Kullu is the short form of 'Kulanthapitha', which means the end of the habitable world. The Kully Valley extends from Rohtang Pass to Jalori Pass and River Beas lends it the lush green beauty denied to Lahaul-Spiti and Ladakh region, which lies just above it. Kullu Dussehra is said to be the day when all Gods come the valley and there are as many as 350 local gods in the region. The ancient heritage of Kullu is visible in its temples that abound here.
Places to See
It is the artistry of Nature and lure of its temples that makes Kullu such a popular hill resort. You must see:
- Sultanpur Palace
- Raghunathji Temple
- Bijli Mahadev Temple
- Basheshwar Mahadev Temple
- Jagannathi Devi Temple
- Akhara Bazaar
- Kaisdhar
- Kasol
- Shoja
- Raison
- Katrain
- Largi
- Jagatsukh
- Deo Tibba
- Manikaran
- Tabo Monastery
- Sujanpur Fort
Shopping
Handlooms are one of the most popular tourist lures at Kullu. Hand-made products are more expensive than the fake machine-made ones, which are mostly produced in Punjab. Other popular buys at Kullu are woolens, especially the typical topi (cap) of the Kullu region; Himachal handicrafts such as Chamba rumaals and Himachali dolls; dried fruits; and local fruit wines.
Where to Stay
There are several beautiful accommodations within the town of Kullu and in nearby areas. From luxurious cottages on the banks of River Beas to budget hotel options, Kullu has it all. You can try:
- Apple Valley Resort
- Adventure Resort
- Hotel Chevron Valley View
- Hotel Kanishka
- Hotel Silvermoon
- Hotel Vaishali
- Sandhya Palace
- The Sarvari
How to Reach Kullu
You can fly or drive to Kullu. Kullu does not have a railway station of its own.
By Road: Well connected to major Indian cities by a network of roads, there regular and deluxe buses available for Kullu and Manali from Delhi and Chandigarh. Delhi is 522 km from Kullu and major stopovers on the way include Ambala, Bilaspur, and Mandi.
By Rail: Railway stations close to Kullu are Jogindernagar (125 km away), Pathankot (285 km away), Chandigarh (267 km away), and Shimla (270 km away. However, Chandigarh is the most preferred destination as it offers regular buses connecting it to Kullu.
By Air: Kullu Manali Airport is situated at Bhuntar, 10 km from the town. Indian Airlines and Jagson Airlines connect Kullu to Delhi and Shimla by flights that operate round the year. Only an 18-seater Donier aircraft can land at this airport. Flights are not recommended during monsoons because weather may cause unpredictable hindrances on the way. Usually, it takes 90 minutes to reach Kullu from Delhi by flight.
