| KULLU
 Kullu
was once known as Kulanthpitha, which means the end of the habitable world.
Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalayas, and by the
banks of the shining river Beas, lay the fabled 'Silver Valley'.
Here is the core of an intricate web of numerous valleys - each of which
is a visual delight and seems more beautiful than the other. The mountain
scapes remain spectacular whether in brilliant sunshine or in the haze
of the mist. The 'Silver Valley' has nature's treasures that lie carelessly
scattered as flowers on the high meadows.
The town of Kullu has long been a centre of faith. In the 17th century,
Raja Jagat Singh installed here an idol of Lord Raghunathji, which he
brought from Ayodhya. As a mark of his penance, he placed the idol on
his throne and it became the presiding deity of the valley.
Attractions of Kullu
The Great Himalayan National Park
Characterised by dazzling high ridges, glaciers, deep gorges, alpine meadows
and valleys with closed virgin forests, the Great Himalayan National Park
with an altitudinal variation from 1,300m to 6,100m in Kullu district
is one of the best destinations for Himalayan flora and fauna lovers.
Supporting a diverse wildlife of over three hundred species of birds and
over thirty species of mammals, the region was declared a national park
in 1984.
Bijli Mahadev Temple
Situated at an altitude of 2,438 metres one can reach this temple by a
tough but rewarding climb through a 6-km long trek. From the temple site,
a panoramic view of Kullu and Parvati valleys is available.
Brighu Lake
In district Kullu, Brighu Lake lies east of the Rohtang Pass and is about
6-km from the village of Bulaba. The shores of this clear water lake are
devoid of human habitation yet, it is visited regularly by the people
of the area.
Dhankia Mahadeva Temple
The temple is dedicated to Shiva who stands enshrined in a cave in the
form of a 'lingam'.
Kullu Dussehra
More traditionally, over two hundred deities converge on Kullu for its
unusual Dussehra Celebrations. They pay homage to Lord Raghunathji while
Music and colour fill the "Silver Valley". Dussehra at Kullu
commences on the tenth day of the rising moon, i.e. on 'Vijay Dashmi'
day itself and continues in seven days.
Pin Parbati Pass
The Pin Parbati Pass, 4,810m, is marked by rock cairns and prayer flags.
The alpine views to the snow-capped ranges towards the Kullu Valley contrast
with the barren mountain ridges, which stretch east towards Spiti.
Malana Valley
In the valleys of Kullu and Manali below Chanderkhani Pass, situated at
an altitude of 2,76m is a little hub of hundred houses. The village, which
consists of 1,000 tribals, has an immaculate system of self-governance.
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