Kullu

Nestled on the foothills of the Himalayan ranges, Kullu is a small town in the state of Himachal Pradesh and a popular hill station as well. Also known as the "Valley of Gods" primarily because it is a group of beautiful valleys in Himachal Pradesh that are quieted down by the Beas River. Kullu is typically associated with its sister town, Manali, making it a popular destination for tourists, particularly honeymooners, due to its apple orchards, snow-capped mountains, and deodar trees.

Kullu is best known for paragliding, river rafting, hiking, and, of course, trekking—all of which are popular adventure sports. Kullu is the starting point of some of the most well-known treks, including the Parvati Valley trek and the trek to the Bijli Mahadev temple. The town is effectively open as it's home to Bhuntar air terminal and has a transport network inside and across towns. The town is beautifully adorned by temples with their serene bhajans. The most popular attractions in Kullu are the Bijli Mahadev, Raghunath, Hanogi Mata, Jagannath Devi, and Gauri Shankar temples. This explains why tourists flock to the town in October for the Kullu Dussehra festival, which is well-known there.

With picturesque perspectives on snow-covered mountains and apple orchids, Kullu lies between Pir Pranjal, Lower Himalayan, and Incredible Himalayan Reaches and subsequently the base town to arrive at Manikaran, Kasol, Malana, and Naggar. Between the seasons of summer and winter, this charming town is at its most beautiful.

• Raghunath Temple : This is one of the most famous temples in Kullu and is dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is in the town center and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
• Bijli Mahadev Temple : This temple is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding valley. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its 60-foot-tall flagpole that attracts lightning during storms.
• Manikaran Gurudwara : This is a famous Gurudwara located in the Parvati Valley and is known for its hot springs. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Sikhs and Hindus.
• Great Himalayan National Park : This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to several species of flora and fauna, including the snow leopard, musk deer, and Himalayan brown bear. It is a popular spot for trekking and camping.
• Solang Valley : This valley is located about 13 km from Manali and is known for its adventure sports, including skiing, paragliding, and zorbing. It also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

• River Rafting : Have a great time enjoying stunning water sports in Kullu. The experience of rafting in Kullu is one of a kind. You should go for it if you are healthy enough to row and paddle. Enjoy a 14-kilometer stretch of Beas River rafting. Jhiri is where the journey begins and ends. Whether you're a swimmer or not, just relax and get in the boats to go on this exciting journey.
• Paragliding : Spread your wings and fly like a bird above the Himalayan mountains. Admire the pristine nature as you soar in the blue sky. One of the most thrilling activities in Kullu is the risky sport of paragliding.
• Cycling : One of the most rejuvenating activities available to tourists is cycling in Kullu. Travelers who cycle around the snow-covered town have the freedom to explore a variety of terrains and conveniently stop for photos. Travelers can experience Kullu by participating in a variety of online cycling tours. A stimulating activity, cycling in and around the town is perhaps the best thing to do in Kullu.
• Trekking : Trekking is one of the most sought-after activities in Kullu and the nearby Manali places. Spots such as Kheer Ganga, Bhrigu Lake, Chandrakhani Pass, Prashar Lake, Malana Village, etc. are great places to indulge in some adrenaline-pumping experience while witnessing the beauty of nature from up close.
• Camping : Camping can also be a part of a trekking or rafting experience. Camp beside a riverbank or on the green grassland under the sky, it is an experience worth having.

• Khatta : One of the well-known street foods that Manali is especially proud of is khatta. It is a delicious combination of pumpkin, dry mango powder, and the fried, crunchy balls known as boondi. The ubiquitous and easily accessible Himalayan delicacy is bursting with authentic and alluring flavors.
• Babru : If you enjoy the delicious, traditional kachoris, you must try this well-known Manali delicacy. As one such cuisine from the Kachori family is babru. Babru is a delicious concoction of soaking black gramme paste that is then molded into a dough, just like our crispy Indian appetizer. The beautiful scent and flavors of this delectable delicacy are released during the deep frying of its little portions.
• Bhey : Bhey is a delicious dish made with lots of masalas and thin slices of lotus stem. People enjoy this delectable dish that involves slicing up lotus stems and sautéing them in a blend of herbs, gramme flour, and spices. Due to its unique and unusual flavors, this hearty dish is well-known.
• Patande : If you've always been a big, sweet enthusiast, Patande is perfect for you! If you have a sweet tooth, it will satisfy your hunger. The Himalayan region's staple breakfast dish, patande, is made from wheat flour, milk, and sugar. These are readily available on the streets of Manali and are commonly referred to as Himachali pancakes or crepes.
• Mittha : The nicest and tastiest treat produced in Kullu Manali is called mittha. The delectable combination of rice and raisins with a few dry dishes on top is nothing less than nirvana on a platter! Your taste buds will be treated to a decadent experience and a memorable pleasure thanks to the dessert's rich flavours.
• Aktori : Here, buckwheat is used to make the renowned Aktori cake. Aktori is a popular sample of the regional flavours of Manali and one of the best street snacks available throughout the holiday season. The delicious cake is loaded with minerals and ghee goodness, and it is without a doubt nutritious.
• Chana Madra : The dish is a combination of white chickpeas, ginger, tamarind, cloves, garlic, onions, and other spices. The opulent and fragrant white chickpea curry and thick curd gravy are totally mouth-watering.

• Maître Point : This is a budget restaurant known for its fast service, flavors, and quality of food. It serves cuisines such as Chinese, Lebanon, Italian, and Indian with a rooftop seating that offers a majestic view of the hills.
• Bella Riverbanks : The restaurant is known for its delectable food and quick service with a family-friendly ambiance. It offers food from various cuisines such as Indian, Continental, and Chinese.
• Tanishq Haveli : Offering food that will satiate your hunger, this restaurant is pure vegetarian and is a multi-cuisine place offering Chinese, Indian, Italian, and Continental cuisines.
• Rasoi Himachali : This place offers casual dining at a very budget-friendly price with a lip-smacking menu. The portions of food are adequate, and the service is also quick.
• Malana Restaurant : It is another popular restaurant due to its service, quality food, and reasonable pricing. They serve multiple cuisines, and the food is delicious with a chic ambiance worth taking photos of.
• Valentino’s Cooking with Herbs : An authentic Italian restaurant in Kullu, it combines food with an experience of rich dining. It has beautiful views of the Beas River and lush surroundings which will make you stay here for long. Authentic Italian but pure vegetarian food is their USP.

• Khyber : It is a popular restaurant and bar serving delicious tandoori food, snacks, and refreshing beverages. There are several varieties of alcohol available here and the place is open till midnight with grooving music playing continuously.
• Chelsea Club : If you want to groove to the music and shake your legs, then Chelsea Club is the place for you. With a well-stocked bar, a disco, and a DJ, the place will make you dance all night with a drink in your hand and your tummy full of tasty snacks.
• Chopsticks : It is another famous restaurant and bar which is open till midnight and serves delicious food with tasty alcohol. Enjoy your drinks with delicious continental cuisine here while listening to some groovy music.
• The Buzz : Opens in the evening till midnight, The Buzz is the place where you can dance your heart out and also enjoy some imported liquors. Also, don’t forget to quench your hunger with their lip-smacking food.
• Lazy Dog Lounge : Serving scrumptious food with tasty alcohol and tapping music, this nightclub is the place to let go of the day’s tiredness. Offering views of the Beas River, this lounge cum bar has both indoor as well as outdoor setup and serves Korean, Japanese, Thai, and Indian food.
• Johnson’s Bar and Restaurant : If you are craving European and Continental food then this restaurant cum bar is the place for you. They offer a variety of drinks with an extensive menu and have a cozy ambiance.

• Kullu Dussehra : Kullu Dussehra differs from Dussehra celebrations in other parts of the country in a few ways. It shows the people's cultural ethos and deeply ingrained religious beliefs through traditional songs, dances, and colorful costumes during this festival. It commences on Vijya Dashmi and continues for a week. The beginning of the Dussehra Festival has a fascinating story to tell. In the same way, Kullu's internationally renowned Dussehra is now celebrated.
• Shamshir Virshu : The village of Khokhan hosts this fair for one day on the first Baisakh (April 13). After being worshiped outside, the goddess is brought inside the temple. The people present the Devi with garlands and young yellow barley sheets that have been specially sown for the occasion. Then a goat is scarified. Following that, the women sing and dance in the vicinity of the Rahta carrying the Devi. Dancing is also done around the devi. Men remain as onlookers and spectators.
• Mela Bhuntar : The three-day fair takes place in the village of Bhunter on the first Ashad (June-July). The fair is religious and seasonal. The Ilaqua's Devta, Suraj Pal, started the fair. Palaghmiar, a Mardo Devta, is also present. After cooked food offerings are made to the gods and the meal is shared with other relatives and friends, the use of food grains from newly harvested crops begins on this day. In the local language, this is referred to as "Tahoolikhana".
• Hadimba Devi Fair : The Hadimba Devi Fair is one more terrific celebration of Kullu-Manali. Locals celebrate this spring festival on the grounds of Hadimba Devi Temple. Visit during the season and witness the magnificence of the sanctuary enhancements. From morning to night, the locals keep busy by performing rituals to please their deity, Hadimba Devi, who is Bheema's wife. The locals' traditional dance performance is the most fascinating aspect of the celebration.
• Doongri Forest Festival : In Van Vihar, this festival is held near the Doongri forest. This festival, which is mostly organized by the local women, is held to please the local deity Hadimba Devi, who is Bheema's wife. The ladies wear brilliant dresses and play out the conventional dance. During the months of May and June, a lot of tourists come to this festival.
• Spring Festival or Pipal Jatra : Basantotsav or Pipal Jatra are other names for the spring festival that takes place in Kullu's Dhalpur Grounds. This has been designated as a festival at the state level by the Himachal Pradesh government. The gods of Kullu vary from village to village. The locals believe that the king and his courtiers used to sit under the Pipal tree and watch the traditional dance. The grand celebration draws a large crowd to the open-air theater in Dhalpur known as Kala Kendra. Winter sports contests likewise happen during this celebration.

• Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum : This museum is well-known for its costumes made of local and Russian folk art as well as original paintings by a variety of artists, including Roerich, the founder and painter, and his students and followers. Dolls, painted dishes, stone carvings, and Russian musical instruments are among the other items. This museum was established with the intention of providing experts with a location in which they could conduct research on traditional Indian and Tibetan medicine.
• International Roerich Art Gallery : At the Roerich estate, the International Roerich Art Gallery is close to the Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum. Professor Nicholas Roerich, a Russian painter, and his wife used to live in the art gallery. In hundreds of beautiful paintings, he depicted the Himalayas. Today, the workmanship display is controlled by a trust which is shaped together by the public authority of Russia and Himachal Pradesh.
• Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art : It is a small museum with an interesting collection of elements from the Himachali way of life. It includes old photographs, utensils, brassware, ornaments, statues, etc. which depict the old lifestyle of the people of Himachal.
• Naggar Castle Museum : Located in Naggar Castle, now a heritage hotel, the museum has some replicas and statues representing the Himachali way of life of people. It also has some stone carvings on its walls.

• Akhara Bazaar : It is majorly visited by tourists to understand the lifestyle of the locals and is majorly famous for woolen apparel. The market is famous for different kinds of woolen threads and woolen clothes specially designed to beat the chilly winters in Himachal.
• Tibetan Bazaar : All the Tibetan handicrafts, souvenirs, home décor, kitchenware, clothing, and other items are on display here. It is very popular for its Tibetan-influenced goods, both among locals and tourists. You can invest some quality energy wandering in this market and tracking down things to purchase from the heap of things that are sold here. There are vendors at the Tibetan market who sell exquisite Lord Buddha statues made of different materials as well as other Tibetan artifacts and jewelry.
• Manu Market : Manu Market is a little swarmed market situated at the shopping center street and is exceptionally popular among both local people and sightseers in Manali. There are a lot of things for sale here that will catch your eye and are worth buying. You will find numerous things like books, garments, footwear, handloom things, utensils, ceramics, fake gems, day-to-day utilities, and so forth.
• Bhuttico : The oldest and most well-known retail establishment in Manali is Bhuttico. A group of women established it as a cooperative shop in 1944. You can find the most recent Himachali patterns at Bhuttico. This store carries a wide range of designer items, including jackets, shawls, stalls, kurtas, masks, angora and pashmina suits, and a lot more. In 1993-94, the Ministry of Textiles bestowed the National Award on Bhuttico in Manali.
• Old Manali market : You will get everything from the Old Manali market. ranging from everyday items to take-home mementos and presents for friends and family. This market has narrow roads that lead to colorful streets where you can find a wide variety of things, including fashionable clothing, jewelry, accessories, t-shirts, fashionable woolen clothes, beautiful artifacts, and sculptors who work with wood and stones, among other things.

• Saraswati Shopping Complex
• Aggarwal Shopping Center
• Amartex
• Himachal Emporium
• Option Commercial Building

• Manali Mega Mart
• Shashni Shopping Center
• Kashmir Art Mart
• Surya Shawl Industries
• The Manu Weavers
• Natures Ville
• Chawla Cloth House
• Luxmi Jewellers
• Mahabir Sweet Shop
• Vipasha Market Complex

• Hotel Kully Valley : Starting from INR3752.
• Royal Mansion Bhuntar : Starting from INR4000.
• Hotel Sidhartha : Starting from INR1175.
• Echor Palm Bliss Riverside Resort and Spa : Starting from INR4663.
• Apple Valley Resort : Starting from INR7105.
• Kullu Artist’s Retreat : Starting from INR4310.
• Hotel Ritu Regency : Starting from INR3000.
• Hotel Saryal : Starting from INR3502.
• Himalayan Kothi Kais : Starting from INR4417.

The season of summer and winter both are an ideal times to visit Kullu. Summer here starts from March till June and the weather during this time is ideal for sightseeing and adventure activities. Winters start from October to February and the place is covered with snow which is ideal for skiing and other adventure activities.

It is best to avoid Kullu during monsoon season as the rain here is heavy and the roads get blocked sometimes due to heavy rain.