Kullu-Manali the valley of natural beauties - Himalayan Navigators

Kullu
Kullu has an average elevation of 1,362 metres (4,469 feet). The town of Kullu lies on the bank of River Beas. A major tributary Sar-vari, (derived from "Shiv -Baardi") leads to the less explored and steeper Lug-valley on the west. On the east of Kullu lies a broad mountainous ridge having the village-temples of Bijli Mahadev, Mount Nag and Pueed. Beyond the ridge lies Manikaran valley, along the Parvati river which joins Beas in Bhuntar. On the South of Kullu lie towns of Bhuntar, Out(leading to Anni, Banjar and Siraj Valley) and Mandi(a separate district). Historically Kullu was accessible from Shimla via Siraj valley or through passes on the west leading to Jogindernagar and onto Kangra. To the north lies the famous town of Manali, which through the Rohtang pass leads onto the Lahaul and Spiti Valley. Once can see an enormous change in the climate as one climbs up the windward side of the ranges to proceed to the leeward and much drier plateaus to the north of Manali.

Manali
Manali at an altitude of 2,050 m (6,726 ft) in the Beas River Valley is a beautiful hill station nestled in the mountains of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh near the northern end of the Kullu Valley. It is located about 270 km (168 mi) north of the state capital, Shimla.
Manali with a population of approx. 30,000 is administratively a part of the Kullu district. The small town is the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh and from there over the Karakoram Pass on to Yarkand and Khotan in the Tarim Basin.

Manali and the surrounding area is of great significance to Indian culture and heritage as it is said to be the home of the Saptarishi, or Seven Sages.

Tourism in Manali

Manali is among top Indian skiing destinations.

Vashishta Temple, Manali.
Tourism is the most significant segment of the town's economy. The tourist attractions of this hill station includes Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries and adventure sports. Following are the tourist spots in Manali :

Hadimba Temple (2 km) :
Built in 1533 A.D. with a superbly crafted four tiered pagoda roof, it is famous for its exquisitely carved doorway.

Manu Temple (3 km) :
This is dedicated to the sage Manu situated at old Manali.

Vashishta Temple (3 km) :
Well known for its hot springs. There are old temples dedicated to the sage Vashisth and to Lord Rama.

Van Vihar :
Situated in the middle of Manali, in front of the Tibet market on Mall road, Van Vihar is a famous place to hang out where tourists can enjoy boating in the small pond.

Monasteries :
There are three recently built Tibetan monasteries at Manali.

Jagatsukh (6 km) :
The one time capital of Kullu. Here are old temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and to Sandhya Gayatri. The Arjun caves are just ahead.

Solang Valley (14 km) :
Solang Valley drives its name from combination of words Solang (Nearby village) and Nullah (water streams from mountains). It is a side valley at the top of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India 14 km northwest of the resort town Manali on the way to Rohtang Pass, and is known for its summer and winter sport conditions. The sports most commonly offered are parachuting, paragliding, skating and zorbing.

Rohtang Pass (51 km) :
On the road to Keylong is the Nehru Kund (6km) which is a clear water spring named after the Late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. Kothi (12km) is a picturesque village and has a view of the deep gorge through which the Beas swiftly races.

The Rahalla falls (16km) are at at altitude of 2500m. A crucial link on the old trade route and still the gateway to trans Himalayan Lahaul, the Rohtang Pass is at height of 3978 m. The pass is 52 km from Manali town. On the way to Rohtang Pass, lies a popular picnic spot known as Rani Nala, which is 40 km from Manali town.

Club House :
The Club House with its comprehensive facilities that include a roller skating rink, an auditorium, billiards rooms, a library, a bar and restaurant. Bungee jumping is also provided.

Climate
The climate in Manali is predominantly cold during winters, and moderately cool during summers. The temperatures range from 4 °C (39 °F) to 30 °C (86 °F) over the year. The average temperature during summer is between 14 °C (57 °F) and 20 °C (68 °F), and between −7 °C (19 °F) and 10 °C (50 °F) in the winter.


NAGGAR
Situated on the left bank of river Beas at an altitude of 1851m, Naggar - an ancient town commands extensive views, especially to the North West of the valley. Naggar was the former capital of Kullu. It was founded by Raja Visudhpal and continued as a headquarters of the State until the capital was transferred to Sultanpur (Kullu) by Jagat Singh in 1460 A.D. Today this ancient and beautiful Palace is a popular tourist spot.

ACCESS : By road Kullu is 26 km and Manali is 21 km. The airport is at Bhunter (Kullu) 36 km.

CLIMATE : In winter heavy woolens are recommended and in summers the temperature is pleasant and cottons are suggested.

PLACES OF INTEREST

THE CASTLE
The Castle was converted into a rest house, a hundred year back and in 1978 this ancient building was handed over to HPTDC to run as a heritage hotel. This medieval Castle was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu around 1460 A.D. The hotel overlooks the Kullu Valley and apart from the spectacular view and superb location this has a flavour of authentic western Himalayan architecture.

JAGATIPATT TEMPLE :
In the upper courtyard of the castle there is a small temple - a small square structure which contains "Jagtipatt" a slab of stone measuring 5'x8'x6" which is said to have been brought from a place near Vashisht by honey bee. This is also place for meeting of local deities of Kullu.

TRIPURA SUNDRI TEMPLE :
This pagoda shaped wooden temple is situated in the upper part of the village. This is also a rare examples of architecture.

NICHOLAS ROERICH ART GALLERY :
Prof. Late Nicholas Roerich, a reputed artist had chosen Naggar as his residence when he came to India in 1929. The house has now been converted in an art gallery which houses numbers of rare paintings and other specimen of art. The gallery is open for visitors.

GAURI SHANKAR TEMPLE :
At the foot of small bazaar below the Castle is the Gauri Shankar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is a charming example of architecture and carving of its particular period. Now a protected monument with heritage status.

FISHING AND ADVENTURE :
The Kullu Valley has numerous places for trout fishing. These includes Katrain, Raison, Kasol and Naggar. The river Beas offers excellent opportunities for white water rafting.

SHOPPING :
Shawls, Local Tweeds, Rugs, Foot Wear (Pullan), Baskets, Natural oil (almond and olive), special Kullu Caps.



MANIKARAN
At 1737 m, on the right bank of river Parvati. this place is famous for hot sulphur springs revered by both Hindus and Sikhs pilgrims. Thousand, of pilgrims take dip in holy water. The water of the spring is also said to have curative value which cures many skin diseases. According to an ancient saying Manikaran is also connected with Lord Shiva and His divine concert Parvati.

ACCESS :
By road the Manikaran is 45 km from Kullu via Bhunter and 85 km from Manali. The road bifurcates at Bhunter 10 km short from Kullu via Jari and Kasol. The airport at Bhunter (Kullu) is at a distance of 35 km.

CLIMATE :
In winter, the temperature gets quite low when heavy woolens are required. It is pleasant in summer and cottons are recommended.

PLACES OF INTEREST

PULGA : Kasol to Pulga is a challenging trek of 16 km and climb of a nearly 1600 meters.

KHIRGANGA : The place is well known for its hot springs. Its water contains medicinal property. Another 2 Km from Khirganga lies Mantalai which is a scenic spot.

CHANDRAKHANI PASS :
It lies east of Katrain. After a stiff climb from Kasol, the whole area looks wonderfully striking and colourful when the flowers blossom.

MALANA VILLAGE :
Beyond the beautiful Chandra Khani Pass lies an unique village Malana which is famous for its distinct culture and the temple of Jamlu devta.


BANJAR VALLEY:

JIBHI:
jibhi is situated enroute to shojha and jalori pass has megeneficent nature view.
Covered with deodar and pine trees.

SHOJA (69 km) :
This is a vantage point for a complete panorama of the Kullu area. It provides an encompassing view of snow peaks and valleys, meadows and forests, rivers and streams. Bifurcating from Aut from the National Highway, Shoja is just 5 km short from Jallori Pass. A walk of 5 km from the Pass takes you to the Sarolsar Lake among deep forest. The road further to JallorI Pass connects to Rampur, Narkanda and Shimla via Ani and Luhri.

FISHING AND ADVENTURE :
The river Tirthan near Larji, in the Sainj valley.
Treks : The valley is a nucleus to several trek routes. Some major ones are over the Chanderkhani Pass to Malana village, over the Jalori Pass to Shimla, and over the Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan.

GHNP:
The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is the newest addition to India's national parks, located in Kullu region in the state of Himachal Pradesh.It lies in Sainj and tirthan valley or Banjar Tehsil. The park was built in 1984. The park is spread over an area of 1,171 km2 that lies between an altitude of 1500 to 6000m. The Great Himalayan National Park is a habitat to more than 375 fauna species that comprises nearly around 31 mammals, 181 birds, 3 reptiles, 9 amphibians, 11 annelids, 17 mollusks and 127 insects. They are protected under strict guidelines of Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, hence any sort of hunting is not permitted. It also supports the variety of plant life, scattered over the park..