Situated amid the majestic Himalayas, the small hill station of Kullu lies in the namesake district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. This fabulous valley was once known as Kulanthpitha, meaning ?the end of the habitable world?, for its traditional charm that has been retained over long centuries of seclusion. However, since the valley became easily accessible post independence, it has been visited by tourists from across the globe for its serene natural beauty. The lofty hills, apple orchards, lush green fields and soaring forests make Kullu trip a memorable experience.
Often known by the sobriquet Valley of Gods, Kullu commands a picturesque view of the environs from the Chandrakhani Pass, a scenic trekking trail. Other places to visit in Kullu are Pandoh Dam, Jalori Pass, Shoja, Kasol, Solang Nala, Naggar, Malana and Jana Falls. The fabled Silver Valley abounds in holy sites like Bijli Mahadev Temple, Hanogi Mata Temple, Bekhli Temple and Raghunath Temple, which attract thousands of pilgrims every year. The Hindu festival of Dussehra is celebrated here with great enthusiasm in October or November over a period of seven days.
Sandwiched between Great Himalayan, Lower Himalayan and Pir Panjal ranges, Kullu offers several opportunities for tourists to indulge in adventure sports. These include skiing, mountaineering, trekking, rock climbing, paragliding and bike safaris. The Beas River running through the middle of the valley further allows adventurers to experience a variety of water activities, such as trout fishing and rafting. Among other Kullu attractions, shopping for pashmina, sheep-wool, angora and other handloom shawls and local handicrafts is the most sought-after.
There are plenty of interesting places near Kullu, such as Manikaran and Manali, which allow travellers to extend their vacation. The ideal time to visit Kullu is from September to June.