Kullu Manali Places to Visit

I am traveling to Kullu Manali and visiting both of these destinations. It will be my first time in Himachal Pradesh, and I want to know about the places which should be visited.

I have seen a few things mentioned from other sources, but it is just a long list.

I want to know about the Kullu Manali places to visit which are worth visiting and are of some importance to the actual destinations.

 

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Kullu and Manali are both known for their picturesque views of the snowcapped mountains, their beautiful valleys and waterfalls. Kullu is also known as the "Valley of Gods" and has many temples to visit. On the other hand, Manali also has many attractions but is best known for its archaeological and historical destinations. Since they are in close proximity, they are often referred to as one destination hence the name "Kullu Manali." Here's some of the places worth visiting in Kullu Manali:

• Solang Valley. Some people refer to this as the "Snow Point" and during the winter, various snow activities are held in here. You can try skiing, parachuting and paragliding in here. Even in the summer, there's some activities you can do here, like sorbing or trekking. It is located at the top of Kullu Valley, about 14 kms Northwest of Manali, just before you reach the Rohtang Pass.

• Hadimba Temple. Built in 1553, this temple is located at the top of a hillock. Other names for it are the "Hidimba Devi Temple" or the "Dhungri Devi Temple." Its roof is unique in that it has four tiers and these are shaped like a pagoda. You could also see some carvings in the walls of the temple.

• Rohtang Pass. This one lies about 3,978 metres above sea level. It is located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas and considered a very dangerous road to trek. It offers great views of the valley from it.

• Vashist Hot Water Springs. You can reach Vashist about 5 kms away from Manali, it is situated just across the Beas River. Pilgrims and tourists alike visit the place for its hot springs.

• Bhrigu Lake. This one is located about 4,300 meters above sea level. You would need to trek a bit to reach this beautiful lake.

• Bhasheswar Mahadev Temple. Located about 15 kms away from Kullu, you can find this temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has intricate carvings and idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

• Bijli Maha Dev Temple.This is located 2,460 meters above sea level in the Kullu Valley. Its name refers to the 60 feet high lightning rod located in the temple. The lightning rod is struck by lightning every year.

• Great Himalayan National Park. Listed as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, this park houses the monsoon-affected forests and alpines of the Himalayas. It has about 25 forest types inside the park.

• Nehru Kund. Just about 5 kms from Manali, you'll find this natural cold spring. This was named after Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru who used to go to this spring and drink its fresh water. It's a great picnic spot as well.

• Sultanpur Palace. This used to be the Rupi Palace until it was destroyed by an earthquake. The Sultanpur Palace was rebuilt on the remains of the Rupi Palace. It's a combination of Pahari and colonial styles of architecture. There's also many wall paintings you can enjoy inside.

• Beas River. Although unsuitable for swimming, the Beas River is the perfect place for rafting. For the non-adventurous types, it's also great just having a picnic beside the river.

• Naggar Castle. Located on the banks of Beas River, you'll find Naggar. The castle is now a hotel operated by Himachal Tourism. You can also find the Roerich Art Gallery inside the castle/hotel.

I hope this helps!

 

Kullu:

1. Naggar Castle: Located in Naggar, this ancient castle offers a glimpse into the rich history of the region. It has stunning architecture and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
   
   
2. Jana Waterfall: A relatively less-visited gem, Jana Waterfall is a serene place surrounded by apple orchards. It's a perfect spot for a peaceful getaway and picnicking.
   
   
3. Tirthan Valley: Located about 60 kilometers from Kullu, this is an offbeat destination known for its pristine rivers, wildlife, and trekking opportunities.
   
   
4. Kasol: While Kasol is more famous for its hippie culture and backpacker scene, it's also a beautiful place with stunning landscapes and a relaxed atmosphere.
   

Manali:

1. Malana: Known for its unique culture and traditions, Malana is a small village that's quite distinctive from the rest of the region. The Malana Cream, a famous hashish, comes from here.
   
   
2. Gauri Shankar Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its exquisite architecture and intricate carvings.
   
   
3. Kais Monastery: Located in Kullu, this monastery is a serene and less-visited place. It offers an opportunity to experience Tibetan culture and spirituality.
   
   
4. Naggar Village: Naggar, a small, picturesque village, is home to the Naggar Castle and the Roerich Art Gallery. It's a tranquil spot to explore and enjoy local art.
   
   
5. Hampta Pass: A trek to Hampta Pass offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and is a great option for adventure seekers.
   
   
6. Sage Vyas Temple: Visit the temple dedicated to Sage Vyas, who is believed to have composed the epic Mahabharata in this area.
   

These are some additional places to explore in Kullu and Manali that offer a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure opportunities. Keep in mind that the region is rich in hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Enjoy your trip!