Kullu, India: General information-
Kullu derived its name from the word "Kulanthpitha" which means end of the habitable world.Easy access to Kullu valley was assured only after India gained independence.So, for long this region of Himachal Pradesh in India has largely been secluded since long. Due to this the culture here is largely retained and looks fresh. The place is also called as "valley of God".
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.
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Brief geography of Kullu-
Kullu has an average elevation of about 1400 mts. The town of Kullu lies on the bank of river Beas.On the east of Kullu lies a broad mountainous ridge having the village-temples of Bijli Mahadev, Mount Nag and Pueed. Beyond the ridge lies Manikaran valley, along the Parvati river which joins Beas in Bhuntar. On the South of Kullu lie towns of Bhuntar, Out(leading to Anni, Banjar and Siraj Valley) and Mandi(a separate district). Historically Kullu was accessible from Shimla via Siraj valley or through passes on the west leading to Jogindernagar and onto Kangra. To the north lies the famous town of Manali, which through the Rohtang pass leads onto the Lahaul and Spiti Valley. One can see an enormous change in the climate as one climbs up the windward side of the ranges to proceed to the leeward and much drier plateaus to the north of Manali.
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How to reach Kullu-
A few decades back access to Kullu was very difficult.Infact easy access to Kullu valley has only been assured after India gained its freedom. Now a days, Kullu is well connected by Air, Railway as well as by road.
Reaching Kullu by Air-
The nearest airport is Bhuntar airport which lies about 10 kms. north of Kullu.Presently the airport receives many flights ,mainly from Delhi, Chandigarh and Jubbar-hatti (Shimla).Nearest international airport is Delhi. Only flights of Indian Airlines and Air Deccan operate from here.So, options to reach here by flights are pretty much limited.The other airport is at Gaggal called Kangra airpot which is around 200 km. from Kullu on the way from Kullu to Pathankot.
Reaching Kullu by Train-
Nearest broad gauge lines from Kullu are Kiratpur and Chandigarh. From these places you can reach Kullu by bus or by hiring a taxi.Jogindernagar is the nearest meter gauge line from where you can reach Kullu by bus and taxis.Chadigarh is about 540 kms away from Kullu while Kiratpur and Jogindernagar are 260 km and 120 km respectively.
Reaching Kullu by Road-
Kullu is well accessible by road from all nearby major places like, Shimla, Dalhousie, Dharmshala, Delhi ,Chandigarh etc.Regular buses operate from all these places and there are a variety of buses to choose from, like, Luxury buses, Deluxe buses, Semi-deluxe and also general buses for someone having tight budget.In Delhi you can get buses from ISBT (Inter State bus Terminus).
Where to stay in Kullu-
Being an important and one of the most visited hill stations in India Kullu offers a wide range of accommodation options for tourists which ranges from luxury 5 star hotels to budget hotels. Generally peak season rates are double than the off season rates. You can find many budget hotels in Gandhinagar ,Shastrinagar and Dhalpur areas of Kullu.Most of the budget hotels range from Rs. 150 to Rs. 400 range.
There are very few 5 star hotels in Kullu.Most of the 5 star hotels are located in Manali which is located about 40 kms away from Kullu. Most of the five star and four star hotels are located on Manikaran road.
Eating out in Kullu-
Although there are many eating places in Kullu which serve god and tasty recipes but if you are there to taste some local cuisines then the options are pretty much limited.Although you can get many places where you can eat western dishes but most of the places in Kullu serve mainly north indian dishes.