Kullu is a resort town in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, located on the banks of Beas River. It is the capital town of Kullu district. It is a town through which the famous Beas River flows. It is home to the most beautiful landscapes like the very famous Rohtang Pass, Beas Kund, and Chandrataal Lake. Located at a distance of approximately 500 km from the national capital, Delhi, Kullu is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations and holds an important place among the popular hill stations in India. Its proximity and good road connectivity with major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh make it an ideal weekend getaway for people seeking a sweet escape from the bustle of these cities. A distance of 208 km lies between Kullu and the state capital, Shimla.
Kullu has an altitude of 1279 m which makes it an ideal hill station with an ideal climate that is neither hot nor extremely cold. Most tourists prefer to travel here during summers to escape the scorching heat of the plains and take refuge in the cold hills of Kullu with refreshing, untainted air. Though in order to enjoy snowfall in Kullu, December and January are the best months to visit it when the snow-blanketed Kullu is a sight you can call unforgettable. Whether you want to breathe in some quietness, want to get adventurous and taste the thrill or admire the craftsmanship of God, Kullu is a perfect place to come to with desires and return with experiences and memories. The hills of Kullu are covered with pine and deodar trees, adding a vivid green to the picturesqueness of the place; whereas, the sound of the flowing Beas River adds sweet rhythm to the atmosphere. The hills, the forest and the river in Kullu collectively make it God’s perfect imagination and a blessing to the humankind.
Kullu is an abode of adventure enthusiasts due to the various adventure activities that can be indulged in here and the surrounding regions in the form of trekking, river rafting, and camping among many others. Other adventure activities like paragliding and skiing can also be enjoyed here. Also, Kullu has some of the best treks not just in Himachal, but in the country, ranging from easy to difficult; from short treks to long expeditions. Whatever your preferences are, Kullu has the right treks for you that take you to landscapes with indescribable sort of beauty. Among the most exciting treks, one can take here are Hampta Pass Trek, Chanderkhani Trek, Bhrigu Lake Trek, and Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek. The best of Kullu can truly be explored on these treks that take you through thick forests and large meadows while the Beas River flows alongside. Kullu has some of the most scenic camping sites that exist in Himachal. Owing to its beautiful landscape where you can see the blue water of Beas River flowing smoothly with magnificent, lush green hills in the backdrop, Kullu makes for a good option for photographers. Photography-lovers visit Kullu in search of picture-perfect frames and they find them here easily. The scenic beauty of the town is not worth being captured just in the cameras, but in the hearts as well – like a beautiful memory etched in one’s memory lane. Once you have been to Kullu, it is hard to take this town off of your mind.
Kullu boasts of some unique tourist attractions including old Hindu temples and nature escapes. One of the best tourist attractions in Kullu is The Great Himalayan National Park, spread over an area of 1171 sq km within numerous species of flora and fauna. It was established in 1984 with an objective to protect the nature and wildlife in this region from undue human interference and is a place worth at least one visit. Kullu is replete with some prominent Hindu temples that attract pilgrims and people keen on knowing and understanding its culture in great numbers. Among the most famous religious sites located in Kullu are Hidimba Devi Temple, Gauri Shankar Temple, and Bijli Mahadev Temple that receive huge footfall of both tourists and devotees. Besides, there are some exceptionally good places in Kullu district around Kullu town like Manikaran and Kasol that can be easily visited to check some stunning views that will leave you hypnotized.
To make your stay in Kullu comfortable and pleasant, the town has some incredible stay options ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts offering world-class amenities. Stunning views of the surrounding hills and the divine Beas River come coupled with these options. Due to the wide range of stay options that are available here, it is no hassle to find a good one in Kullu that suits your needs and matches your budget.
Though Kullu can be visited during any season of the year, the best season to explore the best of the valley is summer season when the climate is quite pleasant. During winters, if you get lucky, you can witness the very famous snowfall of Kullu that paints the green hills white. However, the temperature during winters goes down to as low as -1 degree Celsius. It rains heavily here during the monsoon, so it is recommended to avoid a monsoon plan in Kullu unless you enjoy staying bolted in a room, looking outside at the pouring rain from the window.
Chandarkhani Pass is located at a height of 3,660 meters above the sea level. This pass is known for its scenic beauty and excellent trekking trails in the Himalayan range. It is treated as one of the best tourist places in Kullu because of the marvelous views, breathtaking landscapes and exclusive trails to follow and make your trip memorable and it is one of the best Kullu tourist places.
You can get the fabulous views of Pir Panjal ranges, Deo Tibba Peak, Parbati mountain range from this pass. The pass takes you to the famous village of Malana through a way between Pulag and Rumsa. The trekkers are introduced to hilly and remote cultures of Himachal Pradesh in this trek. The horizon in this place is a treat for the nature lovers.
The region is also named as the “Valley of Gods”. A legend says that the deity named Jamlu had a basket full of gods. Once he opened his basket in the area. A sudden gust of wind dropped all the gods from the basket. Each fell to the ground and became peaks named after them as Indrasan, Pir Panjal, Deo Tibba, and Parbati.
The top of Chanderkhani pass in Himachal Pradesh is a 360-degree meadow from where you will get the panoramic view of these mountain tops.
As the name suggests, Sunrise Point at Hawa Ghar is renowned for its stunning sunrise vistas. Witnessing the first light of dawn painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink against the backdrop of the mountains is a truly magical experience. The tranquil ambiance and crisp mountain air create a sense of peace and tranquility that rejuvenates the soul.
Apart from its breathtaking sunrise views, Hawa Ghar also offers spectacular sights throughout the day. Visitors can marvel at the mist-covered valleys below, watch the play of light and shadow on the hillsides, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Moreover, Hawa Ghar provides an excellent vantage point for birdwatching enthusiasts, as the area is home to a diverse range of avian species. Watching colorful birds flit among the trees against the backdrop of the Himalayas adds to the charm of this scenic spot.
Whether you're seeking a serene spot to admire the beauty of nature, capture stunning photographs, or simply unwind amidst tranquil surroundings, Sunrise Point at Hawa Ghar promises an unforgettable experience. It's a place where time seems to stand still, allowing you to connect with the natural world and find solace in its awe-inspiring beauty.
You can find different locals as well as the foreigners in messy clothes. Such people can be drug addicts. It is better to stay off them.
If you find a stranger who offers you food to eat, no matter how hungry you are, do not eat it. People here tend to trick the travelers and serve them drugs in different forms.
Never trust anyone with any of your valuables. It could be a trap.
Make sure, you safely put your valuables and cash in a room safe.
Do not leave your valuables anytime in the hotel room.
If you are carrying a huge sum of cash with you, it is better to not go in crowded areas. In case there is no alternative, make sure you stay alert throughout. Avoid keeping the cash in your back pocket and rather keep it in your jacket or the front pocket.
There are several street stalls in Kullu. Most of them serve quality food. However, a little check on the quality does no harm. Moreover, the food can get really spicy sometimes, so it is better to convey the same (keep the spices low) to the vendor if you have a sensitive system.
Never, drink non filtered water. It is always good to carry with you bottled mineral water. You can easily find water in Kullu but make sure the bottle that you buy has its seal intact.
Kullu is situated on the high planes. So, ensure that you wear woolen clothing.
If you are going to be in Kullu for 3 days, carry clothing for 5 days. You cannot trust the weather here it can rain anytime.
Carry warm boots in the winter as it can snow here.
Never overlook the importance of the safety gear especially when you try out some water sports or adventure activities.
Don’t get over friendly with any stranger or hotel staff.
Even if you are staying with someone in a group (as part of package trips), do not trust them with your money.
Cross check the bills you get – restaurants, hotels, food, etc
Be wary of the touts.
Never entertain the beggars.
Carry at least one ID proof.
Never get involved in any physical fight.
Do not let anyone mislead you.
There are places in Kullu, where fake liquor is sold, Beware!
The legal age for drinking in Kullu is 18 years. For anyone aged below 18, alcohol consumption is prohibited. Do carry an ID proof whenever you buy alcohol in Kullu.
There are a number of sightseeing attractions in Kullu that deserve a visit. Temples, national parks, lakes and waterfalls are some of the key attractions in Kullu.
ShoppingThere are a number of shopping zones of Kullu that offer a myriad of things like caps, shawls and gadmas that be bought from the private shops. Further the Himachal state weaving cooperative located about 6 km south of Kullu, at the Bhutti Weavers Conony is an incredible destination to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs. Other shopping hubs of Kullu include Akhara Bazaar and Khadi Gramodyog Emporium.
ActivitiesA number of adventure activities can be carried out at Kullu. It is indeed the base for anyone who is seeking an adrenaline rush and looking forth to unite with the nature. Right from the low to high trekking trails to taking a fun yak ride and relishing on angling in the foaming waters of the river, Kullu is your go to place. Several water sports can also be enjoyed here.
FoodFood in Kullu is about trying some of the most authentic li smacking cuisines – Chinese, Tibetan, Indian and Continental. The most prominent multi cuisine restaurants of Kullu are Hotel Sarvari and Planet Food in Dhalpur. You can get some of the most delicious fast food here. Hotel Sheetal is another great place to grab a quick bite. Few must try dishes of Kullu include - guchhi matter and sepu vadi and kaddu ka khatta in veg delights and Patrodu, Salyana, chicken anardana, Kodra (cereal, Kullu trout, grilled fish. Maggie and momos in the hill stations tastes something else only. Try that too!
Kullu Dussehra or DussehraKullu Dussehra or Dussehra is one of the most important festival in Kullu. It is celebrated with much gusto and fanfare here. This 10 day long festival is celebrated in October every year all over India.
The rainy seasons are never favorable for touring a hill station, but, the rest of the year can be perfect for visiting Kullu. Although, summer is the time that most people prefer, you can always consider a winter visit to Kullu for the sight of snow.
Summer
From March to June is the summer season in Kullu. The temperature stays between 10 to mid-20 degree C. If you are planning to enjoy outdoor activities then this is the best period for you.
Monsoon
July to August is monsoon in Kullu and you should avoid it during this time. The roads become unsafe.
Winter
During October to February the temperature of Kullu drops down to a little below 0 degree C. December to February is the coldest and Kullu sees snowfall during this period.
Kullu is a very popular tourist destination. Therefore, there are multiple ways to get to the city. According to your budget or needs, you can choose the right mode of travel.
Bus
The best way to reach to Kullu is by bus. There are direct buses to there from Delhi, Gurgaon, Manali, Chandigarh, and Shimla. If you live outside of these cities then you can take a bus to Delhi and then hop on a bus to Kullu from there.
Rail
Kullu currently doesn’t have its own railway station. However, Jogindernagar Railway Station is located about 125 kms away from Kullu and it’s connected to all the main cities via Chandigarh.
Air
The Bhuntar Airport is located only 10 kms from Kullu. You can easily take a bus or hire a car from the airport to any part of Kullu.
If you want to experience this beautiful hill station in all its glory then you must visit the most popular tourist attractions of Kullu. Here s a list of the ones to see:
Apart from sightseeing in Kullu, this places is also a perfect place for the tourists who enjoy outdoor activities. If you want that experience then try these things to do in Kullu:
Kullu is known for its traditional Himachal’s dishes. There is a huge variety available when it comes to the taste of this hill station. Here are some local foods to try:
You must make sure that for an authentic experience one must eat at the best restaurants of Kullu. This is a list of places where you can satisfy your tongue:
There are not too many options for traveling within Kullu. Cycling and walking can be two modes of commuting within the town if you are up for the physical work. However, if you are looking for comfortable travels then you have two main choices.
Car
Hiring a car is the smartest thing to do in Kullu for your sightseeing and traveling purposes. There are different cars available for renting with or without a driver. You can get one for a day or two and travel peacefully.
Bus
There are buses in Kullu that run every day from the town to the nearby regions. However, you can always use them for traveling within Kullu if your destination is in their route.
The crowded, small shopping areas of Kullu are very popular among the tourists who want to experience the local life. You should try out these shopping places: