Kullu – Manali
Location: State of Himachal Pradesh.
Famous as: Hill Station.
Other Attractions: Trekking, Mountaineering, Fishing.
About Kullu Manali
Nestling in the foothills of Himalayas Kullu/Manali lies in the state of Himachal Pradesh in the northern part of India.
Kullu is also known as the Valley of Gods is the most ambrosial region in the Western Himalayas. Located along the banks of the river Beas, Kullu is the originating place for a number of treks. The ravishing valley spreads out its charm over an area of 80kms. Mossy prairie enclosed by the impetuous streams and winding lanes makes the region a reasonably extended an idle place for the tourists, the trekkers, and the Mountaineers.
Kullu is located at a height of 1,219m, observes a pleasant and cool climate, making it a tourist spot all the year-round.
Major Attractions
Bijli Mahadev Shrine
At the altitude of 2460m and at a distance of 10km from Kullu the temple is most prestigious in the town. The terrain is rough and rugged but definitely a treat for the trekkers.
Camping Sight Raison 1433 m
At a distance of 16kms. from Kulu, it is an ultimate place for an overnight stay at holding youth camps.
Katrain 1463 m
The central and the widest part of the valley, Katrain is 20kms. from Kulu, apple orchards add fascination and popularity to the place.
Naggar 1760 m
The place is dedicated to the famous temples of Vishnu, Lord Krishna, and Tripura Sundari. It was the capital of preceding Kulu State for about 1400 years. It is also famous for Roerich art gallery containing paintings and sculptures. The Place can easily be accessed by Cars and jeeps.
Manali
Manali an extravagant pageant of natural scenery is one of the primary places of snow-capped mountains. Manali is located on the National Highway leading to Leh at a distance of 40km from Kulu. The landscape here is breathtaking. It is an exciting place for an adventure holiday, a favorite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Kinnaur, Leh, and Zanskar regions in Kashmir valley. It is known as the ‘Switzerland of India’.
Major Attractions
Hadimba Temple
Dhoongri Temple is dedicated to goddess Hadimba and has modeled mythical figures and symbols on its four-tiered Pagoda shaped roof and door. This temple located amidst the wooden forest of deodar is about 2.5 km. from the tourist office.
Manu Temple
It is 3 km. from the main market of Manali is known as the creator of the human race on the earth.
Club House
2 km. from the town, the clubhouse has indoor games facilities which have been located on the left bank of Manalsu Nallah.
Tibetan Monasteries
The 3 newly constructed kaleidoscopic monasteries are also the shopping hub for the visitors where they can buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts.
Other Places of Interest
Raghunathji Temple (1 km), Vaishno Devi Temple (4 km), Jagannath Temple (3 km), Bijli Mahadev Shrine (13 km). are some of the famous temples in the region.
Sports
Institute of Mountaineering & Allied Sports, Manali: The Institute undertakes basic & advance training courses, in trekking, mountaineering, skiing, and water sports. Skiing and trekking equipment can be hired from here by booking in advance.
Fishing
The Kulu valley overture capacious opportunities for trout fishing in the river Beas & its larger tributaries. Licenses can be obtained from the Fisheries officer – Katrain.
Trekking
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Kulu-Manali is equipped with the best trekking opportunities.
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Raison-Malana-Chandrakhan-Raison (139 km) – 11 days
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Manali-Bhirug-Rohtang Pass-Manali (55 km) – 4 days
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Manali-Chhikar-Hamta Pass-Jagatsukh-Manali (55 km) – 6 days
Getting There
Air: Bhuntar 10 km from Kullu and 50 km from Manali is the nearest airport. Services of Vayudoot and Jagson and Continental Airlines connect the region from Delhi.
Rail: Chandigarh (397 km from Kullu and 357 km from Manali) is the railhead from Kullu.
Road: Kullu and Manali both the places are on the National Highway No. 21., regular bus services connect Kullu & Manali to most of the important places in Himachal Pradesh and the neighboring states.
