The valley town Kullu is located on the banks of Beas River and is gathered by visitors throughout the year due to its sublime nature and chilly weather. Kullu is the famous valley, a perfect picturesque landscape sandwiched between lower and higher Himalayan ranges. Covered with great pine, oak, and Deodars the city is full of lush green, occasional streams by the mountain road, and snow covering glaciers. The place also has religious importance for the Hindus having many temples, for the Sikhs having significant Gurudwaras in secluded places, and for the Buddhists with monasteries at remote places. People are visiting here more frequently in the near past yet most of the valley stays unexplored and untouched. The culture of Kullu people remains slightly different from the rest of the country. Lhosar Festival is quite famous in the state of Himachal where people get together with fire sticks and go house to house singing and dancing. Atal Tunnel is one of the biggest attractions now joining Rohtang Pass to Lahaul and Spiti. 

The History! 

The history of Kullu Valley dates back to the ancient era of Ramayana, Mahabharata. The Hindus believe that Kullu comes from the word "Kulant Peeth" which translates to "end of the habitable world". Manu founded this place and chose to settle here. His meditative town was named as "Manali" means "Manu's Place". It was once the capital of the Kullu Dynasty. Kullu has been owned by many empires such as the Nandas, Mauryas, Gupta's, Rajputs, Marathas, and Sikhs. Kullu is again one of the landmarks of Buddhism and you can see various monasteries situated at this place. The Maurya King Ashoka constructed a Stupa which was later taken to Delhi by the Mughals. After Indian Independence, Kullu got his vitality back and was connected to the major cities of India.

When in Kullu….

The River Rafting in Kullu-Manali is a must activity which is provided along the Bias River and takes 1.5 hours. The rafting costs 500-2000 bucks.

Apart from the sightseeing which one can do anywhere in Kullu, it is also the best place to take home some fancy yet Pahadi cultured goods. The Tibetan paintings and Silver jewellery attracts major tourists. Kinnauri, Kullu Caps of pure Pashmina and Kullu Shawls with Kashmere flower designs are admired by all. 

Situated at one of the top most points of Himalayas, Kullu is the best place for trekking. People around the country reach here for trekking and camping for 2-3 weeks. 

Paragliding is one in a lifetime experience you can have here. Everyone wants to fly above the mighty snow covered mountains stress-free. 

Trout Fishing is being done and now a trend in the place. Kasol, Naggar, etc. are the places giving fishing facilities along the Tirthan River. 

How to reach the city

Kullu is one of the most visited escape places for the young and is well connected to the major cities of India via Air and Road.

1. Airways: 

The nearest airport is Kullu-Manali Airport at Bhuntar town and flights are linked to major neighbouring cities.

2. Roadways: 

The main hub via road is Chandigarh which is joined to Kullu through NH21. Delhi-Kullu journey takes 12 hours

3. Railways: 

Situated at a high altitude, Kullu doesn't provide the rail facility. It is advised to take the roadway for a better valley experience.

Places to visit 

1. Naggar:

Naggar is situated at an altitude of 1800 meters, on the bank of Beas River and one of the often visited places in Himachal Pradesh. It was once the capital of the Kullu Kingdom and Naggar Castle is a monument with ancient history.

2. Manikaran:

Manikaran is a major religious place almost 45 km from Kullu at a height of 1760 meter. Lord Ram Chandra Ji Temple and Shiva Temple are the pilgrimage places. Food is cooked in the hot springs here.

3. Great Himalayan National Park:

One of the beautiful and serene national parks of the country, Great Himalayan National Park is filled with large Oaks and Deodars. Surrounded by 31 species of mammals and 181 species of birds, the park serves a mind-blowing trek to Tirthan, Jwar Nala, Parvati, and Sainj.

4. Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery:

Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery is the Buddhist monastery located at Kais Village in Kullu. The monastery is a home to the Tibetan monks and philosophy is taught by Dhakpo Rinpoche. It is also known as "The Kais Monastery". 

5. Prashar Lake:

Prashar Lake is located at 2730 meter height and 50 km from Mandi. The lake has crystal clear water and a floating island which gets frozen in the winters.

6. Chandrakhani Pass:

Chandrakhani Pass is the dream for travellers and the base for Parvati Valley Trek. Located at 3660 meter height it is famous for the astounding hill views of Deo Tibba Peak, Pir Panjal. It is also called "The God of Valleys". 

7. Malana:

Malana is one of the most sought-after places among people who need to be away from the crowd and need peace in life. The village Malana Nala is situated in a secluded place of Parvati Valley and famous for Jamadagni Temple and Malana Dam.

8. Friendship Peak:

Friendship Peak is one of the most travelled places in the Himalayan region at a height of 5300 meters. The trek is filled with dense forest and views of snow-capped mountains of the Pir Panjal ranges that act as oxygen. 

9. Parvati Valley Trek:

Parvati Valley Trek is considered as one of the hardest treks and it takes 4 days to reach the destination. Located at 5000 ft in Kullu the trek includes beautiful valley views and hot water springs which is a paradise for visitors.

10. Khirganga National Park:

Khirganga National Park is one of the prettiest national parks of the country situated in Kullu at an altitude of 5500 meters. The perfect landscape filled with greenery, and natural streams is something to behold for the travellers.

Best time to visit 

Kullu falls under the high Himalayan ranges. Hence, the summer is not so hot and winter is all about snowfalls.

1. Summer- March to June- 20°C to 30°C (not so hot)

2. Rainy- July to October- Around 25°C

3. Winter- November to February- -4°C to 20°C (very cold and chilly)