Kullu and Manali are the two popular holiday destinations of India. Kullu is a valley situated between Manali hill station and Largi in Himachal Pradesh. Kullu is on the bank of river Bias with a distinct culture and tradition of its own. It is called the valley of Gods since there are countless number of deities revered by local people here.
Kullu can be reached via Delhi, Shimla, or Chandigarh. From Shimla it is 270kms far by road. Flights are there till Bhuntar (10kms away from the city limits), but are not frequent. Jogindarnagar station is the nearest railway station which is connected to rest of the nation through Chandigarh.
About Kullu: Only after India got its freedom the Kullu valley could get modern civic amenities and transportation facilities. Until then it was an isolated strip. So, the place could retain its tradition and customs as it is. The culture of Kullu is a Pahari (belonging to mountains) culture. People are simple and traditional. Farming and agriculture is their main occupation and recently hotel industry has entered due to tourism. Apple orchards attract the tourists. People speak a pahari dialect called Kullavi. Dusshera is the most celebrated festival here that falls on month of October.
What to see in Kullu: Kullu has many things in its store: Temples, waterfalls, adventure sports, snow-clad mountain peaks, fairs and festivals for the interested. There are many temples in the Kullu valley. Raghunath temple, Shringi Rishi temple, Mahadevi Tirth temple, and Bijli Mahadev temple are some of them. Bijli Mahadev temple is about 10kms away from Kullu which is the highest view point of Kullu valley. Himachal Pradesh Government has arranged many tourist huts and camping facilities on the bank of river Parvati, and also on the bank of river Bias. From Shoja point one can have a panoramic view of Kullu valley. Kullu valley looks beautiful from this point during snowfall. People who visit Kullu also visit Manali, which is towards North of Kullu valley. It is a beautiful hill station of the Kullu district.
The famous Rohtang pass divides Kullu valley into two regions: the southern region consists of Hindus and the Northern region consists of the Buddhists. This Mountain pass is the most visited site in Kullu to get a glimpse of Himalayan foothills. This mountain pass is closed from December to May. The pass is risky to cross during snowfall. Another spot of much attraction in Kullu is Manikaran hot water spring which is very close to the river Bias.
Kullu provides for lots of adventure sports. You can do skiing during winters, can go for trekking, can do fishing in the river basin, and also enjoy rafting, mountaineering in Kullu. Kullu is famous for shawls and handicrafts. Taste home grown apples in Kullu.
