Kullu-Manali India Travel Guide

Situated at an altitude of 6,200 feet are Kullu and Manali, two heavenly cities in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Kullu is situated on the western bank of the River Beas and is located in the centre of the Kullu or Silver Valley. Kullu Valley was formerly known as Kulanthapitha, which literally meant “end of the habitable world”.

Kullu-Manali History and Geography

The city of Kullu was first mentioned in the Hindu epic The Mahabharata as Kuluta. The city was formed by Mukhar, the son of Vidura. It was recognised as an important city even during ancient times. The earliest recorded history of the city is 1 A.D, when city had its very early inhabitants. The region’s history echoes that of many like it in India. It changed hands from ruler to ruler, until the British took over towards the end of the 17th century. The British were in so awe of the valley that they setup a cantonment there and decided to grow tea in the region. Cuddled in the lap of the Kullu valley is the ancient city of Manali. It is located at a stone throw from the peaks of the Himalayan Mountains. The city’s name is derived for the mythological figure Manu, who was presumed to be the only person who survived the great floods that destroyed the world. It is believed that Manu came to Manali, and the human race was spawned again.

Kullu-Manali Today

Kullu and Manali are considered one of the best hill stations in the northern region. They are famous for their pristine beauty and serenity. They are also famous for being religious and sacred places for in the Hindu religion, with thousands of pilgrims coming every year to pay homage to their faith. The cities also draw their fare share of tourists, both local and overseas.The two cities are also recognised for their thriving apple industry and their knit work. Very few can match the quality of Kullu shawls. Apart from its beauty, the cities are also notorious for an illicit trade of Cannabis and hashish. It grows abundant in the region and travellers from all over the world come here to get their fix. Infact, the region is commonly referred to as Manala Gold by the drug culture because it supposedly produces some of the best hashish money can buy. Be very careful if you decide to partake. Every year, dozens of tourists get arrested here for allegedly trafficking in drugs.

Kullu-Manali Attractions and Things To Do

One of the major attractions of Kullu is the Raghunath temple, where King Jagat Singh brought the idol of Rama from Ayodhya to undo his misdeeds in the 17th century. You can also visit the Sultanpur Palace in Kulu, which has miniature paintings and artefacts of ancient cultures. Another temple worth visiting is the Jagannath Devi Temple. You will have to hike upwards for more than hour to reach the temple, but once you reach the top, you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of Kullu city. Located at a height of 2400+ meters is the Bijli Mahadev Temple, Bijli mean lightning. As the name suggest the temple is regularly struck by lightning. The foremost attraction of Manali is the Hadimba temple. Pilgrims from all over the world come to visit this four-storied wooden temple located in midst of a forest. You can travel to the Arjun Gufa, which a place where the great warrior Arjuna from the Mahabharata meditated for strength and weapons to defeat the Kauravas. You can travel to Gompa in Manali to visit the Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa. Covered with Buddha statues, this is a beautiful monastery built by Tibetans. With Mountain peaks at an arm length from Manali, adventure seekers can head to the Mountaineering Institute in Manali, where tourists can get indulge themselves in activities like rock climbing, mountaineering, and trekking at high altitudes. Gear is available for hire from the institute.

Kullu-Manali Excursions

To get an awe-inspiring sight, you need to head 51 kms from Manali to Rohtang Pass. At an unbelievable height of 4,150 meters, it becomes the cool spot around Manali. To pump up your adrenalin, you ski down the slopes of Solang Hills, which are located 13 kms from Manali. All those interested in angling have ample opportunities at River Beas and River Tirthan.42 kms from Kullu is Kasol, a premium picnic spot in the midst of a pine forest. If you travel 15 kms from Kullu, you will reach the miraculous temple of Basheshwar Mahadev, famous for its exquisite carvings. The hot sulphur springs of the Parvati River valley are very famous, and are situated in Manikaran at a distance of 45 kms from Kullu. You can also take a 270 kms trip towards Shimla, which is another beautiful city in India.

Kullu-Manali Shopping

There’s a lot of shopping done here, but from small shops rather than from sky high malls. You can buy the much adored Kullu shawls at the Bhuttico and Himbunkar shops in Kullu and Manali. In Kullu you can buy anything from glass slippers to locally sown carpets. You can get really good deals at the local jewellery in the Sultanpur Market. Or, you can buy imported goods and antiques from the Tibetan markets, both in Kullu and in Manali.

Kullu-Manali Restaurants

Restaurants in both cities offer all kinds of cuisines. Since it’s a major tourist destination, it’s not hard to locate a restaurant here. Do try the local cuisine, though, as it is sure to tingle your taste buds. From German bakers to the local sweet houses, you will have no problems with confectionaries. Due to the abundance of marijuana here, foreigners from all over the world have set up their restaurants in these hill stations.

Kullu-Manali Nightlife

Almost every hotel in both cities has its own pubs or bars, so you won’t have a problem getting a drink here at pretty nominal rates. Pubs like the Zing-Zing are pretty decent with the variety of drinks they provide.

Kullu-Manali Getting There

A must visit place for any traveller who comes to India. The best way to travel to the place is by railways or roadways. There is an airport at Bhuntar that takes Dornier flights mainly from Delhi and Shimla.