Kullu Manali or we can say Dev Bhumi of India is one of the most beautiful, romantic, and famous tourist places all over the world. I’ve compiled a list of top tourist places in Kullu Manali so that you can have an amazing Himalayan experience. Kullu is also known as the Valley of the god because of the beliefs that Hindu Gods, Goddesses, and divine souls are used to live here.
The name of the Holy Place “Kullu” is also found in great Indian epics like the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Vishnu Purana. People believe that before independence this place was inaccessible. Kullu is also well known for its mega international Dusshera festival and is celebrated in Dhalpur maidan in Kullu Valley.
Kullu Manali is famous for its Hills, Mountains, Trek, Beas River, Waterfalls, Temples, etc. Tourists can enjoy various thrilling activities like River Rafting, Paragliding, Skiing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Zorbing, and Trekking. Instead of all this if you visit in winter you can also enjoy snowfall, sledging, skating, etc.
Kullu is located in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh in North India. The nearest airport is Bhuntar or Kullu Manali Airport, which is located just 11 km from Kullu town, and Manali is slightly above the Kullu and is 40 km away from Kullu.
How to Reach Kullu
By Road:
Tourists can also take a direct bus from Chandigarh, Shimla, Delhi.
By Air:
Tourists can take flight from Chandigarh, Pathankot, Dharamshala, Shimla, and the Capital City of Delhi.
Well, Kullu Manali is my favorite and one of my most visited places in India. Since childhood, I have been traveling to Kullu countless times. My aunt lives in Kullu. So mostly I used to spend my holidays there. From childhood till now, this place is full of unforgettable mad memories.
Top 10 Tourist Places In Kullu Manali:
1. Bijli Mahadev Temple:
Bijli Mahadev temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located along the banks of the Beas river. The myth regarding the temple that ‘Shiva lingam’, which symbolizes Shiva inside the temple had broken into pieces because of lightning. Later the people of nearby villages joined the wracked ‘Shivalingam’ with butter. Every year this ceremony takes place once.
To reach the temple you have to climb an uphill path and countless stairs. This is the topmost point of the Kullu Valley. You can also charm the beautiful view of Kullu Valley and even Bhuntar airport from the temple. Don’t forget to visit this pilgrim adorable place when you’re in Kullu Valley.
Location: Bijli Mahadev 3 km trek starts from Chansari village, 24 km from Kullu Valley
2. Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery:
Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery is also known as “Kais Gompa Monastery” because this monastery is located in the Kais village of Kullu Valley. This monastery is dedicated to the holiness of Buddhist people i.e. Dalai Lama. This monastery gives the picturesque view of the Valley. Tourists can cherish the Tibetian monk’s culture alongside Buddhist culture. Once a year, the Maharani Dagapo Rinpoche comes here and blesses people.
Location: Kullu-Naggar-Manali Rd, Kullu, Kais, Himachal Pradesh
3. Beas River:
The whole Kullu Manali Valley is located on the banks of the Beas river. The river rises in the Himalayas and flows around 470 km to the Sutlej river in Punjab. Sitting on the banks of the Beas river, listening to the burbling sound of the river, watching the gentle mountains and Pahari people and collecting all those lifelong memories makes it totally worth visiting the place.
This river reminds me of my very first river rafting of mind-blowing experience when I was just 15 years old. The dangerous rapids had increased the adrenaline rush in our bodies. That was one of the best feelings ever in my life i.e. 2 km of a ride.
Moreover, In front of my aunt’s house, there is a large bridge i.e. near the old bus stand Kullu. I used to sit at that bridge on the banks of the River Beas in the night, just to listen to the pleasant sound of the river and for peace.
4. Manikaran:
Manikaran is well known for its “Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib” and most popular natural hot springs. This holy place belongs to the Sikh house of worship and also for Hindus. It is located along the banks of the river Parvati in the Parvati Valley.
According to the religious beliefs of people that as the name suggests Manikaran is the land of gems. According to Hindu mythology gems (mani) on the earring of Lord’s Shiva wife Parvati Maa fell to the earth, so to find the gems, Lord Shiva converted that area into stones. Even today’s time some of the gems can be found.
Apart from this, the offerings of Gurudwara Sahib are made not in the fire, but in boiling water i.e. natural hot spring.
Location: 35 km from Kullu and 4 km ahead of Kasol
5. Kasol:
Kasol is one of the most famous and popular tourist places all over the world. It is located 3.5 km from the Manikaran. Kasol is also known as “Little Amsterdam” or “Mini Israel” because lots of Israeli tourists come here. People from all over the world come here for New Year Eve. The Parvati river between the kasol mountains gives a panoramic view to the visitors.
Location: 30 km from Bhuntar and 39 km from Kullu Valley
6. Hidimba Devi Temple:
Hidimba is known as Dhungari Temple is located in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. This temple is dedicated to the Hidimba Devi, the wife of Bhima. Hidimba temple is surrounded by the beautiful Deodar forest. Here visitors can click the photos with beautiful rabbits and also with the mountain yaks.
During Navaratri, people worship the goddess Durga all over India whereas people in Manali worship Hidimba Devi. The Hadimba temple also has a strong past in history.
During the exile of Pandavas, Bheem killed the powerful king of Ogres Hidimb & it’s the tradition of the Ogres community that the one who kills the king will become the next king & marries the daughter & sister of a former king. Due to her pure love, Kunti is against enslaving love & accepted Hidimba as a daughter-in-law.
Also, Hidimba had promised to Kunti that after the birth of her first child, she will not ask anyone of Pandavs along with Kunti to stay even a day longer with herself. Then after the birth of their son, Ghatotkacha Hidimba said How can your daughter-in-law break her promise mother in law?
Kunti said Hidimba is the ideal woman. In the future, not only ogres but also humans will derive motivation from you. People will deem you a goddess & worship you.
If you’re staying in Manali you can reach the Hidimba temple by a simple walk through the marvelous forests.
Location: Hadimba Temple Road, Old Manali, Himachal Pradesh
7. Vashisht:
Vashist is well known for the Vashisht Temple and Hot water spring. Vashisht temple is dedicated to the Kula guru of Lord Rama. Beautiful wood carvings, antique pictures, and paintings are on the walls that describe the temple’s history of more than 4000 years. Most people visit this place for the hot water spring. It believes that a warm water fountain also cures many skin diseases, infections, and muscular pain.
I remembered still after the huge Bijli Mahadev Trek, I was feeling tiring exhausted and the next day morning I came to visit Vashisht Temple. But that hot water springs seriously gave me relief from the pain. So, whenever you visit Vashisht don’t forget to take the bath in the Kund (hot water springs) and relief from the problems.
Location: 3 km from Manali Bus Stand
8. Jogini Waterfalls:
This tremendous waterfall is located 4 km from the Vashisht Temple and 7.5 km from Manali Bus Stand. To reach the waterfall you have to climb a dangerous steep way. But the topmost scene of the spring is spectacular. After reaching the top point, the huge waterfall pays off for the hard trek.
The trek gives you the unforgettable heavenly experience. During the Trek, you can see lots of small waterfalls.
9. Solang Valley:
Solang Valley has located 14 km from Manali. This beautiful valley is popular for winter and summer sports. Tourists can enjoy the pleasure of various adventurous activities like paragliding, zorbing, horse riding, rock climbing, parachuting, skating, and skiing according to the seasons.
Tourists can also go the trek to Anjani Mahadev famous Shiva Temple. This Shiva temple is famous for its Ice Lingam. The awesome trek is just 3-4 km from the Solang Valley. In winter, the whole Valley is covered with full of ice.
Location: Solang Valley, Burwa, Himachal Pradesh
10. Rohtang Pass:
Rohtang Pass has located 51 km from Manali. It joins the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul Spiti Valley and also the pass lies between the Chenab and Beas basins. Half of the year Rohtang Pass is closed because of the heavy snowfall in winter. You can’t go up to or beyond the Rohtang Pass without a Rohtang Pass permit.
Visitors can also explore the beautiful view of the Leh-Manali highway from the Rohtang Pass. Rohtang Pass is the best place for trekkers. The breathtaking view of the surrounding, waterfalls, pointed peaks and chilling cold climate attracts the tourists to come here.
The best time to go Rohtang Pass is from June to October.
Location: Leh-Manali Highway
If you’re a nature lover and photography enthusiast then pack your bag and plan your trip. My guide covers all the best tourist places in Kullu Manali. Hope my tips make your trip special and unforgettable. Stay Connected!
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Howdy! This article couldn’t be written any better! Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I’ll send this article to him. Pretty sure he’s going to have a very good read. Thanks for sharing!