Dev Bhumi Kullu Manali - Top 8 Tourist Places to visit in Kullu || 2017

Kullu and Manali have always been one of the favorite hill stations for tourists. Located in the heart of Kullu valley, Manali is at the altitude of 1950 m. Whether it’s for a honeymoon or for any holiday trip, these spellbinding cities of Himachal Pradesh have given great pleasure to visitors till now. The places are very popular due to its exciting attractions and adventure activities. People from all across the globe come to see the snow-capped mountains and natural beauty of the city. Visiting here is like being in the lap of nature. In every trip, it gives a new feeling and joy. Elegant flora and fauna surrounded by pine and cedar trees simply add glisters to landscape beauty. Kullu and Manali are beautiful places that have several tourist spots to discover and explore.

Tourist Attractions in Kullu

Kullu is the most striking & charming city, widely popular for its hot springs, snowy hills, and scenic beauties. It’s a magical hill station known as ‘the valley of gods’. Right from newly married couples to adventure or nature lovers, all can explore the city and experience romantic & adventurous moments, enjoy amidst snow-clad valleys and mountains.

There are some popular destinations in Kullu, which are must-see for tourists during their holiday trip. These include:

1.Great Himalayan National Park

This National Park gives unparallel ecological views of the western Himalaya headed to the formation of the Great Himalayan National Park in the district Kullu of Himachal Pradesh. This park is popular due to its wildlife species of Western Himalaya like Brown bear, Musk deer, Thar, Leopard, Goral, Bharal, Serow, Monal, Snow leopard, Kalij, Koklas, Tragopan, Cheer, etc. Tourists love to trek Rakti-Sar and for some camping in alpine pastures is memorable. Apart from these, there are many kinds of small mammals that include Giant Indian Flying Squirrel, Porcupine, Himalayan Weasel, Indian Pika and Yellow Throated Marten. The park remains open all throughout the year but the huge rush is found from April- June, and September-November.

2.Kasol

Just 42 km away from Kullu, Kasol is situated in the bank of Paravati River. It makes a good holiday destination for tourists. It is the main hang out spot for visitors. The place is quite popular for trout fishing. Huge numbers of internet cafes and travel agents are also available there for tourist’s assistance. Its scenic valley, snowy mountains, and great climate enthrall trekkers, backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

3.Manikaran

Another exciting destination that is always loved by tourists is Manikaran. It’s only 5 Kms away from Kullu and is associated with Lord Shiva & Parvati. It is believed that she lost and found her earrings at this place. The place is very much highlighted for hot water springs. There are large number tourists who come here to dip in its hot water.

4.Bijli Mahadev

Bijli Mahadev, one of the famous sacred temples of Himachal Pradesh, is situated at the top of Kullu Valley (2,460 m). Many people from all across the world visit here to worship Lord Shiva. The main specialty of this temple is that the devotees or priests draw the divine blessing in the way of lightning. It is truly believed that the priest has to furbish up the Shiva Linga positioned inside the temple with the help of sattoo and butter after every lightning because it bursts into pieces with a lightning flash. There are two statues of the bull, that is Nandi (Lord Shiva’s vehicle), which truly adorns the temple doors. The 60 feet high staff of this temple always sparkles in the sun like a silver needle. Undoubtedly, it is one of the favorite spots for tourists and the local populace too.

5.Raghunathji Temple

The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, which is located at an altitude of 2,050 m above sea level. There are many religious activities like Dusshera that brings huge crowds of tourists and pilgrims. During festivals, the temple is decorated with lights, which gives a different appeal. This temple is very old and popular in Himachal. Developed in a blend of Pahari and Pyramidal style, this temple is truly believed to be the safeguard of the entire valley.  Many tourists visit here to enjoy the Dusshera festival and capture some unforgettable moments with them.

6.Naggar (Kullu)

Naggar is widely popular for its castle and the museum of Nicholas Roerich. 25 km away from Kullu and 300 meters above the river Beas, this place is well situated on the wooden slope and overlooks the North-West of the valley and broad view of nature. Above all, there are many temples in and around the spot. Tourists come here to enjoy the beauty of the place and capture it in their memories.

Undoubtedly, there are several places of interest in Kullu that bring lots of fun and enjoyment on a trip. Whether it’s about sightseeing to adventure, this place has a lot of nature lovers. Because of its natural beauty, the place is extremely known as the Himachal’s cherished tourist destination. A certain glance of this paradise is simply a large visual treat. That’s why travelers count it as one of the ideal holiday destinations in India.

7. Bhrigu Lake

Popular as ‘Pool of the Gods’, Bhrigu Lake is the pleasing water body that attracts several visitors every year. Positioned at 4240 m altitude above sea level, this lake is amongst snow-capped mountains, where many legends and beliefs are associated. Nehru Kund adds extra beauty to this lake, which is fed by the Bhrigu Lake’s water. It is one of the striking lakes of Kullu Regions, extremely loved by nature lovers. One can get the best shots during sunrise while morning sun rays make a glare effect on the waters.

8.Parvati valley (trek)

(pic of kheer Ganga forest)

 (Pic of Rudranag)

 (Pic of Tundabhuj)

(Pic of Wire bridge at Thakur Kaun)

The precipitous valley road climbs past a side valley leading to the village of Malana, Himachal Pradesh. From here, the road passes through the Sikh and Hindu pilgrimage town of Manikaran and terminates at Pulga, where the construction of the Parvati Hydel Project, a hydroelectric dam, dominates the landscape. From Pulga, the footpath climbs to a temple and small dhaba at Rudra-Nag waterfall, apparently after its resemblance to a water snake. Beyond Rudra-Nag waterfall, the trail ascends further through thick pine forests to the spiritual site of Khir Ganga temporary village (Kheer Ganga), a meadow at 2960m where Shiva is said to have meditated for 3000 years. The hot springs at Khir Ganga are extremely important for Hindu and Sikh pilgrims as well as many others who believe the waters have sacred healing properties.

From Khir Ganga to the site of Tunda Bhuj village (3285m) the Parvati Valley cuts a steep-sided gorge through the mountains and as the altitude increases, the thick, coniferous forest gradually makes way for patches of meadowland scattered with boulders. Several tributaries join the main Parvati River and numerous waterfalls cascade down the steep valley sides. Beyond Tunda Bhuj, the conifers continue only as far as the Basuki Nal tributary but groves of silver birch continue to line the valley, quickly becoming sparse as the altitude increases.

At Thakur Kuan village (3560m), the Parvati Valley meets the valley of Dibibokri Nal river which is a tributary of Parvati River, which climbs towards the Northeast to the Dibibokri Glacier and Dibibokri Pyramid mountain peak (6400m). The area is characterized by abundant alpine flowers and rocky outcrops glittering with mica. Beyond Thakur Kuan village, the Parvati Valley ascends gradually to Pandupul village (Pandu Pul) where two natural, rock bridges cross the Parvati River and a southern tributary. According to legend, these bridges were created by the massive strength of the mythological Pandava brothers.

From Pandupul, the wide valley of the upper Parvati valley climbs gradually through the wide, high-altitude meadowland of Odi Thatch to the sacred site of Mantalai Lake (4100m), the source of the Parvati River. Continuing east from Mantalai lake, it is possible to cross the Pin Parvati Pass (5319m) into the Pin Valley National Park and on to the Mudh village in the Lahul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh.

Parvati Valley's scenic trekking routes are a popular destination for trekkers and tourists.