Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh is situated on the banks of the Beas. It is located at an altitude of about 3,900 ft (1,200 metres). It is famous for apple orchards, beautiful women, old wooden temples and who can forget its picturesque beauty. It offers ample scope for trekking, climbing and angling, and big and small game are plentiful in its forests. The snowcapped mountains and the cascading rivers are reasons enough to tour this serene valley that lies in the lap of the Himalayas. Though famous for its tourist attractions, Kullu has its share of history as well. In ancient times it was known as Kulanthpitha, meaning the end of the inhabited world.

PLACES TO SEE IN KULLU
The temples located in Kullu add to the serenity of the place. The most remarkable temple of the valley is that of Bijli Mahadeva temple which is located a few miles away from Kullu. The temple is built of large blocks of stone without the use of cement and its 65-ft (20-metre) tall flagstaff is reputed to attract lightning which, according to the local legend, is an expression of divine blessing. Every time the flagstaff is struck by lightning, the Shiva linga inside the temple is shattered. It is put back together each time by the priest and covered with sattoo (a paste of roasted gram and wheat powder) and butter. The image, thus restored, stands till another similar flash repeats "the miracle." Besides this there is the Raghunath Temple. This shrine is located in the city of Raghunathpur and is at a distance of 15 minutes from the main bus stand at Kullu. As per legends the idol worshipped here is the same idol that was made by Lord Rama while performing Aswamedha yagna. Dussehra is celebrated with much pomp and gaiety here.

Kullu, also known as the Silver Valley, is the favourite haunt for the adventure seekers. Trekking, river rafting on Beas River, paragliding, skiing, mountaineering, camping and other adventure sports are common in the valley. Besides this, Kullu has numerous places for trout fishing. These include Katrain, Raison, Kasol and Naggar, then along the river Tirthan near Larji, in the Sainj Valley and in the Hurla Khud. The valley is the nucleus of several trek routes. Some major ones are over the Chander khani Pass.

PLACES AROUND KULLU
There is the Vaishno Devi Temple at a distance of 4 kilometers from Kullu and the Triyug Narayan Temple in Dyar.

Bajaura is 15 kms away fro Kullu valley. Renowned for its sculptural works in stone, the Basheshwar Mahadev Temple is visited by tourists throughout the year.

Another quaint place lying here is Kaisdhar. Here nature is in its pristine forms. Kaisdhar, too, is situated at a distance of 15 kilometers from Kullu.

Kasol, 40 kilometers away, is perched on the banks of river Parvati. The well-known hot springs of Manikaran are just 30 miles (45 km) from Kullu town, in the heart of the valley.

HOW TO REACH KULLU
By Air: The airport at Bhuntar is 10 km from Kullu. From here taxis and buses are available easily to reach the valley.

By Rail: The nearest railway stations are at Chandigarh (Punjab) and Kiratpur (Uttar Pradesh). The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernager, 95 km from Kullu.

By Road: Kullu is at a distance of 530 km from Delhi via Mandi and 240 km from Shimla. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses are available for arriving at Kullu. Within Himachal Pradesh, Kullu is accessible from Shimla, Dharamsala, Manali and Dalhousie.

The road from Kulu to Manali runs along the swift and rushing torrents of the Beas. It is flanked by lofty mountains and spreading forests. On this road is Katrain, famous for its fruit orchards and its trout hatchery. Near Katrain, across the river, is a small town Naggar, where the medieval world still survives, untouched by time. The town has been made famous by the late Russian painter, Nicholas Roerich, whose gallery can be seen there.

The best time to visit the Kulu Valley is October, when the Dussehra festival is celebrated. The statue of Raghunathji, the presiding deity of the valley, is ceremonially brought down to the valley from the mountains. The god stays in state in the valley for a week, along with other gods who are also present in their festive palanquins. The highlight of the fair is the dance competition held every evening.

The Kullu valley in Himachal Pradesh is also famous for its handicrafts and caps.