Kulu Travel Guide
Kulu also known as ‘Valley of Gods” is the capital town to Kulu district. It is a fascinating Himalayan landscape with several lovely spots in its lap. Kulu is situated on banks of river Beas at an altitude of 1280 m above the sea level. The place got the name of Valley of gods because it is said to be believed that Gods and Goddesses used to visit this place. In the great epics of Hindu mythology Ramayana and Mahabharata mention of this place are to be found.
The surroundings of the place is mesmerizing. The attractions of the place are its beautiful hills and mountain ranges. The hilly rivers i.e. The Beas, Sutlej, Bhaga, Parvati and many other tributaries add an extra attraction to the place. The wonderful seasons and its beauty attracts thousands of tourists all through the year.
Kulu is a place that is world famous for its juicy apples, cultivated on a huge scale. The snow peaked mountains, along with the huge variety of flowers and the valleys around presents a picturesque delight, hardly anyone can resist.
The travelers are fond of the Kulu shawls and it also holds an international market as well. The mountaineering institutes at Kulu, which offers training in low and high altitude climbing and also guides and climbing equipment have fame renowned all over the place.
The most famous festival of this place is The Kulu Dussehra festival. This festival is celebrated in the Dhalpur stadium on a massive scale. People from all over India and world visit in here and take part in this festival, along with people from nearby villages and towns as well. The local people wear colorful clothes and decorate their chariots colorfully. Grass and bamboo effigies of Ravana is burnt which is the most important custom of this festival. Cattle offerings are also made in this festival.
How to Reach Kulu
- By Air — Bhuntar, 10 km south of Kulu is the nearest airport. Taxis are available from the taxi stand to Kulu. But, its a small airport with very limited flights. Chandigarh, at a distance of 260 km has many more flights connecting all over India. From airport Kulu is 7 to 8 hrs by car.
- By Rail — Jogindernagar is the nearest railway station (125 Km). But most of the people reach Kulu via Chandigarh (260 Km) or Kalka (242 Km) which have good train connectivity with all over India.
- By Road — NH1 connects Delhi to Chandigarh and from there one can reach Kullu by following NH 21.
Distance of Kulu from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Delhi |
492 |
|
Chandigarh |
260 |
|
Kalka |
242 |
|
Shimla |
208 |
|
Manali |
41 |
|
Manikaran |
44 |
|
Naggar |
24 |
Weather
Kulu Temperature:
- Summer (Mar to Jun) – Temperatures are mild and range between (13°C) to (29°C)
- Monsoon – (Jul to Sep) – Regular rainfall happens. This is not a good season for tourists
- Winter – (Oct to Feb) – Temperatures are low and range between (3°C) to (20°C)
- Best Time to Visit – April to May and Oct to Dec are the best season for tourism
What to See In Kulu
The Bijli Mahadev Shrine or Bijleshwar is located 8 km from Kulu. This place is famous for Tantric rituals. The temple is on a height of 2 460 meters. Dedicated to lord Shiva, the main attraction of this temple is the 20 meter long Trishul the weapon of lord Shiva which is fixed to the crown of the shrine. The Parvati Hill and the Bipasha Hill is clearly visible from here. The climb to the temple is quite steep and tiring but the beauty of the place is worth of it
Bajaura
Bajaura is located on the banks of River Beas. The attraction of this place is an 8th century Lord Shiva temple, also known by the name of Visheshwar Mahadev. The cravings on the walls of the temple is beautiful. All over the walls are cravings of other god and goddesses like Durga,Vishnu and others. At the entrance of the temple statuettes of Ganga and Yamuna are placed. The architecture and the carvings done all over the temple is of Odissi style. Bajaura is also famous for its apple and fruits
Other Details
What to Do
- Kulu is famous for the exiting river rafting in Beas. Depending on your skill and group you can select a suitable option
- Trekking & Hiking in the surrounding mountains and jungles. Trip organizers can arrange one based on your preference and choice.
- Rock climbing
- Good place to be in if you are fond of Angling
Where to Eat
Spice House restaurant: Hotel Himalayan Hamlet. It has multi cuisine menus with lots of local dishes.
Shobla International: Renowned for local cuisine.
While in Kulu do not forget to gorge on the fresh trouts caught in the rivers flowing through the valley
What to Buy
- Kulu is very famous for its shawls and local handicrafts. They are must buy when you are in Kulu.
- You may also like to bring back a basket of fresh Himachal Apple
Get Around
Nature has bestowed Kullu with all of its beauty, if you want to succumb to it see the town by foot. Taxis are the alternate options
Popular Tour Plans - Himachal Pradesh
1-3 Days
1. Shimla (2N/3D)
2. Manali (3N/4D)
4-6 Days
1. Shimla-Kulu-Manali (6N/7D)
7-10 Days
1. Shimla-Kulu-Manali-Dharamsala-Dalhousie (10N/11D)
2. Kinnar (Shimla-Sarahan-Sangla-Chitkul-Kalpa-Shimla) (8N/9D)