An awe inspiring glens and mossy meadows encirled by the rushing streams and meandering brooks, a fairly wide area spreading out its charm on either side of river Beas is the beautiful Kullu Valley of Himachal with its tremendous natural beauty and prized tourist destination.This valley is rightly known as the valley of the Gods. Nestled between the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, it is the cradle of the great River Beas. Extending to the distance of about 80 kms from the gorge at Aut to the Rohtang pass, this valley harbours forests, alpine meadows, gurgling rivulets and orchards laden with fruit, and its Inhabitants are a joyful and gentlepeople. Treat yourself to a glimpse of this Himalayan paradise. Wander through the valley, succumb to its Magical charms and discover Himachal at its best.

Kullu (1220m) was once known as Kulanthpitha- `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 Velley.` Kullu got its first motorable access only after Independence. The long centuries of seclusion have however allowed the area to retain a considerable measure of its traditional charm. Here is the core of an intricate web of numerous valleys each of which is a visual delight and seems more beautiful than the other. The `Silver Valley` has nature`s The treasures of this `Silver Valley` lies carelessly scattered as flowers on the high meadows. Here are riches which cannot be measured and echo down the ages with the words of every myth and ancient legend- and glow in the warm smiles of its gentle people. There is pleasure in every step you take in these enchanted valleys and in every gurgle you hear in the clear mountain streams.

Raghunath Temple
In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kulu committed a great wrong. To atone for the sin he sent a senior counter to Ayodhya for statue of Lord Raghunath- Lord Rama. This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and even today, is greatly revered.

Bajaura (15 km) , Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
One of the most charming temples in the Kullu valley, this is renowned for its intricate stone carvings.

Kaisdhar (15 km) , Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
A high meadow fringed by deodar trees. A pictureque spot.

Kasol (42 km) , Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
An open glade by the banks of the river Paravti. Clean white sand separates the lush green grass from the waters. A good spot for trout. Himachal Tourism has a Tourist Hut here.

Manikaran (45km) , Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
At 1737 m, here are hot sulphur springs that bubble next to the icy waters of the Parvati river. The place is revered by both Hindus and Sikhs. Treks from here lead to Pulga, Khirganga and Mantalai- a strech of considerable natural beauty. The route finally reaches the Pin Parvati Pass (4802 m) which opens into the Sutlej valley. At Manikaran Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel Parvati.

Festival of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Dussehra
When Dussehra celebrations come to an end in the rest of the country, they begin at Kullu. Over 600 local deities come to pay homage to Lord Raghunath. This is a time when the valley is at its colourful best. to Malana, over the Jalori Pass or Bashleo Pass to Shimla, and over the Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan.

Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan
The river Beas offers excellent opportunities for while water rafting.

Adventures & Sports in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Fishing
The Kullu valley 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.

Getting at Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
The airport at Bhuntar is 10km from Kullu, where taxis and buses are available. The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernager, 95km from Kullu. By road, the distance from Delhi via Mandi is 530 km and from Shimla this is 240km. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses fly to Kullu.