Kulllu-Manali - Himachal Pradesh

Tourism

Hadimba Temple - Historical and archeological point of view the chief attractions of manali, Dhoongri Temple is dedicated to goddess Hadimba, the Bhim of Mahabharat fame. This temple constructed in pagoda style displays the finest example of wood carving on it. Inside the temple, stone idol of Hadimba has been installed, which is about 60 cm. On the left side of the entrance there are 10 cm. feet (Charan Paduka) of the Goddess Durga. The temple was built by Raja Bahadur Singh in 1553 AD. Hadimba was a giantess who meditated at his place. She married to Bhima, one of the five Pandavas who visited here during their exile (Mahabharata Period). Because of her penance, she attained the position of Durga. There is a rock inside the temple about which it is believed that Hadimba meditated on this rock. In local dialect, this rock is called 'Dhoonger'. The temple and place is named after it. A large festival is held here in May.

Manu Temple the temple of Manu Maharaj is located in Manali village, which is about1 1.5 km from the main town. It is believed that only Manu temple in India, who was the creator of human race on this earth. Manu Smriti was also written by him.

Club House placed after 2 kms. from the town, club house has indoor games facilities which has been situated on the left bank of Manalsu Nallah. It offers some picnic spots also.

Tibetan Monasteries There are 3 newly colorful monasteries, where carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts are available for visitors. Two of them are located in the town and one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas river.

Mountaineering Institute Located 3 kms. from the left bank of river Beas towards Kulu. This Institute organises and offers basic & advance training courses, in trekking, mountaineering, skiing and water sports. Skiing and trekking equipments also hired from here by advance booking. Tourists can visit an interesting showroom also here.

Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple about 3 kms beyond Manali and is popular for its hot sulphur springs named as Bashisht or Vashist and temples. pyramidal stone temple placed nearby, it is the dedicated to Vashist Muni. There is another Temple of Lord Ram here. Natural hot sulphur springs having two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies. Turkish style showers fitted in bathrooms gives attractive look. Hot water from the spring is provided for bathing.

Nehru Kund is about 6 kms from Manali on Manali-Keylong road at National Highway to Leh.It is a natural spring of cold clear water got its name after, Pt. Jwahar Lal Nehru, who used this spring water for drinking during his stay in Manali. This spring is believed to starts from the Bhrigu lake situated high-up in the mountains.

Solang Valley is about 13 kms. is a splendid valley located between Solang village and Beas Kund. Solang valley offers the view of nearest glaciers from manali and snow capped mountains and peaks. It offers fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a ski lift for training purpose.There is a wonderful hut and beautiful guest house of the Mountaineering and Allied sports Institute also located. Now a few hotels have also built. The winter skiing festival is celebrated here. Training in skiing is imparted at this place.

Kothi: Situated on the road 12km from Rohtang pass, a picturesque spot, Kothi. from Manali. A PWD rest house is situated on a ridge overlooking a narrow valley with a great view of mountains and valleys. Large number of films have been picturised at this place and for poets, writers and the lovers of peaceful environsis ,this place treated as the ideal resting resorts.

Rahala Water Falls: located 16 kms. from Rohtang pass, if one goes to Marhi on foot from Kothi from the old road, the sight of the falls is fascinating. It is a good picnic spot for visitors.

Rohtang Pass about 3,978 mt. above sea level. Rohtang pass is 51kms. from Manali on highway to Keylong/Leh. The lenght of the pass is about 1 km. and has served as the route for many centuries for trade with Lahaul, Ladakh and to far away countries in Central Asia. It offers a panorama and spectacular mountain view. The pass is open from June to October each year although trekkers can cross it earlier. It is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley just as Zojila pass is a gateway to Ladakh. There are beautiful sights of glaciers, peaks and Chandra river flows down in the Lahaul valley. Slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypan. During summer (mid June to October) regular buses ply between Manali-Keylong/Darcha, Udaipur, Spiti and Leh.

Arjun Gufa(Cave) is about five kms from Manali towards Naggar, the cave is situated a little up from the left bank road near the Prini village, 1km. above the road where Arjun had meditated. It is believed that Arjuna under the advice of  Vyasa rishi practiced austerities in a cave in order to get the powerful 'Pashupata Astra' from Indra. It offers charming view of the brilliant mountains with 1/2 day excursion.

Jagatsukh: is located on the left bank on Beas on the road to Naggar. It is about twelve km from Naggar and six km from Manali. The place is famous for very old temples of Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri in Shikhara style, these are worth a visit. Before reaching Jagatsukh a place Shooru,It is passed at which is located the ancient and historical temple of Devi Sarvali near the entrance to Hamta Nullah.

Tourism

Bijli Mahadev Shrine situated at an altitude of 2435 mts on a hill called Mathan 11 km. from Kullu. this temple offers a panoramic view of Kulu & Parvati valleys. The temple includes 'khash' style. 20 mt high wooden pole stands. Bijli Mahadev temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun light. In this temple ,it is beleived that the tall staff attracts the divine blessings in the form of lightening. A regular bus goes upto Chansari village, 14 km from Kullu. The remaining three km. are to be covered on foot. There is great rush at the temple in the month of July. A visit to this place provides enjoyable and memorable moments.

Raghunathji Temple located at 1 km. from Dhalpur. The temple was built in 1660 AD with a mixed look of Pahari and Pyramidal style. Raghunathji famous as the principal deity of the valley. Dussehra festival is held in its name. Everyday puja (aarti) is organized for five times. It is said that Raja Jagat Singh used charanamrit of the idol for 42 days and was absolved from the evil effect of the curse of a Brahmin Durga Dutt.

Vaishno Devi Temple at a distance of 4kms. from Dhalpur. There is small cave with an idol of Durga just like Vaishno Devi Temple. In 1964, a saint built this temple. There is a Lord Shiva temple also. Peaceful and calm atmosphere and flow of river Beas in front of the temple gives this place a commanding view.

Naggar a delightful spot ,apprx. 27 kms from Kullu and 5 kms from Patli Kulh on the left bank of the Beas and about 300 mts above the river, situated on a wooden slope and excellent views, especially of the north and west of the valley. There is a bridge across the river Beas connecting Naggar and Patli Kulh. Naggar succeeded Nast (Jagatsukh) as the capital of Kullu.It offers large number of famous temples notably Vishnu, Tripura Sundari & Lord Krishana. At the foot of the small bazar, below the castle is the Gauri-Shankar Temple of Lord Shiva.Roerich art gallery encolsed the paintings of Nicholas Roerich as well as his sculptures is less than a km. from the Castle.

Kasol (1640 m) is placed 42km from Kulu on the bank of Paravati river, Kasol makes attractive holiday destination. It gives charming look with an open space which slopes down to the broad expanse of clear snowy sand at the Parvati river. The place is more famous for trout fishing.

Manikaran at placed an altitude of 1,829 mt., 45kms. from Kulu and just 3kms. from Kasol, is famous holy destination for its hot springs. Rockes enclosed the spring are uncomfortably hot, while the temperature of the water is above boiling point. Thousands of people take a holy dip in hot waters at this place. The water is too hot that dal, rice & vegetables etc. can be cooked in it easily. It is also a well known place for Hindus & Sikhs pilgrimage. Ramchandra and Shivaji temples besides a Gurudwara are there. It is believed that Manikaran is connected with Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Parvati, who lost her ear rings here, which gave birth to hot waters on the bank of Parvati river. Hearing this religious myth from the priests will be more rewarding and interesting.

Malana (2652 m) near to beautiful Chanderkhani Pass lies the village Malana which is famous for the temple of Jamlu and its distinct, social and cultural life. Malana is the oldest democracy in the world. It would be worth while to visit this village to study the style and social system prevalent over there. The inhabitants of Malana talk in a peculiar language of their own, called Kanashi, which is totally different from Pahari of Kullu and is mixture of aboriginal Mundari and Tibetan.

Shringa Rishi Temple Rishi Shringa is the chief diety of Banjar valley. This valley famous as Rishi's 'Tapo Bhoomi’. It is believed that there was a 'Pindi' (A sacred stone) in the forest at Skeeran. The Pindi asked every passer about its installation in a temple. The people built a temple in the forest at Skeeran. But it was very difficult for them to go there for worship. So they built another temple of the Rishi the Bagi village. The new temple also built 12 km from the original one. Rishi makes a visit to this place in every year in the month of May. The diety is kept in its chariot all the time. The new temple is in Pagoda and Pahari style having four roofs. The wooden work is marvelous. The idols inside the temple are of stone and brass.

How to reach Kullu Manali

By Air: The nearest airport is 10km from Kullu lies at Bhuntar. Indian Airlines, Trans Bharat Aviation and Jagson flights regularly operate between Kullu, Delhi & Shimla

By Rail: Nearest convenient railway stations are located in Kalka, Chandigarh and Pathankot from where Kullu can be reached easily.

By Road: Kulu rovides a well network of road with Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Shimla, Dehradun, Pathankot, Dharamsala & Dalhousie etc.