General Information about Kullu Area: 5,503 square kms. Population: 381,571 Altitude: 1230 m (Kullu) Climate: Pleasant temperature in summer and cold below 0 degree with heavy snow fall in winter Season: March to June, September to November Languages: Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari, English Clothing: Cotton and tropical in summer and heavy woolens in winter Information about Kullu

The Kullu - Manali region in the state of Himachal Pradesh is described as the Valley of Gods. It is one of the most famous hill station in Himachal Pradesh and known for its beautiful scenery, apple orchards, forests, alpine meadows, gurgling rivers and lively tribal dances. The most charming and beautiful Kulu valley spreads out its charm on either side of river Beas. The valley runs north to south of this river and is 80 kms. long and about 2 kms. at its broadest. Earlier, Kullu was known as Kulanthpitha, `the end of the habitable world`. Kullu is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and surrounded by the snow ranges of Himalayas, the Dhauladhar and the Pir Panjal range that run parallel to the south and the narrow terraced valley that runs in the north up to the Rohtang Pass. There are numerous valleys in Kullu, each of which is a visual delight and seems more beautiful than the other. The Beas river flows through the flower bedecked valley. The `Silver Valley` has nature`s treasures that lie carelessly scattered like the flowers on the high meadows. A fairly wide area is open to the tourists, trekkers, mountaineers, artists and to anyone who wishes to escape the heat and dust of the plains to breathe the exhilarating air of the Himalaya and enjoy the spectacle of the variegated mountain scenery. Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari and English are some of the languages which are spoken by the people in Kullu. In winter, the temperature is very low and heavy woolens are required. While in summers, it is pleasant and cotton clothes are recommended. The best season to visit Kullu is from March to June and September to November. Shopping in Kullu The fine Kullu Pashmina Shawls, local tweeds, woven rugs, foot wear (`pullan`), baskets, natural oils (almond and olive), Kulu caps are the various things which can be bought from Kullu. Various articles carved out of the wide range of woods like birch, walnut, black mulberry, Tibetan carpets, tangkhas and metal craft items are also available in Kullu. Festivals in Kullu When Dussehra celebrations come to an end in the rest of the country, they begin at Kullu. Over 600 local deities all over the valley came here in chariots to pay homage to Lord Raghunath, the main deity of Kullu. This is a time when the valley is at its colourful best. The Dussehra Festival is celebrated in Kullu in the month of October every year. There is a great celebration in Kullu with music and dance. Best Season to Visit Kullu March to June is the best season to visit Kullu for relaxation and visiting the places of sightseeing and enjoying short and long excursions as well as climbing and river rafting. September to November are the best season for trekking, climbing, sight seeing and river rafting, December to February are the best season for snow-skiing and heli-skiing in Manali. Tourist Attractions in Kullu The various tourist attractions in Kullu are the Raghunath Temple, the Bijali Mahadev Temple, Kasol, Manikaran, Roerich Gallery and Naggar. The Raghunath Temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh in the 17th century and houses the image of Raghunath, the Lord Rama, who is the main deity of Kullu. The Bijali Mahadev temple belongs to the Lord Shiva. This temple is one of the striking temples of the Kullu district. Roerich Arts Gallery houses the paintings and sculptures of the famous Russian artist, Nicholas Roerich. The Manikaran Hot Springs is also a place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Sikhs.