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INDIA
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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. |
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Kothi
12 km. A quiet but picturesque spot. The Rest House
overlooks the narrow valley and commands views of the
mountains. Below Kothi, for more than a kilometre the
river Beas flows through a deep gorge, almost a
subterranean passage, 30 metres or more in depth, and
the cliffs which flank both sides of the canyon are a
favourite haunt for rock pigeons. The site of the
bridge provides an interesting historical episode in
the early annals of Kullu.
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. |
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Kothi
12 km. A quiet but picturesque spot. The Rest House
overlooks the narrow valley and commands views of the
mountains. Below Kothi, for more than a kilometre the
river Beas flows through a deep gorge, almost a
subterranean passage, 30 metres or more in depth, and
the cliffs which flank both sides of the canyon are a
favourite haunt for rock pigeons. The site of the
bridge provides an interesting historical episode in
the early annals of Kullu.
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. |
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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.
The Great Himalayan National Park
Located in the beautiful district of Kullu, the 620
sq. km. area has temperate forests - some of the
virgin coniferous forests of the state. Vast areas of
alpine pasture and glaciers cap this park. Among the
animals found in this part of the western Himalayas
are musk deer, ghoral, thar, bharal, sewor, brown
bear, leopard and snow leopard. Bird life includes a
variety of colourful pheasants - monal, khalij, cheer
and tragopan. A trek through the park to Rekte-Sar,
the origin of the Sainj River and camping amid alpine
pastures is a memorable experience.
Kanawar Sanctuary
This sasnctuary located in the Parvati Valley of the
Kullu District is the habitat of the Himalayan thar.
This big goat is often seen on high mountainous
precipices.
A splendid trek is possible along the Garahan Nalla
from Kasol through dense deodar and fir forests. The
rest house at Kasol is convernient and the Range
Officer, Wildlife, Kasol, can offer information and
assistance. |
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Kaishdhar
16 km. A delightful spot (2,300 metres) for a quiet
holiday where one can commune with nature. Many walks
in the neighbourhood. Forest Rest House provides
accommodation.
Bajeshwar Mahadev Temple (Bajaura)
15 km. The pyramidical temple (9th century AD) is
embellished with wonderful carvings in stone and
sculptural decorations. The three large image slabs on
the exterior are all of a high order of sculpture in
the Indian classical (Shikara) style.
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.
Larji
34 km. South of Kullu at an elevation of 957 metres,
this is a small hamlet providing excellent trout
fishing. A Rest House is located in a stunning
position, at an angle between the foaming torrents of
the rivers Sainj and Tirthan, before they join the
Beas a few hundred anglers.
Pulga and Khirganga
16 km. A stiff march takes one to the restful solitude
of the Forest Rest House whose immediate environment
affords a sylvan and peaceful retreat for body and
mind. The Tos nullah, which branches off from the main
Paravati valley is well worth exploration by those who
favour the wilder aspects of natural scenery and are
prepared to camp out. 10 km from Pulga lies Khirganga
which is well-known for its hot springs.
Banjar
58 km. an excellent spot (1,534 metres) for trout
fishing in Tirthan river. the famous temple of Shringa
Rishi is located here in whose honour a fair is held
every year in May.
Accommodation is available at a PWD Rest House.
Shoja
13 km from the Banjar PWD Rest House (2,650 metres) on
the Kullu side of the Jalori pass, it is located in a
setting of marvellous scenic surroundings.
Raison
16 km. On the way to Manali, it is an ideal site at an
elevation 1,433 metres for spending a quiet holiday in
solitary splendour and for holding youth camps and
rallies. On the gurgling banks of the Beas there are
14 wooden huts of HPTDC.
Katrain
20 km. The central and the widest part of the valley
on the way to Manali and at a height of 1,463 metres.
Apple orchards, a Fruit Research Station and a trout
hatchery lend prominence to the place. HPTDC's Hotel
Apple Blossom and Tourist Cottage.
Naggar
28 km. On the left bank of the Beas and about three
hundred metres above the river, Naggar is delightfully
situated on a wooded slope and commands an extensive
view, especially of the north west of the valley. It
is an excellent place for a longer stay. Naggar was
the capital of the Kullu Rajas for about 1,400 years.
There are a large number of famous temples in and
around Naggar. Artist Nicholas Roerich's art gallery
is also worth a visit. Cars and jeeps can easily go up
to the Naggar Castle which is now Himachal Tourism's
well furnished Hotel Castle.
Malana
28 km. up to Naggar by bus and then 20 km. on foot. A
little ahead off the beautiful Chandrakhani pass lies
the tiny village of Malana, famous for the temple of
Jamlu and its distinct social and cultural life.
Reputed to be the oldest democracy in the world in
existence where all the inhabitants of the village
take part in managing its affairs. An exciting place
for trekking. |
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