The most charming and beautiful Kullu valley spreads out its charm on either side of river Beas. The valley runs north to south of this river and is 80 km long and about 2 km at its broadest. Yet with awe inspiring glens and mossy meadows encircled by the rushing streams and meandering brooks, flung east & west, a fairly wide area is open to the tourists, the trekkers, the mountaineers, the artists and to anyone who wishes to escape the heat & dust of the plains to breathe the exhilarating air of the Himalaya and enjoy the spectacle of the variegated mountain scenery. The valley is also famous for its exquisitely woven colorful handmade shawls and Kullu caps.

Kullu (1230m) was once known as Kulanthapitha - the end of the habitable world. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalaya and by the banks of the shining river Beas lay the fabled Silver Valley. Kullu got its first motorable access only after independence. The long centuries of seclusion have however allowed the area to retain a considerable measure of its traditional charm. Here is the core of an intricate web of numerous valleys, each of which is a visual delight and seems more beautiful than the other.

The Silver Valley has nature's treasures that lie carelessly scattered as flowers. This wealth nestles by every tree in the splendid forests, bursts forth in the blooms and in the fruit of every orchard. Here are riches which cannot be measured and echo down the ages with the words of every myth and ancient legend and glow in the warm smiles of its gentle people. There is pleasure in every step you take in these enchanted valleys and in every gurgle you hear in the clear mountain streams.

 

PLACES TO VISIT Great Himalayan National Park The National Park with an area of 754 sq. km. is located in Kullu District and has the representative area of temperate and alpine forests of Himachal. It has some the virgin coniferous forests of the State. Vast areas of alpine pastures and glaciers cap this park. This area has many important wildlife species of Western Himalayas, like Musk deer, Brown bear, Goral, Thar, Leopard, Snow leopard, Bharal, Serow, Monal, Kalij, Koklas, Cheer, Tragopan, Snow cock etc. Kaishdhar A high meadow fringed by deodar trees. Banjar At a distance of 58 km south of Kullu, Banjar is an excellent spot for trout fishing in the waters of river Tirthan.   Great Himalayan National Park Kaishdhar Banjar Kasol Situated on the bank of Parvati River, Kasol makes a good holiday destination. 42 km from Kullu charmingly located on an open space which slopes down to the broad expanse of clear white sand at the Parvati River. The place is well known for trout fishing. Katrain The central and the widest part of the valley, Katrain (1463 m) is 20 km from Kullu on way to Manali. Apple orchards and trout hatchery lend charm and prominence to the place. It is also famous for bee keeping and Govt. trout farm at Patilkulh. Raison 16km Away from Kullu, the sight is ideal for spending a quite holiday in solitary splendour and for holding youth camps. There are a large number of orchards in this part of the valley. Devi-ri-kothi and mul Kihar are now preserved in the museum.   Kasol Katrain Raison

 

BEST SEASON/ BEST TIME TO VISIT The Pleasant temperature in summer and cold below 0 C with heavy snow fall in winter     City Facts Height: 1,230 m Area: 5,503 sq.kms Population: 3,81,571 Languages: Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari, English are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism trade Visiting season: March to June for relaxation and visiting the places of sight-seeing and enjoy short and long excursions as well as climbing and river rafting Rainy season: July and August Autumn: September to November for trekking, climbing, sight-seeing and river rafting Winter: December to February- snow-skiing and heli-skiing in Manali and above Clothing: Cotton and tropical in summer and heavy woollen in winter