Places to Visit in Kullu

Kullu is one of the very scenic hill stations in Himachal Pradesh that is famous all over India. Tourists normally think of Kullu and Manali as one hill station, but in fact, Kullu is not the same as Manali. Kullu Valley is 40 km south of Manali and is a separate hill station. However, tourists normally visit Kullu when they visit Manali, and that is why people call it Kullu Manali. Kullu is famous for its age-old temples, snow-capped mountain views, trekking trails, and adventurous activities. Kullu is also famous for its apples, nomadic villages, and ancient hill tribes. It has many wonderful places such as lakes, temples, valleys to scenic points, national parks, mountain passes, and more. You can book any of the Himachal Pradesh tour packages to visit Kullu. You can even book Kullu Manali tour packages to visit this famous Himachal Pradesh hill station.

1. Great Himalayan National Park

Among the most famous tourist attractions in Kullu is the Great Himalayan National Park. There are many trekking routes in the park from where you can explore the wildlife of this park. The park is home to many Himalayan wildlife species. This national park is a UNESCO heritage site. There are many small shepherd villages inside the park with their own culture.

2. Raghunath Temple

Raghunath Temple is a very famous temple in Kullu. Lord Ram, who is also called Raghunath, is the main deity of Raghunath Temple. Raja Jagat Singh built Raghunath Temple during the 17th century to atone for his sins. Raghunath Temple has a typical Himachali architecture. The idol of Raghunath was brought from Ayodhya. People believe that the idol is the same idol that was used by Lord Ram during Ashwamedha Yagna.

3. Bijli Mahadev Temple

Bijli Mahadev Temple is one of the many famous temples in Kullu. Lord Shiva is the main god to which this temple is dedicated. Bijli Mahadev Temple offers magnificent views of the Parvati and Kullu valleys. The temple is named after the lightning that strikes this temple every year. The lightning moves the shiv linga from its position, and the pujari fixes it again into its original position using local adhesive. You will have to cross the Beas River to reach Bijli Mahadev Temple.

4. Pandoh Dam

One of the best attractions in Kullu is Pandoh Dam. Tourists normally visit this dam on their way to Manali from Kullu. Pandoh Dam is built on the river Beas. The dam is best for spotting birds and river rafting. The place surrounding Pandoh Dam is full of greenery and scenic beauty. Lucky tourists who come here at the right time can see water being released from the dam, which is a great sight.

5. Dhakpo Shedeupling Monastery

When you visit Kullu, you must visit Dhakpo Shedeupling Monastery. The monastery is also called Kais Monastery as it is situated in Kais village. Dhakpo Shedeupling Monastery is located on the banks of the Beas river. Dalai Lama inaugurated this monastery in 2005. Many Buddhist monks live here. The monastery is also a school to learn Buddhist teachings. The Indo-Tibetan architecture of this monastery looks very beautiful amid the surrounding mountains and valleys.

6. Manikaran Hot Springs

One of the best places to visit in Kullu is Manikaran Hot Springs. The hot springs come out naturally out of the earth and have great healing powers. The hot springs are said to be so hot that devotees cook rice over the boiling water of the natural spring. People also take a dip in the hot springs. According to folklore, Guru Nanak asked a disciple to lift a stone. The hot springs appeared under the stone.

7. Sri Guru Nanak Devji Gurudwara

Also called Manikaran Sahib, Sri Guru Nanak Devji Gurudwara is one of the best places to visit in Kullu. The gurudwara is an important place of pilgrimage for Sikh people. The gurudwara is located near two big rivers – Beas and Parvati. The hot springs of Manikaran are near this gurudwara. The gurudwara is very old and its langar meal is very popular among tourists. The food is cooked with the help of the hot boiling water of Manikaran and no fire is needed for this.

8. Naggar Castle

Naggar Castle is a spectacular royal residence in Kullu. Raja Sidhi Singh built Naggar Castle in 1460 for his stay and residence. Naggar Castle is a beautiful example of Katkhuni architecture in this region. The castle offers scenic views of Beas River valley, the lush greenery of Kullu, and apple orchards. Today, Naggar Castle is a heritage hotel with a luxury stay. There is a gallery inside with paintings made by the famous painter Nicholas Roerich.

9. Vaishno Devi Temple

Vaishno Devi Temple is situated on the banks of the Beas River. The temple was built in 1966 and is a peaceful and tranquil place. Vaishno Devi Temple is very scenic and surrounded by lush green forests and mountains. Vaishno Devi Temple is also known as Mahadei Tirth. The temple is situated on the road to Manali.

10. Raison

Raison is a village that is located near Kullu. It is known for its spectacular water sports and natural beauty. Beas river that flows nearby adds to the scenic beauty of Raison. Here you can do water sports activities like water rafting. The surrounding mountains and forests are best for trekking, camping, mountain climbing, hiking, forest walks, etc. You can visit the apple orchards in Raison.

11. Jana Waterfall

Jana Waterfall is a stream of running water that is formed due to the melting of glaciers. You must visit Jana Waterfall on your trip to Kullu. There are many roadside food stalls near Jana Waterfall where you can taste local Himachali food. The road to Jana Waterfall is very scenic and full of wonderful scenic sights.

12. Jamula Temple

Jamula Temple is one of the best sightseeing places in Kullu. It is in Malana village and was built by the local Gaddi tribe. Rishi Jamula used to live here back in the olden ages and this temple is built in his honor. The temple is a very important place to solve disputes among the villagers. Locals have tremendous faith in this temple. Tourists are not permitted to touch the walls of the temple.

13. Sunrise Point

Sunrise Point is also called Hawa Ghar, and it is one of the best scenic points in Kullu. Hawa Ghar is a viewpoint from which you can have beautiful views of the valleys, mountains, and natural greenery of Kullu Valley. There is a watchtower from where you can view the scenery. The sunrise views are particularly scenic and wonderful.

14. Bhrigu Lake

Bhrigu Lake is one of the most scenic lakes in Kullu. The lake is located in a remote region and is accessible only by trekking. The lake is named after Maharishi Bhrigu, who was one of the most important rishis in Hindu mythology. During summer, you can see meadows of green grass around the lake. But in winters, the lake freezes. Bhrigu Lake trek is one of the best treks in Himachal Pradesh.

15. Tirthan Valley

Tirthan Valley offers the best sightseeing in Kullu. It is located in the wilderness of the Great Himalayan National Park. Tirthan Valley trek is so famous that most tourists do this trek in Himachal Pradesh. Tirthan Valley is incredibly beautiful with its flowing river streams, alpine forests, mountains, and wildlife spotting. There are several waterfalls, lakes, and trekking trails in Tirthan Valley. You can do such adventurous activities as trout fishing, river crossing, rock climbing, etc.

16. Prashar Lake

Another famous lake in Himachal Pradesh that is a must-visit on your trip to Kullu is Prashar Lake. The lake looks blue during summers but freezes during winters. Prashar Lake trek is one of the amazing treks in Himachal Pradesh. Prashar Lake offers scenic views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal mountain ranges. There is a temple beside the lake with eye-catching Pagoda-style architecture. The floating island in the lake is famous among tourists.

17. Chandratal Lake

Chandratal Lake is one of the most scenic lakes in Himachal Pradesh and is very close to Kullu. Ihis trek is one of the best and most famous treks in Himachal Pradesh. The pristine blue Chandratal Lake is named because of its crescent moon-like shape. The lake is so clear that you can view the stones under the lake.

18. Friendship Peak

Friendship Peak is one of the best treks in Himachal Pradesh. The top of the peak offers beautiful views of the Dhauladhar mountains. The trek to Friendship Peak goes through Solang Valley and you will pass alpine meadows and fruit orchards on the way. You can camp on this trek and pitch your tents amid scenic panoramas.

19. Chandrakhani Pass

Chandrakhani Pass is one of the most exciting places to visit in Kullu. This mountain pass offers magnificent views of Deo Tibba peak, Parbati, and Pir Panjal mountain peaks. Chandrakhani Pass trek is one of the most famous trekking destinations in Himachal Pradesh. On the way, you can pass through remote hamlets, tribal villages, meadows, and alpine forests.

20. Gauri Shankar Temple

Gauri Shankar Temple is one of the famous temples in Kullu that you must visit on your trip to Kullu. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are the chief gods of this temple. The temple is famous for its architecture and carvings on stone. The temple is very old and records show that it was built in the 12th century.

21. Hanogi Mata Temple

Hanogi Mata Temple is often included in sightseeing places in Kullu. It is also among the best temples in Kullu that you can visit on your trip. The temple is famous due to its picturesque location. Goddess Hanogi Mata, who is a local deity of this region, is the main deity of this temple. The scenic temple is situated between mountains and is a very peaceful temple.

22. Beas Kund

Beas Kund is one of the most scenic places in Kullu. It is a high-altitude lake and the lake is the source of the Beas River. The lake is very scenic and the mountains and grasslands around the lake make it incredibly scenic. Beas Kund trek is one of the famous treks in Himachal Pradesh. According to Hindu mythology, Rishi Vyas, who wrote the Mahabharata, bathed here in this lake.

23. Bara Banghal

Bara Banghal is a tiny village near Kullu. This trek is a famous trek in Himachal Pradesh and is considered to be a tough trek. The high-altitude trek is also one of the best as it takes you to a region of alpine valleys, mountain streams, meadows, forests, and mountain passes. You can camp in many places on this trek, which take more than 10 days.

24. Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara Monastery

One of the best Tibetan monasteries in Kullu is Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara Monastery. This Tibetan monastery is a very holy place in Himachal Pradesh. The monastery offers breathtaking views of Beas Valley and Bijli Mahadev Temple. Inside there are idols of Buddhist gods. The monastery is spectacular in architecture.

25. Kheerganga

Kheerganga is a small hamlet in Parvati Valley near Kullu. Parvati river which flows through this valley looks milky white, and that is why this valley is called Kheeganga. Popular Hindu mythology states that Kartikeya, the son of Shiva and Parvati meditated here. Kheerganga trek is a very famous treks in Himachal Pradesh.

26. Parvati Valley

Parvati Valley is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kullu. A trek through Parvati Valley is one of the most thrilling things to do in Kullu. Parvati and Beas rivers meet at Parvati Valley. Kasol, Malana village, are some famous attractions to visit here. The beautiful Parvati Valley trek is one of the famous treks in Himachal Pradesh.

27. Pin Parvati Pass

Pin Parvati Pass is a beautiful mountain passes in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the best treks in Himachal Pradesh. The high-altitude mountain pass serves as a connection between Pin Valley in Spiti and Parvati Valley in Kullu. Pin Parvati Valley trek offers stunning views of snowy mountain valleys, the Parvati river, and alpine meadows. The beautiful natural scenery of this trek is one of the best in entire North India.

28. Malana

Malana is a village in Parvati Valley, which is very famous all over the world for its hippie culture. It is famous for its inhabitants who consider themselves descendants of army generals who worked in the army of Alexander the Great. Malana is famous for its Marijuana cultivation. Malana is one of the oldest villages in India. Jamadagni Temple and Renuka Devi Temple are popular temples here.

29. Bhuntar

Bhuntar is in Kullu and this is one of the famous hill stations that you can visit on your Kullu trip. It is known for its ancient temples. The wooded forests in Bhuntar and the mountains are ideal for camping and trekking. Adi Brahma Temple, Triyug Narayan Temple, and Bijli Mahadev Temple are famous temples in Bhuntar.

30. Jagannathi Temple

One of the many temples in Kullu, Jagannathi Temple is an age-old temple in Kullu. The temple is more than 1500 years old. Goddess Bhuvaneshwari who is also the sister of Lord Vishnu is the main goddess of this temple. The temple architecture is a typical Pahari-style architecture that is common in most temples in Himachal Pradesh.

31. Pin Bhabha Pass

Pin Bhabha Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass in Kullu. This trek is one of the most challenging treks in Himachal Pradesh. Pin Bhabha Pass connects Kinnaur and Spiti. The trek goes through spectacular landscapes like mountain streams, alpine forests, meadows, apple orchards, waterfalls, and small hamlets. On the way, you can meet local shepherds, and camp outdoors.

32. Inderkilla National Park

Inderkilla National Park is located in Kullu and is one of the best places to visit on your trip to Kullu. There are many Himalayan animals and birds here. Trails will lead you to different sections of this national park. The dense woods are home to numerous medicinal trees. You can spot rare animals and birds like Brown Bear, Khaleej Pheasant, Monal Pheasant, mountain goats, etc.