Blessed with some of
the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes anywhere, it is a travellers
paradise -lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, fast flowing
rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower bedecked meadows, beautiful
temples and monasteries steeped in time. May it be for relaxing,
sightseeing, trekking, mountaineering, fishing, para-gliding, skiing, ice
skating and golf, Himachal has it all...Come Explore Himachal with
himachaltourist...
The valley of gods, as the Kullu valley has come to be known, is perhaps
the most delightful region in the western Himalayas. The ancient Hindus
regarded it as the furthest limit of human habitation - Kulantapitha, and
its original name finds mention in the epics, the Ramayana and the
Mahabharata as well as Vishnu Purana.
Like a slender delicate-hued fern glistening in the morning dew, the valley
spreads out its charm on either side of the upper reaches of the river
Beas. Running north to south, the main river valley is only 80 km long and
2 km at its broadest, yet a fairly wide area is open to the visitors to
enjoy the spectacle of variegated mountain scenery.
In the spring Kullu is at its most colourful with pink blossoms and white
flowers while the higher slopes are aglow with gorgeous rhododendrons. With
utumn, clear blue skies return and fields and forests alike show wonderful
tints of crimson and ochre. By December, there is no greenery except the
majestic pines and cedars in the forests. In winter the hillsides are
flanked in white.
Situated on the banks of the Beas, Kullu, the headquarters of the district,
serves as a nerve centre of the valley and is the starting place for a
number of treks. The deodar-fringed grassy maidan, Dhalpur, is a stage for
many colourful fairs.
Places to see in Manali
Solang Valley
13 km. A splendid valley between Manali and Kothi which offers views of the
glaciers and snow-capped mountain peaks. The plateau is frequently used for
holding camps by the trekking parties. Good skiing slopes of the
Mountaineering Institute. Venue of annual winter carnival from February
10-14. Bus service upto Palchan village (10 km) and then by jeep or on
foot.
Rahla Falls
2 km from Kothi. Here the river Beas hurtles down from a height of about 50
metres. Charming spot for picnics.
Manali Sanctuary
A bridle path from the Manali log huts goes past the Dhoongri Temple and
wanders into the dense deodar, kail, horse chestnut, walnut and maple
forest which is a part of this sanctuary. Camping overnight in tents at
Lambadug or Galiani Thatch is possible.
Lush green alpine pastures and glaciers lie beyond Galiani Thatch. Musk
deer, monal and brown bear are often spotted. For those who venture still
further into the glacier zone in summer, there are herds of ibex.
Around Manali
Rohtang Pass
51 km. At an altitude of 4,112 metres on the highway to Keylong, the pass
affords a wide-spread panorama of mountain scenery. In place of the
pinnacled hills, sheltered valleys and cultivated tracts, the eye meets a
range of precipitous cliffs, huge glaciers and piled Moraine, and deep
ravines. Almost directly opposite is the well defined Sonepani glacier,
slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypang, jagged pyramids of
rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.
The Beas river rises near the crest of Rohtang from a block of Mica-Schist.
The pass normally opens for traffic after mid-June and officially closes in
November. To its left, 200 metres higher, is the little lake of Sarkund
(Dashair) visited by a number of people, the general belief being that a
bath in these waters effects a cure of all bodily ailments-real or
imaginary. 10 km before Rohtang is the barren-landscape of Marhi which hums
with activity during summer and autumn months because almost everyone stops
here for refreshments.
Triloknath and Udeypur
These are two important places of pilgrimage in Pattan Valley. At
Triloknath is a six armed image in white marble of Avalokiteshvara,
Bodhisattava. Visitors will enjoy crossing the Chandra-Bhaga river and the
trek of 3 km to reach the destination. The temple of Marikula at Udeypur is
highly remarkable for its wood carvings. Udeypur is 166 km from Manali.
Places to see in Kullu
Raghunathji Temple
1 km. In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh installed here an idol of Lord
Raghunathji, which he brought from Ayodhya. As a mark of his penance he
placed the idol on his throne and it became the presidind deity of the
valley.
Vaishno Devi
4 km. A small cave enshrine an image of goddess Vaishno.Other temples are
dedicated to Lord Shiva, Rama and Krishna.
Jagannathi Temple
3 km. A stiff climb leads one to the shrine from where one gets a panoramic
view of Kullu town.
Bijli Mahadev Temple
11 km. The Bijli Mahadev temple one of the most striking temple is set on a
spur, and is famous for its 60 ft high staff which periodically attracts
lightning that shatters the Shivalinga. Each time this happens, it is
pieced together by the temple priest.
Around Kullu
Kasol
42 km. Situated on the banks of Parvati river, Kasol in the Parvati valley
makes a good holiday destination. Charmingly located in an open space which
slopes down to a broad expanse of clear white sand at the edge of the
river. The place is known for trout fishing.
Manikaran
45 km. On the trekking route to Pulga and Pin Parvati pass, Manikaran is
famous for its hot springs. Thousands of people take a dip in its hot
waters. The water is so hot that dal (pulses), rice etc. can be boiled in
it. It is also a well known pilgrimage centre and there is an ancient Hindu
temple and a gurdwara here. According to a legend, Manikaran is also
associated with Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Parvati, who lost and
recovered her ear-ring here.
holding youth camps and rallies. On the gurgling banks of the Beas there
are 14 wooden huts of HPTDC.
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