Area : 6.68 sq km

 

Altitude : 1200 m above sea level

 

Languages : Hindi and Himachali

 

Population : 16,000

 

Temperature : 5°C - 20°C

 

STD Code : 01902

Introduction

 

Kullu was once known as Kulanthpitha, which means the end of the habitable world. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalayas, and by the banks of the shining river Beas, lay the fabled 'Silver Valley'.Here is the core of an intricate web of numerous valleys - each of which is a visual delight and seems more beautiful than the other. The mountain scapes remain spectacular whether in brilliant sunshine or in the haze of the mist. The 'Silver Valley' has nature's treasures that lie carelessly scattered as flowers on the high meadows.The town of Kullu has long been a centre of faith. 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 presiding deity of the valley.

History

 

The Kullu valley started getting inhabited in the 1st Century AD. By the medieval period, it was ruled by many local rulers. At that time the capital was Jagatsukh, about 5 km south of Manali but in the seventeenth century it was moved to Kullu. Then the boundaries of the kingdom went as far as to the Lahaul-Spiti and river Sutlej in the East. But it was still pretty much a secluded and isolated area till it came under British rule, which connected it to other parts of the country.

Accessibility

 

By Air : The airport at Bhuntar is 10-km from Kullu, where taxis and buses are available.

 

By Rail : The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 95-km from Kullu.

 

By road : The distance from Delhi via Mandi is 530-km and from Shimla this is 240-km. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Kullu. There's a bus and taxi stand on the opposite side of maidan. The main bus stand is by river in the northern area of the town.

Places to Visit

 

Raghunathji Temple : In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu committed a great wrong. To atone for the sin he sent a senior courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Raghunath - Lord Ram. This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and even today, is greatly revered. The shrine houses an image of Shri Raghunath in his chariot.

Bijli Mahadev Temple : Set on a spur that offers some spectacular views, this temple is famous for its 20m high rod that periodically draws lightning, which shatters the 'Shivalinga' and scorches the building. Using only butter as adhesive, the 'linga' is then carefully pieced together by the temple pundit.

Deo Tibba : Also known as Indralika, this 2,953 metres (9,687 ft.) high snow dove Jagatsukh, has a legend around it, with Arjuna. He started performing 'tapa' at this mountain, under the advice of Maharishi Vyas, in order to obtain the powerful Pasupata Astra from Indra.

Banjar : It is about 58-km from Kullu at an altitude of 1,534m (5,000 ft.). Banjar is famous for its panoramic beauty and trout fishing in river Tirtham.

Nirmund : Situated in outer Seraj of Kullu district, Nirmund is at present a block headquarter. Known as 'Chhoti Kashi', it was once a seat of great scholars and intellectuals