India /Himachal Pradesh /Kullu /Kullu

Kullu is a valley famous for its majestic hills sprinkled with deodar and pine trees, dotted with sprawling apple orchards. Located just 44 km from Manali, the town is flooded with hill top temples, unwinding trekking routes, challenging rapids for rafting and tranquil streams for fishing. This is the largest valley in the state and is known for hosting one of the most vibrant Dussehra festivals in the month of October. Kullu enjoys splendorous climate all year round. Winters (October to February) is the best time to enjoy skiing. During the months of December and January temperatures dip to -4°C, Kullu experiences snowfall luring honeymooners and families to the town. Summers (March to June) is the prefect time for indulging in rafting, trekking, rock climbing and enjoying the scenic beauty of the town as the temperature doest not exceed 25°C.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Hill Station

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 175101

STD Code: 1902

Info Website: kullutourism.com

Best Time to Visit:  September to June.

HistoryEdit

Kullu the particular spot where he established his abode was the present Manali (village), which is regarded as the changed name of ‘MANU-ALAYA’, that is the home of Manu. It was from here that the human race came into being after the deluge. There are several reference of Kullu in the Ramayana & Mahabharata, Vishnu Purana & other Sanskrit literature. But it is believed that Manu after the great deluge, first stepped into the earth from the celestial boat at a place on this land.

Places to VisitAdd

Kullu Sightseeing

How to ReachEdit

By Air : There ia no airport in Kullu. Nearest airport to Kullu is Bhuntar airport, which is at a distance of 10 km from the city center of Kullu but has low connectivity. Paid taxi service from airport to Kullu costs about Rs 250.

By Train : Jogindernagar is the nearest railway station located near Kullu which is at a distance of around 125 km. This railway station is well linked to all the major cities and towns of the country.

By BUS : State owned bus services of Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation are available from Kullu connecting with the nearest cities. Kullu is connected to Delhi (570 km), Chandigarh (267 km), Pathankot (285 km) and Shimla (270 km) by tourist deluxe buses of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. These deluxe buses cost about Rs 4 per km.

By Taxi : Kullu is well connected by a road network and national highways. The tourist can reach to Kullu by taxi. The normal Indian taxi charges of Rupees 8 to 20 will be charged for each km.

By Other : N.A.

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800

• Hotel New Horizon ; Manikaran Road, Hathithan Bhuntar, District Kullu. ; Ph – 9882818814 ; Facilities – Travel Desk , 24-hour front desk , Laundry , Parking , 24-Hour Security , Doctor on call.

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Hotel Ramneek ; Dhalpur Kullu Himachal Pradesh, Kullu 175101. ; Ph – 91-098164-59989 ; Facilities – Travel Desk , 24-hour front desk , Laundry ,Parking , 24-Hour Security , Laundry/Valet Services , Doctor on call.

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• J J Resorts ; Shamshi, Kullu. ; Ph – 9816400089, 9814031113. ; Facilities – 24-hour front desk , 24-hour room service , Laundry , Parking , 24-Hour Security , Bus Parking , Doctor on call.

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

• The Himalayan Village Resort ; The Himalayan Village Kailash Nagar,Doonkhara, P.O. Jari,Parvati Valley,District Kullu. ; Ph – 9.19805E+11 ; Facilities – Travel Desk , 24-hour front desk , Conference facilities , Laundry ,Parking , 24-Hour Security , Bus Parking , Health Club , Indoor Parking , Jacuzzi , Massage Services , Sauna , Steam Bath , Valet Parking , Doctor on call.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• City Choice Restaurant ;  Shastri Nagar,Kullu – 175101. ; M –  01902-222777 ; Food Serve :  Multi cuisine.

• Sapna Sweets ;  Akhara Bazar, Kullu, India ; M –  91-1902-222744 ; Food Serve :  Indian.

Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

• FISHING ; Deputy Director of Fisheries, Patlikuhl Dist. Kullu – 175 101 ; Cost – Rs.300 per ; Visiting Time –  9.30 am ; Closed Time :  6.30 pm.
• Paragliding ; At Manikarn. ; Cost – Rs.850 Per Person ; Visiting Time –  10.00am ; Closed Time :  5.00pm.

Must ShopAdd

• Kullu shawls ; Bhuttico Showrooms ;  Bhuttico, The Mall, Kullu (H.P.) ; Ph/M:  91-1902-252196.
• Himachal Cap ; Akhara Bazaar ;  Akhara Bazaar, kullu. ; Ph/M:  N.A.

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

SpaAdd

FestivalAdd

International Kullu Dussehra Festival ;Venue:N.A. ;Period : October ;Details:  Dussehra is celebrated in most parts of the country on Vijya Dashmi to commemorate the victory of Rama over demon king Ravana. The highlight of this fair is The victory of good over evil. Kullu Dussehra is however, different in certain ways from Dussehra celebrations in the other parts of the country. It presents cultural ethos of the people and their deep rooted religious beliefs which manifest during this festival with traditional songs, dances and colorful dress. It begins on Vijya Dashmi and lasts for a week. There is an interesting story behind the beginning of Dussehra Festival. And now also, the internationally famous Dussehra of Kullu is celebrated in the same tradition.

Winter Carnival ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  Novembar ; Details:  Winter carnival is the most awaited event in the valley. This festival has been declare a state level festival. Massive participation by culture groups and students from various colleges of India marks the success of winter carnival. The festival is held at ‘Manu Kala Kendra’ in Manali. Second and third weeks of January in Manali are a feast for the visitors when the five-day long festival is held. The performers try to show their excellence and give their level best. It provides opportunities to the artists to prove themselves. Competitions conducted include Indian classical music (vocal and instrumental), folk songs, folk dances, classical dances, group dances, group songs, fancy dress, film songs, film dances, one act plays, and street plays.

Spring Festival ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  April ; Details:  Spring festival is also called Basantotsava or Pipal-Jatra and takes place at Dhalpur ground Kullu from 28th April to 30th April. This fair has been declared a state festival by the Himachal Pradesh government. As it marks the beginning of the spring season (and also the tourist season) in the valley, it is also known as Spring Festival. Kullu is known as the valley of gods. The villages have their own gods and goddesses. It is said that in olden days, the King (or the Raja) used to sit in the Dhalpur ground with his courtiers under the Pipal Tree to look at the traditional dances.

Folk Dance ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  N.A. ; Details:  Kulu folk dances reflect rich cultural heritage, vibrant life style, love, hard work and the struggle of local people to survive in the adversaries. Kullu People are very fond of dances. They are prompt to dance on occasions like, fairs and festivals . The Folk Dances of Kullu can be broadly grouped as.

Safety / WarningEdit

•  Beware of pickpockets as Kullu is a major tourist city in India.
•  Beware of fake items, especially the marble souvenirs. If you buy from roadside sellers, most likely the items are fake and made of chalk instead of marble. Better to buy from reputable shops even though you have to pay more.

HelplineEdit

• Ambulance : 102
• Fire Brigade : 101
• Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

Day-1
7:12 am – Rohtang Pass ;Approx. time spent : 4 hrs
12:30 pm – Solang Valley ;Approx. time spent : 4 hrs
2:30 pm – Pandoh Dam ;Approx. time spent : 4 hrs
Day-2
9:00 am – Old Manali ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
12:00 pm – Jagatsukh ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
3:00 pm – Malana ;Approx. time spent : 4 hrs
5:00 pm – Nehru Kund ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
Day-3
7:12 am – Jagatsukh ;Approx. time spent : 4 hrs
12:30 pm – Tabo Monastery ;Approx. time spent : 4 hrs
4:30 pm – Gauri Shankar Temple ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs

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