Check out the various places of interest in and around Kullu.
Manikaran: Manikaran is famous for its hot springs which is situated at an altitude of 1829 m above sea level. And 81 km away from Manali. It is the perfect excursion from Manali. It has the finest hot water springs. The water of the springs is said to be radioactive.
Naggar Castle: Naggar Castle is set at a distance of 22 kilometres from Kullu. The structure has traditional architecture that is known as Kath Khuni, which is a combination of both stones and wooden beams. In 1978, the castle was converted into a rest house and now it serves as a heritage hotel that is maintained by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC).
Great Himalayan National Park: Great Himalayan National Park was established in the year 1984, this is one of the biggest national parks located very close to Kullu. It is considered as UNESCO World Heritage Site and spread over a area of 1171 square kilometers.
Raghunath Temple: Raghunath Temple is one of the most famous places to visit in Kullu. Raghunath is another name of Lord Rama and the temple is dedicated to him. It is one of the oldest temples present in Himachal Pradesh. Folklore holds that the idol was brought from Ayodhya by a former Kullu king to dispel a curse on the royal family.
Bijli Mahadev Temple: Bijli Mahadev Temple is situated at an elevation of 2460 m above the sea level and stands out from all the other temples due to its serenity and scenic beauty. This is a “Kash” style temple in which Lord Shiva is in the form of Shiva Lingam.
Gauri Shankar Temple: Gauri Shankar Temple is one of the oldest temples present in India. It is located below the castle of Naggar in Naggar Village. It is one of the best places to visit in Kullu Manali and this temple was dated back to 12th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery: Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in the year 2005 and it is a place where Buddhist Monks live in Himachal Pradesh. You have to mount approximately 50 stairs to reach the monastery.
Raison: Raison is a small cluster of villages situated at a distance of 13.5 kilometres from Kullu. It is located at the banks of River Beas and is maintained by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism.
Tibetan Monasteries: Manali is also home to Tibetan monasteries, the most well-known of which are Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa and Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa. These monasteries were built by Tibetan refugees and are a must-see for anyone interested in learning about their culture. The monasteries are built in the Pagoda style and contain a Lord Buddha shrine.
Kothi: Kothi is ideal for those who enjoy exploring less-traveled paths. This village is tranquil, away from the hustle and bustle of Manali. Every nook and cranny of this place provides excellent views of the nearby hills and valleys. It was once the base camp for those trekking Rohtang and its surrounding peaks, and it has inspired many poets.
Beas River: The Beas River runs through Kullu Valley and offers numerous camping spots and water sports. Beas flows 470 kilometers from the Himalayas to the Sutlej River in Punjab. The river also marked the eastern border of Alexander the Great's empire in 326 BC, when his expedition was forced to stop here.
Rohtang Pass: The Rohtang high mountain pass is located in the eastern hills of the Pir Panjal Range at an elevation of 3,978 metres above sea level. The pass is situated in a picturesque setting, with the rivers Beas and Chenab to its southern and northern sides. Rohtang Pass is well-known for its picturesque valley views and numerous hidden waterfalls. Rohtang Pass is a must-see on any Kullu-Manali trip.
Kasol: Kasol, a hidden gem in the Himalayas, is a nature lover's paradise. It is not densely populated and attracts a smaller tourist population than other areas of Himachal Pradesh. Because the Paravati Valley runs through this scenic area, it is frequented by backpackers, hikers, and adventure seekers. It is popularly known as "mini-Israel" because it attracts a sizable Israeli population.
Solang Valley: Solang Valley, also known as the "Snow Point," is well-known for hosting a variety of winter adventure sports such as skiing, parachuting, and paragliding. The Solang Valley is located at an elevation of 2,560 metres above sea level and is a popular trekking destination in the region. The views from the point are spectacular, with views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
Gulaba: Gulaba is a charming village surrounded by snow-capped mountains and beautiful scenery. It is on the way to Rohtang Pass and is a good alternative when Rohtang Pass is closed. Visitors can participate in a variety of snow activities and even relax in the lap of the stunning scenery. This location has also served as the setting for many Bollywood films.
Bhrigu Lake: Bhrigu Lake, named after the ancient Indian sage Maharishi Bhrigu, is a sight to behold. It is located near Rohtang Pass and can only be reached by trekking from Gulabo village, which is 6 kilometers away, or through Vashisht hot springs. According to locals, the lake never completely freezes over, and its water is considered sacred. The scenery from here is absolutely stunning and would astound anyone.
Sultanpur Palace: Sultanpur Palace, formerly known as the Rupi Palace, was built on the ruins of an older structure that was destroyed in an earthquake. The palace is home to numerous wall paintings and a marvelous blend of Pahari and colonial architecture. The palace is the former residence of the Kullu valley's rulers.
Vashist Hot Water Springs: The location is about 4-5 kilometers from Manali and is located across the Beas River. Vashist is well-known for its sulphurous Hot Water Springs and is a popular tourist and pilgrim destination. The hot springs can also be enjoyed privately in the Turkish-style bath houses available here. The village is also well-known for its stone temples dedicated to the local saint Vasistha.
Hadimba Temple: The Hadimba Devi Temple, built in 1553 atop a hillock, is surrounded by dense deodar forests. The temple is dedicated to Hidimba, the Rakshasa who was also the wife of Pandava Bhima. The temple structure is built in a distinct architectural style that combines elements of Indian architecture with those used in Buddhist monasteries. The structure is mostly made of wood, and 70 metres away is a temple dedicated to Ghatotkacha, the son of Bhima and Hidimba and a Mahabharata war hero.
Manu Temple: Manu temple, dedicated to the sage Manu, is another popular tourist attraction in Manali. It is built in the Pagoda style and offers scenic views from its location. It is close to the city's marketplace and close to the River Beas.
Basheshwar Mahadev Temple: Basheshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva and is located 15 kilometers from Kullu in the small village of Bajura. The temple was built in the 9th century AD and is known for its intricate stone carvings and small idols of Hindu deities such as Lord Vishnu, Ganesha, Durga, and Laxmi.
