Kasol:
An open glade by the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol
makes a good holiday destination. Clean white sand separates
the lush green grass from the stone, this place is well
known for trout fishing.
Shoja:
At 2692 m, this is a vantage point for a complete panorama
of the Kullu area-snow peaks and valleys, meadows and
forests, rivers and streams.
Raison:
By the banks of the Beas-and on the Kullu-Manali highway-
Himachal Tourism runs a camping site here. This place
is ideal for a taste of adventure and for spending a
quiet holiday in solitary splendour.
Katrain:
At about midpoint on Kullu-Manali road, this is the
home of lush orchards and famous for bee-keeping and
trout fishing. Khatrain is the widest point in Kullu
Valley and is overlooked by the 3,325 m Baragarh peak.
Largi:
Largi is a small hamlet, 34-km south of Kullu via Aut,
offers the best trout fishing and scenic beauty in the
valley. The resthouse there is in a stunning location
where two Himalayan torrents, the Sainj and Tirthan,
meet. Fishing permits can be obtained from Kullu and
Largi itself.
Jagatsukh:
Jagatsukh is the most ancient Kullu capital, situated
on the left bank, between Nagar and Manali. Around the
Jagatsukh secondary school playground there are two
ancient temples - the small shrine of Gaurishankar and
the larger chalet-roofed temple to the goddess Sandhya
Devi, the stone base of which is much more ancient than
the 19th-century wooden verandah and roof.
Deo
Tibba:
Also known as Indralika, this 2,953 metres (9,687 ft.)
high snow dove Jagatsukh, has a legend around it, with
Arjuna. He started performing 'tapa' at this mountain,
under the advice of Maharishi Vyas, in order to obtain
the powerful Pasupata Astra from Indra.
Banjar:
It is about 58-km from Kullu at an altitude of 1,534m
(5,000 ft.). Banjar is famous for its panoramic beauty
and trout fishing in river Tirtham.
Nirmund:
Situated in outer Seraj of Kullu district, Nirmund is
at present a block headquarter. Known as 'Chhoti Kashi',
it was once a seat of great scholars and intellectuals.
Bathad:
A beautiful spot at a distance of 67-km can be approached
by road from Kullu. It is recognized for adventurous
games such as hunting, trout fishing and breathtakingly
beautiful sites.
Malana:
30-km from Khatrain, near the beautiful Chandrakhani
Pass, which offers striking views of Deo Tibba is the
mysterious village of Malana. The village is basically
famous for its temple of Jamlu and its distinct and
fully reserved social and cultural set up.
Pulga,
Khiranga and Mantalai:
Almost level walk of two hours along Parvati river is
Gattigarh, the rest place for trekkers. Around 4-km
ahead on right side of river Parvati lies Pulga, which
looks like the twin sister of Manali. Khiranga hot water
fall is situated in beautiful natural setting and its
water contains medicinal property. One thing has to
be noted that taking bath in its water will put greasy
touches to the body, unlike Manikaran, where one feels
the touch of dryness. Covering another two kilometres
from Khiranga lies Mantalai.
Chandra Khanni
Pass:
The tough climbing trek-route of Chandra Khani Pass
lies east of Khatrain. The whole area looks wonderfully
striking and colorful when the flowers in various brilliant
hues, are in blossom
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Kullu
Dussehra
When Dussehra celebrations come to an end in the rest
of the country, they begin at Kullu. Over 600 local
deities come to pay homage to Lord Raghunathji. Enthusiasm
marks the festival, with every road leading to Dhaulpur
Maidan thronged by gaily-dressed, good-humoured crowds,
folk dances, exhibitions, cultural programmes are held
to mark the festivities.
At the end of April, a
colourful 3-day Cattle fair attracts villagers from
the surrounding areas. During the Hill Fruit Show, sponsored
by Department of Horticulture, Himachal Pradesh, best
Kullu fruits are on display.
DHOONGRI FAIR
May gushes in with a whole series of river rafting festivals
and water sports Regattas, throughout the state. Focused
around the goddess Hadimba Devi, Kullu celebrates the
Dhoongri fair.
WATER & ADVENTURE SPORTS
The Kullu valley
has numerous places for trout fishing. These include
Katrain, Raison, Kasol and Naggar, then along the river
Tirthan near Lad, in the Sainj Valley and in the Hurla
kund. The river Beas offers excellent opportunities
for white water rafting.
The valley is the
nucleus of several trek routes. Some major ones are
over the Chanderkhani Pass to Malana and Pin Parbati
Pass to Sarahan. The Jalora Pass lies 5-km beyond Shoja
and gives access to the outer Seraj region of the Kullu
Valley. From Chamba to Udaipur (Lahaul) over Sach Pass,
can be completed by trekkers within a day span of nine
or ten days. |
