Kullu
Introduction
The most charming and beautiful Kullu valley spreads out its charm on either side of river Beas.Kullu was once known as Kulanthpitha, which means 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 valley runs north to south of Beas river and is 80 kms. long and about 2kms wide.This town is famous for its temples and the annual Dussehra festival, both of which attract thousands of tourists.the town of Kullu has long been a centre of faith. In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh installed here an idol of Lord Raghunathji, which he brought from Ayodhya. As a mark of his penance, he placed the idol on his throne and it became the presiding deity of the valley.
History
Formerly, the Kullu valley was known as Kulanthapitha, meaning the end of the habitable world. The earliest recorded information of this area goes back to 1st century AD, when this valley began to be inhabited. In the medieval period, Kullu and the area around it was ruled by a number of local rulers. The Kullu valley was isolated from other parts of the country for many centuries until it came under British rule.
Location
Kullu is located in the central part of the state of Himachal Pradesh ,India. It is located at an altitude of 1200 m above sea level at the confluence of Beas and Sarvari rivers. It is 240 km north of Shimla.
Weather
The weather in Kullu is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September
Places to see in Kullu
Raghunath Temple
Kullu is famous for its temples and festivals. The main tourist attraction of Kullu is the Raghunath Temple, dedicated to Lord Ram. Raja Jagat Singh, the ruler of Kullu, built this temple in 1660 to atone for his wrongdoing. He obtained a statue of Lord Ram from Ayodhya and established it within this temple.
Kullu is famous for its temples and festivals. The main tourist attraction of Kullu is the Raghunath Temple, dedicated to Lord Ram. Raja Jagat Singh, the ruler of Kullu, built this temple in 1660 to atone for his wrongdoing. He obtained a statue of Lord Ram from Ayodhya and established it within this temple.
Jagannathi Devi Temple
Jagannathi Devi Temple or the Bekhli temple is 3 km from Kullu and is located in the village of Bekhli. It is a stiff 1½-hour climb to reach this temple, but it provides a panoramic view of Kullu.
Jagannathi Devi Temple or the Bekhli temple is 3 km from Kullu and is located in the village of Bekhli. It is a stiff 1½-hour climb to reach this temple, but it provides a panoramic view of Kullu.
The Bijli Mahadev Temple
The Bijli Mahadev Temple is located on a spur at a height of 2460 m. True to its name, the temple is often stuck by lightning (bijli, lightning).
The Bijli Mahadev Temple is located on a spur at a height of 2460 m. True to its name, the temple is often stuck by lightning (bijli, lightning).
Kullu - Excursion
The Basheshwar Mahadev Temple
The Basheshwar Mahadev Temple at Bajura (15 km) from Kullu is famous for its exquisite carvings.
The Basheshwar Mahadev Temple at Bajura (15 km) from Kullu is famous for its exquisite carvings.There are a number of tourist spots as well. The small town of Manikaran (45 km) is famous for its hot sulphur springs. It is located at an altitude of 1737 m in the Parvati River valley. These hot springs are famous for their healing powers. This place is both revered by the Hindus and the Sikhs.
Kaisdhar (15 km) and Kasol (42 km), the latter located amidst pine forest, are important picnic spots.
Shoja (69 km), at an altitude of 2692 m, offers the traveler a breathtaking view of the entire Kullu valley.Raisan (13 km), on the banks of river Beas, is a good site for trekking.
Shoja (69 km), at an altitude of 2692 m, offers the traveler a breathtaking view of the entire Kullu valley.Raisan (13 km), on the banks of river Beas, is a good site for trekking.
The town of Naggar (23 km) was the erstwhile capital of the state of Kullu for more than 1,400 years. There are number of historic monuments and temples in this town.
Kullu attracts the adventure-seeking tourist by offering trekking and hiking trails in and around the valley. Stretches of River Beas are also used for white-water rafting.
Kullu - When To Visit
The best time to visit Kullu is in summers, between April and June. It is also visited in October during the Dussehra festival.
Kullu - Fairs & Festivals
The festival of Dussehra, which marks the victory of good over evil, is celebrated all over India in the month of October. However, Dussehra in Kullu valley is special. It begins when Dussehra festivities in other parts of the country are over. The main event of this festival is taking out of Lord Raghunath's (local version of Lord Ram) idol through the streets on a palanquin carried by pilgrims. The procession also has villagers dancing in traditional attire.
Kullu - Shopping
The entire Kullu valley, along with the town of Kullu, is famous for its woolen shawls. Making of these shawls has now become a local industry. Shawls made from the hair of Angora rabbits and Pashmina goats are quite expensive. Other woolen items produced here are colorful Kullu caps and blankets.
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