Kullu is a resort town in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, located on the banks of Beas River. It is the capital town of Kullu district. It is a town through which the famous Beas River flows. It is home to the most beautiful landscapes like the very famous Rohtang Pass, Beas Kund, and Chandrataal Lake. Located at a distance of approximately 500 km from the national capital, Delhi, Kullu is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations and holds an important place among the popular hill stations in India. Its proximity and good road connectivity with major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh make it an ideal weekend getaway for people seeking a sweet escape from the bustle of these cities. A distance of 208 km lies between Kullu and the state capital, Shimla.
Kullu has an altitude of 1279 m which makes it an ideal hill station with an ideal climate that is neither hot nor extremely cold. Most tourists prefer to travel here during summers to escape the scorching heat of the plains and take refuge in the cold hills of Kullu with refreshing, untainted air. Though in order to enjoy snowfall in Kullu, December and January are the best months to visit it when the snow-blanketed Kullu is a sight you can call unforgettable. Whether you want to breathe in some quietness, want to get adventurous and taste the thrill or admire the craftsmanship of God, Kullu is a perfect place to come to with desires and return with experiences and memories. The hills of Kullu are covered with pine and deodar trees, adding a vivid green to the picturesqueness of the place; whereas, the sound of the flowing Beas River adds sweet rhythm to the atmosphere. The hills, the forest and the river in Kullu collectively make it God’s perfect imagination and a blessing to the humankind.
Kullu is an abode of adventure enthusiasts due to the various adventure activities that can be indulged in here and the surrounding regions in the form of trekking, river rafting, and camping among many others. Other adventure activities like paragliding and skiing can also be enjoyed here. Also, Kullu has some of the best treks not just in Himachal, but in the country, ranging from easy to difficult; from short treks to long expeditions. Whatever your preferences are, Kullu has the right treks for you that take you to landscapes with indescribable sort of beauty. Among the most exciting treks, one can take here are Hampta Pass Trek, Chanderkhani Trek, Bhrigu Lake Trek, and Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek. The best of Kullu can truly be explored on these treks that take you through thick forests and large meadows while the Beas River flows alongside. Kullu has some of the most scenic camping sites that exist in Himachal. Owing to its beautiful landscape where you can see the blue water of Beas River flowing smoothly with magnificent, lush green hills in the backdrop, Kullu makes for a good option for photographers. Photography-lovers visit Kullu in search of picture-perfect frames and they find them here easily. The scenic beauty of the town is not worth being captured just in the cameras, but in the hearts as well – like a beautiful memory etched in one’s memory lane. Once you have been to Kullu, it is hard to take this town off of your mind.
Kullu boasts of some unique tourist attractions including old Hindu temples and nature escapes. One of the best tourist attractions in Kullu is The Great Himalayan National Park, spread over an area of 1171 sq km within numerous species of flora and fauna. It was established in 1984 with an objective to protect the nature and wildlife in this region from undue human interference and is a place worth at least one visit. Kullu is replete with some prominent Hindu temples that attract pilgrims and people keen on knowing and understanding its culture in great numbers. Among the most famous religious sites located in Kullu are Hidimba Devi Temple, Gauri Shankar Temple, and Bijli Mahadev Temple that receive huge footfall of both tourists and devotees. Besides, there are some exceptionally good places in Kullu district around Kullu town like Manikaran and Kasol that can be easily visited to check some stunning views that will leave you hypnotized.
To make your stay in Kullu comfortable and pleasant, the town has some incredible stay options ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts offering world-class amenities. Stunning views of the surrounding hills and the divine Beas River come coupled with these options. Due to the wide range of stay options that are available here, it is no hassle to find a good one in Kullu that suits your needs and matches your budget.
Though Kullu can be visited during any season of the year, the best season to explore the best of the valley is summer season when the climate is quite pleasant. During winters, if you get lucky, you can witness the very famous snowfall of Kullu that paints the green hills white. However, the temperature during winters goes down to as low as -1 degree Celsius. It rains heavily here during the monsoon, so it is recommended to avoid a monsoon plan in Kullu unless you enjoy staying bolted in a room, looking outside at the pouring rain from the window.
Chandarkhani Pass is located at a height of 3,660 meters above the sea level. This pass is known for its scenic beauty and excellent trekking trails in the Himalayan range. It is treated as one of the best tourist places in Kullu because of the marvelous views, breathtaking landscapes and exclusive trails to follow and make your trip memorable and it is one of the best Kullu tourist places.
You can get the fabulous views of Pir Panjal ranges, Deo Tibba Peak, Parbati mountain range from this pass. The pass takes you to the famous village of Malana through a way between Pulag and Rumsa. The trekkers are introduced to hilly and remote cultures of Himachal Pradesh in this trek. The horizon in this place is a treat for the nature lovers.
The region is also named as the “Valley of Gods”. A legend says that the deity named Jamlu had a basket full of gods. Once he opened his basket in the area. A sudden gust of wind dropped all the gods from the basket. Each fell to the ground and became peaks named after them as Indrasan, Pir Panjal, Deo Tibba, and Parbati.
The top of Chanderkhani pass in Himachal Pradesh is a 360-degree meadow from where you will get the panoramic view of these mountain tops.
As the name suggests, Sunrise Point at Hawa Ghar is renowned for its stunning sunrise vistas. Witnessing the first light of dawn painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink against the backdrop of the mountains is a truly magical experience. The tranquil ambiance and crisp mountain air create a sense of peace and tranquility that rejuvenates the soul.
Apart from its breathtaking sunrise views, Hawa Ghar also offers spectacular sights throughout the day. Visitors can marvel at the mist-covered valleys below, watch the play of light and shadow on the hillsides, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Moreover, Hawa Ghar provides an excellent vantage point for birdwatching enthusiasts, as the area is home to a diverse range of avian species. Watching colorful birds flit among the trees against the backdrop of the Himalayas adds to the charm of this scenic spot.
Whether you're seeking a serene spot to admire the beauty of nature, capture stunning photographs, or simply unwind amidst tranquil surroundings, Sunrise Point at Hawa Ghar promises an unforgettable experience. It's a place where time seems to stand still, allowing you to connect with the natural world and find solace in its awe-inspiring beauty.
If you want to experience this beautiful hill station in all its glory then you must visit the most popular tourist attractions of Kullu. Here s a list of the ones to see:
Apart from sightseeing in Kullu, this places is also a perfect place for the tourists who enjoy outdoor activities. If you want that experience then try these things to do in Kullu:
The best time to visit Kullu is from March to June. These months see pleasant weather conditions and provide relief from the extreme heat of the summer season. This marks the peak tourist season here, and you can try a wide range of activities during this time starting from paragliding in Solang Valley to camping in Kasol. If you wish to witness snowfall, you can consider visiting this destination during winter, from November to February.
If you are wondering how to reach Kullu, the answer is quite easy-.
1. By Flight - Fly to the Bhuntar Airport, also known as the Kullu Manali Airport, directly from Delhi. Other major cities like Gwalior and Bangalore also provide connecting flights to this airport. From here, you can board a bus or hire a car to reach Kullu within approximately 30 minutes, covering a distance of around 9-10 km.
2. By Road - You can hire a car or catch a bus from Delhi and reach Kullu via NH 44, NH 709 A, and NH 152 D. It will take around 10 hours to cover the distance of approximately 485 km. There are several public buses as well as private buses that are operational on this busy route.
3. By Train - If you are travelling by train, the best way to reach Kullu is by buying tickets to Joginder Nagar Railway Station. The distance from Joginder Nagar to Kullu is approximately 125 km and it takes 3.5 hours to reach by road.
Alternatively, you can also catch a train from Delhi to Chandigarh, and then take a bus to Kullu. The distance between Chandigarh and Kullu is around 233 km, taking around 5 hours to complete the journey.
Kullu in Himachal Pradesh is a district and an important administrative centre of the state. It borders Lahaul and Spiti to the North and Northeast, Mandi and Kangra districts to the West, Shimla to the South, and Kinnaur to the East. It is home to major tourist hubs like Kasol, Manali, Bhuntar, and Tosh.
Yes, the Kullu airport is operational. It is also known as the Kullu Manali Airport or the Bhuntar Airport. Although it is a domestic airport, you can catch connecting flights to this place from all major cities of India like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Gwalior.
The most famous things in Kullu are the unparalleled scenic views of the Himalayan ranges, the ancient and auspicious temples located here, apple orchards, and the Beas River. The pine and deodar forests of the region and the rich heritage and culture of the natives here add to its charm. Additionally, Kullu is quite famous for its regional dishes like Kodra Roti and Jatu, along with hand-woven cane crafts.
Kullu in Himachal Pradesh is a mesmerising place that is home to a plethora of activities and attractions. Some of them are the famous Hidimba Devi Temple, the Jogini Waterfalls, Tirthan Valley, Kasol Town, and Manali Town. You can also go paragliding here in Solang Valley, undertake the popular Hampta Pass trek, and explore the Great Himalayan National Park.
You can go paragliding in the Solang Valley in Kullu. It is a safe and secure space for one to indulge in this thrilling adventure sport. Hashtag Manali Paragliding and Solang Valley Sports Centre are some of the reliable operators for this activity. Alternatively, you can also book your paragliding activity from Thrillophilia.
Kullu and Manali both have their own unique charm. While Kullu is a district, Manali is a town that falls under its jurisdiction. The town of Kullu can be a serene place for a relaxing retreat, however, Manali can be an exciting place for the youngsters to engage in adventure activities like camping and trekking. It is entirely dependent upon the travellers and their interests as to which one they find better.
Manali to Kullu distance is around 40 kilometres. It can take around 1-1.5 hours to cover the distance between these two places via road.
The local food of Kullu is delicious and healthy and is prepared from locally available ingredients. Some of them are Patrodu, Bhature, Vada, Sattu, Kodra Roti, and Siddu. There are some locally made wines available as well, like Lugri and Apple Cider.
There are not too many options for traveling within Kullu. Cycling and walking can be two modes of commuting within the town if you are up for the physical work. However, if you are looking for comfortable travels then you have two main choices.
1. Car: Hiring a car is the smartest thing to do in Kullu for your sightseeing and traveling purposes. There are different cars available for renting with or without a driver. You can get one for a day or two and travel peacefully.
2. Bus: There are buses in Kullu that run every day from the town to the nearby regions. However, you can always use them for traveling within Kullu if your destination is in their route.
The best shopping centres in Kullu are Tibetan Market, Manali Market, and the Kasol Market. All of these places are famous for Hemp products, a natural product of the region. You can also find a variety of woollen clothes and handmade crafts of cane and bamboo. They are also popular for hosting trendy cafes, off-beat design stores, and a wide range of restaurants serving Israeli, Tibetan, Himachali, and North Indian dishes.