Kullu
Kullu is located on the banks of the Beas river in the Kullu Valley. Kullu is the capital of the Kullu district and the largest valley in the Kullu district. Kullu is a well known and one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The area is endowed with beautiful settings and superb scenic beauty.
With its pine and deodhar forests, flower meadows fruit orchards, beautiful landscapes along with cool breeze and songs of the birds around is so enchanting that the place is called as the valley of the Gods. This will be a perfect place for quality time with family as well as for the honeymoon couples searching for some privacy.
Manali
Manali is an hill station located at a height of 2050 m, at the northern end of the Kullu Valley, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, in India. Manali is located on the road leading to ladakh which goes through the valley of Lahaul and spiti.
Manali situated on the river Beas is a popular tourist spot for locals as well as tourists in summer and is a magical, snow-covered place in winter. This is also the starting point for various trekking trails of the Beaskund , Chandrakani pass. You can also participate in many of the sports activities like White water rafting.
Places to visit in the Kullu Manali
Bijili Mahadev Shrine is located at about 10 kilometers from Kullu and is one of the most striking temples of the District. The temple can be reached only after an arduous about climb of 10 kilometers and once you reach the temple you will be rewarded not only the dharshan of the deity but also of the panoramic view of the beautiful Kullu and Paravati valleys.
Raison, the camping site is located at a distace of 16 kilometers from Kullu and is an ideal place for spending some time in solitude and a quiet holiday. You can see large number of fruit orchards in the area. HPTDC has log Cabins there which can be hired for spending the night.
Bajeshwar Mahadev temple is a pyramid shaped temple is located in Bajaura at about 15 kilometers from Kullu. This temple is said to belong to the 8th century AD. There are beautiful looking carvings which are made in stone as well as sculptures in the shikara style. The Bajeshwar Mahadev Temple is placed at about 200 meters from the village Bajaura between the main road and the Beas river.
Hadimba Devi Temple is located at just about a kilometer from Manali, in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar. This is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimba Devi one of the wives of Bheema and the mother of Ghadotghaja. The Hadimba Temple is surrounded by cedar forests at the foot of the Himalayas and is built over a rock jutting from the ground.
The Hidimba temple is said to be built in 1533 AD and has a superbly crafted four tiered wooden pagoda type roof. The temple also has a very exquisitely carved beautiful doorway. This is a antique temple which is said to be more than 500 years old. The temple does not have an idol but only a foot print on the stone. On the first of the Jaith month or 14 th of May every year Hidimbi's birthday is celebrated as a Mela. The mela held in the forests lasts for 3 days. Many people come from in and around the area to attend the mela and make merry in music and dance.
How to reach Kullu Manali ?
By Air
Bhuntar is the nearest airport located at about 50 kilometers from Manali. There are flights connecting Delhi and Chandigarh. Since Delhi is an International airport almost all the airlines operate flights to the city. From Delhi you can get a connection flight to reach Kullu Manali. Prepaid taxis are available at the airport for you to reach your destination.
By Rail
Travel by rail to Kullu Manali is a bit difficult as the nearest railway stations are Chandigarh and Ambala in Chandigarh. Both stations are about 350 - 360 kilometers away from Kullu Manali. If you have to travel by train then charter taxis from the respective railway station to reach Kullu Manali. From Chandigarh flights are also available.
By Road
Buses run by the government as well as by the private companies ply regularly to take you to Kullu Manali . You can find buses from the neighbouring states also plying regularly.
You can also drive by yourself if you have a car at your disposal. The route is so enchanting and breathtaking, you will enjoy your drive very much.
