Kullu - The Valley of Gods
Snow-covered peaks, surreal lakes, rolling meadows, soaring snow-capped peaks, and more make Kullu an enchanting place to visit. Enjoy witnessing the snowy surprises of this nature’s paradise and soak in the panoramic views of the stunning hills. Kullu is closely associated with Manali, another stunning hill station in Himachal Pradesh, and visitors usually visit both places together. The vastness of the mountains, the magic of the spotless skies, and the fragrance of the Deodar and Pine trees attract tourists to this enchanting town.
This mystical town is located at an altitude of 1230 meters above sea level and is loaded with the beauty of nature. Yes, the abundant greenery and the excellent climate, which is more or less perfect for wandering souls, make Kullu worth every dime of yours. The best part about travelling to Kullu is the kind of adventure activities in which people can hope to participate, like river rafting, mountaineering, wildlife photography, paragliding, skiing, trekking, and so much more. Dotted with temples and shrines, the place is also perfectly suitable for spiritually inclined people looking for peace and tranquillity. There is a reasonable number of tourist places to visit in Kullu. Plan a memorable trip to this charming town, nestled in verdant valleys. Keep reading to learn information about Kullu and get ready for a wholesome adventure!
Geography & Climate
- Location: Situated at 1,279 meters (4,196 ft) above sea level in the Himalayan foothills.
- Climate:
1. Summer (March-June) - Pleasant weather (15-30°C), ideal for sightseeing.
2. Monsoon (July-September) - Heavy rains, lush greenery, but risk of landslides.
3. Winter (October-February) - Cold temperatures (0 to -5°C), snowfall in higher regions.
History Of Kullu
Earlier known as ‘Kulanthpita’ Kullu was a destination isolated from the world. Reaching this place was very challenging until the 1950s. As such, this place was also called the endpoint of the inhabitable world. The town has still retained its age-old customs, traditions, and charm. The place is mentioned in ancient texts like Vishnu Purana, Mahabharata, and Ramayana. Kullu, or Kalut, was named after a tribe residing in the upper valley of River Beas.
Kullu Valley was vital in trade and commerce between Southern Plains and Central Asia. It is also the gateway to Lahaul and Ladakh. Its strategic location made it prosperous as trade flourished in the area. Historically, the town of Kullu has nurtured both Buddhism and Hinduism here. It is also believed that in this region, a stupa was present here that belonged to the Mauryan empire. There were as many as 1,000 monasteries with 20,000 monks as their residents. You may be a bit surprised to know that until 1950, the tract belonging to Lahaul and Spiti was also part of the Kullu district.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Kullu
Kullu is famous for its awe-inspiring natural attractions, which beautifully open up to showcase its alluring attractions manifested in deep verdant valleys, meandering Beas River, glimpses of snow-capped mountains, and towering pine and deodar trees. Have a look at the top 10 places to visit in Kullu, which will surely help you fall in love with this stunning destination nestled in the lower Himalayan region.
1. Great Himalayan National Park
With four valleys, this park is one of a kind in terms of travel and tourism activities. It is quite famous for its scenic and lush views of nature’s beauty. In this park, you will find a huge variety of exotic species of flora and fauna. For wildlife photographers, this park is everything to be dreamt about.
2. Parvati Valley Trek
It is considered to be one of the most challenging treks in the northern Himalayan region. For those who seek adventure, Parvati Valley Trek is unmissable.
3. Raghunath Temple
One of the famous tourist attractions in Kullu is Raghunath Temple, a famous devotional place in this town. Set in the middle of an emerald-green landscape, the temple exudes a sense of peace and tranquillity to the pilgrims. Dedicated to Lord Raghunath, this temple is one of the most-visited pilgrimage places in Kullu. It attracts many pilgrims every year.
4. Pandoh Dam
The Pandoh Dam is one of the man-made marvels that is quite awe-inspiring. Moreover, it can be considered a picture-perfect place for taking snaps with your near and dear ones. When water is released during the day, the view is truly spectacular and worth checking out. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy rafting on the river’s lower bed.
5. Friendship Peak
Standing at a great altitude of 5,289 meters in the Pir Panjal mountain range, this peak is one of the best trekking places to enjoy and have fun. The trekking experience on the peak takes you on a journey where you get to witness a variety of alpine trees, colourful orchards, and beautifully gushing streams.
6. Chandrakhani Pass
This place is situated at a height of around 3,600 m. Chandrakhani Pass will excite people who are interested in natural beauty. Here, you will find a beautiful string of mountains and valleys sprinkled throughout.
7. Manikaran
Ensconced amidst the verdant Parvati Valley, Manikaran is a famous pilgrimage place for Hindus and Sikhs. The stunning natural surroundings, religious attractions, and hot springs keep visitors engaged. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati stayed in Kullu for a long time. This land was also blessed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who performed many miracles.
8. Bhrigu Lake
White snow bordering turquoise waters in a still and placid lake makes Bhrigu Lake one of the major tourist attractions in Kullu. It is located at an incredible height of 14,000 feet. Plan a visit to this magnificent place and enjoy gorgeous views of snow-covered mountains all around, overlooking the azure blue lake.
9. Naggar
If you are looking forward to enjoying some peaceful time amidst natural attractions, head to Naggar, a quaint town close to Kullu. This sleepy town and its lanes and bylanes will give you a glimpse into village life.
10. Bhuntar
Travellers arriving at Kullu and Manali arrive at Bhuntar airport. Bhuntar is an unexplored attraction in Kullu and proves to be an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of city lives. Visit this stunning locale in Kullu and enjoy witnessing the ease of living of town life.
11. Bijli Mahadev Temple
- A revered Lord Shiva temple located at 2,460 meters.
- Famous for the myth that the Shivling is struck by lightning and rebuilt every time.
12. Naggar Castle
- A historic fort-palace built in the 15th century.
- Offers breathtaking views of the Kullu Valley.
13. Jana Waterfall
- A hidden gem near Naggar, ideal for nature walks and photography.
Top Things to Do in Kullu
- River Rafting on the Beas River – One of India’s best rafting spots, with thrilling rapids.
- Paragliding in Solang Valley – Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
- Skiing & Snowboarding – Best done in Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass.
- Trekking & Camping – Popular treks include Sar Pass, Pin Parvati, and Chandrakhani Pass.
- Shopping for Woolens & Handicrafts – Visit Akhara Bazaar for Kullu shawls, caps, and local crafts.
Best Time to Visit Kullu
- March to June – Best for sightseeing, trekking, and adventure sports.
- October to February – Winter season, ideal for snow lovers.
- July to September – Monsoon season; offers lush greenery but comes with the risk of landslides.
How To Reach Kullu
Glaciers, alpine forests, gushing streams, deep forests, and a magnificent backdrop of majestic Himalayas welcome tourists to the beautiful Kullu. It is undoubtedly one of the best and coolest escapades for tired souls. To reach this quiet town, you can use the nearest airport, railway station, and bus services. Here are the details of how to access this destination using diverse modes of transportation.
- Nearest Major City. Chandigarh
- Nearest Airport. Bhuntar Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. Joginder Nagar Railway Station
- Distance from Chandigarh. 268 km
By Air. Deboard at Bhuntar Airport, and from there, you can take a private bus or a taxi to reach Kullu, which is 10 km away from the town. Flights from all parts of the country arrive at this airport, so planning a trip via airways can be a comfortable, convenient, and faster option. Hire a cab or a taxi to reach the centre of the town.
- Distance from Bhuntar Airport. 10 km
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Kullu
By Train. Train routes from Joginder Nagar Railway Station are well-connected throughout the country. From Joginder Nagar Railway Station, tourists can take a cab or just walk to the town centre. State-run and private buses are also available to help passengers reach Kullu from Joginder Nagar.
- Distance from Joginder Nagar Railway Station. 104.4 km
By Road. Depending on your geographical location, you can also consider travelling to Kullu by road. The overall road network, which includes national highways, is well-maintained and easily accessible. For your convenience, you can choose to travel by state-run buses, cabs, or personal vehicles.
- Distance From Chandigarh. 139 km
- Distance From Jalandhar. 161 km
- Distance From Ludhiana. 167 km
- Distance From Patiala. 193 km
- Distance From Dehradun. 202 km
- Distance From Yamunanagar. 207 km
- Distance From Amritsar. 214 km
- Distance From Saharanpur. 225 km
- Distance From Delhi. 498.9 km
- Distance From Mumbai. 1904.6 km
- Distance From Kolkata. 2062.2 km
- Distance From Bengaluru. 2678.9 km
So, what are you waiting for? Ready Set Go with adotrip.com and experience an escape like no other! Count memories not hassles when you are with us! Make the most of your vacation to Kullu and create memories worth a lifetime.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kullu
Ques 1. What makes Kullu famous?
Ans 1. Kullu is famous for its paradisical beauty, religious places, adventure-based activities, and tranquil ambience. Tourists love spending time in the lap of nature and engaging in a variety of fun-filled activities.
Ques 2. What is the best time to visit Kullu?
Ans 2. March to June are the best times to visit Kullu. The weather is comfortably warm, ranging between 10 and 25 degrees C.
Ques 3. Which is the closest airport to Kullu?
Ans 3. The closest airport to Kullu is Bhuntar Airport, which is just 10 kilometres away.
Ques 4. What are the major tourist attractions in Kullu?
Ans 4. Some of the major tourist attractions in Kullu are Great Himalayan National Park, Raghunath Temple, Pandoh Dam, Manikaran, Friendship Peak, Bhrigu Lale, etc.
Ques 5. Does Kullu receive snowfall?
Ans 5. Yes! Higher areas of Kullu, such as Manali, Solang Valley, and Rohtang Pass, receive heavy snowfall in December to February.
Ques 6. How many days are enough to explore Kullu?
Ans 6. 2-3 days are enough for the main attractions. 4-5 days if you want to explore nearby places like Manali, Kasol, and Tirthan Valley.
