|
Kulu
- Himachal Pradesh
Kulu, the
Silver Valley is an untouched treasure trove of natural beauty,
teeming with exquisite flowers, luscious fruits, charming
brooks, verdant valleys, with pristine white mountains forming
the backdrop to this breath - takingly gorgeous region.
What to See
Raghunath Temple: In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh
of Kulu is said to have committed a great wrong, to atone
for which, he sent a courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord
Raghunath - Lord Rama. He built this temple to house the image,
and the shrine went on to be a popular site of worship.
Bijli Mahadev Temple(14 km):
Located at an altitude of 2460 m, this fascinating temple
rests on a spur, that offers some splendid views. The remarkable
feature of the shrine, is a high pole or staff that periodically
draws lightning, which shatters the `Shivlinga' and scorches
the building. Butter is, then, used as an adhesive by the
priest to put the `linga' together again.
Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Bajaura (15
km): This temple is by far one of the most picturesque
temples in the valley, and boasts of exquisite stone carvings.
Other temples : The Vaishno Devi
temple (4 km), the Devi Jagannathi temple at Bekhli (5 km),
and the Vishnu temple at Dayar (12 km) are some of the significant
shrines around Kulu.
Kaisdhar (15 km): Kaisdhar is
an idyllic meadow, embraced by lofty deodar trees.
Kasol (42 k ): Kasol, on the
banks of the river Parvati, is another one of the many splendid
spots that dot the Kulu valley, and offers ample opportunity
for fishing trout.
Manikarna (45 km): Manikarna
is located at an altitude of 1737 m, in the valley of the
river Parvati. It derives its name from a legend according
to which, Parvati, Lord Shiva's consort lost her earrings
- manikarna - and recovered them at the site from which the
sulphur springs arise. There is also a gurudwara in the area,
and consequently, this spot is deemed sacred by both Hindus
and Sikhs. There are also trek routes from here, that lead
on to Pulga, Khirganga and Mantalai. Himachal Tourism runs
Hotel Parvati at Manikarna.
Shoja (69 km): Shoja, at 2692
m, commands a brilliant panaromic view of the entire Kulu
valley, in all its natural splendour.
Raison ( 13 km ): For the adventurous
at heart, by the banks of the Beas, on the Kulu - Manali highway,
is Raison, a good trekking site, where Himachal Tourism has
established a camping base.
Nagar (23 km): Nagar was Kulu's
erstwhile capital for 1400 years. The fact that its awesome
16th century castle, built of wood and stone, still stands
intact, proves the earthquake - resistant properties of the
local architectural style. The castle has now been converted
into a hotel, under Himachal Tourism. Nagar also houses a
gallery that showcases the splendid paintings of the famous
Russian artist, Nicholas Roerich. The shrine of Jagati Pat,
the pagoda - like shrine of the goddess Tripura Sundari, the
shrines of Gaurishankar and Murlidhar, built in the shikhara
style, are some of the major temples of the region. Facing
the castle, is also a small temple dedicated to Narasimha,
the leonine incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Adventure: The Kulu valley is
the meeting - point of several trek - routes, mainly the routes
from Chanderkhani Pass to Malana, over the Jalori Pass or
Bashleo Pass to Simla and over the Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan.
The magnificent Beas also offers ample opportunities for some
exciting white river rafting.
How to Get There
By air: The nearest airport is
at Bhuntar (50 km).
By rail: The nearest narrow gauge
railhead is at Jogindernagar (95 km)
By road: The distance from Delhi
to Kulu via Mandi is 530 km, and from Simla the distance is
240 km. Luxury buses ply from Dehi and Simla to Kulu.
|
