Kullu (1220 km), located on the banks of the Beas river, was once known as Kulanthpitha - `the end of the habitable world'. Beyond its perimeter loomed the magnificent Greater Himalayas, and by the Beas sprawled the `Silver Valley'. Kullu came to be accessible to the outside world, only after Independence. The long period of seclusion, has only served to enhance the element of rawness and simplicity, that is inherent in the area.

What to See

Raghunath Temple: In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu is said to have committed a great wrong, to atone for which, he sent a courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Raghunath - Lord Rama. He built this temple to house the image, and the shrine went on to be a popular site of worship.

Bijli Mahadev Temple (14 km): Located at an altitude of 2460 m, this fascinating temple rests on a spur, that offers some splendid views. The remarkable feature of the shrine, is a high pole or staff that periodically draws lightning, which shatters the `Shivlinga' and scorches the building. Butter is, then, used as an adhesive by the priest to put the `linga' together again.

Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Bajaura (15 km): This temple is by far one of the most picturesque temples in the valley, and boasts of exquisite 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 some of the significant shrines around Kullu.

Kaisdhar (15 km): Kaisdhar is an idyllic meadow, embraced by lofty deodar trees.

Kasol (42 k ): Kasol, on the banks of the river Parvati, is another one of the many splendid spots that dot the Kullu valley, and offers ample opportunity for fishing trout.

Manikarna (45 km): Manikarna is located at an altitude of 1737 m, in the valley of the river Parvati. It derives its name from a legend according to which, Parvati, Lord Shiva's consort lost her earrings - manikarna - and recovered them at the site from which the sulphur springs arise. There is also a gurudwara in the area, and consequently, this spot is deemed sacred by both Hindus and Sikhs. There are also trek routes from here, that lead on to Pulga, Khirganga and Mantalai. Himachal Tourism runs Hotel Parvati at Manikarna.

Shoja (69 km): Shoja, at 2692 m, commands a brilliant panaromic view of the entire Kullu valley, in all its natural splendour.

Raison ( 13 km ): For the adventurous at heart, by the banks of the Beas, on the Kullu - Manali highway, is Raison, a good trekking site, where Himachal Tourism has established a camping base.

Nagar (23 km): Nagar was Kullu's erstwhile capital for 1400 years. The fact that its awesome 16th century castle, built of wood and stone, still stands intact, proves the earthquake - resistant properties of the local architectural style. The castle has now been converted into a hotel, under Himachal Tourism. Nagar also houses a gallery that showcases the splendid paintings of the famous Russian artist, Nicholas Roerich. The shrine of Jagati Pat, the pagoda - like shrine of the goddess Tripura Sundari, the shrines of Gaurishankar and Murlidhar, built in the shikhara style, are some of the major temples of the region. Facing the castle, is also a small temple dedicated to Narasimha, the leonine incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Adventure: The Kullu valley is the meeting - point of several trek - routes, mainly the routes from Chanderkhani Pass to Malana, over the Jalori Pass or Bashleo Pass to Simla and over the Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan. The magnificent Beas also offers ample opportunities for some exciting white river rafting.

Festival

The Kullu Dussehra, that seems to bring the entire valley to life, begins when Dussehra festivities in the rest of the country have ended. More than 600 local deities come to pay homage to Lord Raghunath (Lord Rama).

By air: The nearest airport is at Bhuntar (10 km).

By rail: The nearest railhead is at Jogindernagar (95 km).

By road: The distance from Delhi to Kullu via Mandi is 530 km, and from Simla the distance is 240 km. Luxury buses ply from Dehi and Simla to Kullu.

At the very heart of Kullu is the Himachal Tourism run Hotel Sarvari.

Address: Hotel Sarvari, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh - 175101. Tel: (01902 )2471

Slightly away from Kullu, in Shastrinagar, is the Himachal Tourism run Hotel Silvermoon.

Address: Hotel Silvermoon, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh - 175101. Tel: (01902)2488

Katrain, a spot packed with orchards is also the site of the Himachal Tourism run Hotel Apple Blossom.

Address: Hotel Apple Blossom, Katrain, Himachal Pradesh - 175129.