Kullu 

Altitude 1220 m. For good reason, the Kullu region is called the ‘Valley of the Gods‘. Apart from its breathtaking natural beauty, there are some 350 local deities worshipped in and around Kullu — and they converge once a year at the vibrant Dusshera celebrations. Tucked in the folds of the high Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar mountains, the Kullu valley has largely been carved out by the flow of the river Beas. Also called the ‘silver valley‘, Kullu’s fertile fields, apple and other fruit orchards have made this one of India’s most popular leisure and adventure destinations. From the south, the high cliffs of the Largi gorge are the gateway to the valley. This fertile strand advances from Aut and eighty kilometres later, comes to a dramatic end at the Rohtang Pass. Kullu was once known as ‘Kulanthipitha’ which loosely translates as ‘the end ofthe habitable world‘. The origins of Kullu’s erstwhile ruling family lie in the story of Behangamani who came to the valley and was resting by a path when an old lady saw him. He helped the lady reach a fair that she wanted to attend — and there, she revealed herself as the goddess Hirma (Hadimba) and blessed him with a kingdom that is now defined as the tract of Kullu. In the 19th century, the armies of Punjab took control of the Kullu valley and later, Kullu passed under British dominion. Prosperous as far as the kingdoms of the hills went, Kullu also had a sizeable
territory under its control. Today, the town of Kullu can be divided into two — the
Sultanpur area has the administrative offices and the Akhara Bazaar has the markets.
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GETTlNG THERE :

• By Road : Delhi is 530 kilometres from Kullu, Chandigarh is
  280 Kms and Shimia is 220 Km.
• By Rail : The nearest broad gauge railhead for Kuliu is at!
  Chandigarh 280 Kms away.
• By Air : Kuliu airport at Bhunter is 10 kilometres from the mainl
  town.

CLIMATE:Temperatures in winters are low and heavy woollens are needed. Summers are pleasant and cottons are recommended.

ATTRACTIONS :

•  Kullu Dusshera the most popular festival of the valley and is a good time to witness the local people exhibit their talent in dance, song and drama and also an opportunity to buy handicraft products of the valley. The week long festivities are enriched with cultural evenings at which national and international troupes put up cultural performances.
• Raghunath Temple About a kilometre from Dhalpur ground at Raghunathpura also known as/Sultanpur, is the main temple of Raghunathji. In the 17th century, to atone for a sin, Raja Jagat Singh, had the statue of Lord Raghunath (Lord Ram) brought from Ayodhya and sanctified here. This temple is in focus during the Kullu Dusshera at which most of the village deities pay obeisances before festivities begin.
• Bijli Mahadev Temple : (14 km, Altitude 2460 m) The temple is famous for its high wooden staff which periodically attracts lightning that shatters a Shivlinga in the temple complex and scorches the building. Using butter as an adhesive, the linga is then carefully pieced together by the temple pundit.
• Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Bajura (15 km) The intricate stone carvings at this temple is one of the best specimens of temple architecture and iconography of Kullu valley.
• Other Temples: The Vaishno Devi temple (4 km), the Devi Jagannaathi temple at Bekhli (5 km) and the Vishnu temple at Dayar (12 km) are other important shrines around Kullu.
• Kaisdhar (15 km) is a picturesque spot with a meadow fringed by majestic deodar trees.
• Manikaran ( 1737 m). 45 km from Kullu, this spot along the river Parvati is held holy by both Hindus and Sikhs; the former connect it closely with Lord Shiva and the latter hold it sacred as it was visited by Guru Nanak. The place has hot sulphur springs that are believed to have curative powers.
• Great Himalayan National Park: This borders Kullu and is a nature and wildlife lovers’ paradise.
• The Tirthan Valley: A narrow but picturesque valley, this is accessed via Aut.
  Inner and Outer Seraj: With considerable naturalbeauty and thick forests, these have the scenic spots of Shoja, Jibi and the Jalori Pass.

HOTELS

THE SARVARI – Deluxe Hotel
In the heart of Kullu, HPTDC runs the Hotel Sarvari which is easily accessible from the Chandigarh-Kullu-Manali highway. The place is a convenient stop over destination for exploring the left bank Parvati valley and Banjar region of Kullu.ADDRESS : Hotel Sarvari Kullu -175101 (HP)
Tel. : 01902 -222471 E-mail : kul|u@hptdc.in

THE SILVERMOON – Deluxe Hotel
Slightly out of Kullu town at Shastrinagar, HPTDC runs
the Hotel Silvermoon which is an ideal place for someone who
seeks the comfort of countryside living, yet wants to remain
within reach of a town.
ADDRESS : Hotel Silvermoon (Deluxe Hotel) Kullu – 175101
(HP) Tel.:01902-222488 E-mail : kullu@hptdc.in