Kullu was once known as Kullanthapitha - the end of the habitable world. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalaya, and by the banks of the shining river Beas, lay the fabled Silver Valley.

Kullu got its first motorable access only after independence. The long centuries of seclusion have however allowed the area to retain a considerable measures of its traditional charm. 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 Silver Valley has nature's treasures that lie carelessly scattered as flowers on the high meadows. This wealth nestles by every tree in the splendid forests, it bursts forth in the blooms and in the fruit of every orchard. Here are riches which cannot be measured and echo down the ages with the words of every myth and ancient legend-and glow in the warm smiles of its gentle people. There is pleasure in every step you take in these enchanted valleys and is every gurgle you hear in the clear mountain streams.

How to Get There
The airport at Bhuntar is 10 km from Kullu, where taxis and buses are available. The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 95 km from Kullu. By road, the distance from Delhi via Mandi is 530 km and from Shimla this is 240 km. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Kullu.

Climate
In winter, the temperature gets quite low when heavy woolens are required. It is pleasant in summer and cottons are recommended.

Places of Interest in and Around Kullu.

Raghunath Temple :
In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu committed a great wrong. To atone for the sin, he sent a senior countier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Ragunath - Lord Rama. This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and even today is greatly revered.

Bijli Mahadev Temple (14 km) :
At 2460 m, this is set on a spur that offers some spectactular views. The temple is famous for its high staff that periodically draws lightning which shatters the Shivlinga and scorches the building. Using only butter as adhesive, the linga is then carefully pieced together by the temple Pundit.

Basheshwar Mahadev Temple Bajura :
(15 km) One of the most charming temple in the Kullu Valley, this is renowned for its intricate stone carvings.

Other Temples :
The Vaishno Devi Temple (4 km), the Devi Jagannathi temple at Bekhli (5 km) and the Vishnu temple at Dayar (12 km) are other important shrines around Kullu.

Kaisdhar (15 km)
A high meadow fringed by deodar trees. A picturesque spot.

Kasol :
(42 km) An open glade by the banks of the river Parvati. Clean White sand separates the lush green grass from the water. A good spot for trout. Himachal Tourism has Tourist Hut here.