| Voice of Kullu : Mrs
Shalini
Kullu District
Area, Population & Sex Ratio
Geographical Area : 5503.0 Km2
Population in Kullu (Census 2011)
Total Population
Total : 4,37,474
Male : 2,24,320
Female : 2,13,154
Under 6 population
Total : 50041
Male : 25504
Female : 24537
Disabled population
Total disabled population : 9786
In seeing : 4291
In speech : 1019
In hearing : 1411
In movement : 2299
Mental : 766
Rank ( VoiceOfBharat.org Analysis
)
Backwardness : Does not figure in list of 447 backward
districts
Sex Ratio Rank : 235
(Rank one is least sex ratio - Cenus 2001)
HIV Category District : C
(HIV Sentinel Surveillance 2004 - 2006)
Disability : 517 (Census 2001)
Literacy Ratio : 158 (Census 2001)
Minority : Does not figure in MCD
Brief About Kullu District
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 80kms. long and about 2kms. 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 colourful hand made shawls
and kullu caps.
APPROACH
AIR: Kullu is connected by Indian Airlines,
Trans Bharat Aviation and Jagson flights with Delhi & Shimla.
The airport is at Bhuntar, 10kms. from Kulu.
RAIL: Nearest convenient rail heads are
Kalka, Chandigarh and Pathankot on Broad Gauge from where Kullu
can be reached by road.
ROAD: Kulu is well connected by road with
Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Shimla, Dehradun, Pathankot, Dharamsala
& Dalhousie etc. Regular direct buses ply between these stations
including deluxe, semi deluxe and air conditioned buses during tourist
season.
LOCAL TRANSPORT: Local buses operate between
Kullu-Manali and Manikaran regularly. Taxis are also available.
WHAT TO SEE
BIJLI MAHADEV SHRINE (2460 m): 10kms.
from Kulu across the Beas river, Bijli Mahadev temple is one of
the striking temples in the temples strewn district. It can be
reached by a tough but rewarding climb of 10 kms. trek. From the
temple a panoramic view of Kulu & Paravati valleys can be
seen. A 60 feet high staff of Bijli Mahadev temple glistens like
a silver needle in the sun. in this temple of lightening it is
said, the tall staff attracts the divine blessings in the form
of lightening. The rest of the story can be heard from the priest,
which is un-believable but true.
RAGHUNATHJI TEMPLE: 1 km. from Dhalpur,
Raghunathji is the principal deity of the valley.
VAISHNO DEVI TEMPLE: At a distance of
4kms. from Dhalpur, a small cave enshrines an image of Goddess
Vaishno Devi.
CAMPING SIGHT RAISON (1433 m): 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.
KATRAIN (1463 m): The central and the
widest part of the valley, Katrain is 20kms. from Kulu 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. Sufficient accommodation is availablein Hotels
of HPTDC.
NAGGAR (1760 m): On the left bank of
the Beas, Naggar is delightfully situated on a wooded slope and
commands an extensive view. It was the capital of erstwhile Kulu
state for about 1400 years. There are large number of famous temples
notably Vishnu, Tripura Sundari & Lord Krishana. Cars and
jeeps easily go upto the Naggar castle. Roerich art gallery which
houses the paintings of Nicholas Roerich as well as his sculptures
, is less than a km. from the Castle. Naggar is also a base for
undertaking treks to Chanderkhani Pass and to remote valley of
Malana.
KASOL (1640 m): Situated on the bank
of Paravati river, Kasol makes a good holiday destination. 42kms.
from Kulu, 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.
MANIKARAN (1700 m): Manikaran, 45kms.
from Kulu and just 3kms. from Kasol, is famous for its hot springs.
Thousands of people take a holy dip in hot waters here. The water
is so hot that dal, rice & vegetables etc. can be cooked in
it. It is also a well known pilgrimage place for both Hindus &
Sikhs. Ramchandra and Shivaji temples besides a Gurudwara are
there. According to an old legend, Manikaran is connected with
Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Parvati, who lost her ear rings
here, which gave birth to hot waters on the bank of Parvati river.
Hearing this religious myth from the priests will be more rewarding
and interesting. Ample accomodation in the temples and Gurudwara,
is available for night stay besides the HPTDC hotel.
MALANA (2652 m): Little ahead of the
beautiful Chanderkhani Pass lies the village Malanawhich is famous
for the temple of Jamlu and its distinct, social and cultural
life. Malana is considered to be the oldest democracy in the world.
It would be worth while to visit this village to study the style
and social system prevalent there.
BAJAURA: 15kms. short of Kulu , Bajaura
is on the main road where BASHESHWAR 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.
LARJI (957 m): South of Kulu, Larji 34kms.
away is a small hamlet providing excellent spot for trout fishing.
The PWD rest house is located in a stunning position between the
foaming torrents of the river Sainj & Tirthan, before they
join the Beas. The place is patronized mostly by anglers.BANJAR
(1524 m): At a distance of 58 kms. south of Kulu, Banjar is
an excellent spot for trout fishing in the waters of river Tirthan.
MANALI
40 kms. away from Kulu to the north, Manali is
situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading
to Leh. The landscape here is breath taking. One sees well-defined
snow capped peaks, the Beas river with its clear water meanders
through the town. On the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny
fields and fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday,
a favorite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, Leh and
Zanskar regions in Kashmir valley. It is known as the SWITZERLAND
OF INDIA.
APPROACH
RAIL: Nearest convenient rail head are
Chandigarh and Pathankot. Manali can be reached from road from these
stations.
ROAD: Manali is well connected by road
with Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Haridwar, Shimla, Dharamsala
and Chamba/Dalhousie. Regular buses ply between these stations.
It is connected with Leh during July to October.
WHAT TO SEE
HADIMBA TEMPLE: Manali has many attractions
but the chief centre of interest, historically and archeologically,
is undoubtedly the DHOONGRI TEMPLE dedicated to goddess Hadimba,
the Bhim of Mahabharat fame. It has four-tiered Pagoda shaped
roof and the doorway is carved with legendary figures and symbols.
This temple located amidst wooden forest of deodar is about 2.5
kms. from the tourist office. It is a pleasant experience to stroll
in the temple complex which was built in 1533 A.D. A large festival
is held here in May.
MANU TEMPLE: 3 kms. from the main bazar
in old Manali lies the temple of MANU RISHI. It is believed that
this is the only temple of Manu in India, who was the creator
of human race on the earth.
CLUB HOUSE: 2 kms. from the town, club
house has indoor games facilities which has been located on the
left bank of Manalsu Nallah. There are some picnic spots near
it.
TIBETAN MONASTERIES: There are 3 newly
constructed colorful monasteries, where visitors can buy carpets
and other Tibetan handicrafts. Two are located in the town and
one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas river.
MOUNTAINEERING INSTITUTE: Located 3 kms.
on the left bank of river Beas towards Kulu. This Institute organises
basic & advance training courses, in trekking, mountaineering,
skiing and water sports. Skiing and trekking equipments can be
hired from here by booking in advance. Tourists can visit an interesting
showroom here.
VASHIST HOT WATER SPRINGS AND TEMPLE (3 Kms):
Vashist, a small village located on the left bank of river
Beas towards Rohtang pass is worth a visit. It is renowned for
its hot springs and temples. Nearby is the pyramidal stone temple
dedicated to Vashist Muni. There is another Temple of Lord Ram
here. Natural hot sulphur springs with two separate bathing tanks
for gents and ladies are always full of tourists. Turkish style
showers fitted baths have also been built nearby. Hot water from
the nearby spring is provided for bathing.
NEHRU KUND: 5 kms. on National Highway
to Leh,a natural spring of cold clear water named after Pt. Jwahar
Lal Nehru, who used to drink water from this spring during his
stay in Manali. This spring is believed to originate from the
Bhrigu lake situated high-up in the mountains.
SOLANG VALLEY: 13 kms. is a splendid
valley between Solang village and Beas Kund. Solang valley offers
the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. It has
fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a
ski lift for training purpose. Located here is a hut and guest
house of the Mountaineering and Allied sports Institute, Manali.
Now a few hotels have also come up. The winter skiing festival
is organised here. Training in skiing is imparted at this place.
KOTHI: Situated on the road to Rohtang
pass, a picturesque spot, Kothi is 12kms. from Manali. A PWD rest
house is situated on a ridge overlooking a narrow valley with
a very good view of mountains and valleys. Large number of films
(movies) have been picturised at this place and is the ideal resting
resorts of poets, writers and the lovers of peaceful environs.
RAHALA WATER FALLS: 16 kms. on way to
Rohtang pass. If one goes to Marhi on foot from Kothi from the
old road, the sight of the falls is fascinating. It is a good
picnic spot as well.
ROHTANG PASS (3979 m): Rohtang pass is
51kms. from Manali on highway to Keylong/Leh. It offers a panorama
and spectacular mountain view. The pass is open from June to October
each year although trekkers can cross it earlier. It is a gateway
to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley just as Zojila pass is a
gatway to Ladakh. There are a beautiful sight of glaciers, peaks
and Chandra river flows down in the Lahaul valley. Slightly to
the left are the twin peaks of the Geypan. During summer(mid June
to October) regular buses ply between Manali-Keylong/Darcha, Udaipur,
Spiti and Leh.
ARJUN GUFA(CAVE): 4kms. from Manali towards
Naggar, the cave is situated near Prini village 1km. above the
road where Arjun had meditated. This is good 1/2 a day excursion
with charming view of the brilliant mountains.
JAGATSUKH: 6 Kms. from Manali located on the
left bank on Beas on the road to Naggar. The place is famous for
very old temples of Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri in Shikhara style,
these are worth a visit.
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