Kullu Manali

kullu manali

Kullu is located at 240 kms from shimla,the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Kullu Manali is the most exotic hill station among the most favored tourist destinations among the hill stations of India. In the ancient times Kullu Manali was also known as “Kulanthpitha” which means the end of habitable world because the ancient Hindus regarded Kullu as the farthest limit of human habitation. Even in the epic of the Ramayana and mahabharta the original name of Kullu has been mentioned. Among this tourist complex of Kullu Manali, kullu is the central point and it is located on the bank of river Beas.This main river valley runs from North to South an it is only 80 km long and its width is not more than 2 km but still a fairly wide area is open to the visitors to enjoy the spectacle of beautiful mountain scenery. Kullu is also known as Valley of Gods as it has many temples. The Dashehra of Kullu is world famous. Kullu Manali is natural paradise with full of numerous tourist attractions in and around Kullu Manali.

Tourist attractions are abundant in and around Kullu Manali and some the tourist attractions in and around Kullu Manali are as follows:

Raghunathji Temple

This is the holiest temple of Kullu. It is dedicated to as its name suggest, to Lord Raghunathji that is Lord Ram. It is said that in 17th century then king of Kullu, Raja Jagat Singh committed a great wrong. After his sin to atone for his wrong doing he sent a courtier to Ayodhya to bring a statue of Lord Raghunath that is Lord Ram Then he built the temple for the diety to house the image and even today, is greatly revered. There is an image of Shri Raghunath in his chariot in the shrine.

The Bijli Mahadev Temple

This is the most striking temple in Kullu and is located at a distance of mere 10 km from the centre of Kullu Town. Lord Shiva is the main deity of this temple and this temple is dedicated o Lord Shiva. There is a 20 meter tall image or “Linga” projecting out of the shrine. It is said that it catches lightening in the skies and due to this Linga turns into pieces which is then restored by the temple priests with only butter and sattu. The legend says that this experience of lightening and reducing of Shivlinga into pieces is because Lord Shiva absorbs the lightening when it strikes the earth and thus the world is saved by the Lord. As this cycle of lightening and reducing of Linga into pieces and restoring of Shivalinga by the priests happens every year therefore the name of this temple is Bijli mahadev Temple. A panoramic view of Kulu and Parvati valleys can be seen from the temple. The temple has a 60 feet high staff which glistens like a silver needle in the sun.

Jagatsukh

 6 Km South of Manali Jagatsukh is one of the biggest villages in Kullu district. Although the place is dotted with numerous old temples but one of the major attraction of Jagatsukh is an ancient Shiva temple. This Shiva temple is built in Shikhara style. Other tourist attractions of Jagatsukh include small shrine of Gaurishankar and the temple of Goddess Sandhyadevi which is chalet-roofed temple.

The Manali Sanctuary

This is a wildlife sanctuary which is located at the distance of 2 km from the main town of Manali. At this sanctuary a wide variety of animals and birds can be seen which includes many varied species of lions, leopards and ibex.

The Winter Carnival: In the month of January a five-day event is celebrated at Manali every year. This winter carnival is one of the most favored tourist attractions. Tourists from not only India but from all over the world come to attend and enjoy this winter carnival of Kullu. At this time of the year the whole city is covered with the thick blanket of snow. The winter carnival starts with the worship of Hidimba Devi and the celebration starts from the temple itself. A large amount of tourists come to Kullu Manali to be a part of the celebration.

VASHISHTHA BATHS

The hot water spring of Vashishtha is famous for its medicinal effect. A large number of people come here and take dips in to holy water as the water of the spring is believed to cure several diseases. There is also a pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashishta Muni. 

TIBETAN MONASTERY

The Tibetan monastery is famous for its carpet-weaving unit where the residents, the immigrants from Tibet, produce handicrafts of various kinds that attract the tourists a lot. 

ARJUN GUFA

It is Located at a distance of 15 km from the Manali town, near the Prini Village, According to a legend, Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, used to practice meditation here to get the powerful Pashupata Ashtra (apower ful weapon).

AGATSUKH

It is located at a distance of 6 km from Manali, Jagatsukh is the largest village of Kullu district. It is situated on the bank of the river Beas, The village has a famous temple of Lord Shiva. The temple is built in Shikhara style. Jagatsukh also functioned as the ancient capital of Kullu for about ten generations. 

NEHRU KUND

 It is located on the Manali-Keylong road at a distance of 6 km from Manali town The Kund is named after the first Prime Minister of India, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. The place is especially famous for the clean water spring, from the Brhigu Lake. 

                                                                       

         

KOTHI

Kothi is at a distance of 12 km from Manali, on the Lahaul-Spiti-Leh highway.It served as the camping place for tourists when the 3,978-metre-high Rohtang Pass had to be trekked. It also has a comfortable staying option in the beautiful PWD Rest House, which lies in the middle of snow-capped peaks and glaciers. 

SOLANG VALLEY

 At a distance of 13 km from Manali town, Solang Valley is known for its beautiful landscape, snow-capped mountain peaks and the view of the glaciers. It also has skiing training facility, Department of Mountaineering and Allied Sports hostel, and ANTREK Campsite Resort. 

REHALLA FALLS

At a distance of 16 km from Manali town, the Rehalla Falls is a result of spilling water from steep rocks and melting glaciers. at an altitude of 9,000 ft. it provides you an excellent view of the nature around. The entire area is surrounded by Deaodar and birch forests.

Tourism in Kullu is mainly concerned with temples and hot springs around the entire Kullu area. There are not only many famous temples like BijliMahadev temple, Jagannath Temple, Raghunathji Temple, Bajeshwar temple but along with these temples Manikaran and its hot spring is also very famous and attractive. There is also avery fine camping site at Kullu and that is Raison. Manali Tourist complex is world famous which offers many adventurous sports activities. Not only in summer but Manali is thrilling and shows a lavish display of natural beautyeven in winter. In fact Manali is one of the most key tourist attractions of Himachal Pradesh and it attracts tourists throughout the year.

Beautifull Manali