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Travel to Kullu, The Valley of Gods

Kullu that is also known as the 'Valley of the Gods' is a beautiful district in Himachal Pradesh and has earned its nick name because of the belief that it had once been home to many Hindu Gods, Goddesses and divine souls. Situated at a height of 1,230 mt above the sea level it lies on the banks of the Beas River and is known for its magnificent natural surroundings.

Originally known as ‘Kul-anti-peetha', meaning 'the farthest point of the inhabitable world', this hill station finds itself mentioned in great Indian epics like the Mahabharata, the Ramayana and the Vishnu Purana. This beautiful destination is encircled with steep hills, deodar forests, rivers and apple orchards and is famous among tourists from all across the world for its natural beauty. Here is a guide to some of the attractions that you can see in the hill station of Kullu.

Bijli Mahadev Temple

The Bijli Mahadev Temple situated along the banks of the Beas River is a very popular pilgrimage site in Kullu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and is located at an elevation of 2,450 mt above sea level. According to local belief, the Shiva Lingam inside the shrine had broken into pieces in a lightening strike and the priests of the temple joined the shattered Shiva Lingam with butter. This ceremony of joining the parts of Shiv Lingam takes place annually here. Tourists planning to visit this temple have to climb an uphill path that is flanked by pine trees. The beautiful views of the Parvati Valley as well as the Kullu Valley can be seen from the temple.

The Shiva Lingam at Bijli Mahadev Temple.
Photo Courtesy: Raghav507

Pin Valley National Park

Pin Valley National Park situated in the valley is the only national park in Himachal Pradesh that is positioned in a cold desert area. The park was founded in 1987 and is home to around 20 species of animals and birds. It is known for protecting the endangered snow leopard. Some of the animals commonly found here include the pika, bharal, chukor, weasel, golden eagle, ibex, Himalayan chough, marten, red fox, snow cock, griffon, bearded vulture and raven. The flora of the Pin Valley consist of around 400 plants species along with herbs and spices. Herbs found here have rich medicinal properties that can be used for preparing medicines. Travellers will have to get the permission of the Director of the Pin Valley Park to enter this area.

A snow leopard at the national park.
Photo Courtesy: Rodney Jackson

Sultanpur Palace

The Sultanpur Palace that is popularly known as the Rupi Palace is a magnificent palace located in the Kullu Valley. Though the original structure of the palace was destroyed in a major earthquake, it was later reconstructed to its original form. Several miniature paintings, done in Kullu style, can be seen at the palace. It is quite popular for its architecture, that is a combination of Pahari and colonial architectural styles. Massive wooden logs were used to build the entry to the palace. The palace is currently occupied by the members of the ruling family, because of which, tourists have to seek permission from them before entering the place.

The Great Himalayan National Park

The Great Himalayan National Park, otherwise known as Jawahar Lal Nehru Great Himalayan Park, is one of the most prominent tourist attractions of Kullu. The national park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna including over 30 species of mammals and more than 300 species of birds. It is especially known for the western tragopans, a highly endangered species of birds, that live in the forests of this park. Animals such as brown bears, ibex, black bears, musk deer, rare species of snow leopard and the Himalayan Thar can be spotted here. The vegetation of this park includes canopy forest, oak forest, alpine scrub, sub-alpine communities, and alpine meadows. The park is also home to numerous herbaceous species that can be utilised for their aromatic and medicinal properties.

The Great Himalayan National Park

The Himalayan Griffon spotted at the park.
Photo Courtesy: J.M.Garg

Sujanpur Fort

The Sujanpur Fort, built in 1758 by the Emperor of Kangra, King Abhaya Chand, is one of the beautiful buildings located in the town of Hamirpur in Kullu. The fort is popular for its many paintings. During the early 19th century the King of Kangra, Sansar Chand lived here after he lost Kangra to the British. There are 12 chambers and a hall in the building of this fort. The chambers here were made for the other kings who would come to meet with King Sansar Chand. The fort has a Barahdari Hall where hearings were held. The large compound of this fort is now used for Holi celebrations. Travellers coming here can explore this fort and admire its beauty.

How to Reach Kullu

By Air: Bhuntar Airport also known as Kullu Manali Airport is the nearest domestic air base located at a distance of around 10 km to Kullu City. The airport is well-connected with important places in India such as Delhi, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Dharamsala, and Shimla.

By Train: Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the closest rail link to Kullu, situated at a distance of around 125 km. The station is connected with major Indian cities via Chandigarh.

By Road: Kullu is well-connected with its nearest destinations via state bus services of Himachal Pradesh Transport Corporation. From Delhi, Chandigarh, Pathankot, and Shimla, tourists can avail deluxe buses of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation.

Read more about: kullu himachal pradesh
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