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Kullu is located between 31°58'00'' North Latitude and 77°06'04'' East Longitude. it is bounded by Lahaul-Spiti and Kangra districts, on the East and South-East by Kinnaur and Shimla districts. The busy town of Kullu, the district head quarters, hasn’t a great deal to offer the visitors head straight for the traveler’s centers doted around the valleys. ORIENTATION & INFORMATION: Kullu is divided in two by the Sarvari River. The maidan (prade ground ), setting for Kullu festival, is on the southern bank where you’ll find the taxi stand and the tourist office. The bus station and Raghunath Temple are both on the northern bank; to cross the river it’s quicker to take the footpath near the Aaditya Guest House then the road.
Kullu Himachal Pradesh
Kullu also known as ‘Valley of Gods’ has numerous temples. Kullu valley offers a scenic charm of peaceful wooded glades and rivers through the rocks. The Dashehra of Kullu is world famous. The ancient Hindus regarded Kullu as the farthest limit of human habitation ‘Kulantapitha’ and its original name finds mention in the epics, The Ramayana and Mahabharta as well as the Vishnu Purana. Kullu, which is located on the bank of river Beas is the Central point of the Kullu and Manali tourist complex. Running North to South, the main river valley is only 80 km. long and 2 km. at its broadest, yet a fairly wide area is open to the visitors to enjoy the spectacle of variegated mountain scenery. The deodar-fringed grassy maidan, Dhalpur, is a stage for many colorful fairs.
Kullu and Manali tourist complex is spread in the entire Kullu valley which is lavishly gifted with superb scenic wealth. The entire tourist complex is extremely popular and attracts a huge number of tourists all year long. Where Manali can be described as the winter sports capital of Himachal, Kullu is more of a religious place having a numerous important temples i.e. Raghunath Ji temple, Bijli Mahadev temple, Bhakhali temple, Aadi Brahma temple, Bishweshwar temple, Rama temple etc. The view of surrounding hills is breathtaking from Bijli Mahadev temple. Kullu is a highly religious place where gods still control the life and actions of people of Kullu valley.
Being a highly religious place, a number of fairs and festivals are celebrated in Kullu i.e. Pipal Jatra, Bhuntar fair, Sainj fair, Luhri Lavi, Ghatasani fair, Phagli fair, Birshu fair, Dushehra festival, Chet festival, Chrewal or Badranjo festival, Nawala festival etc. and visiting Kullu during these fairs and festivals is a memorable experience, especially during Dushehra festival. The fairs and festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm in entire Kullu Valley.
Tourism in Kullu offers numerous beautiful and famous places to explore around i.e. Naggar, Manikaran, Phulga and Kheerganga, Katrain, Camping Site Raison, Bajaura, Malana, Kasol, Banjar and not to mention the majestic Manali. All these places are gifted with superb natural beauty and increase the joy of tourism in Kullu manifolds. Manikaran is very famous for its Hot Springs. Naggar was the capital of Kullu Rajas for about 1400 years and there are a large number of famous temples in and around Naggar and it is an excellent place for a longer stay.
Tourism in Kullu offers some beautiful lakes to explore around Kullu i.e. Bhrigu lake, Servalsar lake, Mantlai lake and Dashir lake. All the lakes are easily accessible and are set amidst beautiful surroundings. Kullu is rich in wild life and tourism in Kullu offers numerous wildlife sanctuaries i.e. The Great Himalayan Nationa Park, Kais sanctuary, Kanawar sanctuary, Khokhan sanctuary, Tirthan sanctuary. Especially the Great Himalayan National Park is worth a visit for wild life lovers.
The entire Kullu and Manali tourist complex is a wonderful place to explore in the lap of Himalaya. Kullu with all its glory of beautiful temples, lakes, wildlife sanctuaries, world famous tourist places and superb scenic wealth is one of the principal show places of Himachal.
History of Kullu
Kullu History: There are several reference of Kullu in the Ramayana & Mahabharata, Vishnu Purana & other Sanskrit literature. But it is believed that Manu after the great deluge, first stepped into the earth from the celestial boat at a place on this land. The particular spot where he established his abode was the present Manali (village), which is regarded as the changed name of 'MANU-ALAYA', that is the home of Manu. It was from here that the human race came into being after the deluge.
References from Ramayana: According to some legends connected with Ramayana period it was the privilege of a Rishi from the valley, called Shringi Rishi, who had his ashrama near Banjar to act as a purohit at the 'Putreshti Yajna' of Raja Dashratha as a result of which the great Rama was born. Even the Rishi Vashishtha performed this 'tapa' (Penance) in this valley. A story goes that the Rishi tied himself with the ropes and flung down a hill near Manali into the river, after his one hundred sons had been done to death by Rakshasa Kalinashped. The miracle river as if by devine powers, released all the bonds of the Rishi. It got the name of Vipasha after this event which means 'the liberator from bondage'.
References from Mahabharata: The valley has witnessed a number of events and incidents believed to be associated with it during the Mahabharata period. The Pandvas, it is said, visited this valley as many as three times. Their first visit was made after the 'Lakshagarh' (wax house) incident. According to a legend it was here that Bhimsen killed a strond and cruel demon Hadimb and married his sister Hadimba, a powerful deity of Dhungri (Manali), of whom Ghatotkachh was born, who showed unparalleled heroism and valour in the great war of Kurukshetra. It is further said that Hadimba performed great 'tapa' and began to be worshiped as the great deity.
According to another legend, Arjuna, under the advice of Rishi Vyas, practised austerities in a cave called 'Arjun Gupha' in the mountain of Inderkila (now called Deo Tiba) in order to get the powerful Pasupata
Astra from Indra. It was here that he gave a fight to Shiva, the three eyed God, who had come there in the garb of a Kirata and won his grace and succeeded in ultimately getting the
Pasupata Astra. Reference to Inderkila is made in the Kulantapitha Mahatmya. The great Vyas Rishi performed his 'tapa' in htis valley during the Mahabharata period, at a place called 'Vyas Kund' on Rohtang Pass. It was because of this that the river Vipasha got the present name of Beas.
Referanece from Bharat Sahintah: Kullu drives its name from "KALUT" which was a tribe in the upper valley of River Beas, as mentioned by Barahmir in Barihat Sahinta. In Mahabharat also, the ruler Parvateshawer of Kalut fought against Arjuna. Agian Kshem Dhurti, a king of Kalut was killed in the war of Mahabharat. Certain conins of first century an later period were found in which the king of Kalut was mentioned. There are other evidences in history and literature that confirm that the name of this part was "KALUT" and "T" dropped from the name with the passage of time. As such, this place got the name Kullu.
Famous places to visit in Kullu
Naggar : ( 1,760 metres ) 25 km. Naggar was the capital of the Kullu Rajas for about 1,400 years. It is also known for its castle and the Nicholas Roerich's Museum. On the left bank of the river Beas and about three hundred metres above the river, Naggar is delightfully situated on the wooded slope and commands an extensive view, especially of the North-West of the valley. There are a large number of famous temples in and around Naggar and an excellent place for a longer stay.
Manikaran : ( 1,700 metres ) 45 km. According to legend, Manikaran is also associated with Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Parbati, who lost and recovered her ear rings here. Legend has it that once when Shiva and Parbati were relaxing by the river. Parbati's ear rings fell nto the water. The lord of another world ( Patal Nagari ) named Shesh Nag took possession of them and despite Parvati's pleas, he refused to hand them back. However when all the gods prevailed upon him, he snorted them out of his nostrils, causing a boiling fountain of water to erupt. the jewels thus returned. There are temples of Ramchandra and Shiva besides the Gurudwara. This place is famous for hot water springs. Thousands of people take a dip in its hot water. The main water is so hot that Dal ( pulses ), Rice, Vegetables etc. can be boiled in it.
Phulga and Kheerganga : 16 km. a stiff march takes one to restful environment affords a Sylvan and peaceful retreat for body and mind. The 'Tos Nullah' which branches off from the main Parbati valley is well worth exploration by those who favour the wilder aspects of natural scenery are prepared to camp out. Kirganga lies 10 km. from Pulga. Khirganga is also famous for hot springs.
Katrain : ( 1,463 metres ) 20 km. This place is situated on the way to Manali and has acquired prominence due to apple orchards, a fruit research station and trout hatchery. It is also famous for bee keeping and Govt. trout farm at Patilkulh. Sufficient accommodation is availablein Hotels of HPTDC.
Camping Site Raison : ( 1,433 metres ) 16kms. away from Kulu, the sight is ideal for spending a quite holiday in solitary splendor and for holding youth camps. There are a large number of orchards in this part of the valley. HPTDC has log cabins for comfortable stay.
Bajaura : ( 15 km. short of Kulu ) Bajaura is on the main road where Bahseshwar Mahadev temple is situated about 200 m from the village in a plain between the main road and the Beas river. It is believed to have been built in the mid 8th century.
Malana : ( 2,652 metres ) 28 km. up to Naggar by bus and then 20 km. on foot. The tiny village of Malana lies a little ahead of the 'Chanderkhani Pass' famous for the temple of 'Jamlu'. Malana village is reputed to be the oldest democracy in the world in existence where all the inhabitants of the village take part in managing its affairs. It is also famous for trekking.
Kasol : ( 1,640 metres ) 42 km. Kasol is charmingly located in an open space which slopes down to a broad expanse of clear white sand at the edge of the river. It is situated on the bank of Parbati river in the Parbati valley.
Banjar : ( 1,534 metres ) 58 km. The famous temple of Shringi Rishi is located here in whose honour a fair is held every year in May. Banjar is an excellent spot for trout fishing in Tirthan river.
Independence
Kullu Before Independence was probably the most ancient state next to Kashmir and Kangra. The Chinese pilgrim, Hiuen Tsiang (AD 629-645) dedscribed the country of Kiu-lu-to (Kullu) situated at 117 miles to the north-east of Jalandhar which exactly corresponds with the position of Kulata. According to known history, it was founded in the first century of Christian era by one Behangamani Pal whose forefatheres origianlly came from Tripura and had migrated from there Allahabad and then to Mayapuri near Hardwar. Many legends are associated with the name of Behangamani Pal. It appears that the people of the higher valley of Kullu at that time were suffering under the repressive regime of the Thankurs of Spiti and a keen desire to overthrow the Thakurs was smouldering in their hearts. Behangamani Pal organised what may be rightly called the upper valley first revolution sparked off at Jagatsukh. A reowned astrologer of village Paljhot is believed to have helped him alot and his endeavours duly blessed by the powerul Goddess Hadimba, were crowned with success. This goddess is upto now is respected as the 'grandmother and the patron-deity' by the Rajas of Kullu. Pal dynasty was thus established. It's original capital was established at Jagatsukh and nearly ten generations ruled from there, till it was shifted to Naggar which remained as the seat of the Government for many as 1400 years till it was finally mover to Kullu.
Their rule continued till about 1,450 when reference is available of Raja Kelas Pal. After this, there was long break of about 50 years. It appears the Thakurs and the Ranas might have captured power during this period, forcing the Pal Rajas to flee from the valley. It was again in the fifteenth century that the name of the Sidh Singh appears as the Raja of Kullu. There is almost identical legend about Sidh Singh as marked the name of Behangamani Pal. He too rallied the people against the Thakurs and extablished the old Pal dynasty, duly pleased by the goddess Hadimba.
Reference may be made to Raja Jagat Singh (1637-1672) who conquerred the fort the Madankot which belonged to Jihna Rana, above Manali and also the of Baragarh opposit to Naggar, where Rana Bhosal held his sway. It was during his regime that the facous idol of Raghunathji was brought from Ayudhya and installed at the temple of Raghunathji at Sultanpur (Kullu). Tjis of course a historic turn of events, in-as-much as the Rajas who had till then Shaiv and Shktik, adopted Vaishnava Dharma. Not only this, the Raja gave away the whole kingdom to Raghunathji by placing the image on the 'gaddi' (throne) and himself became the vice-regent of Raghunathji. Since hten, the Rajas of Kullu rulled the state in the name of Raghunathji.
Kullu after Independence like other hill states, Kullu had its ups and donws till it was ceded to the Brititsh in 1846 according to Lahore aggreement, alongwith other trans-Sutluj states. Kullu was made a sub-division of Kangra District. Lahaul-spiti was attached to Kullu for administration. In 1960 Lahaul-Spiti was a separate district. Kullu was also declared a district in 1963 and was a part of Punjab upto October 1966. On 1st November 1966, on reorganisation of states, Kullu became a District of Himachal Pradesh.
Kullu Temples
Kullu Temples: The grey sandstone Shiva Temple of Gauri Shanker at the foot of the small bazzar below the castle date from the 11th or 12th century. Almost opposite the front of the castle is the curios little Chatar Bhuj temple dedicated to Vishnu. Nearby is the pagoda-like Tripura Sundari Devi temple, which has some ornate wooden carving High up on the ridge above Naggar, near the
Wildlife Sanctuaries
The Great Himalayan National Park :
Altitude : varies from 1500 meters to 5805 meters.
Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 1300 mm.
Temperature : temperature varies from -5 to 25°C.
Area : 62,000 hectares ( 620 sq. km. ).
Location : nearest town is Banjar.
Approaches : Kullu to Banjar to inside park.
The Great Himalayan National Park consists of the upper catchment areas of the Tirthan, Sainj and Jiwa rivers, which flow westwards and feed the Beas River. Though large scale felling in easily accessible areas were carried out during the second World War, the area is one of the least disturbed in the state. It therefore consists of relatively good forests and meadows, which support an extremely diverse wild life population. This includes the largest remaining population of Himalayan Tahr in Himachal Pradesh. The park is also one of the only two places of India, where anything more than a remnant population of Western Tragopan is known to survive. Total area occupied by the The Great Himalayan National Park is 62,000 hectares. Part of the present area ( 8,396 hectares ) was declared sanctuary ( Tirthan ) on 17th June 1976. On 1st March 1984, it was declared a national park. Besides the Tirthan sanctuary which is the part of Nationa Park, it is also boarded by Pin Valley National Park on the North-East, Kanawar sanctuary on the North-West and Rupi Bhaba sanctuary to the east. all these together constitute Himachal Pradesh's largest protected wild life region.
FloraForest types include Ban Oak, Moist Deodar, mixed coniferous, Montane Bamboo Brakes and Temperate Pastures.
Fauna ( Mammals ) Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear, Jungle Cat, Goral, Leopard Cat, Himalayan Palm Civet, barking Deer, Musk Deer, red fox, Goral, Ibex, Jackal, Langur common or Hanuman, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Rhesus Macaque, Himalayan yellow throated Marten, House Mouse, Himalayan Mouse Hare, Serow, Blue Sheep, Grey Shrew, Himalayan Water Shrew, Squirrel Kashmiri Flying and common Giant Flying, Himalayan Tahr, Royle's Vole, Himalayan Weasel and Wolf.
Reptiles Viper and Himalayan Pit.
Kais Sanctuary :
Altitude : varies from 2800 meters to 3680 meters.
Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 1071 mm.
Temperature : temperature varies from -5 to 30°C.
Area : 1420 hectares ( 14.20 sq. km. ).
Location : nearest town is Kullu.
Approaches : Kullu to inside sanctuary.
It was first notified as a sanctuary on 26th February 1954. This small heavily disturbed sanctuary reportedly harbours population of the endangered Musk Deer, as well as of several species of pheasants. It includes part of the catchment of the Kais Nala, an important tributary of the Beas River.
Flora Maple, Fir, Deodar, Poplar, Rai and Walnut.
Fauna ( Mammals ) Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Leopard, blue Sheep, Kashmiri and common giant flying Squirrels and Himalayan Tahr.
Kanawar Sanctuary :
Altitude : varies from 1800 meters to 4833 meters.
Annual Snowfall : mean annual rainfall is 321 mm.
Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 1000 mm.
Temperature : temperature varies from -10 to 25°C.
Area : 6,070 hectares ( 60.70 sq. km. ).
Location : nearest town is Manikaran.
Approaches : Kullu to Mnaikaran to inside sanctuary.
It was first notified as a sanctuary on 26th February 1954. A high altitude sanctuary, mostly steep to precipitous with rocky cliffs and narrow valleys. It is famous for one of the India's largest remaining population of Himalayan Tahr.
Flora Forest types include Ban Oak, Moist Deodar, mixed Coniferous, temperate Deciduous, Kharsu Oak, sub Alpine Fir and Alpine Pastures.
Fauna ( Mammals ) Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear, jungle Cat, Himalayan Palm Civet, barking Deer, red Fox, Goral, Ibex, Jackal, common Langur, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Marten, Rhesus, Macaque, Himalayan Mouse Hare, Indian Porcupine, Serow, Squirrels, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Weasel and Wolf.
Khokhan Sanctuary :
Altitude : varies from 1500 meters to 2787 meters.
Annual Snowfall : mean annual rainfall is 330 mm.
Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 850 mm.
Temperature : temperature varies from -5 to 28°C.
Area : 1,405 hectares ( 14.05 sq. km. ).
Location : nearest town is Bhuntar.
Approaches : Kullu to Bhuntar to inside sanctuary.
It was first notified as a sanctuary on 26th February 1954. This sanctuary is home for one of the largest reported diversity of Mammals in Himachal, including endangered species like the Himalayan Tahr and Musk deer. Khokhan sanctuary is unfortunately heavily disturbed by the humans and livestock. It is connected to Nagra sanctuary in the South-West, across the Bagi Dhar. Wild animals are reported to move between the sanctuaries across this ridge.
Flora Forest types include moist deodar, moist temperate deciduous forest and Kharsu Oak forest.
Fauna ( Mammals ) Himalayan Black Bear, Jungle Cat, Himalayan Palm Civet, barking Deer, red Fox, Goral, Jackal, common Langur, Leopard, Marten, Rhesus Macaque, Porcupine, blue Sheep, Squirrels, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Weasel and Wolf.
Tirthan Sanctuary :
Altitude : varies from 2100 meters to 4875 meters.
Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 1500 mm.
Temperature : temprature varies from -5 to 30°C.
Area : 6,112 hectares ( 61.12 sq. km. ).
Location : nearest town is Banjar.
Approaches : Kullu to Banjar to inside sanctuary.
It was first notified as a sanctuary on 17th June 1976. This high altitude sanctuary is quite rich in floral and faunal species. The northern part of the sanctuary now has been included in the Great Himalayan National Park.
Flora Forest types include Ban Oak, moist Deodar, western mixed coniferous, moist temprerate deciduous, Kharasu Oak and Alpine Pastures.
Fauna ( Mammals ) Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear, jungle Cat, barking Deer, Musk Deer, red Indian Fox, Goral, Ibex, Jackal, common Langur, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Rhesus, Macaque, Marten, Mouse Hare, Porcupine Indian, Serow, blue Sheep, Squirrels, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Weasel and Wolf.
Lakes in Kullu
Dashir Lake : Situated at an altitude of 4,270 meters above sea level, the lake is located near the Rohtang Pass that connects district Kullu with Lahaul. Rohtang Pass is at an altitude of 3,978 metres on the highway to Keylong, the mass affords a wide-spread panorama of mountain scenery. Here eye meets a range of precipitous cliffs, huge glaciers and piled moraine and deep ravines. Dashir ( also known as Dashaur and Sarkund ) is a very beautiful lake lies near the Rohtang Pass. This attractive lake has a depth of 3 to 4 m. The bath in the water of Dashir lake effects cure of all bodily ailments or imaginary.
Servalsar Lake : It is situated at the top of Jalori Pass in district Kullu. This beautiful lake is situated at an altitude of 3100 meters. It is 20 km. from Banjar towards Anni. The location is beautiful and commands a good view of the surrounding hills.
Mantlai Lake : This lake is the source of Parbati River. This beautiful lake is situated at an altitude of 4116 meters above mean sea level. The location is beautiful and there is a beautiful range of Parbati peaks surrounding the lake. The beautiful surrounding mountains and clear water makes this beautiful lake look like an emerald shining bright amidst the mountains.
Bhrigu Lake : This lies east of the Rohtang Pass and is about 6 km from the village of Gulaba. The lake is situated at an altitude of 4,235 meters above sea level. Its depth is about 3 to 4 m and and it remains under snow for the whole winter. It is held sacred to Rishi Bhrigu. Being sacred this lake is visited by the people of Kullu, Mandi and Lahaul valley. It also lie on several trek routes of the region.
Fairs in Kullu
Pipal Jatra : The traditional name of Vasantotasava is Pipal Jatra or it is also called Rai-ri-Jach. It takes place at Dhalpur, Kullu on 16th Baisakh every year. The Raja of Kullu was used to sit in front of the 'Kala Kendra' on a raised plateform of Pipal Tree alongwith his courtiers and the traditional dance was held in front of him. Once about 16 Kullu gods participated in this fair but by and by it lost its grandeur. The Baishakha is the month of Blooming spring season in Kullu Valley. So the fair has been renamed as Vasantotsava or Spring festival. Cultural programms are organised with classivla music songs and dances.
Bhuntar Fair : The fair is held on 1st Ashad (June-July) for 3 days in village Bhunter. The fair is seasonal and religious. The fair was started by the Devta of the ilaqua Suraj Pal. Palaghmiar a Devta from mardo also attends. From this day the use of foodgrains from the newly harvested crops starts after cooked food offeringsare made to the gods and then hte meal is shared by other relatives and friends. This is known as 'Tahoolikhana' in the local terminology.
Sainj Fair : This fair is held in Raila on 21st of Baisakh (April-May) for one day. The significance and legend of the fair is religious and recreational. Idol of Devta Laxminarayana is brought from Raila to Sainj. Thereafter the fair starts with folk dances and songs rythemical with the beat of drums and trumpets.
Luhri Lavi : This fair is held on Kartik 21 and 22 ( October-November ) for two days and one night in village Dingidhar at Luhri. The significance of the fair is religious and commercial. The fair is held in hounour of Devta Jogeshwar and Khegro Maya. The Devtas are worshiped. Nati dances, mimcking, fold dance performaces at night are resorted to.
Ghatasani Fair : This fair is held on Chait 4ty (March-april) for two days in village Dawra. The legend connected with the fair is taht once mother Parvati asked Lord Shiva to forget Rama saying that even Rama could change. To prove this she went to Rama in the guise of Sita to deceive him. When Lord Rama saw her he could see through the game and addressed Parvati as mother and enquired as to why she has left his guru i.e. Lord Shiva. The fair starts with worship of Vishnu Bhagwan and the village Devi. Natti dances, folk songs and other cultural programmes are the main attractions of the fair.
Phagli Fair : The fair is is held in the month of Phagun and hence the name Phagli. The fair is held to show the struggle of supermacy between the god and demon, in which ultimately the god emerges victorious. This fair is also held to commemorate the event of killing the demon by god. A person wearing the mask and a grass tied with the help of strings all over the body acts as a demon and god is represented by gur (god's spokes man). Special dancess 'Deo Khel' and 'Raksh Khel' are performed by these people with the rhythm of the drum-beats. The demon is 'Tundi Raksh' who troubled people living from Manali to Archhandi. Manu Rishi with the help of Shandalya Rishi killed him. Phagli is held at Malana, Jana, Halan, Soil and in all temples of Jamlu.
Birshu Fair : This fair held in the month of Chaitra or Baisakh, through out the district. One day before the first day of the month delicacies are cooked in the houses and sent to all the relatives. The temples are decorated on the first day. All the villagers assembled there and gur of the god performs 'Deo Khel'. Then the god si teken for a round in th village. All the people greet & pay respect to him out side their houses and seeks his blessings. After completing the round, the god returns to the temple.
Festivals in Kullu
Dushehra Festival : Celebrations of Dushehra are same in all the places of India. It is celebrated on the month of Spetember or October. On Dashmi - 10th day of celebration, people make a bonfire of effigies of Ravna, Kumbhkarna and Meghnatha. It symbolises victory of good over evil. Dushehra of Kullu is famous all over the world. Kullu Dushehra is however, different in certain ways from Dushehra celebrated in the other parts of the country. It presents cultural ethos of the people and their deep rooted religious beliefs which manifest during this festival with traditional songs, dances and colorful dress. It begins on Vijya Dashmi and lasts for a week.
Chet : (Dholru) is the first month of the lunar year and the first day of the month is cellebrated with a belief to bring hapiness and prosperity. This festival is known as Chatrali in Kullu and Dholru in Bharmaur area of Chamba district. In district Kangra, Hamirpur and Bilaspur, first day of Chet month hold special importance.
Chrewal or Badranjo : It is also known as Prithvi pooja in some places. It is celebrated on the Ist of Bhadon - middle of August. This continues for full one month. The farmers do not yoke oxen during this month. In Kullu, this festival is known as Badranjo. In Chamba, it is called Pathroru. It is a festival of flowers here. This is an occasion of great celebration, particularly for girls who dance on this day.
Nawala Festival : Gaddis of Kangra, Chamba, Mandi and Kullu celebrate this festival, when a household individually collects enough money for celebration. Nawala, in fact, is a thanks giving ceremony to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped at the time of misfortune and clamiti. Devotional songs in praise of Lord Shiva are sung throughout the night.
Quick Facts
Location: Situated between 31°44'57'' and 32°59'57'' North Latitude and between 76°46'29'' and 78°41'34'' East Longitudes. To its North lies Jammu and Kashmir, to the East is Tibet, to South-East is Kullu and Kinnaur and to South-West and West is Chamba.
Headquarter
Keylong ( altitude 3,165 meters )
Altitude
varies from 2500 meters to very high mountains.
Important Distances
Distance between Keylong and Manali is 115 km. And distance between Keylong and Shimla ( via Kunzum Pass ) is 610 km.
Area
13,835 sq. km.
STD Code
+91-1906 or 01906
Local Codes
Kaza 951906, Udaipur 951909, Tabo 951906
Police Assistance
+91-1906-222223
Hospital Casuality
+91-1906-222255
DFO Forest Department
+91-1906-222235
Climate
Generally dry and heavy snowfall. Cold Weather.
Population
33,224 ( Lahaul = 22,674, Spiti = 10,550 )
Best time to visit
June to October.
Access Routes
Delhi to Kullu this access route leads via Sonipat - Karnal- Kurukshetra - Ambala - Chandigarh - Ropar - Kiratpur - Bilaspur - Mandi - Kullu ( around 570 km. )
Delhi to Kullu this access route leads via Sonipat - Karnal - Shahabad - Pinjore - Swarghat - Bilaspur - Mandi - Kullu ( around 560 km. )
Delhi to Kullu this access route leads via Sonipat - Karnal - Kurukshetra - Ambala - Chandigarh - Ropar - Nangal - Una - Talwara - Pathankot - Jassur - Nurpur - Gaggal - Kangra - Hamirpur - Bilaspur - Mandi - Kullu
Delhi to Kullu this access route leads via Sonipat - Karnal- Kurukshetra - Ambala - Ludhiana - Jallander - Pathankot - Jassur - Nurpur - Gaggal - Kangra - Hamirpur - Bilaspur - Mandi - Kullu
