KuluThe famous "valley ofGods" of the Kullu-Manaliduo, this little picturesque town islocated on the serene banks ofriver Beas. Known for its appleorchards and sprawling Pine andDeodar forests, Kullu exemplifiesthe tranquility of the Himachali wayof life. Yet the andrenaline-rush ofadventure sports is never too farfrom the solitude it offers.

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Famous For : City

Kullu has featured in different periods ofhistory, including the Mahabharata,Ramayana and Vishnu Purana, as well as theBuddhist legends of the Mahayanists. Theerstwhile Kulantipeetha, which literallymeans "end of the inhabitable world", itsname captures a certain unexplored side ofKullu. It is known for its proximity to Manali,but is increasingly gaining independentfame on the basis of the variousrecreational possibilities that it offers.Travellers can enjoy river rafting,mountaineering, paragliding, trekking andhiking. Home to the famous apple orchards,come here for some kaleidoscopic viewsand serene surroundings, while you munchon some of the juiciest apples you'll everfind. Buy Kullu shawls and handicrafts andtake a little piece of Kullu back home.

Kulu Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/kulu page 1

When To

VISIThttp://www.ixigo.com/weather-in-kulu-lp-1139066

JanVery cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:16.799999237060547°C

Min: 4.0°C Rain: 15.0mm

FebVery cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:16.600000381469727°C

Min:4.099999904632568°C

Rain: 33.0mm

MarCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max: 21.0°C Min:

7.199999809265137°C

Rain: 36.0mm

AprCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:27.600000381469727°C

Min: 10.5°C Rain: 12.0mm

MayCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:26.600000381469727°C

Min:14.699999809265137°C

Rain: 42.0mm

JunPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:27.700000762939453°C

Min:15.199999809265137°C

Rain: 36.0mm

Jul

Cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen,umbrella.Max: 25.5°C Min:

12.699999809265137°C

Rain: 144.0mm

AugCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen,umbrella.Max:25.600000381469727°C

Min:12.300000190734863°C

Rain: 78.0mm

SepCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen,umbrella.Max:25.299999237060547°C

Min:11.699999809265137°C

Rain: 63.0mm

OctCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:23.100000381469727°C

Min: 10.0°C Rain: 3.0mm

NovCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:21.600000381469727°C

Min:6.400000095367432°C

Rain: 12.0mm

DecVery cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:17.399999618530273°C

Min:3.799999952316284°C

Rain: 15.0mm

What To

SEE5 Sights

http://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-kulu-lp-1139066

1 The Great Himalayan

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National Park

Great Himalayan National Park,Shamshi, District Kullu, HimachalPradesh 175126, India

Encompassing the valleys of the Sainj andTirthan rivers in the lap of the WesternHimalayas, The Great Himalayan NationalPark (GHNP) is the perfect place to unwindamongst nature’s serenesurroundings.  Its wide range ofaltitude (between 1,700m-6,000m) allows fora vast and unique biodiversity. Broad-leafedtrees and thick shrubbery interlaced withwild roses that clamber the hillsides, theirfragrance heady, give way to oak and deepgreen conifers and birch. Providing dramaticrelief every now and then are open areascovered in thick springy grasses and fernsand far beyond are frozen rivulets andglaciers amongst barren terrain, the rocksand stones covered with mosses andlichens. 

The Extent: IN 1984, The Himachal Wildlife

Project (HWP) surveyed the upper Beasregion to help establish the boundaries ofthe park. An area comprising thewatersheds of Jiwa, Sainj and Tirthan riversbecame the Great Himalayan National Parkthe same year. Starting from an altitude of1,700 m above mean sea level, the highestpeak within the park approaches almost5,800 m. 

The area of the National Park at themoment is 754.4 km and it is naturallyprotected on the northern, eastern andsouthern boundaries by permanent snow orsteep ridges. To facilitate conservation, afive kilometre-wide buffer area, extendingfrom the western periphery of the park, hasbeen classified as the Eco-developmentProject Area (EPA) or Ecozone. 

Profusion of Fauna: These variedsurrounding host an abundance of animallife. While way up in the interior near Tirathwhere the Tirthan starts its journey from aglacial pond, one might just sight a snowleopard. On the higher slopes graze themusk deer, goral, serow, tahr and bharal(blue sheep). Both brown and black bearsroam the lower forests as does theleopard. 

The bamboo thickets and grasses are thehabitat of colourful pheasants — the monal,khaleej and koklas. But the pride of the parkis the rare western tragopan, a magnificent

bird with brilliant plumage. Draped in deepred, orange and black, dark wings fleckedwith white and its fan like crest, it isprotected fiercely by the villagers who singpaens to its beauty and call it jujurana. Forthem, it is the king of their forests. 

Experiencing the Woods: While a long trekthrough the park is sure to be an adventure,there are many shorter routes that are easyto cover. The Great Himalayan National Park(GHNP) offers the causal hiker and serioustrekker a wide range of experiences in thenatural wonders of the park. Trails rangefrom relatively easy day walks in theEcozone to challenging week-long or longerduration treks through arduous andspectacular terrain. 

2 Nirmand

Nirmand, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh,India

One of the many lesser known marvels of

Himachal Pradesh, Nirmand is a sprawlingvillage in the Kullu district. Known for itsmythological link to Parshuram Rishi, thevillage is believed to be the location ofwhere the Rishi settled the Brahmins, whilecarrying on his battle for eliminating theKshatriyas. To honour this tradition, thevillage houses a temple complex andfortress like structure called Parasram Kothi.

The 'kothi' has innumerable art objects andvaluable artifacts, some even dating as farback as the 7th Century. The village also hasseveral temples, Ambica Devi temple beingone of them. A popular destination amongpilgrims, it is lesser known in the touristcircle and hence a great place for someoffbeat fun.

3 Siraj Valley

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Siraj Valley, Out, Himachal Pradesh,India

A quiet and unassuming village settlement,the Siraj Valley is another jewel inHimachal's crown. You'll love the laid back,peaceful aura of this place, perfect to walkaround at leisure or do some serioustrekking.

The place tends to experience snow duringwinters, so be prepared with proper bootswho decide to travel in December orJanuary. With the misty air of the mountainsto keep you company, a trip to Siraj Valley issure to act as a balm to your spirits.

4 Kheer Ganga

Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Situated at a short distance ofapproximately 22 km from Manikaran,Kheer Ganga is a verdant meadow nestledin the lap of Parvati Valley. With a delectable

assortment of hot springs, cafes andhomestays/guesthouses, the place attractsmany tourists from India and abroad. A bathin the hot springs will prove to be arejuvenating and relaxing experience. Thetrek to this place is interesting and filledwith breathtaking sites. A motorable roadwill take you up till a place known asBarsheni, and from here, you will have towalk on foot. Two paths run along the valley-- one from Nakthan Village and the otherfrom Kalga Village. It is believed that this isthe place where Lord Shiva's elder sonKartik remained in samadhi for thousandsof years. The population here is scarce andthe place is open for tourists for a goodseven months.  

5 Hot Springs at Manikaran

Manikaran, Banks of Parvati River,Kullu

Located in Parvati Valley, Manikaran Hot Springs are belived to have healing and spiritualproperties. Manikaran is 45 kms from Kulluand the springs are situated on the banks ofParbati river. It is indeed a great placeto relax and enjoy natural hot water springs.If you wish to take a dip in the holy waters,

then it is advised to not be in the water formore than 10 minutes as the sulphurcontent is really high. The spring comes outwith great pressure and is very hot. Lot ofpeople from all around come here to curetheir ailments. Rheumatism and muscularpains are said to be cured by taking bath inthis water. The food (langar) at theManikaran Gurudwara is cooked in potskept immersed in the hot water of thesprings. The gurudwara also provides free ofcost accommodation. Visit the place to unwind and rejuvenate in anever before manner. 

Where To

Eat5 Places

http://www.ixigo.com/foods-in-of-kulu-lp-1139066

1 Maitre Cafe

Across From Puri Brothers PetrolPump, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

A quaint restaurant with great views of themountains, Maitre Cafe is a treat for thosewho love their food wholesome anddelicious. The service is good and the staff ishumble. They prepare the dishes with loveand take pride in serving their guests thebest of cuisine. The menu mostly consists ofItalian dishes such as ravioli, bakedvegetables, lasagna and pizzas. Lebaneseand Asian cuisine also feature on the menu.Recommended dishes include Greek salad,mushroom soup, jasmine rice, ravioli andmango cheesecake. 

2 Little Italy

VPO Kasol, Kullu-Manikaran Road,Parvati Valley, Kasol, Kullu, HimachalPradesh 175105, India

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+91-1902-273125|+91-9816187997

If authentic Italian food is what you arecraving for, Little Italy is the place youshould head to. From pastas, and woodfired pizzas to panna cottas and bruschettasyou'll find delectable Italian dishes on themenu. The best part is that this restaurantmakes use of pure organic ingredients inpreparation and avoids using any artificialsweeteners and preservatives. Also the staffis quite helpful and friendly.

3 The Spice House Restaurant

Tikka Bauri Springs, Shastri Nagar,Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

+91 9816018004

The Spice House Restaurant is the in-house,multi cuisine restaurant of hotel HimalayanHamlet. The restaurant serves a lipsmacking range of dishes which includePunjabi, Mughlai, Chinese, Asian as well astraditional Himachali cuisine. The ambienceis warm and cosy with wood furnishings and

a multi storey setup. The restaurant alsomakes arrangements for celebrations andparties. Next time you can definitely plan fora celebration. The serving staff is courteous,the prices are reasonable and the place ishygienic. 

4 Sura Bar

Tikka Bori Springs, Shastri Nagar,Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

+91 9218518004

It is late in the evening, you are done withyour shopping and sightseeing, and feel likerelaxing over a drink or two. Where do youhead? To Sura Bar! The in-house bar-cum-lounge of hotel Himalayan Hamlet, Sura is awell-stocked bar with a premium range ofIndian as well as imported spirits. Sit at thebar or take your drink to the adjoiningrestaurant The Spice House and enjoy acosy dinner. The cocktails and mocktails aredelicious and will leave you craving formore. So say cheers to an evening of light-hearted reverie and fun in Kullu!

5 Sapna Sweets

Kullu-Ramshila Road, Akhara, Kullu,Himachal Pradesh

Situated in the main bazaar of the hillstation, Sapna Sweets is a pure vegetarianrestaurant and sweet shop. Serving adelicious array of mithaais, snacks andIndian dishes, this restaurant is a hit withthe locals as well as tourists. Their USP istheir Himachali cuisine which is prepared intraditional, home-style method. Despitebeing a small restaurant with limited seatingcapacity, the place is always filled withpeople looking a tasty treat. The prices areeconomical and hygiene is maintained at therestaurant.

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Quick

LOCATEhttp://www.ixigo.com/hotels-in-kulu-lp-1139066

SeeA: The Great Himalayan National ParkB: NirmandC: Siraj ValleyD: Kheer GangaE: Hot Springs at Manikaran

AccommodationF: Tirthan Valley Luxmi HomestayG: Rose HomestayH: Dogra HomestayI: Tirthan Valley Luxmi HomestayJ: Rose HomestayK: Dogra HomestayL: Tirthan Valley Luxmi HomestayM: Rose HomestayN: Dogra Homestay

FoodO: Maitre CafeP: Little ItalyQ: The Spice House RestaurantR: Sura BarS: Sapna Sweets