Kulu (1220 km), located on the banks of the Beas river, was once known
as Kulanthpitha - `the end of the habitable world'. Beyond its perimeter
loomed the magnificent Greater Himalayas, and by the Beas sprawled the
`Silver Valley'. Kulu came to be accessible to the outside world, only
after Independence. The long period of seclusion, has only served to enhance
the element of rawness and simplicity, that is inherent in the area.
The Silver Valley is an untouched treasure trove of natural beauty,
teeming with exquisite flowers, luscious fruits, charming brooks, verdant
valleys, with pristine white mountains forming the backdrop to this breath
- takingly gorgeous region.
Sightseeing
Raghunath Temple: In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kulu
is said to have committed a great wrong, to atone for which, he sent a
courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Raghunath - Lord Rama. He built
this temple to house the image, and the shrine went on to be a popular
site of worship.
Bijli Mahadev Temple (14 km): Located at an altitude
of 2460 m, this fascinating temple rests on a spur, that offers some splendid
views. The remarkable feature of the shrine, is a high pole or staff that
periodically draws lightning, which shatters the `Shivlinga' and scorches
the building. Butter is, then, used as an adhesive by the priest to put
the `linga' together again.
Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Bajaura (15 km): This temple
is by far one of the most picturesque temples in the valley, and boasts
of exquisite stone carvings.
Other temples : The Vaishno Devi temple (4 km), the Devi Jagannathi
temple at Bekhli (5 km), and the Vishnu temple at Dayar (12 km) are some
of the significant shrines around Kulu.
Kaisdhar (15 km): Kaisdhar is an idyllic meadow, embraced
by lofty deodar trees.
Kasol (42 k ): Kasol, on the banks of the river Parvati,
is another one of the many splendid spots that dot the Kulu valley, and
offers ample opportunity for fishing trout.
Manikarna (45 km): Manikarna is located at an altitude
of 1737 m, in the valley of the river Parvati. It derives its name from
a legend according to which, Parvati, Lord Shiva's consort lost her earrings
- manikarna - and recovered them at the site from which the sulphur
springs arise. There is also a gurudwara in the area, and consequently,
this spot is deemed sacred by both Hindus and Sikhs. There are also trek
routes from here, that lead on to Pulga, Khirganga and Mantalai. Himachal
Tourism runs Hotel Parvati at Manikarna.
Shoja (69 km): Shoja, at 2692 m, commands a brilliant
panaromic view of the entire Kulu valley, in all its natural splendour.
Raison ( 13 km ): For the adventurous at heart, by the
banks of the Beas, on the Kulu - Manali highway, is Raison, a good trekking
site, where Himachal Tourism has established a camping base.
Nagar (23 km): Nagar was Kulu's erstwhile capital for
1400 years. The fact that its awesome 16th century castle, built of wood
and stone, still stands intact, proves the earthquake - resistant properties
of the local architectural style. The castle has now been converted into
a hotel, under Himachal Tourism. Nagar also houses a gallery that showcases
the splendid paintings of the famous Russian artist, Nicholas Roerich.
The shrine of Jagati Pat, the pagoda - like shrine of the goddess Tripura
Sundari, the shrines of Gaurishankar and Murlidhar, built in the shikhara
style, are some of the major temples of the region. Facing the castle,
is also a small temple dedicated to Narasimha, the leonine incarnation
of Lord Vishnu.
Adventure: The Kulu valley is the meeting - point of several
trek - routes, mainly the routes from Chanderkhani Pass to Malana, over
the Jalori Pass or Bashleo Pass to Simla and over the Pin Parvati Pass
to Sarahan. The magnificent Beas also offers ample opportunities for some
exciting white river rafting.
Festival
The Kulu Dussehra, that seems to bring the entire valley to life, begins when Dussehra festivities
in the rest of the country have ended. More than 600 local deities come
to pay homage to Lord Raghunath (Lord Rama).
