Travel Sites in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla (Simla), Kullu, Manali, Rohtng Pass, Jwalamukhi, Chintpurni, Kangra,   Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Dharamsala, Chamundi, Palampur, Joginder Nagar, Nanda Devi, Nahan, Renuka, Paonta Sahib,Baijanath, Manikaran, Tattapani, Narkanda, Kufri

Beas Valley Segment

(Delhi-Shimla-Mandi-Rewalsar-Kullu-Manali-Rohtang-Naggar-Manikaran-Delhi)

• Kullu
• Manali
• Rohtang Pass

Kullu

          A district headquarters, Mandi (800) is a commercial centre on the banks of the Beas. With its old stone temples, it is called the Varanasi of the Hills. There are remains of old palaces and colonial architecture. Mandi is the gateway to Kullu valley. The nearest airport is Bhuntar, 59 km. Rail connects it to Pathankot, Joginder Nagar and Shimla. Chandigarh to Mandi via Ropar and Bilaspur is 203 km by road. Mandi to Pathankot is 210 km. During winter temp falls below zero. In summer it is rather hot. Mandi has a host of old temples. The most famous is Bhootnath temple. Located on a mountain, Rewalsar is very picturesque. The place is sacred for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. It was the seat of Padmasambhava, the Tibetans' guru Rimpoche. Kullu valley is the base for several trekking routes such as Chanderkhani pass to Malana, Jalori pass/Bashleo pass to Shimla and Piati pass to Sarahan. Kullu presents an intertwining set of enchanting valleys.

Places around Kullu: A nearby place of tourist interest is the Bijli Mahadev temple, 14 km away. The shivlinga here is frequently damaged by lightning which is conducted down by a long pole nearby. Every time the linga is put together with butter. The Basheshwar Mahadev temple in Bajaura, 15 km, is famous for its stone-carvings. Manikaran, 45 km, has hot sulphur springs, at 1737 mts. It is close to the Parvati river, sacred for Hindus and Sikhs. Trekking starts here for Pulga, Khirganga and Mantalai. The route goes up to Pin Parvati pass, at 4802 mts and enters Sutlej valley. Naggar is 23 km from Kullu. A gallery here contains the paintings of the famous Russian artist Nicholas Roerich.

HOW TO REACH KULLU: Bhuntar airport is 10 km from Kullu. The nearest railhead is Joginder Nagar, 95 km away. By road Delhi-Mandi-Kullu is 530 km and Shimla-Kullu 240 km. There are regular bus services from Delhi and Shimla.