Kullu (1,220 m or 4,000 ft) 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 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.
There are several reference of Kullu in the Ramayana & Mahabharata, Vishnu Purana & other Sanskrit literature. But it is believed that Manu after the great deluge, first stepped into the earth from the celestial boat at a place on this land. The particular spot where he established his abode was the present Manali (village), which is regarded as the changed name of 'MANU-ALAYA', that is the home of Manu. It was from here that the human race came into being after the deluge.
The main attractions of Kullu are highlighted below:
Raghunath Temple
Category : Religious
One of the prime tourist attractions of Kullu is the Raghunath Temple which is dedicated to Lord Ram, one of the most important deities of Hinduism. This temple was constructed by Raja Jagat Singh in the year 1660 to ask for pardon for his sins. The king got an idol of Lord Ram from Ayodhaya and placed it in this temple.
Category : Religious
The Bijli Mahadev Temple is located at an elevation of 2460 meters and as the name suggests the temple is frequently struck by lightning.
Akhara Bazaar
Category : History & Culture
Popular as one of the most popular bazaars and shopping areas of Kullu, Akhara Bazaar has numerous shops selling Kullu caps, shawls, Pattoos, gudmas, puhlas, rugs and other woolen items.
Hadimba Temple
One of the primary Manali tourist attractions is the Hadimba Temple that was constructed in the 16th century.Surrounded by the wooded deodar forests, the temple attracts a large number of tourists who frequently visit the pilgrim spot in Manali. he presiding deity of the Hadimba Temple or the Dhoongri Temple is the Goddess Hadimba who is the wife of the strongest of the Pandava brothers, Bhim.
Buddhist Monasteries
Category : Religious
Since a lot of Tibetans live in Manali there are many beautiful Buddhist monasteries here. A few of the popular ones are the Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa Monastery, which is famous for medium size statue of Lord Buddha and multi coloured wall paintings. The other popular monastery is the Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa, which is popular for a large statue of Buddha with a golden face.
Rohtang Pass
There are various fascinating tourist attractions in and around the Manali town. The great height of the snow capped peaks and the surrounding greenery promises to enchant every visitor to this small hill station. For the more adventurous souls there are options to climb higher to those places where the azure sky caresses the silvery peaks. The Rohtang Pass is one such destination, loved by the visitors mainly for the beauty its altitude promises. here are great trekking opportunities around the Rohtang Pass near Manali, though the skiing scopes are limited. There are trekkers available from the Manali town for going to the Rohtang Pass. You can also opt to trek this distance. The trekkers' route to the Rohtang Pass of Manali is will provide one some of the most beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the greenery all around.
Old Manali
Category : History & Culture
Located 2.5 km above the Mall, Old Manali still maintains that feel of a mountain village and has many old wood and stone homes. Apart from that, there is also the Manu Maharishi Temple which is dedicated to Manu, the founder of Manali.
Naggar
Located on the banks of the River Beas, this former capital of Kullu is famous for a large number of temples, most of them dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Tripura Sundari and Lord Krishna. Naggar is also famous for the Roerich Art Gallery, which houses the paintings of Nicholas Roerich as well as his sculptures.
Kasol
Located at an altitude of 1640 meters above sea level, Kasol os known for its scenic beauty. With wide open clearings which slope down to wide expanses of clear white sands at the Parvati River.
Manikaran
Located at a distance of 45 km from Kullu, Manikaran is famous for its hot springs and is also an important religious destination for Hindus and Sikhs. The hot water springs here are so hot that the heat from the water is used to cook food.
Prashar Lake- Prashar Lake is located between a cup-shaped valley. This place also has a scenic beauty with a temple. Little mountain streams are fed by this lake which is like a fair here every year of June. People from all over the neighborhood gather for this.
Great Himalayan National Park
The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), is one of India's national parks, is located in Kullu. The Great Himalayan National Park is a habitat to numerous flora and more than 375 fauna species, including approximately 31 mammals, 181 birds, 3 reptiles, 9 amphibians, 11 annelids, 17 mollusks and 127 insects.the Great Himalayan National Park was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
There are much more places in kullu district where you can feel and admire the beauty of nature.
Main Activities which can be done:
Trekking
Camping
Rafting
Paragliding
Sight Seeing
Skiing
Mountaineering
River Crossing
Zappling
In short we can say that Kullu Valley is a paradise for adventure lovers. It's no wonder that thousands of visitors feel attracted every year to come to this valley from all nooks and corners of the globe.