Kullu Manali Travel Guide

Both Kullu and Manali, top tourist destinations of Himachal Pradesh, seem to outdo the other in their scenic magnificence and opportunities for sightseeing & adventure. Kullu, the town believed to be apt for the gods, pleasantly surprises the visitor with the diversity it offers. In Manali, what you see is what you get, raw beauty with serenity, the likes of which you may have only dreamt about.

There are many things to see in Kullu, like the Great Himalayan National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses a rich variety of wildlife. Several of these are classified as endangered, including Himalayan Brown Bear, Blue Sheep and Snow Leopard. Spotting of Monal and Western Tragopan is not uncommon. Trekking and outdoor camping are also pursued enthusiastically in the park.

Manikaran is another place to see in Kullu which is most famous for its gurudwara. Here, the hot sulphur springs are believed to contain therapeutic properties. Kasol, fondly referred to as mini-Israel for attracting Israelis in large numbers, allures more than its fair share of honeymooners, while the village of Malana has that ancient look to it. Banjar, located almost 2 hours away from Kullu, affords a lot of opportunities in angling, thanks to River Tirthan and its pure as crystal waters. At about the same distance lies Shoja, a valley wrapped in contemplative silence and undisturbed beauty, and truly meditator’s paradise. Another place which you should visit during your trip to Kullu is Jalori Pass. From here, you can take a day hike to Serolsar Lake.

Adventure enthusiasts also find a lot to celebrate in Kullu. Battling the rapids while white water rafting on River Beas is fun, as is camping in Raison, surrounded by peach, plum and apple orchards. Hike towards the Bijli Mahadev Temple though, where lovely views of the Kullu Valley await you. Inside the temple is a Shiva Linga, which, besides being pillar shaped, is held together with butter. Every year, fiery bolts of lightning destroy this pillar, until it is rebuilt by the priests with butter.

Manali is another top tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, popular both among honeymooners and vacationers. This quaint town shows you how to have a good time. It is hugged by the valley, which itself is covered with pine forests, streams and perpetually snow-covered peaks. There are as many opportunities for adventure as sightseeing, besides a third one, which is enjoying the lovely landscape and doing nothing.