, which is said to mark the place where the Buddha preached to the local people and made conversions. There were some twenty Buddhist monasteries, with about 1,000 monks, most of whom were Mahayanist. There were also some fifteen Hindu temples, and people of both faiths lived mixed together. There were meditation caves near the mountain passes inhabited by both Buddhist and Hindu practitioners. The country is said to have produced gold, silver, red copper, crystal lenses and bell-metal.
"Thus, Ku-zu is the Bu-nan name for Kuḷū. . . . Dr. Vogel in his MS. notes on Lahul gives Ku-zuṅ as the Gārī (Bu-nan) name of Kuḷū. Ku-zuṅ is the locative case of Ku-zu. He adds that Kuḷū is called Ram-ti by the people of Ti-nan, and Ram-di by those of Caṅsa (Me-rlog). The Tibetans call it Ñuṅ-ti."
Kullu got its first motorable access only after Indian Independence. The long centuries of seclusion have, however, allowed the area to retain a considerable measure of its traditional charm. The road through the Kullu Valley and Lahaul is now paved all the way, to connect and provide the major access route between the northern Indian plains to Leh in Ladakh
Ladakh
Ladakh is a region of Jammu and Kashmir, the northernmost state of the Republic of India. It lies between the Kunlun mountain range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south, inhabited by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan descent...
.
Administrative
Kullu is the administrative capital with the offices of District Collector, the Superintendent of Police and the District courts. It is also the largest and the most varied constituency for the lower house of the parliament.Demographics
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
, Kullu had a population of 18306. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Kullu has an average literacy rate of 81%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 77%. In Kullu, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Geography
Beas River
The Beas River is a river in the northern part of India. The river rises in the Himalayas in central Himachal Pradesh, India, and flows for some 470 km to the Sutlej River in the Indian state of Punjab....
. A major tributary Sar-vari, (derived from "Shiv -Baardi") leads to the less explored and steeper Lug-valley on the west. On the east of Kullu lies a broad mountainous ridge having the village-temples of Bijli Mahadev
Bijli Mahadev
Bijli Mahadev is one of the sacred temples of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is located at an altitude of about 2,438 m in the Kullu Valley. Bijli Mahadev is one of the excellent temples in India...
, Mount Nag and Pueed. Beyond the ridge lies Manikaran valley, along the Parvati river which joins Beas in Bhuntar. On the South of Kullu lie towns of Bhuntar, Out(leading to Anni, Banjar and Siraj Valley) and Mandi(a separate district). Historically Kullu was accessible from Shimla via Siraj valley or through passes on the west leading to Jogindernagar and onto Kangra. To the north lies the famous town of Manali, which through the Rohtang pass leads onto the Lahaul and Spiti Valley. Once can see an enormous change in the climate as one climbs up the windward side of the ranges to proceed to the leeward and much drier plateaus to the north of Manali.
Kullu Attractions
Handloom Kullu Shawl is the best treasure one can look for. Kullu Shawls are made of many natural fibers such as pashmina, sheep-wool, angora etc..Raghunath Temple
In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu committed a great wrong. To atone for the sin, he sent a senior courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Raghunath - Lord Rama. This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and even today, is greatly revered.
Shringi Rishi Temple- Banjar
About 60 Km. from Kullu is Banjar valley wherein Shringi Rishi Temple is located. Shringi Rishi is the ruling deity of Banjar valley. In fact , before the Lord Rama's advent into Kullu valley from Ayodhya Puri,Lord Shringi was the ruling deity of Kullu. Shringi rishi is one among the "atthara kardoo" (eighteen chief deities) of the Kullu valley. [more inform.- shringi rishi Wikipedia, Yeshwant Singh tutorials].
Maha Devi Tirth Temple
Shri Mahadevi Tirth, popularly known as Vaishno Devi Mandir (by localities), situated about two kilometers North from the Kullu valley on Kullu Manali road, though a newly founded temple, yet it is acknowledged like any old famous temple. The foundation of this temple was laid by [Swami Sewak Das Ji].
Bijli Mahadev
Bijli Mahadev Temple
Bijli Mahadev
Bijli Mahadev is one of the sacred temples of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is located at an altitude of about 2,438 m in the Kullu Valley. Bijli Mahadev is one of the excellent temples in India...
is one of the most excellent forms of art in India. It is located at 2,435 meters from sea level and is about 10 km away from Kullu. The staff of the temple is 60 feet high and can be seen from the Kullu valley too. It is the highest point around Kullu from where the beautiful view of the whole town, and more can be experienced.
Raison
By the banks of the Beas -and on the Kullu-Manali highway - Himachal Tourism runs a camping site here. Ideal for a taste of adventure.
Shoja
At 2692 m, this is a vantage point for a complete panorama of the Kullu area - snow peaks and valleys, meadows and forests, rivers and streams.
Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Bajaura
One of the most charming temples in the Kullu valley, this is renowned for its intricate stone carvings
Kasol
An open glade by the banks of the river Parvati. Clean white sand separates the lush green grass from the waters. A good spot for trout. Himachal Tourism has a Tourist Hut here.
Naggar
For 1400 years this was the capital of Kullu. Its 16th century stone and wood castle is now a hotel run by Himachal Tourism. Here, a gallery houses the paintings of the Russian artist, Nicholas Roerich. Naggar also has three other old shrines.
Other Attractions
Kullu Dussehra
When Dussehra celebrations come to an end in the rest of the country, they begin at Kullu. The State government has accorded the status of International festival to the Kullu Dussehra
Kullu Dussehra
Kullu Dussehra is the Dussehra festival observed in the month of October in Himachal Pradesh state in northern India. It is celebrated in the Dhalpur maidan in the Kullu valley. Dussehra at Kullu commences on the tenth day of the rising moon, i.e. on 'Vijay Dashmi' day itself and continues for...
, which attracts tourists in large numbers. About 200 local deities come to pay homage to Lord Raghunath. This is a time when the valley is at its colourful best.
Fishing and Adventure
The Kullu valley has numerous places for trout fishing. These include Katrain, Raison, Kasol and Naggar, then along the river Tirthan near Larji, in the Sainj Valley and in the Hurla khud.
The valley is the nucleus of several trek routes. Some major ones are over the Chanderkhani Pass to Malana
Malana
Malana is an ancient village to the north-east of Kullu Valley. This solitary village in the Malana Nala, a side valley of the Parvati Valley, is isolated from the rest of the world. The majestic peaks of Chandrakhani and Deotibba shadow the village. It is situated on a remote plateau by the side...
, over the Jalori Pass or Bashleo Pass to Shimla
Shimla
Shimla , formerly known as Simla, is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of the British Raj in India. A popular tourist destination, Shimla is often referred to as the "Queen of Hills," a term coined by the British...
, and over the Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan
Sarahan
Sarahan is small town in Himachal Pradesh of India. It is the site of famous Bhimakali temple, dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali, presiding deity of the rulers of the former Bushahr State. The temple is situated about 180 kilometers from Shimla and is one of 51 Shakti Peethas. The town is...
.
White water rafting is popular on the Beas river.
Kullu Valley
Kullu Valley is the largest valley in the Kullu districtKullu district
Kullu is a district in Himachal Pradesh, India. The district stretches from the village of Rampur in the south to the Rohtang Pass in the North....
, in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a state in Northern India. It is spread over , and is bordered by the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir on the north, Punjab on the west and south-west, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on the south, Uttarakhand on the south-east and by the Tibet Autonomous Region on the east...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. The Beas River
Beas River
The Beas River is a river in the northern part of India. The river rises in the Himalayas in central Himachal Pradesh, India, and flows for some 470 km to the Sutlej River in the Indian state of Punjab....
runs through the middle of the valley. It is also called the "Valley of the Gods".
It connects with the Lahul and Spiti
Lahul and Spiti
The district of Lahaul-Spiti in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh consists of the two formerly separate districts of Lahaul and Spiti. The present administrative centre is Keylong in Lahaul...
valleys via Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass , is a high mountain pass on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas some from Manali...
, situated at 13,051 ft (3,978 m), 51 km from Manali city.
Gurudawara Manikaran Sahib
Gurdwara Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is an historical Sikh shrine present there which was discovered by Baba Narayan Hari, the history of the Gurdwara sahib is mentioned in Bhai Bala Janamsakhi and Twarikh Guru Khalsa.Gurdwara Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is located where Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji was with his Sikhs in the Himalaya mountains of India. His sikhs were hungry and there was no food. Guru Nanak sent his Good Friend Bhai Mardana to collect food for langar (the Community Kitchen). Many people donated rice and flour (atta) to make parsadas (bread). The one problem was that there was no fire to cook the food.
Guru Nanak than lifted a rock and a hot spring (hot water) appeared. The Sikhs were able to make rice and beans. Bhai Mardana was having trouble making parasadas (chapatis) because they kept sinking. Bhai Mardana said, "I am going to donate my life in the name of God". The parsada amazingly floated. Guru Nanak Dev Ji said that anyone who donates his life in the name of God, All his (or her) drowned items will float. This was a miracle.
The place is famous for its hot boiling sulphur springs, which are revered by lakhs who come here for a dip in the curing waters. It is believed that the hot springs can cure skin diseases or even ease the swelling caused by gout. A huge Gurdwara has been erected in the memory of Guru Nanak who is believed to have visited this place. A number of Sikh and Hindu pilgrims visit the Gurdwara every year. The Ram Temple mentioned above, built in the 16th century, is situated near the Gurdwara.
Langar cooked in the hot springs
Sikhs Pilligrimage to Manikaran
The village 'shatt' is on the way where once a cloudburst had turned the village into a nullah. An awe-inspiring experiment at Manikaran is that of cooking rice or dal in the boiling hot waters. Tourists can experience this by purchasing 'chawal potli' (rice in a muslin bag) from the nearby market. The gurdwara
Gurdwara
A Gurdwara , meaning the Gateway to the Guru, is the place of worship for Sikhs, the followers of Sikhism. A Gurdwara can be identified from a distance by tall flagpoles bearing the Nishan Sahib ....
management prepares tea and food by putting huge vessels in the water. There is a water pool in the gurdwara where one can enjoy a hot bath. The local residents use hot water in narrow bazaar through pipes.
Tibetans dominate the market here where one can buy religious idols, offerings, books, prasad, and Tibetan products. The amazing union of cold water and boiling springs in the Parvati River has mystified many a scientist and the devout alike. Nature has used an array of colours, textures and materials to form fascinating mountains with many medicinal herbs. Transparent stone crystals, which resemble topaz, can be found at some points.
Water flowing through the curves of hill land shapes has given rise to driftwood in various shapes and forms. Due to the climate, local vegetables and pulses like rajmah and urad are of rare quality and taste different from those available in the plains
Culture
Kullu Valley, also known as the "Valley of Gods", is well known for the seven day festival of Kullu DussehraKullu Dussehra
Kullu Dussehra is the Dussehra festival observed in the month of October in Himachal Pradesh state in northern India. It is celebrated in the Dhalpur maidan in the Kullu valley. Dussehra at Kullu commences on the tenth day of the rising moon, i.e. on 'Vijay Dashmi' day itself and continues for...
, a celebration of Avatar Lord Rama
Rama
Rama or full name Ramachandra is considered to be the seventh avatar of Vishnu in Hinduism, and a king of Ayodhya in ancient Indian...
's victory over the evil king Ravana
Ravana
' is the primary antagonist character of the Hindu legend, the Ramayana; who is the great king of Lanka. In the classic text, he is mainly depicted negatively, kidnapping Rama's wife Sita, to claim vengeance on Rama and his brother Lakshmana for having cut off the nose of his sister...
. The festival takes place in the months of October or November, depending upon the Hindu calendar.
Due to it being the commercial and economic center, the township of Kullu has had an eclectic influx of nearby village/district inhabitants, shop owners and government employees from bordering states who give a different feel from the rest of the valley. This has also contributed to a stronger sports and educational infrastructure in the town.
Vicinity
Other places of interest in the area include ManikaranManikaran
Manikaran is located in the Parvati Valley between the rivers Beas and Parvati, northeast of Bhuntar in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh...
(famous for its hot springs) and hot water springs at Vashisht village near Manali, 40 km north of Kullu, a hub for tourists and rock climbers. Malana, Kaish-Dhaar in Lug Valley, Bijli Mahadev, Bhekhli and Bajaura house the famous temples of the region and places like Kasol and Gohar. Manali is perhaps the most famous town and center of all tourist attractions in the state. Manali also has a well-known temple dedicated to the mythical princess Hadimba.
The economy of the town largely depends on tourism, horticulture (apples, plums, pears, and almonds) and handicrafts (shawls, caps, etc.).
Hotels in Kullu
There are many Hotels and Guest Houses in Kullu to stay. Kullu lies in the heart of the 70 km long Kullu Valley and offers a central location for sight-seeing to Manali and the Rohtang PassRohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass , is a high mountain pass on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas some from Manali...
in the north to the Shoja and Jalori passes in the south. Manikaran
Manikaran
Manikaran is located in the Parvati Valley between the rivers Beas and Parvati, northeast of Bhuntar in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh...
is about 40 km to the east. The airport is only 7 km away in Bhuntar which is the nearest Airport for Kullu-Manali.
Further reading
- Hutchinson, J. & J. PH Vogel (1933). History of the Panjab Hill States, Vol. II. 1st edition: Govt. Printing, Pujab, Lahore, 1933. Reprint 2000. Department of Language and Culture, Himachal Pradesh. Chapter X Kulu State, pp. 413–473.
External links
- News and videos of Kullu
- Website gives details information about kullu valley
- Himachal Tourism website
- Malana, IGNCA archive
- Kullu Travel guide to Kullu | Himachal Pradesh | India | location | distances | weather & climate | travel tips | tourist places | photos | and more.