
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.
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'.
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
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.
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.
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.
Dhankia Mahadeva Temple
The temple is dedicated to Shiva who stands
enshrined in a cave in the form of a 'lingam'.
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.
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.
Trekking
Himachal offers a virtual bonanza for
trekkers. From moderate to strenuous treks ranging up to 11 days
and the best season to trek over here is during the months of
June to October. One of Himachal's classic routes is the Chandra
Bhaga triangle and the Baralacha Pass at a height of 4,833m.
Nature Parks: Kufri, Manali, Gopalpur
These are small nature parks getting very
popular among the tourists who whish to admire the expance of
nature.
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