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kullu
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Kullu or Kulu is the capital town of the Kullu district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is located on the
banks of the Beas River in the Kullu Valley about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) north of the airport at Bhuntar.
History
Historical references about the Kullu valley dates back to ancient Hindu literary works of Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas. During Vedic period several small republics known as "Janapada" existed which were later conquered by the Nanda Empire, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire, Pala Dynasty and Karko?a Empire. After a brief period of supremacy by King Harshavardhana, the region was once again divided into several local powers headed by chieftains, including some Rajput principalities, these principalities were later conquered by Maratha Empire and Sikh Empire.[2]
The name Kullu derives from the word "Kulant Peeth", meaning "end of the habitable world". As per legends, during the Great Flood, Manu visited this valley, but was unable to cross the Rohtang pass. He named the last settlement he found as Kulant Peeth, and chose to settle and meditate in what has now become the town of Manali (Manu's Place). The name further devolved into "Kulut", as the kingdom was known for a long time; before finally being known by the current name of Kullu or Kulu.
The Buddhist pilgrim monk Xuanzang visited the Kullu Valley in 634 or 635 CE. He described it as a fertile region completely surrounded by mountains, about 3,000 li in circuit, with a capital 14 or 15 li in circumference. It contained a Stupa built by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, which is said to mark the place where the Buddha preached to the local people and made conversions, Stupa was taken away by a Mughal ruler and put in feroz shah kotla maidan in Delhi. There were some twenty Buddhist monasteries, with about 1,000 monks, most of whom were Mahayanist. There were also some fifteen Hindu temples, and people of both faiths lived mixed together. There were meditation caves near the mountain passes inhabited by both Buddhist and Hindu practitioners. The country is said to have produced gold, silver, red copper, crystal lenses and bell-metal.[3]
Kullu got its first motorable access only after Indian Independence. The long centuries of seclusion have, however, allowed the area to retain a considerable measure of its traditional charm. The road through the Kullu Valley and Lahaul is now paved all the way, to connect and provide the major access route between the northern
Indian plains to Leh in Ladakh.
Climate
December and January during winter observe lowest temperatures ranging from -4 to 20 °C (25 to 68 °F), with some snowfall.Evenings and mornings are very cold during winters. Annual highest temperature in summer ranges from 24 to 34 °C (75 to 93 °F) during May to August. Months of July and August are rainy because
of monsoon, having around 150 mm (5.9 in) rainfall monthly. Climate is pleasant in October and November.
Attraction places
Kullu Valley is a broad open valley formed by the Beas River between Manali and Largi. This valley is famous for its
temples, beauty and its majestic hills covered with pine and deodar forest and sprawling apple orchards. The course of
the Beas river presents a succession of magnificent, clad with forests of deodar, towering above trees of pine on the
lower rocky ridges. Kullu valley is sandwiched between the Pir Panjal, Lower Himalayan and Great Himalayan Ranges.
The Kullu valley is known as the "Valley of the Gods" or "Dev Bhumi" due to many pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs alike. Kullu is known for its open valley meadows and scenic views of the Himalayan mountain range. Kullu area is known for Kullu shawl, made of many natural fibers including pashmina, sheep-wool and angora.
The seven-day festival of "Kullu Dussehra", a celebration of Avatar Lord Rama's victory over the evil king
Ravana. The festival takes place in the months of October or November, depending upon the Hindu calendar.
Sightseeing
... Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP)
The India's youngest national park spread over 700 kilometers lies between
Kullu & Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh. The park is home to different mammals, birds, insects. The park now
boasts of 7th UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in India.Raghunath Temple
- In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu committed a great mistake. To atone for
the sin, he sent a senior courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Raghunath - Lord Rama. This temple was built by Raja
Jagat Singh to house the image and even today, is greatly revered. Every year international fair is celebrated with
local deities in honour of lord Raghunath.
Shringi Rishi Temple- Banjar
- About 60 km. from Kullu is Banjar valley wherein Shringi Rishi Temple is
located. Shringi Rishi is the ruling deity of Banjar valley. In fact, before the Lord Rama's advent into Kullu valley
from Ayodhya Puri, Lord Shringi was the ruling deity of Kullu. Shringi rishi is one among the "atthara kardoo"
(eighteen chief deities) of the Kullu valley.Maha Devi Tirth Temple
- Shri Mahadevi Tirth, popularly known as Vaishno Devi Mandir (by localities),
situated about two kilometers North from the Kullu valley on Kullu Manali road, though a newly founded temple, yet it
is acknowledged like any old famous temple. The foundation of this temple was laid by [Swami Sewak Das Ji].
Bijli Mahadev Temple
- It is located at 2,435 meters from sea level and is about 10 km from Kullu. The
staff of the temple is 60 feet high and can be seen from the Kullu valley too. It is the highest point around Kullu from where the beautiful view of the whole town, and more can be experienced.Devta Narsingh
- A famous temple of deity 'Narsingh', situated in Sultanpur block of Kullu.Raison
- By the banks of the "Beas River" -and on the Kullu-Manali highway - Himachal Tourism runs a camping
site here. Ideal for a taste of adventure.
Shoja
- At 2692 m, this is a vantage point for a complete panorama of the Kullu area - snow peaks and valleys,
meadows and forests, rivers and streams. From Shoja, Jalori pass is 5 km far from where you can take an extreme
view of Shoja and its vicinity. From some distance from Jalori you can visit a lake named Sareuolsar. It is
extraordinary place to visit but there is no means of transportation so you have to go on foot.Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Bajaura
- One of the most charming temples in the Kullu valley, this is renowned
for its intricate stone carvings. It is said to be built by pandavas.Kasol
- An open glade by the banks of the river Parvati. Clean white sand separates the lush green grass
from the water. A good spot for trout. Himachal Tourism has a Tourist Hut here.
Naggar
- For 1400 years this was the capital of Kullu. Its 16th century stone and wood castle is now a hotel
run by Himachal Tourism. Here, a gallery houses the paintings of the Russian artist, Nicholas Roerich. Naggar also has
three other old shrines.There are many old pagoda shali temple also there.Hidimba Temple
- It is located in Dungri village in Manali. The temple is known for its intricate wood carvings and its pagoda architecture and it houses the footsteps of Hidimba Devi on stone.Kais Dhar
- An immensely beautiful place, with grass meadows and densely forested
mountains. It is a part of trekking route and is not connected through road, hence the natural beauty is still preserved. It is easily one of the most beautiful
places in Himachal. This place has a forest rest house which was built by Britishers, who liked this place. It not far away from Kullu town, approximately 10 km
from the town. But it is not connected through road.
International Angora Breeding Farm
- The Farm is located 4 Km from the center of town. Though the area itself is grand and is surrounded by a forest on two sides, and the river Beas on the third, the front of the farm is easily accessible from India Highway 21. It was the first farm in Asia to have a complete cruelty free environment, which included the painless cutting of the Angora rabbit's hair for high-end luxury shawls and stoles. In 1976, this farm became the world's largest rabbit farmFungani Mata Temple
- This temple lies on the top of the lug valley. This temple is in a secluded area which
has helped it retain its original charm. It is about 30 km away from Kullu town.Beasar Valley
-This is one of the beautiful village of kullu situated 26km away from kullu busstand and 16 km away
from famus temple Bhekhli mata.
Festivals and other activities"
Kullu Dussehra
- When Dussehra celebrations come to an end in the rest of the country, they begin at Kullu.
The State government has accorded the status of International festival to the Kullu Dussehra, which attracts tourists
in large numbers. About 200 local deities come to pay homage to Lord Raghunath.This is a time when the valley is at its
colourful best.Kullu Holi
- Holi is the festival of colors celebrated for two days in Kullu.Its unique feature is that people
of the town collect in temple and then they proceed to houses of town people singing sacred holi songs and in return they are given sweets, pakoras and hard drinks etc. Women also take part in the
festival with same enthusiasm and happiness as Men.Fishing and adventure
- The Kullu valley has numerous places for trout fishing. These include Katrain, Raison,
Kasol and Naggar, then along the river Tirthan near Larji, in the Sainj Valley and in the Hurla khud. The valley is
the nucleus of several trek routes. Some major ones are over the Chanderkhani Pass to PradeshMalana, over the Jalori Pass
or Bashleo Pass to Shimla and over the Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan. White water rafting is popular on the Beas river.
Rapid Riders is one of the oldest service providers in kullu offering commercial white water rafting on the
16 km river course.
Vicinity
Other places of interest in the area include Manikaran which is famous for its hot springs, and hot water springs at Vashisht village near
Manali, 40 km north of Kullu, a hub for tourists and rock climbers. Malana,
Kaish-Dhaar in Lug Valley, Bijli Mahadev, Bhekhli and Bajaura house the famous temples of the region and places like
Kasol and Gohar.
Manali is perhaps the most famous town and center of all tourist attractions in the state. Manali also has a well-known
temple dedicated to the mythical princess Hidimba. which is known as Hidimba Devi Temple.
The economy of the town largely depends on tourism, horticulture (apples,
plums, pears, and almonds) and handicrafts (, caps, etc.).
A majority of the youth depend on tourism for their well being,
which has led to construction of a large number of hotels by locals such as the Himalayan Hamlet, Shivalik, Tree House,
Apple Valley and Raju Bharti.
