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Coorg

State

Coorg (1525 m above sea level), meaning dense forest on steep hill, is 252 kms from Bangalore on the Western ghats. Coorg is said to be Scotland of India, providing tourists view to misty hills, lush forests, coffee plantation, orange groves and breathtaking views. Coorg is a beautiful hill station set amidst verdant valley, surrounded by teakwood forests. The river Cauvery originates in Coorg at Talacauvery.

History

Inscriptions on stone and copper dating back to the 9th century provide valuable information concerning the early history of the place. Coorg was believed to have been part of the Ganga Kingdom between the 9th and 10th centuries, followed by a short spell under the Kadambas. During the 11th century, the Kodagu was under the reign of the Chola dynasty who ruled over it till the 12th century. The Kongalvas and Changalvas ruled briefly and subsequently Kodagu remained free till it came under the control of the Hoysalas in the 14th century, the Nayakas in the early 16th century and the Haleri Rajas in the middle of the same century.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest domestic airport is Mangalore, which is 160 km away and International airport is Bangalore which is 265 km away. Mangalore is connected by air to airports in South India, especially to Chennai and Bangalore. Bangalore airport is well connected to many gulf countries and other foreign cities. It takes about Rs 2000 for Taxi from Mangalore to Coorg and Rs 3000 from Bangalore to Coorg.

Rail: Nearest railhead are Managlore, Hassan, Mysore and Thalasserry. Mangalore is the major railway station close to Coorg, Mangalore is connected by rail to all cities in India.

Road: Coorg is well connected by K.S.R.T.C buses from all over Karnataka, particularly it is connected to the cities Mysore (125 km), Bangalore (265 km) and Mangalore (160 km). Deluxe bus services are available from these cities to Coorg. Deluxe buses charges about Rs 2 – Rs 3 per kilometer.

Shopping

Shopping in Coorg is not the focus of activity. This is a land of unspoilt natural beauty. You would not find swanky shopping malls, rising structures in glass and concrete and raucous buyers in Coorg. It is not a typical shopping destination.

But for some, returning from a tour without buying some souvenir for near and dear ones, is just impossible. Coorg has some good news for. Shop for the local produce here. Cardamom, pepper and honey should top your shopping list in Coorg.

You can also pick delicious oranges in seasons while shopping in Coorg.

What else but the natural produce can you get in a destination like Coorg were natural beauty is the highlight. Once you have come to Coorg, buy them to take back. Such things as fresh as here are hard to get in big cities.

Accommodation

With travelers thronging over this beautiful spot, locating a decent Hotel in Coorg is not tough, and that too definitely providing value for money. Look for hotels that shall offer you neat and clean accommodation, hygienic food, warm hospitality and reasonable rates.

Here is a selection of hotels in Coorg:

Orange County Resort
Hotel Coorg International
Club Mahindra Kodagu Valley
Kannika International

Hotel Coorg International, Madikeri.
Hotel Rajdarshan, Madikeri.
Orange Country Resort, Siddapura.
Hotel Chitra, Madikeri.
Capital Village, Madikeri.

Attractions

Coffee:
Coffee, the pause that refreshes is grown extensively in Kodagu on plantations that dot most of the hillsides, with coffee, orange, black pepper and cardamom at the bottom of the slopes, under canopies of huge trees.

Well maintained with modern curing and irrigation, these plantations exude a heady fragrance in April, when the coffee bushes blossom. Coffee picking time is from November to March.

District
Madikeri, Somwarpet, Virajpet
STD Code
08272
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 10-32°C
Best time to visit
April to November
Famous For
River Cauvery, Coffee Plantations

Badami

State

Badami is an ancient town in the south Indian state of Karnataka. Formerly known as Vatapi, it was the capital of the powerful Badami Chalukya Empire that controlled the entire region from 450 A.D. to 750 A.D. Badami is built in a ravine at the base of a red sandstone ridge, which encircles a beautiful body of water called the Agastya Lake.

History

Badami was the regal capital of the Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD. The Chalukyas, constructed several beautiful buildings in the traditional Dravidian architectural style associated with the temples of South India. The location of the town in the northern extreme of Karnataka exposed the rulers to north Indian architecture, and they soon blended the two in many of the subsequent constructions. Following the decline of the Chalukya Empire, subsequent rulers added their own different styles to new constructions. These include the Rashtrakuts, Kalyan Chalukyas, Kalachuryas, Devangiri Yadavas, Vijayanagar Empire, Adil Shah of Bijapur, and finally the Marathas in the 19th century. Subsequently it was under British control till India gained independence.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Badami is Belgaum, which is about 190 km away. Belgaum is connected to Mumbai by domestic flights. From Belgaum to Badami, taxi charge is about Rs 3000/-. Bangalore is the nearest International Airport, from where it requires about 12 hours travel (about 500 km) to reach Badami by Taxi/ buses.

Rail: Nearest major railhead is Hubli, which is about 100 km away. Hubli is well connected to all major cities. There is a small station near Badami which is about 5 km from the heart of the city. It takes about Rs 25 by three wheeled rickshaw and Rs 100 for taxi.

Road: Badami is connected by state transport KSRTC to Hubli and Bijapur. Tourist buses are available from Bangalore to Badami daily. This costs nearly Rs 1500 by tourist bus.

District
Bagalkot district
STD Code
08357
Topic
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 10-32°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Dalhousie

Dalhousie, located in the outer slopes of hill Dhauladhar range, is full of old world charm and holds lingering echoes of the 'RAJ'. The British Governor General, Lord Dalhousie, visiting this area around the middle of the 19th century for a quiet retreat, came upon a charming spot on a ridge overlooking the plains and later the hill town was named after him.

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/srinig/170259659/

History

The history of this town dates back to 1854, when it was discovered the British governor-general Lord Dalhousie. Named after him, this town emerged as a favorable destination of many leaders throughout history. This town has a special significance in context of Indian history as many of our illustrious leaders have visited and stayed in this town. This is indeed the district that had a huge impact on the Indian laureate Rabindranath Tagore, who has described Dalhousie it his famed autobiography. Many national leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nelhru and Shaeed Ajeet Sings have too stayed at Dalhousie at some point of their lives and have said and written something in its appreciation.

In 1866, the cantonment area of Balun was also taken over and remains a cantonment to this day.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airports are Pathankot which is about 75 km from Dalhousie and Jammu at a distance of 180 km from Dalhousie. Pathankot is connected to Delhi only, while Jammu has more frequent air services to Delhi and other destinations in North India. Taxi fare from Dalhousie-Pathankot is nearly Rs 1000.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Pathankot. Patahnkot is well connected by rail to various cities in India, including Mumbai, Pune and Delhi. Taxi fare from Dalhousie-Pathankot is nearly Rs 1000.

Road: Bus services by public transport system are available in Dalhousie, which connects to the towns in and around Dalhousie. Overnight luxury buses are available from Delhi to Dalhousie (587 km distance). The bus fare is about Rs 1500.

Shopping

Buy handicrafts at the Tibetan Market which is located at Gandhi Chowk. Good buys would be carpets, jewellery, woolens, Chamba slippers, scarves and shawls. The Himachal Handicrafts Emporium is also a good place for handicraft shopping.

Dalhousie might not be the ultimate shopper's haven, but it definitely has something unique to offer. Here you should not miss buying Buddhist paintings, woollens, junk jewelery and a variety of silver and copper 'diyas'. The best place to sought these items will be the Tibetan market on Gandhi chowk. The government emporium called as the Himachal Hand loom Crafts centre on Potreyn road should be visited for Kullu shawls while Tibetan shawls and carpets along with souvenirs can be best bought from Tibetan Handicrafts centre on lower Bakrota. You should visit the DC Khanna store on Potreyn road for some traditional old world charms.

Gandhi Chowk: Gandhi Chowk is one among the hottest shopping place in Dalhousie. Formerly known as GPO, Gandhi Chowk, is a vivacious plaza with abundant bistros and shops. Most significant of all the shops scattered here is the Tibetan market, which sells diverse goods ranging from traditional handicrafts to electronic goods.

The majority of the shops are huddled in and around Gandhi Chowk, which hardly takes 15 mins from the central bus station. A number of assiduous Tibetans make and vend a wide range of articles such as jewellery, jackets, handicrafts, rugs, cardigans and carpets. One can also found tiny shops apart from the well established shopping malls.

Tibetan Handicrafts Centre: The brilliancy of Tibetan artisans is clearly reflected in the richness of the traditional artifacts that are put for sale in the Tibetan handicraft center at Bakrota Hill. A souk owned by Tibetans, this center displays various types of ornaments, mementos and Chinese goods.

A visit to this emporium makes oneself to be accustomed with the dexterity of Tibetans. What makes this centre a hub of shoppers is its outstanding collections of Tibetan Carpets conventional handlooms and exquisite mats. It is assured that The Tibetan Handicrafts Centre would provide a delightful experience to the shopping buffs.

Accommodation

Dalhousie counts itself as one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Thousands of tourists visit it each year not only from other places within India but also from around the world. Dalhousie has several options of various hotel accommodations for people to choose from.

Most of the good hotels in Dalhousie are along the Mall and near the Bus Stand. These are standard quality hotels – reasonably comfortable and clean. Popular choices are Peace Channels Hotel and Mount View Hotel. Himachal Tourism runs a good hotel along with a restaurant. The old palace of the Chamba rulers, 2 kms from the centre of town, has been converted into a hotel.

Things to do

Trekking

Dalhousie has some good trekking routes with the major one being the Khajjiar – Chamba Khajjiar is 22 kms away from Dalhousie and the route follows a scenic climb to Kalatop 13 kms and 4-5hours of trekking time depending on your speed. Most trekkers set up camp for the night at Kalatop and start out again next morning on the next 12 kms to Khajjiar. Spend the night again at khajjiar and set out next day for the 10kms trek to Chamba.

District
Chamba
STD Code
018982
Termperature
Summer 8 to 30°C, Winter -10 to 10°C
Best time to visit
May to Octoberv

Kinnaur

Kinnaur, the land of fairytale and fantasies, is hemmed in by Tibet in the east and boasts of three majestic mountain ranges namely the Zanskar, Greater Himalayas and Dhauladhar. It has got the spectacular terrain of lush green valleys, orchards, vineyards, snow clad peaks and cold desert mountains. The landscape varies from the luxuriant green orchards of the scenic Sangla valley to the stark magnificence of the of the Hangarang valley.

History

The people of Kinnaur believe themselves to be the descendants of the Pandavas of the great Hindu epic, Mahabharata. They also believe that their ancestors were somewhere between men and god and had supernatural powers.

Before India's independence, Kinnaur formed part of the erstwhile Bhushhar state. After independence, Kinnaur formed the Chini Tehsil of Mahasu district. As part of the reorganization of border areas, the Kinnaur district was formed on May 1, 1960, to enable speedy development of this area.

Kinnaur is home to some of lndia's oldest traditions and legends. The Pandava brothers are said to have spent several years of their exile in these tracts- an episode from the epic Mahabharata. Ancient texts have gone to the extent of placing the people of Kinnaur-the Kinners-as halfway between men and gods. The highland tribes here are simple, hard working, honest and very welcoming to the tourists.

Accessibility

Air - Does Not Have its Own Airport. The Nearest Airport is Jubbar Hatti (from Shimla to Kalpa), Located 244 km Away.

Rail - The nearest railway station for Kinnaur is at Shimla 250 km. Regular Bus Services are Available.

Road - Well Connected Buses and Taxis Ply From all the Parts of the State for Kinnaur.

Shopping

Colourful Kinnauri Shawls, Local Tweed, Woolen Socks, Silver Jewelleries, Golden Delicious Apples, Chilgozhas, Almon and Walnuts from Sangla Valley.

Things to do

Kinner Kailash Circuit ( Parikrama ) : One can undertake this holy parikrama from Morang and return to Kalpa / Karcham in 7- 8 days.

District
Kinnaur
STD Code
01786
Termperature
Summer 18 to 30°C, Winter -10 to 15°C
Best time to visit
May to October

Paonta Sahib

Paonta Sahib is a bustling town situated on the bank of the river Yamuna, is famous for a Gurudwara dedicated to the tenth sikh guru, Gobind Sigh, who spent five years here. It recalls his presence even in the name of the city which is derived from Paonta meaning "foot", either because he set foot on this place or, according to an alternate story, he lost an ornament which he wore on his foot called "Paonta" while bathing in the Yamuna river.

History

The land was discovered by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who was encouraged by Raja Maidini Prakash of Sirmour to leave his home town of Anandpur Sahib at the age of 16 to take up meditation in this place. He also taught many of his disciples here. A Gurudwara (called the Paonta Sahib Gurdwara) has been built over the very same spot on the banks of the river where Guru used to meditation. It is believed that the rushing waters of the Yamuna became silent while flowing by so that the Guru would not be disturbed.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport in Himachal is Jubbarhatti 145 km.

Rail: Nearest broad guage line is Yamunanagar 56 km.

Road: Almost each and every part of the state is linked by roads. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation is running its buses covering the whole state. There is huge network of HRTC to cater the needs of the people.
Distance: Nahan 45 km., Shimla to Paonta Sahib 258 km., Chandigarh to Paonta Sahib 132 km.

Getaways
Things to do

Trekking
Trekking is a popular activity here. One of the more popular trekking trails include the scenic spot at Choordhar, meaning ‘silver bangle mountain’. It is more than 3,600m above sea level. Equally interesting are certain other less traveled trekking routes, but are well accessed with the help of a competent guide.

STD Code
0177
Best time to visit
March to November
Famous For
Paonta Sahib is an important pilgrimage destination for Sikhs and Hindus.

Mcleodganj

McLeodGanj, flanked by deodar and rhododendron forests, is located in upper Dharamsala and is known for being the seat of the Dalai Lama. The upper town of McLeod Ganj was named after a lieutenant governor of Punjab, David McLeod. The area is primarily a Tibetan settlement with its main focus resting on Tsuglagkhang Complex. The house also has a collection of scared text called the Khagyur based on the teachings of Buddha.

McLeodganj town, Dharamsala at the foothills of the Dhauladhar range in Himalayas.

History

Mcleodganj has been named after Sir David McLeod who was a Lieutenant Governor of Punjab in the times of British Raj over India. After the second Anglo-Sikh war, Britishers sent two regiments of British army to Dharmshala and named this place after Hindu Rest House System as “Dharamshala”. Another infantry (battalion) reached the upper regions and two little towns were established, one called Mcleodganj and other Forsyth Ganj.

Until year 1904, Mclodganj was the largest center of trade in Kangra district, but in 1905, a strong earthquake destroyed the entire Mclodganj and Dharamshala area. Many people were killed and rest of them left this area to relocate in lower parts of Himachal Pradesh. McLeodganj remained in this condition until 1959. After 1959, McLeod Ganj became home to thousands of Tibetan refugees who revolted against the forceful ownership of China and built their temple, museum, and monasteries at this place. After this, due to its pleasant weather and regional importance, tourists from nearby cities started discovering this place and slowly and slowly it became one of the best weekend getaways near Delhi.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport is Gaggal which is about 30 km away from Mcleodganj. From Kulu and Delhi, flights services are available to Gaggal thrice a week. Taxis are available and costs about Rs 1000 from Mcleodganj. Delhi is the nearest International airport which is 530 km away. Delhi is connected with all major cities in India and also with many cities abroad. Tourist taxis are also available costing about Rs 10,000.

Rail: Kangra and Nagrota are the nearest meter gauge railway stations to Mcleodganj. Pathankot is the nearest broad gauge station, which is connected to all major cities in India by train.

Road: Regular deluxe bus services are available from Delhi to Mcleodganj which is about 530 km away from Delhi and fare is about Rs 2000. State bus services connect Mcleodganj with neighboring cities.

Shopping

This place is a heaven for shopping lovers. It is one destination where people are enthralled in excessive spending. You can sought for many – a – treasures while excavating the shops in McLeodganj. Local Handicrafts are not the only purchase. Look for Tibetan carpets, thankas, wooden masks, metal votive objects, paper drawings, beads and baubles besides all manner of interesting things. Go to Nowroji's at the entrance to McLeodganj which is a good place to potter around for unusual finds.

If you are a magpie then you could pick your way through corals or amethysts, rubies or topaz. And if you are planning to stay for a long time, then you can even have a woollen carpet woven to your design and choice of colours.

The two major shopping areas are the McLeodganj and the Dharamsala bazaars. At McLeodganj, a variety of Tibetan souvenirs can be purchased. These include finely worked metal images, bowls, prayer wheels and musical instruments, thangka paintings, carpets, pullovers, caps, socks, chunky jewellery and lined carpet slippers. Prices vary from shop to shop and on the quality; for example, the price of a thangka could vary from a few hundred rupees to several thousand. For traditional Kangri food, the restaurants in Dharamsala are a better option while those in McLeodganj offer a range of Indian, European and Tibetan food.

Many Buddhist related and Tibet related items can be shopped in Mcleodganj. Tibietan art and craft items are the major commodities sold in this place. Tibetan Carpets, votive objects, ponchos, thangkas, chubas, masks, silver and stone jewellery, bottled products, muesli, jackets, statuettes and many other artifacts and handicrafts. The modern dress materials and electronic items are also available in the shops.

One can get Tibetan cheese, flags, prayer wheels and Tibetan tea from the shops in Mcleodganj. One can get the varieties of these items from the street shops in Mcleodganj. Many Buddhist related items are also available plenty in moderate rates here.

Things to do

Trekking: Himalayan undulated ranges in Mcleodganj offer the most exciting trekking opportunity for the adventurous seeking tourists and trekkers. The trails in Mcleodganj leading to Leh, Kullu, Ladakh and Kangra are the best cool and comfortable trekking trails in the country. These offer mild to highly rough trekking opportunities for the enthusiastic trekkers.

There are many institute who offer good training facilities for trekking. Eagle's Height Trekkers is one such agency training the trekkers with good quality facilities and reputation. It can be contacted at telephone no. +91-01892-221097.

District
Kangra district
STD Code
01892
Best time to visit
July to September
Famous For
Residence of Dalai Lama, Tsuglagkhang Temple

Rewalsar

Rewalsar is a small town on the banks of Lake Rewalsar and is sacred for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. It was from here that the great Indian teacher and `Tantric` Padmasabhava left for Tibet. Known to the Tibetans as Guru Rimpoche, the Precious Master, it was under Padmasambahava`s influence that Mahayana Buddhism spread over Tibet. There are islands of floating reed on Rewalsar lake and the spirit of Padmasabhava is said to reside in them. It is here that the sage Lomas did penance in devotion to Lord Shiva, and the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh also resided here for one month.

History

Located on a mountain spur, an hour's drive from Mandi brings you to this jewel like lake. With water, woodland and high hills, it presents a variety of natural beauty and the spot is sacred for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. It was here that the great Indian teacher and tantric, Padmasabhava left for Tibet. Known to the Tibetans as Guru Rimpoche - the Precious Master. It was under Padmasambahava's influence that Mahayana Buddhism spread over Tibet. There are islands of floating reed on Rewalsar Lake and the spirit of Padmasabhava is said to reside in them. It is here that the sage Lomas did penance in devotion to Lord Shiva, and the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh also resided here for one month.

Accessibility

Air

The closest airport from Manali is Bhuntar, which is around 63 km from the town of Mandi.

Rail

The closest railhead is in Kiratpur which 125 km away from the town of Mandi.

Road

Rewalsar is 24 km by road from Mandi. Taxis and buses are available at Mandi.

Accommodation

The HPTDC Rewalsar Inn has quiet good accommodation facilities. Even Drikung Kagyud Gompa and Nyinggmapa Gompa also offer some good basic rooms for staying.

Attractions

Sisu fair
The Sisu Fair is an annual fair held in February/March at Rewalsar.

Tsechu Fair
The Tsechu Fair is held in Rewalsar to commemorate the birthday of Padmasambhava. In 2004, this fair was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama, the religious guru of the Tibetans and was attended by Urgyen Trinley Dorje Karmapa along with 50,000 other Buddhist pilgrims.

The fair is being celebrated for centuries by Buddhist devotees to commemorate the birthday of their guru, Padama Sambhava, on the 10th of the first month of every new year, according to the Tibetan Calendar (10th of Dawa Thangpo).

District
Mandi District
STD Code
01905
Best time to visit
May to October

Kullu

Kullu, knaown as "Valley of Gods", is located in the charming Kullu valley and is set amongst the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas. The town is famous for its temples and the annual Dussehra festival, both of which attract thousands of tourists. It is also known for its handicrafts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Himalayas_from_Kullu_Valley,_Himachal…

History

According to ancient Hindu scriptures, the area was known as ‘Kulantapitha’ – the end of the habitable world. Nestling within the high Himalayan ranges, the Kullu valley remained isolated from the rest of the world till very recently. The Hindu rulers of Kullu initially ruled over an area restricted to the upper Beas River valley, with their capital in the ancient village of Jagatsukh near Manali. The valley was a gateway to Lahaul and Ladakh andan important stop on the crucial trade route between central Asia and the Gangetic Plains down south. This made the area prosperous and by the 17th century AD, the kingdom had expanded its boundaries to Lahaul-Spiti in the north and the Sutlej River in the east. The capital of the kingdom was first shifted to Naggar, then to Sultanpur before finally settling at Kullu. Kullu grew into an important town when Raja Jagat Singh shifted the capital of the kingdom from Naggar in the mid-17th century. The idol of Lord Raghunathji (Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, one of the gods in the Hindu trinity), the presiding deity of this town, was brought from his mythical birthplace in Ayodhya by the king. Declared the district headquarters after independence, Kullu is now an important market town for the region, and a transit point for travellers going on to the more popular Manali, 40 kms north. Kullu is also the focal point for trekkers into the Parvati valley and the Pin valley.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport to Kullu is Bhuntar airport, which is at a distance of 9 km from the city center of Kullu. This airport is connected by domestic flights to Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla. Paid taxi service from airport to Kullu cost about Rs 250.

Rail: Jogindernagar is the nearest railhead to Kullu, which is at a distance of 125 km. This railway station is connected to all Indian cities via Chandigarh which is 267 km away from Kullu.

Road: State owned bus services of Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation are available from Kullu connecting with the nearest cities. Kullu is connected to Delhi (570 km), Chandigarh (267 km), Pathankot (285 km) and Shimla (270 km) by tourist deluxe buses of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. These deluxe buses cost about Rs 4 per km.

Getaways
Shopping

Just like its adventure, Kullu has also created a niche for it self in being one of the favored shopping destinations in Himachal Pradesh. You should begin your shopping expedition from Kullu Shawls. These shawls occupy a unique position in the traditional handicrafts of the state. From this fairyland you should not miss buying the the famous Kullu caps and fresh fruits.

Other famous products of Kullu include, gadmas, rugs or 'namdas', local tweeds, footwear or 'pullun', baskets and natural oils of almond and olive. The place to get these items will be the Akhara Bazaar area that boasts of authentic purchases.

Kullu shawls, caps and gadmas can be bought from private shops as well as the Himachal state weaving co-operative at Bhutti Weavers colony, 6 kms south of Kullu. The co-operative runs several retail outlets called Bhuticco at other towns in the valley. The state government handicrafts emporium and Khadi Gramodyog emporium are at Akhara Bazaar.

For shopper's Kullu offers a variety of items including the woollen items. You can check out designed pullas, patti, mufflers, pattoos, woolen carpets, complex driftwood articles and artistic metal crafts of Kullu. Some of the best places to shop in Kullu are outlets of Bhuttico, Bodh Shawls and Himbunkar. Besides the local art and craft, Kullu also promotes Kashmir handicrafts which you can buy at Kashmir Craft Emporium. The Tibetan market at Kullu is famous for imported goods, especially the gift items. Visit the Sultanpur market where the local goldsmiths deal in traditional jewellery which is a fine example of the native art.

Accommodation

There are no luxury hotels in Kullu. All you''ll get are mid range and budget hotels. The Valley View Hotel amongst others is a good option to stay at while in Kullu.

Attractions

Dussehra Festival : Kullu is famous for its Dussehra festival, which is a week-long celebration. Usually the festival of Dussehra is celebrated all over India in October for 10 day of the rising moon. However in Kullu the festival starts on the 10th day of the rising moon, known as 'Vijay Dashmi' and continues for seven days. Dussehra commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, but in Kullu the festival does not include the burning of Ravana, as in other places around India. On Dussehra day, the raths (chariots) of Raghunathji, presiding deity of the valley, and other deities are taken out in a procession through the town to Dhalpur Maidan, where they reside for the next seven days. During the festival, nicely dressed, cheerful good-humoured crowds throng every road leading to Dhalpur Maidan, and folk dances, exhibitions and cultural events are also held.

Things to do

Angling: The Kullu Manali region, especially the Larji Valley 34kms and Banjar(58kms), is crisscrossed by a number of streams which finally meet the Beas river and are excellent spots for fishing. Most of these streams have good brown trout, besides other local species. Kullu is a convenient base for angling tours around the valley. Katrain, 20 kms down the road to Manali has a trout farm and hatchery and a Himachal Tourism hotel to stay in. Shoja, 69 kms away at 2,692 metres is a good place to view the Kullu valley from. All around lie swift flowing rivers, dense forests and meadows with majestic peaks at the back.

Para Gliding

There is also a great option for Para Gliding in Kullu. This is a thrilling sport which can be enjoyed in Bhaikhali (9 km from Kullu, easily approachable by vehicle), Bijli Mahadev and Slang slopes. During the months of May – June and Sept – Oct. The Himachal Tourism Department provides various facilities for the tourists.

Rafting
Want to indulge in some Rafting then the place to go in Kullu is the nine kilometre long stream of Badah to Jhiri. This four hour long raft is permissible only from the month of May to July and there is provision for equipments and essential gears.

Trekking: The Kullu Valley is the transit point for trekking routes over the Chanderkhani pass to Malana, the Jalori Pass and Bashleo Pass to Shimla and the Pin Parvati pass to Sarahan. The Parvati River, the longest tributary of Beas, veers off to the north-east 8 kms from Kullu. It is one of the ideal areas for trekking and mountaineering. Several parts of the Parvati valley remain untouched by modern civilisation and preserve the magic of the mystic mountains. Many areas here are frequented by tourists seeking easy access to wild cannabis, which grows in abundance here.

Yak Safari: Try a yak safari while you are in Kullu. The yak is a mountainous animal that lives in the upper reaches of the Himalayas, normally above 6000 mts above sea level. Explore this beautiful region on the back of this docile looking animal - it is sure to be interesting and a unique experience. Further north, the Baspa river is replete with trout, and along the Sangla Valley are dozens of good beats where prime specimens can be caught.

District
Kullu
STD Code
01902
Termperature
Summer 14 to 20°C, Winter -5 to 23°C
Best time to visit
October to April
Famous For
Dussehra Festival – 10 Day Festival in October