Kullu Manali trip is one of the most sought-after experiences in India. Travelers generally like to visit both these places together. Kullu is an open valley that is flanked by majestic hills covered with Deodar and Pine trees from all sides. Manali is famous for being India’s honeymoon capital. It is situated between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges and offers stunning views of lush green forests, green meadows, and meandering blue streams. Kullu Manali hotels can be booked with ease by going online this summer.
Kullu is situated at an altitude of 1230 meters and is adored by people who love nature. It is famous for being the sister town to Manali, which is nestled at a much greater altitude and provides even more stunning views. Manali oozes an irresistible old-world charm and is blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty and a fairy-tale-like setting. Travelers coming to Kullu and Manali can enjoy a scenic trip along with a plethora of adventure sports activities such as river rafting, trekking, mountaineering, etc. Manali, besides being a destination abundant in natural beauty, is also home to a tiny slice of history. If you are a history enthusiast, you can visit the Naggar castle that holds one of the vestiges of the era of the rajas and maharajas. It was once the residence of Raja Sidh Singh of Kulu. Now, the castle stands as an epitome of traditional Himalayan and European architecture. Also, those searching for Kullu Manali hotels can go online right away in order to search for the best accommodations in town.
Kullu houses within itself some of the important temples such as Raghunath Temple and Jagannathi Devi temple. Besides the temples, other important attractions here include the Pandoh Dam and Chandrakhani Pass.
People generally do not visit Kullu and Manali in isolation. Since these destinations are so close to each other and complement each other, travelers like to plan their itineraries keeping both in mind.
The name Kullu derives from the Sanskrit word ‘Kulant Peeth’ which means ‘end of the habitable world’. According to the legend, Manu visited this valley but was unable to go beyond the Rohtang pass. He named the last settlement he found Kulant Peeth. He chose to settle and meditate there, and that area became the modern-day Manali. Manali has been derived from the term ‘Manu-Alaya’, which means ‘the abode of Manu’. The legend says that sage Manu stepped off his ark in Manali to recreate human life after a great flood engulfed the entire world.
Kullu also holds significance for the followers of Buddhism. It is said that the Great Mauryan Emperor Ashoka built a Stupa here. It served as a religious hub where monks preached Buddhism and encouraged people to follow the ‘middle path’. It is said that there were some 1000 monasteries inhabited by about 20,000 monks.
Kullu gained its first motorable access after India got independence. Till 1960, the areas of Lahaul and Spiti also formed a part of Kullu. In 1963, the government made Kullu a district of Punjab. However, on 1st November 1966, Kullu was included in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It has remained with the state since then. Kullu Manali hotels are up for grabs for people across all budgets.
The Great Himalayan National Park is one of the prominent national parks in India. Situated in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh, this park is fringed on all sides by the Himalaya ranges. It is home to some of the most diverse wildlife species in the world. The Great Himalayan National Park was awarded the status of a national park in 1999. At present, it houses more than 375 species of fauna, 31 species of mammals, and 181 species of birds. The Deodar and Oak trees lining the park lend an enchanting quality to it.
The park has many villages in its vicinity. Since the area is quite secluded, the villagers here follow a culture that is not common in the rest of the country. Every village worships a deity of its own. The people also organize fairs from time to time. You should spend some time exploring the village to understand their culture and traditions deeply. The Great Himalayan National Park is an amazing place to relax in the proximity of nature away from the monotony of city life. Before visiting the National Park, you need to obtain a permit from the Shamshi Head Office and the range offices at Ropa in Sainj Valley and Shairopa in Tirthan Valley. It is one of the best places to visit in Manali and Kullu during summer time.
If you are a trekking enthusiast, then you are in for a treat! This park provides trekking facilities to all interested visitors. The starting point of this trek is the Kullu valley. There are different trekking levels for all kinds of trekkers, ranging from easy to moderate hikes, moderate to tough and strenuous treks. Moderate treks are usually day-long treks that are organized on all the four valleys surrounding the park namely Tirthan, Jwar Nala, Parvati, and Sainj. If you wish to go on a trek, you must obtain a permit from the park authorities. Check out all of the places to visit in Manali and Kullu this summer vacation.
If you want to opt for multi-day trekking, make sure that you are adequately prepared. Multi-day trekking can be strenuous and requires proper preparation, physical training, good health, and stamina. The ideal time to visit the Great Himalayan National Park is during the summer season from April to June. Summers are bright, pleasant, and sunny, and you will get to see flowers in full bloom here.
Solang Valley and Rohtang are situated at a distance of 14 km, and 51 km from the main town of Manali respectively. These places should not be missed if you are planning a Kullu Manali trip. They can easily be reached by road. The Rohtang Pass is perched at a massive height of 3798 meters. The way up to the mountains is spectacular. The entire experience will leave you spellbound! You will get to experience nature in its purest, unadulterated form.
Solang Valley, situated on the way to Rohtang from Manali, is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. It is a treat for adventure enthusiasts because many adventure sports and activities like parachuting, paragliding, horse-riding, etc are available here for all age groups. You can also soak in the crisp, fresh air of this area by driving in an open jeep here. During winters, since the Solang valley is covered in snow, skiing is a popular sport here. During summers, skiing is taken over by zorbing. Zorbing essentially is placing yourself inside a giant transparent ball and rolling down the slopes. It is a fun, crazy activity! These valleys are two of the most popular places to visit in Manali and Kullu.
Perched at a height of 2460m at a hilltop in Kullu, the Bijli Mahadev Temple is one of the most ancient and sacred temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also a popular trekking spot because of its height. It is believed that this temple was once broken into pieces by lightning. Shiva Linga at this temple is coated with butter. The temple can be reached by a trek through a 3km long path. This path is covered with pine trees and lush greenery and is quite scenic. Religious folks and adventure enthusiasts alike prefer to trek to the temple, enjoying the clean and fresh Kullu air. The Bijli Mahadev Temple offers stunning views of Kullu and the surrounding valleys of Arbati, Garsa, and Bhuntar. Also, hotels in Kullu can be found with ease if advance bookings are done.
Another attraction situated in the scintillating town of Kullu, Raghunath Temple carries with itself ancient folklores and legends. It is believed to be dating back to the time of Lord Rama. It is believed that the idol of Raghunath placed in this temple is the same that Lord Rama used to worship. It has been constructed in the Pahari and Pyramidal styles and offers stunning views of the surroundings. Dussehra festival is celebrated with a lot of vigor and vitality in this temple. If you happen to find yourself in Kullu on Dussehra, pay a visit to this temple, and immerse yourself in the colors of devotion and festivities. Moreover, hotels in Kullu can be booked with ease if advance bookings are made.
Nestled amidst the snow-covered hills in Manali, the Hadimba Temple is a one-of-a-kind shrine in India dedicated to Goddess Hadimba. The area around the temple is covered with spellbinding cedar forests. It is believed that the rock on which this beautiful shrine is built carried the image of the goddess herself. The temple with its wooden doorways and canopied roof features a distinctive architectural style, unique from the other temples present in this area.
The deity worshipped in the Hadimba temple is Goddess Hadimba, the wife of Bhima, the second Pandava. Hidimba was a demoness who lived with her brother Hidimb in this area. She had vowed to marry a man who would defeat her brother in a fight. Hidimb was terrorizing the residents of this village. Hence, Bhim fought and killed him and saved the villagers from his wrath. Thereafter, he won Hadimba’s hand for marriage. A shrine dedicated to Bhim is built near the Hadimba Temple.
Manali is a hub of adventure sports and activities. From parasailing and paragliding to white water rafting, you can find everything here. Solang Valley is one of the prominent places here to enjoy some adventure sports. Before opting for any adventure agency, make sure that is certified. It is important for your safety. Also, ensure that you are in good health. If you have any respiratory issues or heart-related problems, it is best to avoid such activities.
The months from March to June are the best time to visit Kullu Manali. These months mark the summer season here. The weather during this time is pleasant, and the sky is sunny and clear; ideal for you to enjoy your trip. If you wish to see snowfall, then you can also plan a trip during winter. However, you should avoid traveling here during the monsoon season because of frequent landslides. Do make sure you make all the bookings in advance before planning a trip to Manali during the best time to visit Manali.
The Manali Winter Carnival is an annual affair held in the first week of January. It is Himachal’s way of welcoming the new year. You can plan a trip to Manali around this time to enjoy the festivities and witness the beauty of slushy snow around. Initially, the carnival only had skiing contests but now it also incorporates other events such as band performances, food festivals, street plays, folk dances, adventure sports, and much more.
The scintillating hill-stations of Kullu and Manali are waiting to surprise you with their irresistible beauty and charm. Kullu and Manali combine picturesque surroundings with vibrant culture and exciting adventure activities. Visit here if you want to experience the raw beauty of nature.
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