kullu

KULLU
Kullu (1220m) was once known as Kulanthapitha - the end of the habitable world. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalaya, and by the banks of the shining river Beas lay the fabled Silver Valley. Kullu got its first motorable access only after independence. The long centuries of seclusion have however allowed the area to retain a considerable measures 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 treasures that lie carelessly scattered as flowers. This wealth nestles by every tree in the splendid forests, bursts forth in the blooms and in the fruit of every orchard. 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.



ACCESS : The airport at Bhunter is 10 km from Kullu, where taxis and buses are available. By road, the distance from Delhi is 530 km , Shimla - 240 km. From Delhi, HPTDC Luxury and Volvo coaches ply to Kullu daily. During tourist season there is a daily luxury coach to Shimla.



CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature gets quite low when heavy woolens are required. It is pleasant in summer and cottons are recommended.



PLACES OF INTEREST

KULLU DUSSEHRA : When Dussehra celebrations comes to an end in the rest of country, it begins at Kullu. Over 300 local deities come to pay homage to Lord Ragunath. This is a time when the valley is at its colorful best.

RAGHUNATH TEMPLE : In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu committed a great wrong. To atone for the sin, he sent a courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Ragunath (Lord Rama). This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and is greatly revered.

BIJLI MAHADEV TEMPLE (14 km) : At 2460m, this is set on a spur that offers some spectacular views. The temple is famous for its high staff that periodically draws lighting which shatters the Linga and scorches the building. Using only butter as adhesive, the Linga is then carefully pieced together by the temple pundit.

BASHESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE BAJURA (15 KM) : One of the most charming temple in Kullu, this is renowned for its intricate stone carvings.

OTHER TEMPLES : The Vaishno Devi temple (4km), the Devi Jagannath Temple at Bekhli (5 km) and the Vishnu temple at Dayar (12 km) are other important shrines around Kullu.

KAISDHAR (15 KM) : A high meadow fringed by deodar trees. A picturesque spot.

KASOL (40 km) : An open glade by the banks of the river Parvati on way to Manikaran. Clean white sand separates the lush green grass from the water. A good spot for trout. Himachal Tourism runs Tourist Hut at Kasol.



THE SARVARI
In the heart of Kullu, Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel Sarvari. It is perfect for those who would like to savor the delights of the valley without forsaking the charms of this quaint town.

ADDRESS : The Sarvari, Kullu (H.P.) - 175101. Tel: (01902) 222471

CLASS : Deluxe Hotel


Check availability and book The Sarveri


NOTE : The tariffs are on CP basis. During May-June all rooms will be sold on Modified American Plan (MAP) by adding Rs. 200/- per person per day (Veg. Food).

FACILITIES :

•Tariff on CP except during May-June MAP applicable
•Rooms have wall to wall carpeting.
•Rooms are airy, spacious, decently furnished with attached baths having running hot and cold water.
•Satellite Television.
•Room service, Room heaters on demand.
•Parking within premises. Doctor on call.
•Restaurant serving Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine.
•Newly constructed Multipurpose Hall ( Includes one Hall with full kitchen unit, 2 Double Bedded Rooms and 4 bedded dormitory)

The tariffs for Multipurpose Hall are as under:



•Multipurpose Hall for 24 hours : Rs. 20,000/- inclusive of taxes
•Multipurpose Hall ( Only Hall ) for half day : Rs. 11,000/- inclusive of taxes
•Double Bedded Rooms 2 Nos. Rs. 800/- each on CP per day
•Dormitory 4 Beds : Rs. 75/- each bed per day





THE SILVERMOON
A little away from the Kullu town, at Shastrinagar Himachal Tourism runs Hotel Silvermoon which is an ideal place for someone who would like to be a little out of town - and yet not too far away.

ADDRESS : The Silvermoon, Kullu (H.P.) - 175101. Tel: (01902) 222488.

CLASS : Deluxe Hotel


Check availability and book The Silvermoon


NOTE : The tariffs are on CP basis. During May-June all rooms will be sold on Modified American Plan (MAP) by adding Rs. 200/- per person per day (Veg. Food).

FACILITIES :

•Tariff on CP except during May-June MAP applicable
•Rooms are airy and spacious with attached sitting rooms, decently furnished and have attached baths with bath tubs and running hot & cold water.
•Satellite Television.
•Room Service. Laundry and dry-cleaning arranged. Room heaters on demand.
•Parking within premises. Doctor on Call.
•Restaurant serving Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine.

CAFE MONAL : It is situated in the heart of the town, Dhalpur, Kullu near the HPTDC Tourist Information Centre.




MANIKARAN
At 1737 m, on the right bank of river Parvati. this place is famous for hot sulphur springs revered by both Hindus and Sikhs pilgrims. Thousand, of pilgrims take dip in holy water. The water of the spring is also said to have curative value which cures many skin diseases. According to an ancient saying Manikaran is also connected with Lord Shiva and His divine concert Parvati.


ACCESS : By road the Manikaran is 45 km from Kullu via Bhunter and 85 km from Manali. The road bifurcates at Bhunter 10 km short from Kullu via Jari and Kasol. The airport at Bhunter (Kullu) is at a distance of 35 km.



CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature gets quite low when heavy woolens are required. It is pleasant in summer and cottons are recommended.



PLACES OF INTEREST

PULGA : Kasol to Pulga is a challenging trek of 16 km and climb of a nearly 1600 meters.

KHIRGANGA : The place is well known for its hot springs. Its water contains medicinal property. Another 2 Km from Khirganga lies Mantalai which is a scenic spot.

CHANDRAKHANI PASS : It lies east of Katrain. After a stiff climb from Kasol, the whole area looks wonderfully striking and colourful when the flowers blossom.

MALANA VILLAGE : Beyond the beautiful Chandra Khani Pass lies an unique village Malana which is famous for its distinct culture and the temple of Jamlu devta.

SHOJA (69 km) : This is a vantage point for a complete panorama of the Kulla area. It provides an encompassing view of snow peaks and valleys, meadows and forests, rivers and streams. Bifurcating from Aut from the National Highway, Shoja is just 5 km short from Jallori Pass. A walk of 5 km from the Pass takes you to the Sarolsar Lake among deep forest. The road further to JallorI Pass connects to Rampur, Narkanda and Shimla via Ani and Luhri.



THE TOURIST HUT
Kasol is situated on way from Bhuntar to Manikaran. HPTDC runs Tourist Hut at Kasol.

ADDRESS : Tourist Hut, Kasol, Distt. Kullu (H.P.)

CLASS : Budget Hotel


Check availability and book The Tourist Hut

FACILITIES :

•All rooms are airy, spacious and well furnished with attached baths and running hot & cold water.
•Drive in
•Parking
•No Catering.



NAGGAR
Situated on the left bank of river Beas at an altitude of 1851m, Naggar - an ancient town commands extensive views, especially to the North West of the valley. Naggar was the former capital of Kullu. It was founded by Raja Visudhpal and continued as a headquarters of the State until the capital was transferred to Sultanpur (Kullu) by Jagat Singh in 1460 A.D. Today this ancient and beautiful Palace is a popular tourist spot.



ACCESS : By road Kullu is 26 km and Manali is 21 km. The airport is at Bhunter (Kullu) 36 km.



CLIMATE : In winter heavy woolens are recommended and in summers the temperature is pleasant and cottons are suggested.



PLACES OF INTEREST

JAGATIPATT TEMPLE : In the upper courtyard of the castle there is a small temple - a small square structure which contains "Jagtipatt" a slab of stone measuring 5'x8'x6" which is said to have been brought from a place near Vashisht by honey bee. This is also place for meeting of local deities of Kullu.

TRIPURA SUNDRI TEMPLE : This pagoda shaped wooden temple is situated in the upper part of the village. This is also a rare examples of architecture.

NICHOLAS ROERICH ART GALLERY : Prof. Late Nicholas Roerich, a reputed artist had chosen Naggar as his residence when he came to India in 1929. The house has now been converted in an art gallery which houses numbers of rare paintings and other specimen of art. The gallery is open for visitors.

GAURI SHANKAR TEMPLE : At the foot of small bazaar below the Castle is the Gauri Shankar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is a charming example of architecture and carving of its particular period. Now a protected monument with heritage status.

FISHING AND ADVENTURE : The Kullu Valley has numerous places for trout fishing. These includes Katrain, Raison, Kasol and Naggar, along the river Tirthan near Larji, in the Sainj valley.

Treks : The valley is a nucleus to several trek routes. Some major ones are over the Chanderkhani Pass to Malana village, over the Jalori Pass to Shimla, and over the Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan. The river Beas offers excellent opportunities for white water rafting.

SHOPPING : Shawls, Local Tweeds, Rugs, Foot Wear (Pullan), Baskets, Natural oil (almond and olive), special Kullu Caps.




THE CASTLE
The Castle was converted into a rest house, a hundred year back and in 1978 this ancient building was handed over to HPTDC to run as a heritage hotel. This medieval Castle was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu around 1460 A.D. The hotel overlooks the Kullu Valley and apart from the spectacular view and superb location this has a flavour of authentic western Himalayan architecture. Here, a gallery houses the paintings of the Russian artist Nicholas Roerich. Naggar also has three other old shrines. Hotel Castle is an unique medieval stone and wood mansion, once the home to the Raja of Kullu and now an HPTDC Heritage hotel.

ADDRESS : The Castle, Naggar, Distt. Kullu (H.P.) Tel: (01902) 248316.

CLASS : A Premium Heritage Hotel


Check availability and book The Castle


NOTE : The tariffs are on CP basis. During May-June all rooms will be sold on Modified American Plan (MAP) by adding Rs. 250/- per person per day (Veg. Food).


FACILITIES :

•Tariff on CP except during May-June MAP applicable
•Rooms are airy, spacious, well furnished.
•Parking within premises.
•Restaurant serving Indian, Continental, Chinese and Himachali cuisines.
•Satellite Television
•Art Museum.