Kullu tour package
Destinations Covered: Manali – River Beas – SiyaliMahadev Temple – Hidimba Temple – Solang Valley – Naggar Castle
Kullu Tour Duration: 04 Day / 03 Nights
Introduction
The beautiful northern hill station of Himachal, Kullu or Kulu(as it is alternatively known as) is known for its peaceful beauty. This charming hill station is the peaceful capital town of Kullu district. Cosily tucked on the banks of the mountain river Beas, Kullu is an important connect to the major and happening hill station of Manali. Manali is situated just 40 kilometres away from Kullu. Kullu forms a very popular destination for tourist both national and international. The major characteristics of Kullu that makes it so popular are:
- Kullu is a broad valley formed by the beautiful river Beas
- It has beautiful temples, and extensive apple orchards.
- Its slopes are covered by green and verdant thick forests of pine and deodar.
- Its grandeur is enhanced by the PirPanjal ranges flanking the valley
How to reach
Kullu is located just 10 kms to the north of the Bhuntur airport, which is connected to a number of major cities such as Chandigarh and New Delhi. Domestic flights connect the capital of Delhi to Bhuntar. Luxury buses ply between Delhi and Kullu everyday from Chanderlok Building, in the Janpath area of Delhi. Fares range from 1000 Rs. onwards. Government or state-owned buses run from ISBT. Buses are of varied categories such as Deluxe, Semi-Deluxe and Ordinary. These state-run buses have comparatively cheaper fares than the private ones. When in Kullu, local tourism buses are available in plenty from all the inter-state bus terminals located in and around the town. Private cabs form a more luxurious option to travel to Kullu.
Places to visit
Among tourist major places to visit around Kullu are Manali and Manikaran.
Manali: Manali is a beautiful valleyon the banks of River Beas. It is a complete package with trekking, rafting, rock climbing, skiing and much more. The attraction of Rohtang Pass along with the beauty of the majestic Himalayan ranges makes Manali a very special destination. The snow-covered extensive valleys and the thick forest covered hilly terrains contain rich natural beauty that makes Manali a favorite destination among tourists.
Manikaran: Manikaran famous for its hot spring and Gurur Nanak DevJiGurudwarais situated in the beautiful Parbati Valley which is located at the distance of round 32 km from Bhuntar. The water of these natural hot springs contains sulphur and believed to have medicinal value. People bathe in the waters as a remedy to a lot of chronic ailments. The Lord Shiva Temple of Manikaran is marked for Shiva’s samadhi thousands of years ago
Two other very popular temples of this area are Temple of MaryadaParshotam Ram and the temple of Naina Mata. The Gurudwara is a popular pilgrim destination for Sikhs. Thousands of devotees come from far and near to offer prayers in these temples and Gurudwara. The Gurudwaralangar serves free food all through the day to hundreds of people irrespective of religious beliefs.
BijliMahadev: BijliMahadev temple is famous for being a unique Khash style temple. It has a Shivlingam and is located at a height of 2,460m. Situated14 km away to thesouth-east of Kullu across the River Beas you can reach this temple by a 3-km trek that starts from theMansariVillage. BijliMahadev is a major attraction of Kullu city because of the breath-taking panoramic view of the Kullu and Paravati valleys that spreads down across the valleys. The view from the peak where the temple is located is charming beyond imagination as it unfolds the union of Beas and Parvati rivers.
The temple can be noticed from far off as it is almost 60 feet high staff shines mesmerizingly like a silver needle with the sun’s rays. The temple draws its name from the fact that it attracts blessings from heaven in the form lightning almost every year. Thus the name Bijli that translates into lightning in English and Mahadev for Shiva. It is a common belief that the priest of the temple needs to restore the Shivalingathat the temple consists by using butter and sattoosince every lightning causes it to shatter to pieces. The month of July sees a huge number of devotes coming to pay homage to Lord Shiva. If you chance to visit during the month of March, then a stop at the local fair that is held at Mansari Village is a must.
Vaishno Devi Temple: Vaishno Devi Temple is easily accessible from Kullu as it is simply 5 km away on the famous Kullu-ManaliNational Highway No.1.
Jagganathi Temple: Jaggannathi temple is also a famous landmark situated at Bhekhaliwhich is around 7 km from Kullu and falls en route toVaishno Devi Temple.
Raghunath Temple: The famous Raghunath Temple of Kulluis situated at Sultanpur, around 1 km from the main Bus Stand in the town of Kullu. The temple, dedicated to Lord RaghunathJi, is theprimary and most popular deity of Kullu region. The world famous festival ofKulluDussehra is held after this particular deity. It is also a common local belief that the very same idol in the temple was worshipped by Lord Rama when he performed the AshwamedhYagna.
Khir-Ganga: The wonderfully religious spot ofKhirganga is situated in the Parvati Valley at a distance of approximately 22 km from the famous hot-water spring of Manikaran. Buses are available till Barshini to reach Khirganga and from there one has to trek through hilly terrain through the rest of the way.Khir-Ganga is famous for being the destination for Samadhi of Lord Kartika, the elder son of Lord Shiva for thousands of years.
Adi-Brahma Temple, Khokhan: Another popular shrine of Adi Brahma is located in the village Khokhan, which is merely 4 km from Bhuntar. This temple has an impressive wooden structure and houses the idol of Adi-Bhahmaji. Two smaller shrines of GarhJogniand ManikaranJogni are located on the left and right side of the main temple.
Triyug Narayan Temple, Dyar: Another temple in the vicinity is the one of Tryyug Narayan that is located in the village Dyararound 12 km from Bhuntar. This temple is unique and has a Pagoda-style structure. This temple is dedicated to the idols of BavanAvtar, Budh and Bramari Devi, the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. This temple is an ancient one built way back in 800 AD.
Bisweshwar Temple, Bajaura: Bishweshwar Temple is also of prominence and located in the village of Bajauraapproximately 5 km from Bhuntar. This temple has impressive proportions and is the largest and the most attractive stone temple in the entireKullu Valley. This temple is also very ancient having been built in the ninth century and has beautiful pyramid-style architecture. This temple is famed from the fact that it is known to have been built in one day by the Mahabharata famous Pandavas. This temple has been declared a heritage site and because of its amazing strong structure it even resisted the severe earthquake of 1905.
Things to do
- White Water Rafting: River Beas inKullu Valley provides excellent opportunity for white water rafting and is a popular attraction all through the year except during the monsoon months of July to September. Also influx of crowd is less during the freezing cold winters.The jubilant rafting excursion trips begin at Pirdi and cover the 14 km long waters down to Jhiri. The sports facilities are operated by a number of private operators. The adventure experience is manifold more charming due to the numerous rapids.
Kayaking: Kayaking is also an adventure sports attempted by many enthusiasts who take pleasure of the turbulent waters of Beas and its rapids.
Skiing: Skiing is very popular sport in these parts of Kullu valley in the winters when the valley gets covered by a layer of white sheet of ice. The smoothly curved ridges of the mountain slopes and gentle gradients make Kullu an ideal skiing destination.
Rock climbing: Rock climbing is an interesting proposition for adventurers. The Himachal ranges of Dhauladhar, PirPanjal and Chandra Bhaga provides excellent avenues for rock climbing.
Para-gliding: Para-gliding can be extremely adrenalin pumping and gives the adventurers a splendid bird eye view of the green and beautiful Kullu valley. You get a chance to view the majestic Himalayas from a close aerial distance.
Trekking: Trekking through the rough terrains and through the thick heavy forests of pine, fir and deodar can be quite adventurous and loved by the nature lovers.
Mountaineering: Mountaineering offers an astounding experience along the Himalayan ranges leading to the famous and popular peaks of Reo Purgyil, Jorkanden, Rangrik Rang and many others.
- Jeep Safaris: Jeep safaris through the rough hilly terrains with deep crevices give the adventurers the fabulous experience of watching untamed natural beauty.
Bike Safaris: Bike safaris through the Himalayas can be an enticing experience.
Angling: Angling in the fresh waters of the streams and rivers tumbling down from the glaciers of higher reaches of Himalayas can be exceptionally pleasurable.
Kheer Ganga: Kheer Ganga trek is a major attraction for the religious devotees.
Nature walk: Wander through the Great Himalayan National Park to have a splendid experience along with the pleasure of a forest stay. The buffer zones provide an excellent opportunity to watch wildlife and conduct some treks through the jungle paths.
Where to stay (Best 5 Hotels)
Kullu Valley Hotel – Strategically located, this hotel is not very overpriced. It is at a walking distance from the main market and ideal for family stay. Bus stand is also quite close by. This hotel has got good reviews from most corners.
Himalayan Hamlet – This hotel is known to have excellent infrastructure, good ambience, delicious food and excellent service. It commands a breath-taking view of the valleys spread all across.
Shobla International – The staff is known for being extremely helpful and friendly. The property is very picturesque and peaceful away from the disturbances of the city life even though you reside in the midst of the city and close to all amenities. The remarkable hospitability of the hotel staff wins hearts.
Hotel Manali Queen–The good quality services by the hotel staff make stay memorable. The foods served are tasty and each and every guest’s stay is valued and everyone is made to feel special. The front rooms offer breath-taking views of the snow-covered Himalayan ranges.
Tree House Cottages – Delicious homemade food and outstanding hospitality of this speciality lodging is welcoming for any traveller. The sprawling lawns for leisurely walks, the amazing view of the mountain lake with the gorgeous sunsets and sunrises are bound to give an unforgettable experience.
How to go around
The Kullu district is connected by roadways through an intra-town bus system. All tourist places can be reached comfortably at nominal prices. Local taxis/cabs can also be hired easily. Rented motorbikes are also popular among tourists.
Kullu Fests & Fairs
KulluDussehra
Kullu is famous for the celebration of Dussehrain a grand manner. During the time when the whole country celebrates VijyaDashmi to mark the victory of good over evil of the victory of Lord Rama over the powerful demon King Ravana, Kullu celebrate Dusshera. The highlight of this fair is the brilliant exhibition of the local culture of the Kullu valley. The celebration is a manifestation of the religious beliefs complete with the extravagant festivities accompanied by traditional songs and dances in festive attires. The festivities begin on VijayaDashami and continue for a week.
Kullu Climate
The temperatures in Kullu valley dip in the winters as it is at a high-altitude mountain town andis freezing cold in winters. The lowest temperatures are recorded in the month of December and January and ranges from ?4 to 20 °C. Mornings and nights are quite cold accompanied by heavy snowfall. Summers have pleasant temperatures and ranges from 24 to 34 °C during the peak summer months of May to August. Monsoons are prevalent during the months of July and August and Kullu valley receives around 150 mm of rainfall monthly. Climate is pleasant in October and November.
Ideal Itinerary
Kullu Itinerary (4D/3N)
Day 1Manali — River Beas, SiyaliMahadev Temple andHidimba Temple
Arrival at Manali and welcome by our representative.Escorted to the hotel/resort of your choice. Get fresh and proceed for the day trip to River Beas, SiyaliMahadev Temple andHidimba Temple.
- Go for an adventurous white water rafting braving the rapids of River Beas.
Visit the SiyaliMahadev Temple, known for being one of the oldest temple in India and famous for its intricate wood carving. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers a beautiful setting on account of its location.
Enjoy the peace and serenity of the Hidimba Devi Temple built way back in the 16thcentury. The tranquil cedar forest and the beauty and peace outside and inside the unique temple make for a memorable destination.
After return to the hotel, have a quiet dinner in the cosy corner of the hotel restaurant and retire to your rooms for an overnight peaceful stay at Manali.
Day 2 Solang Valley and Naggar Castle
Wake up early to enjoy a serene walk around the property among the hills and watch the enthralling sunrise with your loved one. Soon after a sumptuous breakfast proceed for a day trip to the choicest location of the day guided by our representative.
Day 2 starts off with a visit to the Solang Valley, which is famous for snow sports and an awesome array of outdoor adventure activities. For the adrenalin in you to pump and drive excitement go for a skiing venture, indulge in paragliding or zorbing or choose from the various popular rides for young and old and enjoy nature at its best. The scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape dominated by the snow-covered mountain peaks and woody slopes is mesmerizing.
From the Solang Valley proceed further on towards the fascinating Naggar Castle and wonder at the beauty and charm of this fascinating historical building. The architectural wonder built of stone and wood carries a charming rustic aura and together with the beauty of the natural surroundings catches every traveller’s fancy. Enjoy the fine dining experience in complete privacy at their heritage hotel property.
Return to the hotel in Manali for an overnight stay.
Day 3 Manikaran — the NainaBhagwatiMandir, hot water spring, Kheer Ganga (trek optional)
Day 3 will again start off with a heavy leisurely breakfast in the lap of majestic Himalayan nature. Kick start your quota of adventure for the day by a visit to Manikaran.
Start off with the NainaBhagwatiMandir and beautiful temple replete with wooden carvings. This temple is located just beside the hot water springs where a dip is absolutely worth. This sulphur bath is especially popular among tourists on account of its medicinal values.
Proceed on towards the famous Kheer Ganga Waterfall on the Parbati River. Indulge in a picturesque trek across the beautiful Himalayan terrain or avail a bus to reach the hot water spring. It is lovely pristine secluded spot to be one with nature. Find some moments of peace and tranquillity in the lap of sacred Himalayas.
Travel back to Manali for overnight stay.
Day 4 Departure from Kullu-Manali
Time to bid adieu to the lovely land of mountains and valleys! After a hearty meal, our representative will accompany you to see you off for your return back home.