Places to visit when in Kullu

Kullu, which is well-known as the “Nature Lover’s Paradise,” greets visitors with a seductive open valley that provides sweeping vistas of the gorgeous highlands. 

At the height of 1,230 metres, Kullu is surrounded by deodar and pine trees and is surrounded by rich vegetation, clear river streams, and a pleasant atmosphere. 

These locations to explore in Kullu demonstrate how wonderful it is to discover this town that is situated in the middle of the environment. What exactly are these places to visit in Kullu that have made it famous?

How to reach Kullu?

By Air

One can board the flight for Bhuntar Airport, which is around 10 kilometres from the city’s centre, Kullu. Since Bhuntar is presently not in use, Chandigarh serves as the airport for Kullu Valley.

By Rail 

Board the train to Jogindernagar, which is around 125 kilometres away from Kullu, then you can proceed further by bus or cab. 

By Road

Buses till Kullu run from every major city like Delhi, Chandigarh or you can just drive yourself or in a shared vehicle there.

15 Places Not to Be Missed When in Kullu

Great Himalayan National Park

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Great Himalayan National Park, which is located at the height of 6000 metres and covers an area of 754 square kilometres, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. 

One of the top tourist destinations in Kullu is the Great Himalayan National Park, which has four valleys with names Sainj Valley, Tirthan Valley, Jiwa Nal Valley, and the Parvati Valley. 

The park is home to more than 375 species of animals, 31 mammal species, and 181 species of birds, all of which are renowned for their natural and aesthetic beauty. The National Park, one of Kullu’s must-see attractions, is also a great spot to unwind and rest.

Distance: 58 km from city centre

Timings: 10:00 AM to 05:30 PM

Best Time to Visit: April to June and December to February

Entry Fee: Rs 30 and Rs 100 for Indian and foreign students respectively, Rs 50 for Indian Nationals, whereas foreign nationals have to pay Rs 200.

Camping Charges: Prices vary from Rs 100 to Rs 500 depending on the group of people, whereas a Toilet tent costs around Rs 100.

How to Reach: You can commute via any public transportation like cabs, buses, shared vehicles, or just drive yourself there.

See also: Escape sweltering summers by visiting the top 15 India’s coldest places

Raghunath Temple

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The Raghunath Temple is among the primary attractions in this captivating hill town of Kullu. The temple is associated with Lord Rama according to an old myth, and the Lord Raghunath statue that has been installed here is believed to be the one that he used. 

The Raghunath Temple’s design and construction are influenced by the Pahari and Pyramidal traditions, even though it draws much of its value from the tale. 

The scenery and sights around the temple are just as enticing as the mysticism that surrounds it. The oldest temple in the valley is a hub of celebration and colour around Dussehra, and even outside of it has a significant religious significance among the people.

Distance: 1 km from city centre

Timings: 08:00 AM to 01:00 PM

Best Time to Visit: Winters for festivities

Entry Fee: None

How to Reach: Walk/Stroll

Manikaran 

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There are numerous things to do at Manikaran, which is noted for being a significant pilgrimage site. Manikaran is situated in the Parvati Valley. Visitors come from all around because of the hot springs, religious activities, and picturesque surroundings. 

Sikhs claim that Guru Nanak Ji worked several miracles, and Hindus think that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati spent over 1100 years at these popular places to visit in Kullu. This Gurudwara has additional significance for its followers since Giani Gian Sikh mentions it in the “12th Guru Khalsa.”

Distance: 44 km

Timings: 24 hrs

Best Time to Visit: October-June 

Places to Visit: Manikaran Gurudwara, Hot Springs

How to Reach: You can commute via any public transportation like cabs, buses, shared vehicles, or just drive yourself there.

 

Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery

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The Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery, also called the Kais Monastery, was founded in 2005 in Kullu’s Kais Village on the shores of the Beas River. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, gave it its official opening. 

The monastery, which is dedicated to Tibetan monks and is renowned for spreading the Buddha Dharma, is located at the top of 50 stairs and is surrounded by majestic mountains.

It serves as a residential school and university that studies Buddhist philosophy. The major activities for tourists at this Indo-Tibetan monastery include worshipping in the hall in front of the Buddha statue and attending teaching lectures by His Holiness Dhakpo Rinpoche in August, among other things.

Distance: 10.5 km

Timings: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Best Time to Visit: August

Entry Fee: None

How to Reach: You can commute via any public transportation like cabs, buses, shared vehicles, or just drive yourself there.

Bhrigu Lake

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A high-altitude lake called Bhrigu Lake is situated in the Kullu district, around 40 kilometres from Manali. Beautiful meadows, also known as the Bhrigu Lake Meadows, are encountered on the way to the lake. 

The stunning meadows that rival the alpine meadows in high-altitude areas like Switzerland are not well-known to tourists. Walking over the vast expanse of grasslands surrounded by the Himalayas’ snow-capped peaks is enough to make one feel as though they have reached a completely new dimension. 

Bhrigu Lake is the destination for those who are always looking for places to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the traffic, and the pollution.

The lake never entirely freezes since Maharishi Bhrigu meditated there, according to a tradition. While walking to Bhrigu Lake, campers may pitch up camp nearby and enjoy some downtime with friends and family. 

For the majority of the peak season, the area boasts days with clear, blue sky. The stroll is enjoyable because of the sun’s soft warmth on a clear day. For campers and stargazers, the night skies offer a unique pleasure.

Distance: 56.6 km

Trek Duration: 3 days

Best Time to Visit: March to October

Entry Fee: You can book a trek with any trek provider company

How to Reach: You can commute via any public transportation like cabs, buses, shared vehicles, or just drive yourself there. then trekking.

 

Bijli Mahadev Temple

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One of India’s most revered and historic temples, Bijli Mahadev Temple, is situated in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, on a hilltop at the height of 2,460 metres, over the Beas River. To get to Bijli Mahadev, one must go along a 3 km-long trail lined with pine trees. Religious and daring individuals frequently choose to walk from Kullu while taking advantage of the lovely weather.

It is devoted to Lord Shiva, as the name implies, and is a very well-liked place for hiking. According to legend, the Shiva Linga in the Bijli Mahadev Temple was shattered into pieces by lightning and was afterwards bound by a temple priest using butter. It’s widely believed that this occurs yearly.

The scenery and environs that one experiences make the walk stunningly lovely and rejuvenating rather than exhausting. Everyone is enthralled by the breathtaking view of the Kullu, Parbati, Garsa, and Bhuntar valleys from the Bijli Mahadev Temple.

Distance: 25.7 km

Timings: 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM

Trek Distance: 2.98 km

Best Time to Visit: March to September

Entry Fee: None

How to Reach: You can commute via any public transportation like cabs, buses, shared vehicles, or just drive yourself there.

Friendship Peak

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Friendship Peak, which towers at the height of 5,289 metres in the Pir Panjal range in Himachal Pradesh, is one of the trekkable peaks in the Indian Himalayan area and a trekker’s paradise.

From the peak, you may take in the breathtaking view of the Pir Panjal range and the surrounding area, which is crowned by the Dhauladhar and Great Himalayan mountains, creating a silver horizon. 

The stunning Solang Valley, home to various alpine meadows, vibrant orchards, and countless tiny, flowing streams, is traversed by the Friendship Peak walk. 

Additionally, the route becomes insanely difficult after you approach a certain height, requiring steep climbs over deep snow as well as going through glacial trails and around tight ridges.

Distance: 64.2 km

Famous for: Trekking

Best Time to Visit: May-June and September to October

Entry Fee: Depends on the company you are going with.

How to Reach: You can commute via any public transportation like cabs, buses, or shared vehicles, or just drive yourself to the starting point and then trek.

 

Parvati Valley Trek

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If you’re one of those people who like trekking and love adventure, the Parvati Valley Trek is the ideal option for you. The breathtaking scenery will not only captivate you with its captivating beauty but will also provide you with several obstacles at every turn.

Even if the trail is not well-maintained, you will still feel that the excitement it gives you is unparalleled by any other trekking trail. The Parvati Valley Trek is a lengthy and difficult journey, but when you reach the end, the sense of accomplishment is wonderfully energising.

You will be mesmerised by the grandeur of the environs, which include deep forests, numerous flowing streams, and lush green meadows, as you go along the trek’s track and as the altitude rises.

Distance: 38.7 km

Famous for: Trekking

Best Time to Visit: May-June and October-February

Entry Fee: Depends on the company you are going with.

How to Reach: You can commute via any public transportation like cabs, buses, or shared vehicles, or just drive yourself to the starting point and then trek.

 

Naggar

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In Kullu, searching for a charming town? Look no farther than Naggar, a town in the Kullu area that has not been thoroughly explored. The town allows you plenty of leisure to wander the roads and have fun in the mountains on your own. It’s one of the nicest sites in Kullu to visit, where you may stay whatever long you like.

Distance: 22.8 km

Famous for: Cosy and away from the city

Best Time to Visit: September to November

How to Reach: You can commute via any public transportation like cabs, buses, shared vehicles, or just drive yourself there.

Beas River

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The Beas River is the centre of the Kullu Valley and offers a variety of camping areas and water activities. The Beas River travels around 470 kilometres from its source in the Himalayas to the Sutlej River in Punjab. The river also served as the eastern limit of Alexander the Great’s hegemony in 326 BC, as his expedition was compelled to come to an end.

Distance: 4 km from city centre

Famous for: Rafting

Best Time to Visit: Monsoon

Entry Fee: Rafting prices vary

How to Reach: You can commute via any public transportation like cabs, buses, or shared vehicles, or just drive yourself there or just stroll to the rafting point.

 

Hadimba Mandir

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Hadimba Devi Temple was constructed in 1553 and is perched on a hill surrounded by dense deodar woods. Rakshasa Hidimba, who was also the wife of Pandava Bhima, is the subject of the temple. 

The temple’s building was designed in a unique architectural style that resembles both Buddhist monastic architecture and Indian architecture. 

The construction is mostly composed of wood, and 70 metres away from the main temple is another temple honouring Ghatotkacha, a Mahabharata battle hero and the son of Bhima and Hidimba.

Distance: 42.6 km 

Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Best Time to Visit: August to July

How to Reach: You can commute via any public transportation like cabs, buses, shared vehicles, or just drive yourself there.

Gauri Shankar Temple

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The Lord Shiva-dedicated Gauri Shankar Temple in Naggar Village, Kullu, which was built in the 12th century AD, is located below the Naggar Castle. With a nine-story Shikhara and Shikhara-style architecture, the temple’s dome-shaped top and square-shaped bottom mimic mountain peaks.

The statues of Shankar and Gauri holding Ganesh and Kartik are positioned within the temple, on Nandi, and beneath a silver canopy. 

Additionally, there is a Shiva lingam there. Due to its elaborate Lord Ganesha sculptures, dancing figures, musicians performing in the garbhagriha, and the gold jewellery covering the silver canopy, the ASI-protected stone temple draws sizable audiences.

Distance: 22.7 km 

Timings: 08:00 AM to 07:00 PM

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

How to Reach: You can commute via any public transportation like cabs, buses, or shared vehicles, or just drive yourself there or just stroll to the rafting point.

 

Malana 

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Malana Nala, a tributary canyon of the Parvati mountain, contains a settlement that is cut off from the rest of the world. This location, which can also be referred to as Malana Village or Malana, is found in the Kullu district. 

Malana is renowned for its deeply held religious convictions and culture, both of which are steeped in historical values. This location has great significance for those who seek spiritual guidance for themselves. 

For those who truly enjoy adventure, Malana is the ideal destination because the road there is well-known for hiking. People would be astounded by the rich deodar vegetation together with the mesmerising vistas of Malana Dam on the trekking path.

Distance: 44.2 km

Famous for: Cafes, Trekking

Best Time to Visit: September to November

How to Reach: You can commute via any public transportation like cabs, buses, shared vehicles, or just drive yourself there.

Gulaba

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Gulaba is a charming town encircled by snow-capped mountains and beautiful scenery. When Rohtang Pass is closed, it provides a suitable backup route. It is on the way to Rohtang Pass. Visitors may take part in a variety of snow sports and perhaps spend some quiet time alone amid the stunning scenery. This location has been used as the shooting location for several Bollywood movies.

Distance: 53 km

Famous for: Snow adventures, trekking

Best Time to Visit: Winter

How to Reach: You can commute via any public transportation like cabs, buses, shared vehicles, or just drive yourself there.

Pandoh Dam

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Pandoh Dam, an embankment dam located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, was built on the River Beas. One of the most well-known artificial lakes in Kullu was built by the dam, which makes it one of the town’s most popular tourist attractions. 

The outflow of water from the dam is a stunning sight that provides one with calming sights. Don’t forget to go rafting on the lake’s bottom bed as well.

Distance: 50.8 km 

Timings: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Best Time to Visit: April to July and September to December

How to Reach: You can commute via any public transportation like cabs, buses, shared vehicles, or just drive yourself there.

FAQs

Does Kullu merit a trip?

Among the most searched adventures in India is a vacation to Kullu and Manali. In general, tourists choose to visit both of these locations together. Kullu is a wide valley surrounded by gorgeous hills covered in Deodar and Pine trees. Manali is renowned for being the honeymoon capital of India.

What makes Kullu unique?

Numerous elements make Kullu famous, such as its fantastic weather, pine and deodar trees, and breathtaking highlands. Due to its abundance of adventure activities, including hiking, river rafting, climbing, paragliding, animal viewing, and hiking across Himalayan glaciers and hills, Kullu is a favourite destination for thrill seekers.